Best Luxury Hotels near Southampton Cruise Port Terminal

Southampton, in the pretty county of Hampshire, is the UK’s major cruise port.

Some of the world’s largest ships dock in this city but it’s also an interesting place to visit.

With a Medieval wall, the SeaCity museum, an art gallery, top theatre and a sprawling shopping area, there are lots of reasons to stay in Southampton.

And with the beautiful New Forest just a few miles away, there are plenty of places to explore in the area.

If you’re boarding or alighting a cruise ship, then reserving a hotel room nearby means you can rest before or after your trip.

Whether you are looking for accommodation close to the docks, in the centre of town, near the motorway or within easy reach of the airport, we’ve put together some of the best 4 and 5 star luxury hotels in Southampton near the cruise port terminals, some offer a free shuttle service and cruise parking.

Make your cruise even more special by adding a few extra days to your holiday.

Southampton Cruise Port

Southampton is the most popular cruise port in the UK, home to 5 different cruise terminals.

• City Cruise Terminal – Western Docks
• Mayflower Cruise Terminal – Berth 106, Dock Gate 10
• Ocean Cruise Terminal – Cunard Road
• QEII Cruise Terminal – Berth 38/39, Dock Gate 4
• Horizon Cruise Terminal – Berth 102

All terminals are within 5 to 10 minutes from each other.

Read also: Southampton Port Guide

What are the Best 4 and 5 Star Hotels near Southampton Cruise Ship Terminal (City Centre)?

A few hotels are within walking distance from both City and Ocean cruise terminal. The closest hotel to Ocean terminal is the five star Ennios Boutique Hotel, while Leonardo Royal is within close distance of City Cruise Terminal.

Note: You could walk to these cruise terminals but still it’s a 10 to 15 minutes walk, which is not always convenient with heavy luggage. Taking a quick ride in a taxi is an easy option.

The best way to get from your hotel to Mayflower and QEII cruise terminals is by taxi, it only takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on which terminal. The cost will be £5 to £9. Unfortunately there is no public transport or shuttle service from hotels to Southampton port.

All city centre hotels are within easy reach of the port and you should find the perfect Southampton hotel you need from our list. We cover some luxury 4 and 5 star hotels, as well as some cheaper good value for money accommodation. These are our recommendations;

1. Harbour Hotel Southampton ★★★★★ (Luxury)

Nestled on the water’s edge of a private marina, the Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa is one of the closest hotels to the cruise port. It’s under a mile from the terminal and reachable in minutes.

As Southampton’s only larger 5-star hotel, it’s arguably the best accommodation in town and offers luxurious facilities including a spa with an indoor pool and an impressive gym. The restaurant is award winning and the rooftop bar comes with jaw-dropping views.

Opened in 2017, the décor is modern and contemporary. Each of the 119 rooms has delightful extras such as complimentary gin and sherry, White Company toiletries, Egyptian cotton sheets and rain showers.

You can leave you vehicle at the hotel during your cruise, cost would be £15.00 per night.

Why Stay Here

• Luxury 5 star hotel with Spa
• Free cruise shuttle transfer (subject to availability)
• One of the best hotels near Southampton port

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

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2. Ennios Boutique Hotel ★★★★★ (Opposite Ferry Terminal)

The old Geddes Warehouse once stored the luggage of passengers about to board the Titanic. Today the building boasts 10 boutique bedrooms and a much-rated Italian restaurant. The Ennios Boutique Hotel’s menu of authentic pasta dishes and fresh fish tempts diners at mealtimes. A collection of alfresco tables offer the perfect setting in summer.

The bedrooms have architectural features that refer to the building’s past, and each has a king-size bed, a pair of comfy chairs and a modern bathroom. If you’re heading off on a cruise, this hotel is ideally located as it’s just a few minutes from the port.

Why Stay Here

• Perfect location, close to Cruise Port
• Small boutique hotel
• Lovely contemporary rooms

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

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3. THE PIG-in the wall (City Centre)

Built into the Medieval city wall adjoining Westgate, The Pig-in the Wall is as unique and quirky as they come. Looking like they belong in a magazine shoot, each of the 12 bedrooms has been furnished lovingly.

Beautiful antique-oak floors, fireplaces and luxury fabrics feature in the rooms, and there’s a larder of vintage snacks in each one as an added bonus. A deli-bar provides casual dishes such as fig and cheese platters or apple and berry tart.

This boutique hotel is one street back from the waterfront and about half a mile from the docks.

Why Stay Here

• Boutique-style hotel
• Beautiful hotel & rooms
• Near to cruise port terminals

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

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4. The White Star Tavern ★★★ (Good Value)

The White Star Tavern is an elegant Fuller’s pub on the corner of pedestrianised Oxford Street. Originally built in the 19th century, there’s a nice mix of old and new features in this renovated bar.

Along with a menu of great food that’s been awarded 2 AA Rosettes, the Tavern offers comfortable and tastefully furnished rooms. The bedrooms are all named after ships that were once part of the White Star fleet and come with double beds, rain showers and fully-stocked minibars.

Why Stay Here

• Good value for money
• Great location close to bars and restaurants
• Well furnished and decorated rooms

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

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5. Leonardo Hotel Southampton – Formerly Jurys Inn ★★★★ (Popular)

Leonardo is a well-known brand so you know you’re going to get a friendly welcome and top-quality facilities. The Southampton hotel is close to Solent University and it overlooks the northern end of East Park.

With a total of 270 rooms, this is one of the largest hotels in the town. The bedrooms are smartly decorated with a splash of colour, and from the higher floors, there’s a view of the docks. On the ground floor there’s a modern restaurant that serves up tasty evening meals, and for snacks and drinks there’s a bar and coffee shop as well.

Why Stay Here

• Good value for money
• Larger hotel
• Central location within short walking distance to shops and restaurants

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

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6. Leonardo Royal Southampton Grand Harbour ★★★★ (Popular Hotel)

The Leonardo Royal Grand Harbour has a classical elegance that oozes luxury. With its standout glass atrium, it’s an iconic building of Southampton. Spoil yourself before or after a cruise with a stay in this 4-star hotel, located just opposite to the City Cruise Terminal.

The spa offers a pool, sauna and a long list of treatments plus the gym is equipped with state-of-the-art cardio machinery. When it comes to mealtime, book a table at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and enjoy a nightcap in the Royal Bar afterwards.

The hotel is set just back from the waterfront of Southampton, a 5-minute drive from the cruise port terminal.

Why Stay Here

• One of closest hotels to City Cruise Terminal
• Spa & swimming pool
• Suites with Jacuzzi in the room

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

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7. The Claremont ★★★ (Bed and Breakfast)

When it comes to guesthouses in Southampton, they don’t come more central than The Claremont. This family-run B&B is close to all the must-see places in the city such as the SeaCity Museum and Solent Sky exhibition. Located 450 metres from The Mayflower Theatre, it’s the ideal accommodation if you’ve got tickets to a show. The property is about a 5-10 minute drive to the port.

With 15 bedrooms on offer, there’s one for every budget, and they all come with tea & coffee making facilities and free wi-fi. Their full English breakfasts are served in the light and airy dining room and are the perfect start to the day.

Why Stay Here

• Bed & Breakfast
• Short walk from the train station & city centre
• Budget friendly

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

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8. room2 Southampton Hometel ★★★★ (Aparthotel)

room2 Southampton is an aparthotel that mixes the comforts of home with a hipster-cafe vibe. With a top location overlooking Queens Park that’s just a short stroll from the Ocean Village marina, it’s the ideal accommodation from which to explore.

Places to stay with fully-equipped kitchens and squishy sofas in the room are few and far between but you get this and more with room2 hotels. Loft rooms sleep up to 4 people which is great for families.

There’s also an on-site fitness centre, coffee shop and snack bar plus lots of space to relax in reception.

Why Stay Here

• Rooms with kitchen
• Good value for money
• Close to Southampton cruise port

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

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What are the Best Hotels near Southampton Railway and Coach Station?

The railway and coach stations in Southampton are located in the north-west of the city centre.

A few hotels are within 5 to 10 minutes walking distance such as the Novotel and budget friendly ibis hotel, but you can easily take a local taxi to any city centre hotel. It will take you only a few minutes.

1. Novotel Southampton ★★★★ (Very Popular)

If staying close to the train station is important, the Novotel is a great option. It’s a 5 to 10-minute walk from the railway platform and the cruise terminal is just over a mile away. This 4-star hotel has an ultra-modern interior. The reception area makes use of clean lines and chrome with pops of bright colour used in the lounge sofas and chairs.

The indoor pool is an added bonus and the gym is available for fitness enthusiasts. It’s a larger hotel with 121 rooms and a restaurant, bar and breakfast area so there’s everything required for a great short stay in Southampton.

Why Stay Here

• Walking distance to railway station
• Not far from restaurants and shopping area
• Indoor swimming pool

Cruise Expert Rating: 7/10

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2. ibis Southampton ★★★ (Affordable)

There are 2 ibis hotels in Southampton – they are next to each other and a few minutes’ walk from the railway station. The ibis Southampton is contemporary, fresh and vibrant. They know how to deliver what guests want here – a limitless breakfast, a casual coffee bar and clean bedrooms with an en-suite shower.

The fuss-free approach leaves you plenty of time to visit all the great places the city has to offer, such as the Medieval wall, Ocean Village and SeaCity Museum. There is cruise parking on site which is £10 per day per 24 hours.

Why Stay Here

• Budget friendly accommodation
• Close to railway & National Express coach station (5 minutes)
• Great for short pre cruise stay

Cruise Expert Rating: 7/10

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3. ibis budget Southampton Centre ★★ (Affordable)

The ibis budget Hotel in Southampton offers bright, clean rooms that are easy on the wallet. It’s located a 10-minute walk to the train station and a short taxi ride to Southampton docks. With doubles, twins, triples and bunk-bed rooms on offer, you can book exactly what you need for your stay.

Bedrooms are functional and come with more than you’d expect for the price. A compact shower room, TV on the wall and small corner worktop come as standard. Breakfast is a simple Continental offering but it’s unlimited and will set you up well for the day ahead.

Why Stay Here

• Cheap accommodation
• 6 minutes walk from coach station
• Near IKEA Southampton

Cruise Expert Rating: 7/10

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What are the Best Hotels Outside City Centre (good when driving to cruise port)?

1. Holiday Inn Express Southampton West, an IHG Hotel ★★★ (Free Parking)

For a quality hotel that’s great for exploring Hampshire, the Holiday Inn Express Southampton West is top of the list. Located close to Junction 1 of the M271 and with free parking, it’s ideal if you’re bringing the car and the drive onto the port will only take 10 to 15 minutes, depending in which cruise terminal.

Marwell Zoo and Peppa Pig World are within easy reach for families and the New Forest is close by too.

In the hotel there’s a generous lounge area for kicking back in and the onsite bar and eatery is fairly priced. The 105 bedrooms are very spacious and comfy, plus a slap-up breakfast is part of the deal.

Why Stay Here

• Good value for money
• Outside city centre
• Free parking

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

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2. The Elizabeth House Hotel ★★★ (Free Parking)

Formerly two grand Victorian houses, the Elizabeth House Hotel is a smaller place with lovely high ceilings, traditional sash windows and polished wood bannisters. Evening meals get a special mention, there is a changing seasonal menu offering delicious dishes.

The 27 rooms and 4 apartments are individually furnished and have home-from-home comforts such as tea and coffee making facilities and soft lighting. Situated near Southampton Common, the city centre is just over a mile away so it’s easy to nip into town from the hotel. Long-term cruise parking is available but is subject to availability and needs to pre-booked.

Why Stay Here

• Very budget friendly
• Only 5 to 15 min drive to Southampton cruise terminals
• Free parking

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

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3. Holiday Inn Express Southampton – M27, J7 ★★★ (Popular Hotel)

Bright and contemporary, the Holiday Inn Express at Junction 7 of the M27 is a welcoming hotel. The 127 rooms are all a decent size and come with free wi-fi, a modern en-suite bathroom, TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Breakfast is included and the choice of what to eat is wide with both a full English and Continental available.

Explore the New Forest from this hotel, it’s about a 20-minute drive away, and it’s a 6-mile ride in the car from the centre of Southampton. The port terminals and docks can be reached in 15 to 20 minutes for boarding a cruise. Parking is free for the duration of your stay, for any additional nights there is a charge extra of around £10.00 per night.

Why Stay Here

• Outside city centre and easy to get to
• Good value for money
• Free parking

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

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Best Hotels near London Heathrow Airport

1. Hilton Garden Inn London Heathrow Terminal 2 and 3 ★★★★

Designed to give guests the best night’s sleep, the Hilton Garden Inn at Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 and 3 has a sumptuous contemporary style. The windows are soundproofed so you’re not disturbed and there’s a fashionable bar and restaurant for a bite to eat.

If you are flying in for your cruise, this hotel fits the bill. You can get from the airport by Hoppa Bus in just 5 minutes, and Hatton Cross tube station is walking distance away. The drive to and from Southampton docks takes around 2.5 hours depending on traffic.

Why Stay Here

• One of best London Heathrow airport hotels
• Walking distance from airport
• Right next to terminal 2

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

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2. Leonardo London Heathrow Airport ★★★★

The Leonardo London Heathrow Hotel is close to the airport terminals – the ride on the Hoppa Bus takes around 5 minutes. You can’t argue with the room rates – they are budget-friendly all year around. Fitted out with all the facilities you’d expect from a trusted hotel chain, there’s also a small gym and a great restaurant that offers international cuisine.

Soundproofed windows and luxury bedding ensures that you are well-rested during your stay here. And room service means you can order your favourite refreshments 24 hours a day.

Why Stay Here

• Close to Terminals 1-2-3
• Hoppa bus stops at hotel
• Good value hotel near Heathrow Airport

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

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Some Recommended Pre-and Post cruise Hotels in London

1. Great Scotland Yard Hotel – part of Hyatt ★★★★★ (Luxury)

The Great Scotland Yard Hotel building is an 1820s townhouse located around the corner from iconic places such as Trafalgar Square, Pall Mall and Downing Street. One of the best hotels in London, every detail is exquisite and reminiscent of the building’s history. Soft beds with deep quilts feature in the bedrooms and rain showers are fitted in the bathrooms.

Al a carte breakfasts greet you in the morning and a whisky bar tempts you at night. If you want to treat yourself to 5-star luxury before heading off on your cruise holiday, this is the place to book.

Why Stay Here

• Luxury 5 star hotel
• Iconic hotel
• Located in central London, minutes from Trafalgar Square

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

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2. St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London ★★★★ (Great Value)

A glorious, red-brick Victorian mansion façade hides the 4-star St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London. The star of the show is a discreet courtyard garden that provides immediate peace from the hustle of the city. The décor is stately from the reception hall to the bedrooms.

Three eateries serve a range of dishes and one restaurant holds a Michelin star. Jiva Spa has a full menu of treatments and there’s a gym too for the health conscious. Located in SW1, Victoria Railway Station is a 7 to 10-minute walk away – ideal if you’re hopping on a train to reach the cruise port of Southampton.

Why Stay Here

• Upscale hotel with spa & comfortable rooms
• Close to Buckingham Palace
• Located near Victoria coach & railway station

Cruise Expert Rating: 9/10

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3. Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London ★★★★ (Very Popular)

With a South Bank location opposite Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge has the best location for sight-seeing. The interior is modern and swish and it boasts a long list of amenities.

An indoor pool, the Mandara Spa, a small fitness centre, choice of restaurants and a patisserie are just some of the facilities on offer here. Bedrooms are available in all sizes and budgets from a standard twin to a top-floor suite, and they all come with wi-fi, a large desk and minibar.

Waterloo Station is very close by if you are catching a train to Southampton.

Why Stay Here

• Great location
• Swimming pool & Spa
• Rooms with Big Ben & London Eye view

Cruise Expert Rating: 8/10

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# See More Hotels in London (Best Before or After a Cruise)

Map

(Latest update December 22nd, 2023)
Please contact us if any information is incorrect or not up-to-date.

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