Best-Rated Hotels in Southampton, UK
Updated 31 October 2026 · 36 real hotels
Southampton's top-rated accommodations span a wide range of styles, from central city apartments and boutique hotels to rural shepherds huts and countryside cottages, all earning outstanding traveller satisfaction scores. Every property listed here holds a rating of 4.8 out of 5 or above, based on genuine guest reviews. Whether you are visiting for business, leisure or a special occasion, these highly praised options offer a strong starting point for your search.
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Top-Rated Places to Stay in Southampton
Southampton is a dynamic port city on England's south coast, known for its maritime heritage, vibrant waterfront, and easy access to the New Forest and Hampshire countryside. Choosing a well-rated property takes much of the guesswork out of booking, and the accommodations below have all earned exceptional scores from real travellers, making them a reliable benchmark for quality and guest satisfaction.
The selection ranges from a spacious six-person city-centre apartment and a polished boutique hotel on Bedford Place to a luxury shepherds hut tucked into a rural setting and a characterful pub-with-rooms in the nearby village of Soberton. Whether you prefer to be steps from Southampton's Maritime Quarter or nestled in the Hampshire countryside, this list covers a variety of budgets, property types and locations, all united by consistently strong guest feedback.
Our selection in Southampton
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Hotel Southampton ★★★★ | Le Polygone | ★ 4.3 | 62 €/nuit |
| Harper's Steakhouse with Rooms, Southampton Swanwick Marina ★★★★ | Lower Swanwick | ★ 4.4 | 67 €/nuit |
| Premier Inn Southampton City Centre - West Quay ★★★ | Centre-ville de Southampton | ★ 4.3 | 71 €/nuit |
| The Swan Inn ★★★ | Southampton | ★ 4.3 | 72 €/nuit |
| New Place ★★★★ | Shirrell Heath | ★ 4.2 | 72 €/nuit |
| Holiday Inn Express Southampton M27 Jct7 by IHG ★★★ | West End | ★ 4.3 | 76 €/nuit |
| Novotel Southampton ★★★★ | Centre-ville de Southampton | ★ 4.1 | 76 €/nuit |
| Orange Grove Hotel & Gardens ★★★ | Locks Heath | ★ 4.2 | 79 €/nuit |
| Royal Swan Ashley Manor ★★★★ | Shirrell Heath | ★ 4.5 | 84 €/nuit |
| Holiday Inn Express Southampton - West by IHG ★★★ | Nursling et Rownhams | ★ 4.2 | 85 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
Which Southampton-area properties have a perfect 5 out of 5 traveller rating?+
Three properties in and around Southampton currently hold a perfect 5 out of 5 score from travellers. The 'Apartment Sleeps 6 Near Southampton City Centre' is a four-star entire apartment well suited to groups or families visiting the city. 'Perfect for Contractors (Southampton)' is a practical three-and-a-half-star option popular with professionals on extended stays. The 'Luxury Shepherds Hut set in a Countryside Setting' is a two-star entire home that offers a peaceful rural escape not far from the city. All three have achieved maximum guest satisfaction scores, making them standout choices at their respective price points.
What is the most affordable highly rated hotel near Southampton?+
The White Star Tavern, located in Southampton's Maritime Quarter, is the most affordable option among the top-rated properties on this list, starting from around 106 euros per night. It holds a five-star classification and a traveller rating of 4.8 out of 5, reflecting a strong combination of value and quality. Its central waterfront location also makes it a convenient base for exploring the city's museums, restaurants and cruise terminal.
Are there highly rated options outside Southampton city centre for those who prefer a quieter setting?+
Yes, several well-rated properties sit in quieter locations beyond the city centre. The White Lion in Soberton is a four-star inn with a 4.9 out of 5 rating, offering a traditional village atmosphere with easy road access to Southampton. The Maples in Hythe, also four-star rated at 4.8 out of 5, provides a calmer base on the western shore of Southampton Water. The Luxury Shepherds Hut set in a Countryside Setting delivers an immersive rural experience with a perfect traveller score, ideal for those seeking a genuine countryside retreat within reach of the city.
Which highly rated Southampton hotel is best suited to a longer or more upscale city stay?+
No.4 Carlton Hotel on Bedford Place is a strong choice for a more refined city stay, holding a four-star rating and a 4.8 out of 5 traveller score. Situated in one of Southampton's well-regarded residential streets close to the city's main amenities, it caters well to guests looking for a boutique feel with attentive service. For those wanting extra space, the six-person city-centre apartment with its perfect rating also provides a home-from-home environment that suits longer visits or group travel.