Novotel Southampton

“Breakfast Team Amazing !!”

The front of house breakfast team were an absolute credit to Novotel. Alfie, Shirley and Justyn. What a fabulous, polite and kind group of staff who were sincere and helpful. Attentive beyond measure yet discreet. Give them a Christmas bonus they deserve it xxx

“Quality all round, including the restaurant ”

Great size rooms, friendly, helpful staff and a restaurant definitely worth visiting. I am currently sitting in my large twin room totally satisfied and happy with the total accommodation and dining experience. The Portside Table Restaurant provides great entrees and main dishes, with quality sid… more

Great size rooms, friendly, helpful staff and a restaurant definitely worth visiting. I am currently sitting in my large twin room totally satisfied and happy with the total accommodation and dining experience. The Portside Table Restaurant provides great entrees and main dishes, with quality sides, backed up by exemplary service from their staff. When you travel a lot, sometimes you remember the meals, and the Prawn and Scallop Tagliatelle will leave a lasting memory. The hotel is in a great location to the cruise port and walking distance to large, quaity and diverse shops and also has ample parking. This is an experience which will encourage you to stay or want to come back to Southhampton.

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“Exceptional Hosts for Annual Dinner”

The Novotel Southampton hosted our annual Southampton Insurance Institute dinner. The event was a resounding success, and this is largely attributed to the meticulous planning and execution by the whole Novotel team. In particular, Laura, the Sales Consultant, whose professionalism and attention… more

The Novotel Southampton hosted our annual Southampton Insurance Institute dinner. The event was a resounding success, and this is largely attributed to the meticulous planning and execution by the whole Novotel team. In particular, Laura, the Sales Consultant, whose professionalism and attention to detail ensured that every aspect of the event went smoothly. From the initial planning stages to the night of the event, Laura was always available to address our needs and concerns, demonstrating a level of commitment and care that truly set her apart from other dinners we have organised. Her expertise and guidance were invaluable in making this event a memorable one for all attendees. The venue was beautifully arranged, the catering was exceptional, and the staff were courteous and efficient. Our guests were highly impressed with the ambiance and the seamless coordination of the evening. We couldn't recommend the Novotel for a large event enough.

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“All Aboard Convenience, But Comfort's Adrift”

The Novotel Southampton offers a prime location just a 5-minute walk from the central train station, making it an excellent choice for travelers arriving from across the country or Gatwick Airport. For shoppers, the nearby retail park provides plenty of options, while Southampton’s main streets are… more

The Novotel Southampton offers a prime location just a 5-minute walk from the central train station, making it an excellent choice for travelers arriving from across the country or Gatwick Airport. For shoppers, the nearby retail park provides plenty of options, while Southampton’s main streets are just a 10-minute stroll away. If you're heading on a cruise, the hotel is especially convenient, with the Horizon Terminal a mere 5-minute walk and the Ocean Terminal about a 10-minute drive or an affordable £9 Uber ride. True to the Novotel brand, the hotel delivers a higher standard of comfort compared to its neighboring Accor properties, such as the Ibis and Ibis Budget. The ambiance leans towards functional chic rather than warm and cozy. The spacious lobby, with its stylish bar and restaurant, offers a comfortable spot to relax, and additional amenities like a swimming pool and gym enhance the experience. However, note that these facilities are on the ground floor, so you'll need to pass through the lobby in your robe if you're planning to use them. The public areas of the hotel are modern and welcoming, but the charm begins to wane once you leave the lobby. I stayed in a privilege room on the top floor, which offered views of the retail park and, beyond IKEA, a glimpse of cruise ships in the distance. However, the top floor also hosts meeting rooms, and during my stay, a driver’s education course created an early morning disturbance as the hallway turned into a waiting area with chairs and chatter. Unfortunately, the privilege room itself fell short of expectations. While it included nice extras like robes, a Nespresso machine, and a small lounge area, the room showed noticeable signs of aging. Stained carpets, scuffed walls, and chipped furniture detracted from what should have been a more polished experience. Once-modern furnishings now felt tired and in need of refurbishment. Though the layout, with separate shower and toilet areas, was a thoughtful touch, it couldn’t fully compensate for the overall sense of wear and neglect. In summary, Novotel Southampton is a functional choice for a short stay, particularly for cruise passengers or those needing proximity to the train station. While it serves its purpose, the hotel doesn’t quite live up to the 4-star expectations associated with the Novotel brand, particularly when compared to its European counterparts. A refresh of its guest rooms would significantly enhance the overall experience.

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