Novotel Southampton in Southampton, England

The hotel sits 400 metres from Southampton Central train station and a 5-minute walk from the Horizon Cruise Terminal. West Quay Shopping Centre and SeaCity Museum are within a 10-minute walk, and Paultons Family Theme Park - home of Peppa Pig World - is a short drive away. The property also overlooks the port and is adjacent to West Quay Retail Park, which contains shops and dining options such as McDonald's and TGI Fridays.

All 121 rooms include sofa beds, minibars, free bottled water, and 24-hour room service, with bathrooms separate from toilets. Guests receive two complimentary water bottles on arrival, and rooms have LCD TVs and electric kettles. The hotel offers express check-in/check-out, luggage storage, a safety deposit box, and key card access to elevators and doors beyond the lobby.

Elements Restaurant serves a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while the Elements Bar offers drinks and light meals. The hotel provides a kid-friendly buffet, kids' meals, and special diet menus upon request, with staff like Shirley noted for accommodating dietary needs. Breakfast includes a pancake machine and a Nutella machine, and the bar serves wine and champagne.

The indoor heated swimming pool operates on a reservation system, so guests must book a time slot at reception, with towels provided. The fitness centre is accessed via a combination code from the front desk, and the sauna and fitness/spa locker rooms are available for use. Board games and puzzles are offered in the lobby, and the hotel has a shared lounge/TV area.

Up to two children under 16 stay free (with breakfast) when sharing a room with adults, including access to video games and baby equipment. Families receive late check-out on Sundays until 17:00, subject to availability, and the hotel provides an indoor play area and a children's play corner in reception. The property is pet-friendly, and guests have noted the staff's attentive service for toddlers and the availability of adjoining rooms for larger families.

Location: 400 metres from train station and cruise terminals

Rooms: 121 rooms with sofa beds and minibars

Dining: Elements Restaurant with pancake and Nutella machines

Wellness: Indoor heated swimming pool with reservation system

Family: Free kids stay under 16 and late check-out Sundays

Service: 24-hour room service and key card elevator access