Portsmouth Port Solent hotel

We had booked a family room for my husband and I, and our 15 year-old grandson, returning from France by ferry. We have frequently stayed in Premier Inns in the Portsmouth area because all we really need is a good night’s sleep. Last night (20/8/25) we arrived late at 2330 hrs owing to ferry delay and queues at the port. The car park was full (fee of £3 overnight). 1. MINUS POINTS No receptionist at the desk. I stood inside the entrance vestibule, unable to access the hotel, banging on the locked doors. Eventually, after about 4 minutes, the most miserable receptionist I have ever seen in a Premier Inn appeared, glanced at me and walked behind her desk. Having checked my name, she unlocked the door. There were NO polite regrets for keeping me waiting, NO welcoming conversation. I was advised to register our vehicle at the machine outside, signed the identification document and received the keycards. Definitely nothing along the lines of ‘Have a good night’s sleep’……appalling customer service. 2. PLUS POINTS As usual, the room and bathroom were immaculate; we had a large double and a single in the room. The room faced the side road but it was very quiet and the blackout curtains were efficient. Strangely, there were sufficient towels for the three occupants, but only two cups, two tea bags, two coffee sachets etc. Housekeeping was very good. The breakfast room was clean and laid out by 0630. The bowl of three different fruits looked really fresh, there were plenty of choices for cereals, yoghurt, berries, a selection of milks, juices, teas and coffee. There were also pastries, toast, bread and conserves. It was an excellent continental choice. I did not note the cooked breakfast range.The breakfast waitress was pleasant, very cheerful and efficient, which was lovely. I did speak with an assistant manager in the morning. She listened to what I had to say, but pointed out that there was a buzzer on the outer wall to call staff to the door. It was not clear that this was what was required in order to gain access, being at the opposite end of the entrance vestibule. Apparently the doors are locked for security reasons, which is understandable, but does not mitigate the appalling manners of the receptionist. We have decided to vote with our feet and we won’t be returning there, nor will we recommend this hotel. Premier Inn needs to address the training needs of this member of staff.

Got to the room at 21.00 after a long day, one of the the beds were not even made up with no linen in the room to even make it ourselves and also the hdmi port in the room was broken so couldn't watch any decent telly.

Room is very good; breakfast, difficult to get wrong; but the evening food is awful! It might be ok for a burger but if you want veg it’s an option of salad or peas… How can you overcook peas??? I wouldn’t be surprised if they overcooked salad too!!! I’d eat elsewhere of an evening… Perhaps they should brand themselves as bed & breakfast?

Very rude and hostile staff member when we wanted to check in. Car park completely full. Stayed last year and almost like a different hotel, certainly not like other Premier Inns. Will stay elsewhere next time.

Excellent location for the ferry, good choice of breakfast, my room had a bath so that was a bonus, aircon in room plus blackout curtains I didn't try the evening meal but wish I had as the beefeater wasn't nice over the road , close proximity to Tesco, Krispy krem, homebargains, Greggs,