Book a hotel in Portsmouth

Planning a trip to Portsmouth and wondering where to stay? From historic dockyard hotels to cosy B&Bs near the bustling Gunwharf Quays, eDreams has rounded up everything you need to know about finding the perfect base for your visit.

Discover Portsmouth, a city steeped in naval history and maritime heritage. Home to the Royal Navy for centuries, this island city offers a journey through time, showcasing historic ships and legendary stories. You can explore the Historic Dockyard, where HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum bring naval triumphs to life. Beyond its seafaring past, Portsmouth boasts a lively modern appeal with its bustling Gunwharf Quays, a waterfront shopping and dining destination that provides excellent options for entertainment and relaxation.

Whether you are here for a day trip or planning an extended stay, Portsmouth provides a wealth of experiences. Take in panoramic views from the Spinnaker Tower, stroll along Southsea beach, or delve into the city's independent shops and eateries. With various accommodation types available across the city, finding a comfortable base for your visit is straightforward, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in everything Portsmouth has to offer.

For many visitors, booking a hotel in the Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays areas is the most common choice. These central locations offer convenient access to attractions and a good selection of accommodation types.

Old Portsmouth is where you will find a mix of historic buildings, boutique hotels, and guesthouses. This area is steeped in naval history, home to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and attractions such as HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. Just a short walk away, Gunwharf Quays offers modern chain hotels and apartment-style accommodation. It is also the location of the Spinnaker Tower and a large outlet shopping centre.

Further north, the areas around Southsea are popular for their seafront hotels and B&Bs, many offering views of the Solent. Here, you can enjoy the traditional pier, the D-Day Story Museum, and Southsea Castle. This lively district provides a different atmosphere, appealing to those looking for a seaside stay with easy access to the beach and a broader range of local amenities.

When choosing your hotel, consider Portsmouth's transport links. The city centre and Gunwharf Quays are well-served by Portsmouth & Southsea station, with regular services to London and other major cities. Local buses connect all main areas, making it easy to reach attractions regardless of your hotel's location. For air travel, Southampton Airport is the closest, about a 20-minute drive, offering convenient access to your accommodation via train or taxi. London Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport are also accessible by direct train or coach services, though the journey is longer.

Secure a cheaper hotel stay in Portsmouth by considering off-peak travel, typically outside of summer holidays and major naval events, when demand for accommodation is lower. Look for hotels slightly further from the Historic Dockyard to find better value, as properties closer to this major attraction often carry a premium. If you’re visiting to see HMS Victory, for example, consider staying in areas like Southsea, which offer competitive rates and easy access to the city centre by bus or a pleasant walk along the seafront. Many hotels in these areas still provide excellent amenities, often including parking, which is a significant bonus in a city known for its historic, narrow streets.

Mid-week bookings can also offer savings compared to weekend rates, and many hotels provide discounts for longer stays. To further reduce costs, consider booking a room without breakfast and explore the city’s numerous cafés for a more budget-friendly start to your day. Plan your next Portsmouth adventure and book your hotel with eDreams today.