Boathouse Hotel
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Summary of reviewsThe Boathouse Hotel in Hythe is notable for its truly enviable location, offering breathtaking views of the marina, the Solent and Southampton Water. Guests consistently praise its serene atmosphere, stunning vistas and convenient proximity to Hythe town center and local amenities, making it an ideal spot for both relaxing escapes and easy access to nearby attractions, such as the New Forest.
The hotel’s breakfast offerings receive mixed reviews. While the cooked breakfast options are particularly appreciated for their quality and value, many guests find the continental breakfast included in the room rate to be lacking in variety and quality. This aspect, along with some concerns about service timing and cleanliness, suggests room for improvement in the breakfast experience.
Dinner at the hotel's restaurant generally gets high marks for food quality with many guests complimenting the well-presented dishes and generous portions. Dishes like mussels and lamb, along with great vegan options, are frequently highlighted. However, service during dinner faces some criticism due to long wait times and occasional disruptions. Despite this, the overall dining experience remains positive.
Rooms at the Boathouse Hotel are widely praised for their comfort, spaciousness and particularly for the spectacular views over the marina, enhanced by features such as balconies. While some minor issues with maintenance and room cleanliness were noted, the general sentiment towards the rooms is positive with many guests enjoying the large, comfortable beds and modern amenities.
Cleanliness at the hotel is somewhat inconsistent. While many guests report their rooms to be clean and comfortable, others mentioned issues with cleanliness in certain areas, such as dusty shelves and poorly maintained communal spaces. The hotel appears to continually improve in this regard, as some guests have found their rooms to be spotless and well-maintained.
The staff at the Boathouse Hotel receives strong commendations for their friendliness and helpfulness. Described as courteous and professional, the team is praised for creating a welcoming atmosphere and going out of their way to assist guests. However, occasional lapses in attentiveness due to understaffing or operational pressures are noted.
Wi-Fi access at the hotel is free and available in multiple languages with some improvements seen over time. Nonetheless, connectivity issues, especially near the water and concerns about the cost-efficiency and reliability of the service indicate that further enhancements could benefit guests.
Parking at the Boathouse Hotel is generally one of its strengths with ample, well-maintained and free parking available. Guests appreciate the convenience of easily accessible parking spaces, though peak times can sometimes pose challenges in finding a spot.
The family-friendly nature of the Boathouse Hotel is commendable with spacious family rooms and supportive staff enhancing the stay for guests with children. Proximity to major attractions and pre-cruise accommodations further make it a popular choice among families.
Overall, the Boathouse Hotel offers a picturesque and comfortable retreat with standout views and friendly service. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in breakfast variety, cleanliness consistency and Wi-Fi connectivity, the positive aspects dominate, making it a favorable destination for a variety of travelers.
Categories
The hotel’s breakfast offerings receive mixed reviews. While the cooked breakfast options are particularly appreciated for their quality and value, many guests find the continental breakfast included in the room rate to be lacking in variety and quality. This aspect, along with some concerns about service timing and cleanliness, suggests room for improvement in the breakfast experience.
Dinner at the hotel's restaurant generally gets high marks for food quality with many guests complimenting the well-presented dishes and generous portions. Dishes like mussels and lamb, along with great vegan options, are frequently highlighted. However, service during dinner faces some criticism due to long wait times and occasional disruptions. Despite this, the overall dining experience remains positive.
Rooms at the Boathouse Hotel are widely praised for their comfort, spaciousness and particularly for the spectacular views over the marina, enhanced by features such as balconies. While some minor issues with maintenance and room cleanliness were noted, the general sentiment towards the rooms is positive with many guests enjoying the large, comfortable beds and modern amenities.
Cleanliness at the hotel is somewhat inconsistent. While many guests report their rooms to be clean and comfortable, others mentioned issues with cleanliness in certain areas, such as dusty shelves and poorly maintained communal spaces. The hotel appears to continually improve in this regard, as some guests have found their rooms to be spotless and well-maintained.
The staff at the Boathouse Hotel receives strong commendations for their friendliness and helpfulness. Described as courteous and professional, the team is praised for creating a welcoming atmosphere and going out of their way to assist guests. However, occasional lapses in attentiveness due to understaffing or operational pressures are noted.
Wi-Fi access at the hotel is free and available in multiple languages with some improvements seen over time. Nonetheless, connectivity issues, especially near the water and concerns about the cost-efficiency and reliability of the service indicate that further enhancements could benefit guests.
Parking at the Boathouse Hotel is generally one of its strengths with ample, well-maintained and free parking available. Guests appreciate the convenience of easily accessible parking spaces, though peak times can sometimes pose challenges in finding a spot.
The family-friendly nature of the Boathouse Hotel is commendable with spacious family rooms and supportive staff enhancing the stay for guests with children. Proximity to major attractions and pre-cruise accommodations further make it a popular choice among families.
Overall, the Boathouse Hotel offers a picturesque and comfortable retreat with standout views and friendly service. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in breakfast variety, cleanliness consistency and Wi-Fi connectivity, the positive aspects dominate, making it a favorable destination for a variety of travelers.
Accessible Hotel
This hotel is identified as an accessible hotel in Hythe, providing accommodations suitable for guests with accessibility needs.
Boutique-style Hotel
Hotel near Golf Courses
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Small Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Boathouse Hotel in Hythe boasts a consistently praised and enviable location, making it a standout choice for travelers visiting the area. Nestled right by the marina, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Solent, Southampton Water and the array of boats and cruise ships passing through. Its location is perfect for a peaceful and picturesque getaway with serene waters and a vibrant marina setting as the backdrop.
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's convenient proximity to the Hythe town center, which is within walking distance, providing easy access to local shops, restaurants and the ferry to Southampton, making city excursions hassle-free. The hotel’s setting is also ideal for exploring the scenic New Forest and nearby attractions, offering ample opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The hotel’s surroundings are described as beautiful, stunning and charming, creating a tranquil environment for relaxing stays. The views from the rooms and balconies are often mentioned as spectacular with panoramic vistas over the marina and the water. Free parking and the quiet, relaxing atmosphere further enhance the overall experience.
For those traveling for specific purposes, such as cruises from Southampton or sailing races, the location proves to be extremely convenient, often cited as just a short drive or a pleasant walk away from terminals and amenities. Overall, the Boathouse Hotel’s exceptional location makes it a favored spot for various travelers, whether they're looking for a serene escape, a connection to nature or easy access to nearby attractions and activities.
The Boathouse Hotel's breakfast offerings have received mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many found the breakfast to be pleasant with some specifically noting that it was sufficiently nice and delicious. There were compliments for the freshly cooked breakfast options available at an additional charge with many appreciating the reasonable price for a full English breakfast. A few guests highlighted specific items like complimentary croissants and especially good coffee. The continental breakfast included in the room rate was praised by some for being good and adequate.
However, a larger proportion of reviews pointed out several areas for improvement. The most common complaint was regarding the limited and basic nature of the continental breakfast included in the room price. Many guests expressed surprise and disappointment at having to pay extra for any cooked breakfast options. Timing was another issue with breakfast service starting too late for some guests, especially those needing to leave early for work.
Concerns extended to the quality and variety of the continental options with mentions of sparse fruit bowls, a limited selection of cereals and basic items like toast and cereal not being fulfilling enough. Some reviews noted the service was slow and disorganized with mistakes in orders and long wait times for simple items like toast. Additionally, the overall lack of cleanliness and freshness, including instances of curdled yogurt and old fruit, were cited as areas needing attention.
In summary, while the cooked breakfast options at the Boathouse Hotel received praise for their quality and value, the continental breakfast included in the room rate left many guests unsatisfied, both in terms of variety and quality. The additional charge for a more substantial breakfast was a common point of contention, along with the timing and service issues.
The dinner experience at the Boathouse Hotel's restaurant generally receives high praise from guests. Most reviews highlight the excellent quality of the food, describing it as amazing, well-cooked and well-presented with a particular nod to South Asian cuisine and dishes like mussels and lamb. Many guests enjoyed both their evening meals and breakfast with some specifically mentioning great vegan options for breakfast.
Portions are noted to be generous and the food has been described as both lovely and very good. However, several concerns are raised regarding the service with mentions of staff seeming busy, delays in food service and rushed dinner experiences. Additionally, reservations for dinner posed some difficulties for a few guests.
On the downside, the restaurant food is occasionally described as expensive with a few isolated incidents of over-fried dishes and some guests experienced stomach issues after their meal.
Despite these hitches, the charming location, friendly staff and overall positive dining experience at the hotel’s restaurant contribute to its favorable reputation among diners.
Guests at the Boathouse Hotel overwhelmingly praised the rooms for their comfort, spaciousness and cleanliness. Many highlighted the stunning views of the marina and Southampton Waters, particularly from rooms with balconies. The larger rooms provided ample space and were often described as bright, airy and beautifully furnished, contributing to a pleasant stay.
However, some areas of improvement were noted. A few guests mentioned that certain rooms appeared tired and in need of refurbishment with some minor issues regarding cleanliness and maintenance, such as dusty surfaces and dated decor. Additionally, there were recurring comments about room size with some being described as very small and cramped, particularly those under sloping roofs. Heat regulation also posed a challenge, as certain rooms were reported to be very hot or very cold, despite the provision of fans.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment about the rooms was positive with many appreciating the facilities, including large comfortable beds, huge fluffy towels and the presence of mini-fridges. The prime location of rooms above the restaurant or with direct marina views added to the charm and appeal of the Boathouse Hotel, making it a commendable choice for travelers seeking comfort and picturesque vistas.
Guests frequently praised the comfortable and clean beds at the Boathouse Hotel. Many reviews highlighted the beds as very comfortable with several guests describing their night’s sleep as the best they've had. The beds were often noted to be large and spacious, including super king-sized options and some rooms featured modern, cozy decor. However, there were mentions of discomfort with a number of guests finding the beds too firm or too small and occasional concerns about hard pillows. There were minor complaints about stained bed linen and the need for new mattresses. Despite these issues, the overall feedback leaned positively with many guests appreciating the welcoming atmosphere and the comfort of their accommodations.
The Boathouse Hotel presents a mixed picture when it comes to cleanliness. On a positive note, many guests found their rooms to be spotless, clean and beautifully presented. There are mentions of clean and comfortable rooms with some guests appreciating the modern and spacious setups, as well as the good views from certain rooms. The bar and restaurant generally receive positive feedback for being pleasant and well-maintained.
However, the hotel appears to struggle with consistency in cleanliness. Issues such as dirty carpets, dusty shelves and sticky floors in communal areas were reported. Some rooms seemed to be well-kept while others were not thoroughly cleaned, leading to dissatisfaction. There were several mentions of specific problems like slow-draining shower trays, stained toilets and mildew in the bathrooms. Public areas, such as corridors and stairs, were noted to be tired and untidy with some areas requiring significant refurbishment.
Attention to detail appears to be lacking with complaints about leftover towels in walkways, dusty areas and unclean breakfast tables. Despite good cleaning in some rooms, other guests encountered serious issues, such as visible dirt, rotten skirting boards and unvacuumed floors. Overall, while some guests praised the clean and tidy environment, suggesting potential for improvement, others felt their rooms and the hotel in general could use more consistent and thorough cleaning practices.
The Boathouse Hotel’s staff receives a warm commendation from numerous guests for their friendliness and helpfulness. Consistently described as welcoming and polite, the team creates a pleasant atmosphere that guests appreciate. Many reviews highlight the accommodating nature of the staff, noting their willingness to go beyond their duties and their courteous demeanor. Housekeeping is frequently mentioned for friendliness and efficiency, enhancing the overall guest experience.
The front desk and reception staff are often commended for their professionalism and helpfulness, despite occasional instances of perceived abruptness or unclear communication. The manager, in particular, is praised for their meticulous attention and professionalism, ensuring guests feel heard and valued.
Even dining experiences are positively impacted by the staff’s enthusiasm and attentiveness. Despite the occasional observation of busyness affecting promptness, guests felt the service was largely excellent, pointing to the friendly and cheerful waitstaff.
However, some reviews do reflect shortcomings in attentiveness and professionalism among certain staff members. Instances of staff being overworked, tired or understaffed were mentioned, sometimes resulting in lapses in service quality. Despite these occasional critiques, the overall sentiment towards the Boathouse Hotel’s staff remains highly favorable, underlining a committed and friendly team that significantly contributes to the pleasant stay of their guests.
While staying at the Boathouse Hotel, guests have shared mixed experiences regarding the hotel's Wi-Fi. On the positive side, several reviews highlight the availability of free Wi-Fi with phrases indicating that Wi-Fi is provided and accessible in multiple languages including English, Chinese, Russian, French, Turkish, Dutch and Italian. Some guests appreciated the improvement in Wi-Fi internet service, noting efforts to enhance connectivity and reception.
However, there are noteworthy criticisms related to the Wi-Fi as well. Several guests found the Wi-Fi service to be costly and pointed out that connectivity requires significant improvement. Reviews mentioned that the Wi-Fi doesn't work particularly well near water, which could be a setback for a property located by the water. It was also noted that efforts to improve Wi-Fi are important, suggesting that more can be done to ensure consistent and reliable internet access throughout the hotel.
Overall, while the Boathouse Hotel seems committed to offering complimentary Wi-Fi and has made some strides in improving the service, there remains room for enhancement, particularly in terms of cost efficiency and connectivity across all areas of the hotel.
The Boathouse Hotel offers a generally positive parking experience for its guests. Numerous reviews highlight the benefits of ample and easy-to-access on-site parking, often noting the added convenience of free parking. Guests appreciate the reserved parking spaces as a bonus and many have remarked that the free car parking options are ideal and well-maintained.
Parking right outside the door adds to the convenience and the adequacy of space ensures that finding a spot is typically not an issue. The sense of safety in the parking area has also been positively noted. While some feedback points to occasional challenges, such as limited parking during peak times and a few instances of difficulty in locating a spot, the overall sentiment remains largely favorable.
The hotel’s effort to provide nearby parking alternatives and clear information about parking availability is appreciated by visitors. Though limited parking can sometimes be a minor drawback, the general ease, safety and free access to parking make it a commendable feature of the Boathouse Hotel.
Nestled in a fantastic location, the Boathouse Hotel is an exceptional choice for families seeking a memorable getaway. The hotel's family-friendly service stands out with supportive staff dedicated to ensuring a comfortable stay for guests of all ages. The family rooms are highly praised for their spaciousness and comfort, providing ample space for relaxation and bonding time.
Guests appreciate the good breakfast selection, setting a pleasant tone for the day's activities. The hotel's proximity to local attractions makes it a convenient spot for families, especially those planning pre-cruise stopovers. The superb views add to the overall charm and appeal, making it a picturesque retreat that caters well to family needs.
While there are clear policies to maintain family comfort and security, the staff's professionalism and friendliness shine through in their attentive service. Overall, the Boathouse Hotel offers a superb experience, suitable and accommodating for families looking to enjoy quality time together.
The Boathouse Hotel presents a mixed experience when it comes to accessibility for guests with disabilities. While the hotel is generally welcoming with a family-friendly atmosphere and offers easy parking, several challenges were noted with its accessibility features. Primarily, the lift for disabled guests was frequently reported as not functioning properly or being completely out of order. Many reviews highlighted that the lift only serves up to the first floor, which poses a significant inconvenience for accessing higher floors. Additionally, there are comments about essential facilities, such as the toilet, being accessible only by stairs and the bathroom and shower units needing refurbishment to meet the needs of disabled guests better.
Despite these setbacks, some positive feedback indicates that the hotel does offer great rooms that meet the needs of guests with limited mobility. However, it is clear that improvements are needed, particularly in ensuring consistent and reliable lift service. The lack of reception further complicates the access issues, making it less suitable for older guests or those with young children. While the Boathouse Hotel has the potential to serve guests with disabilities, addressing these critical accessibility concerns would significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
The Boathouse Hotel impresses guests with its beautiful and modern decor. The reception area is particularly lovely, setting a warm and inviting tone upon arrival. Guests have noted the clever and aesthetically pleasing design choices throughout the hotel, including charming and cozy rooms. Delivering a boutique experience, the hotel boasts stylish and clean interiors, adorned with lovely textiles that add a touch of elegance. The family-run establishment maintains a cosy atmosphere, making it a comforting retreat for travelers. The combination of modernity and tasteful decor ensures an enjoyable stay, appealing to those who appreciate both style and comfort.
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Location
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's convenient proximity to the Hythe town center, which is within walking distance, providing easy access to local shops, restaurants and the ferry to Southampton, making city excursions hassle-free. The hotel’s setting is also ideal for exploring the scenic New Forest and nearby attractions, offering ample opportunities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The hotel’s surroundings are described as beautiful, stunning and charming, creating a tranquil environment for relaxing stays. The views from the rooms and balconies are often mentioned as spectacular with panoramic vistas over the marina and the water. Free parking and the quiet, relaxing atmosphere further enhance the overall experience.
For those traveling for specific purposes, such as cruises from Southampton or sailing races, the location proves to be extremely convenient, often cited as just a short drive or a pleasant walk away from terminals and amenities. Overall, the Boathouse Hotel’s exceptional location makes it a favored spot for various travelers, whether they're looking for a serene escape, a connection to nature or easy access to nearby attractions and activities.
Breakfast
However, a larger proportion of reviews pointed out several areas for improvement. The most common complaint was regarding the limited and basic nature of the continental breakfast included in the room price. Many guests expressed surprise and disappointment at having to pay extra for any cooked breakfast options. Timing was another issue with breakfast service starting too late for some guests, especially those needing to leave early for work.
Concerns extended to the quality and variety of the continental options with mentions of sparse fruit bowls, a limited selection of cereals and basic items like toast and cereal not being fulfilling enough. Some reviews noted the service was slow and disorganized with mistakes in orders and long wait times for simple items like toast. Additionally, the overall lack of cleanliness and freshness, including instances of curdled yogurt and old fruit, were cited as areas needing attention.
In summary, while the cooked breakfast options at the Boathouse Hotel received praise for their quality and value, the continental breakfast included in the room rate left many guests unsatisfied, both in terms of variety and quality. The additional charge for a more substantial breakfast was a common point of contention, along with the timing and service issues.
Dinner
Portions are noted to be generous and the food has been described as both lovely and very good. However, several concerns are raised regarding the service with mentions of staff seeming busy, delays in food service and rushed dinner experiences. Additionally, reservations for dinner posed some difficulties for a few guests.
On the downside, the restaurant food is occasionally described as expensive with a few isolated incidents of over-fried dishes and some guests experienced stomach issues after their meal.
Despite these hitches, the charming location, friendly staff and overall positive dining experience at the hotel’s restaurant contribute to its favorable reputation among diners.
Rooms
However, some areas of improvement were noted. A few guests mentioned that certain rooms appeared tired and in need of refurbishment with some minor issues regarding cleanliness and maintenance, such as dusty surfaces and dated decor. Additionally, there were recurring comments about room size with some being described as very small and cramped, particularly those under sloping roofs. Heat regulation also posed a challenge, as certain rooms were reported to be very hot or very cold, despite the provision of fans.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment about the rooms was positive with many appreciating the facilities, including large comfortable beds, huge fluffy towels and the presence of mini-fridges. The prime location of rooms above the restaurant or with direct marina views added to the charm and appeal of the Boathouse Hotel, making it a commendable choice for travelers seeking comfort and picturesque vistas.
Beds
Cleanliness
However, the hotel appears to struggle with consistency in cleanliness. Issues such as dirty carpets, dusty shelves and sticky floors in communal areas were reported. Some rooms seemed to be well-kept while others were not thoroughly cleaned, leading to dissatisfaction. There were several mentions of specific problems like slow-draining shower trays, stained toilets and mildew in the bathrooms. Public areas, such as corridors and stairs, were noted to be tired and untidy with some areas requiring significant refurbishment.
Attention to detail appears to be lacking with complaints about leftover towels in walkways, dusty areas and unclean breakfast tables. Despite good cleaning in some rooms, other guests encountered serious issues, such as visible dirt, rotten skirting boards and unvacuumed floors. Overall, while some guests praised the clean and tidy environment, suggesting potential for improvement, others felt their rooms and the hotel in general could use more consistent and thorough cleaning practices.
Staff
The front desk and reception staff are often commended for their professionalism and helpfulness, despite occasional instances of perceived abruptness or unclear communication. The manager, in particular, is praised for their meticulous attention and professionalism, ensuring guests feel heard and valued.
Even dining experiences are positively impacted by the staff’s enthusiasm and attentiveness. Despite the occasional observation of busyness affecting promptness, guests felt the service was largely excellent, pointing to the friendly and cheerful waitstaff.
However, some reviews do reflect shortcomings in attentiveness and professionalism among certain staff members. Instances of staff being overworked, tired or understaffed were mentioned, sometimes resulting in lapses in service quality. Despite these occasional critiques, the overall sentiment towards the Boathouse Hotel’s staff remains highly favorable, underlining a committed and friendly team that significantly contributes to the pleasant stay of their guests.
Wi-Fi
However, there are noteworthy criticisms related to the Wi-Fi as well. Several guests found the Wi-Fi service to be costly and pointed out that connectivity requires significant improvement. Reviews mentioned that the Wi-Fi doesn't work particularly well near water, which could be a setback for a property located by the water. It was also noted that efforts to improve Wi-Fi are important, suggesting that more can be done to ensure consistent and reliable internet access throughout the hotel.
Overall, while the Boathouse Hotel seems committed to offering complimentary Wi-Fi and has made some strides in improving the service, there remains room for enhancement, particularly in terms of cost efficiency and connectivity across all areas of the hotel.
Parking
Parking right outside the door adds to the convenience and the adequacy of space ensures that finding a spot is typically not an issue. The sense of safety in the parking area has also been positively noted. While some feedback points to occasional challenges, such as limited parking during peak times and a few instances of difficulty in locating a spot, the overall sentiment remains largely favorable.
The hotel’s effort to provide nearby parking alternatives and clear information about parking availability is appreciated by visitors. Though limited parking can sometimes be a minor drawback, the general ease, safety and free access to parking make it a commendable feature of the Boathouse Hotel.
Family
Guests appreciate the good breakfast selection, setting a pleasant tone for the day's activities. The hotel's proximity to local attractions makes it a convenient spot for families, especially those planning pre-cruise stopovers. The superb views add to the overall charm and appeal, making it a picturesque retreat that caters well to family needs.
While there are clear policies to maintain family comfort and security, the staff's professionalism and friendliness shine through in their attentive service. Overall, the Boathouse Hotel offers a superb experience, suitable and accommodating for families looking to enjoy quality time together.
Accessible
Despite these setbacks, some positive feedback indicates that the hotel does offer great rooms that meet the needs of guests with limited mobility. However, it is clear that improvements are needed, particularly in ensuring consistent and reliable lift service. The lack of reception further complicates the access issues, making it less suitable for older guests or those with young children. While the Boathouse Hotel has the potential to serve guests with disabilities, addressing these critical accessibility concerns would significantly enhance the overall guest experience.
Boutique-Style
No, Boathouse Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Boathouse Hotel.
No, Boathouse Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Boathouse Hotel.
No, Boathouse Hotel doesn't have a gym.
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