Southampton (Eastleigh) hotel

We had an overnight stay here on the way to purchase kayaks in Bournemouth. We normally book a Premier Plus room but they were sold out. However, the room we stayed in (111) was a nice big room. The bed wasn't as big as we're used to but it was very comfortable and we slept well. The shower was over the bath and had a rainhead and a normal shower. Pressure was good. The air con was going full blast when we entered the room so it was really cold. We turned it off but there still seemed to be cool air coming through the vent in the wall. There was a very strange smell in the room. I've always thought the rooms smell a little odd, but this was quite strong. We couldn't work out whether the previous occupants had smoked or whether it's some strange air freshener that's used, but it's not particularly pleasant. When we got home and unpacked, all our clothes smelt, so everything was washed, even things we hadn't worn! We ate in the restaurant in the evening (very average) but the breakfast was good. The staff were fine, but nobody stood out as particularly friendly or cheerful, other than one young man who we met on the stairs who asked us what we were doing that day and was very pleasant and chatty. It was good value for a one night stopover, and other than the odd smell, everything was fine.

This was a far better experience than our previous trip to a Premier Inn (Farnham). We had a £40 compensation voucher from that visit (genuinely the worst hotel visit ever. I'd never normally ask for compensation) and used it for our stay at this one. The Premier Plus room we booked was nice. Decent shower (and I'm pleased it had a detachable head as I don't like getting my hair wet if I'm not washing it), although the drain needed unblocking as the tray started to fill up and you were left standing in the full tray of water by the end. We did let reception know at the end of our visit so hopefully it was rectified. Bottles of still and sparkling water in the fridge. Windows you can actually open. Comfy bed. No sachets of instant coffee as there was a machine (my husband likes machine coffee but I'm not so keen), although they do have refills in reception so you can go and get some if needed. Air con actually worked. We had dinner in the restaurant. My first choice wasn't available which was a shame. I would like to point out that almost every time I go somewhere they don't have my first option (maybe I'm cursed?) I just think places tend to underestimate the amount of vegetarian/vegan options they need to stock. I had the plant burger instead and it was okay. Not sure about the vegan coleslaw. I probably could have asked for normal to be fair. My husband had a steak and enjoyed it. Decent range of options available. Breakfast the next morning was tasty and they did have the veggie sausages which I was pleasantly surprised by (you never quite know what you're going to get). We were waiting 25 minutes for someone to take our order though which wasn't ideal. Wouldn't have been so bad if we wanted any of the continental bits but we didn't. As I say, the food itself was good. Overall, it was a pretty good visit. Would stay again.

Booked room at short notice due to a letdown of another hotel. Stayed in room 301 and 10/10 would recommend! Offered Baylis and Harding hand wash and body wash to use during stay. Beds clean and comfortable. Staff were very helpful and friendly.

Welcoming and friendly staff. Leanne the supervisor took me under her wings and met all my need my short one week stay. A big thank you to the rest of the team.

The staff went above and beyond to ensure we had an enjoyable stay especially Athena who was so lovely to my daughter who was celebrating her birthday. The rooms were also spacious and very clean with comfortable beds.