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Summary of reviewsThe Duke of Buckingham in Portsmouth receives commendable reviews, particularly for its prime location and exceptional staff. Guests consistently highlight the hotel's central position, which allows easy access to local attractions like the historic Old Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays, and the Spinnaker Tower. This proximity is particularly advantageous for visitors exploring the area's historical sites, shopping venues, and University of Portsmouth. Nestled in a quiet area, the location balances tranquility with accessibility, making it both a restful escape and a practical choice for tourists.
Though breakfast is not offered onsite, nearby cafes and dining options like the Spinnaker Café and Nells provide convenient alternatives, ensuring guests start their day with satisfying meals. The absence of in-house dinner facilities is offset by the abundance of nearby restaurants offering diverse culinary experiences, with Italian and East Asian cuisines receiving specific praise. The vibrant surroundings enhance the dining experience, with staff often recommending local eateries to guests.
Rooms at the hotel are appreciated for their cleanliness and comfort, blending practicality with a welcoming atmosphere. Despite the occasional compact size, accommodations are well-equipped, offering guests a cozy retreat. The standalone cottages behind the main property provide picturesque settings and tranquility. While some guests mention issues with soundproofing and room sizes, the overall cleanliness and the staff's friendliness often make the hotel a reliable choice.
The hotel's ambiance is further enriched by its attentive staff, who are praised for their welcoming and helpful nature. Their efficiency and readiness to assist, whether with luggage or local advice, contribute significantly to a positive guest experience. Although WiFi connectivity receives mixed reviews, many find it adequate for standard needs.
Situated near bustling nightlife, the hotel offers guests a glimpse into the local scene, though some report noise from nearby establishments. Nevertheless, the location remains favored for its accessible entertainment options and proximity to the waterfront. Beds receive high praise for their comfort, contributing to restful nights.
Duke of Buckingham exudes charm with its quaint and picturesque setting, showcasing its unique transformation from a garage to a cottage. The traditional inn atmosphere, characterized by super comfy beds and tasteful decor, adds to its appeal, making it a valued choice for those seeking both leisure and practicality during their Portsmouth adventures. Show more
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Categories
Inn with Free Wi-Fi
This inn offers complimentary Wi-Fi access. A continental breakfast is served daily.
Cheap Inn
A traditional inn offering affordable lodging in a historic setting. Its central location on High Street provides easy access to local attractions and amenities.
Small Inn
Located on the High Street in Southsea, this inn provides a cozy and convenient base for exploring the area. Its traditional charm and friendly service contribute to its intimate appeal.
Boutique-style Inn
Inn near Nightlife Spots
Room Types
Standard Double RoomSet within a separate cottage on a cobbled street, this en-suite room offers a digital TV, a work desk, and tea and coffee making facilities. One room has lower ground floor access and one has a bath.
A baby cot can be requested free of charge. This room cannot accommodate extra beds.
Standard Twin RoomThis bright, airy room has a TV with digital channels, a desk, and tea and coffee-making facilities. A cot can be requested free of charge. An iron and a hairdryer can be requested at reception. Free WiFi is also available.
Single RoomThis bright and airy room has a TV with digital channels, Free WI-FI and tea and coffee making facilities. This room cannot accommodate an extra bed or baby cot.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThis bright and airy bedroom has a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. It shares a bathroom with one other room which is located at the end of the corridor. This room cannot accommodate an extra bed or a baby cot. This room does not have an en-suite bathroom.
Twin Room with Shared BathroomThis bright and airy bedroom has a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. It shares a bathroom with one other room which is located at the end of the corridor. This room cannot accommodate an extra bed or a baby cot. This room does not have an en-suite bathroom.
Small Double RoomThis bright, airy room has a TV with digital channels, a desk, and tea and coffee-making facilities. A cot can be requested free of charge. An extra bed will not fit in to this room type. An iron and hairdryer can be requested at reception. Free WiFi is available.
Large Twin RoomThis bright, airy room has a TV with digital channels, a desk, and tea and coffee-making facilities. A cot can be requested free of charge or an extra child`s bed will fit in to this room at an extra charge per night. An iron and hairdryer can be requested at reception. Free WiFi is available.
Family RoomThis en-suite room has a double bed and a single bed, along with free WiFi, a digital TV, a work desk, and tea and coffee making facilities. Two rooms are set within a separate cottage, on a cobbled street. One of which has lower ground access. The third room is in the main building, on the second floor. A baby cot can be requested, free of charge. Please note that an extra bed can only be accommodated in the family room in the main building. All family rooms can allow a maximum of 2 adults.
Guest Reviews
7.6
Good
Location
The Duke of Buckingham boasts a truly remarkable location, attracting guests who appreciate its proximity to Portsmouth's vibrant attractions and convenient transportation hubs. Centrally situated, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the historic Old Portsmouth, seafront, Gunwharf Quays, and the Spinnaker Tower. It caters to visitors aiming to explore the area's historical sites or enjoy shopping and dining experiences. Many reviews highlight the hotel's impressive accessibility to the ferry terminal, train station, and bus routes, making it an ideal choice for travelers with varied interests.
Nestled in a peaceful area despite its central position, guests relish the quiet environs that offer a restful escape from the city's bustle. The neighborhood, a mix of charming streets and lively venues, ensures everything is reachable by foot—from the bustling waterfront to the scenic Southsea Common. The location lends itself well to tourists seeking both leisure and practicality, amplifying the overall experience with nearby convenience stores, restaurants, and pubs.
Moreover, reviewers frequently commend the hotel for its excellent value, praising the combination of affordability and prime location. For those planning to visit Portsmouth University or catch an early ferry, the hotel's strategic position is particularly advantageous. Whether guests are in town for business, a university visit, or a historical tour, the Duke of Buckingham's location remains a pillar of guest satisfaction, providing an unmatched starting point for memorable Portsmouth adventures.
Breakfast
Guests at the Duke of Buckingham often note the absence of breakfast options on-site. The hotel does not include breakfast in its offerings, which some find disappointing, particularly those who prefer to start their day without venturing out. While the property lacks a dining facility, several cafes and restaurants are conveniently located nearby. Visitors often mention establishments such as Spinnaker Café and Nells as alternative choices for a morning meal. Despite the lack of breakfast, the hotel is conveniently situated near a convenience store, a pub, and the Battery, known for its dining spots. Guests appreciate the proximity to these eateries, though a few wish for an in-house breakfast option for added convenience. While breakfast is not available, the hotel provides maps with directions to nearby cafes for those eager to explore local dining options. Overall, guests who anticipate dining off-site manage to find satisfactory alternatives in the surrounding area.
Dinner
Diners at the Duke of Buckingham may need to look beyond the hotel for meal options, as the hotel itself no longer serves food and its associated pub is currently closed. However, guests find themselves in an enviable location with an array of delightful dining choices just steps away. A nearby pizzeria is highly praised, offering a satisfying option for those seeking a casual meal. A charming Italian restaurant, conveniently situated right next door, is a favorite, noted not only for its Italian fare but also for serving breakfast.
For fans of East Asian cuisine, a Chinese meal in the vicinity is described as very nice, adding to the area's diverse culinary landscape. Visitors will also discover an assortment of cafes nearby, ideal for breakfast seekers. The vibrant surroundings of the hotel, featuring good food advice from staff and a variety of reasonably priced dining venues, create a fulfilling culinary experience despite the absence of in-house dining options. The convenient location, just a short walk from the city center and harbor, further enriches the dining experience with its accessibility to these diverse eateries.
Rooms
Nestled in the charming streets of Portsmouth, the Duke of Buckingham Hotel offers guests a welcoming retreat with rooms that blend comfort and practicality. The standout feature among guest experiences is the cleanliness and tidiness of the accommodations, which consistently meet expectations. Despite some rooms being cozy or compact, they remain well-equipped and offer a comfortable environment for travelers. Beds are generally seen as comfortable, although there are occasional remarks about the firmness of foam mattresses and the pillows' thickness.
Many guests appreciate the charming and picturesque settings, especially those staying in rooms situated in standalone cottages behind the main property. These accommodations provide tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of Portsmouth's attractions while still being conveniently close to the waterfront, perfect for exploring the old town or taking the ferry to the Isle of Wight.
However, it's worthwhile considering that room sizes vary, with some being particularly small or having shared bathroom facilities. This can impact the convenience of storing luggage or moving freely within the space. Despite that, the intimate ambiance often provides a cozy and pleasant experience. The staff receive high praise for their friendliness and enthusiasm to assist, further enhancing the stay.
While the room facilities are generally satisfactory, a few visitors mention the need for soundproofing, particularly in areas where floorboards and neighbors can be heard. Some bathrooms, though clean, might feel cramped for guests used to more spacious accommodations.
Overall, the Duke of Buckingham Hotel delivers great value for money, especially for short stays, where cleanliness and a convenient location are prioritized. With welcoming staff and clean, cozy rooms, guests can enjoy a comfortable base for their Portsmouth adventure.
Beds
Nestled in a charming location, Duke of Buckingham is a haven for travelers seeking comfort and good value. Many guests rave about the beds, describing them as exceptionally comfy, with clean linens that add an extra layer of coziness. The beds are often praised for their comfort and quality, with some visitors stating it was the best they experienced during their stay in England.
Guests appreciate the firmness and support of the comfortable beds, making for a restful sleep after a day exploring the surrounding area. Though some found the mattresses less than ideal or encountered worn springs, the majority highlight the beds as a positive aspect of their stay.
The value for money is also emphasized, where the quality of bedding contributes significantly to the overall guest experience. Despite minor issues with narrowness, lumpiness, or softness, the friendly staff and quiet surroundings create a welcoming atmosphere.
This venue offers a serene escape with beds that ensure a comfortable night's sleep, maintaining a satisfactory balance with practical amenities and attentive service.
Cleanliness
The reviews of the Duke of Buckingham highlight its strong commitment to cleanliness, which is frequently noted as a positive feature by guests. Many travelers appreciated the rooms for being not only clean but also comfortable and cozy. Words such as "spotlessly clean," "very clean," and "well-maintained" feature prominently, suggesting that the cleanliness of the rooms met the expectations of most guests. The location is also praised, being conveniently situated in a lovely part of Portsmouth, close to attractions like the waterfront and Gunwharf. The hotel is deemed excellent value for money, providing simple yet welcoming accommodations.
On the downside, some guests did report issues with specific areas, such as musty odors, tired decor, and occasional mold in bathrooms, indicating room for improvement in long-term upkeep. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the staff consistently receive praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Overall, while the hotel has certain areas in need of attention, its combination of cleanliness, comfort, and location often make it a reliable choice for visitors to Portsmouth.
Staff
Duke of Buckingham enjoys a favorable reputation among its guests, primarily due to its exceptional staff. Reviews consistently highlight the staff's friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming nature, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors. Receptionists are frequently praised for their efficiency and attentiveness, with many noting their willingness to provide assistance and guidance throughout the stay. Guests appreciate the readiness of staff to offer help, whether it's with luggage or providing local food advice. The hotel staff's demeanor is characterized as friendly, polite, and kind, contributing significantly to creating a positive guest experience. Moreover, the hotel’s clean and comfortable environment, coupled with its great location near the beach and other attractions, further enhances the stay, making it an attractive option for travelers. Overall, Duke of Buckingham stands out as a place where excellent service and hospitality are paramount, ensuring guests feel valued and cared for during their visit.
Wi-Fi
The WiFi experience at Duke of Buckingham has mixed reviews. Some guests found the WiFi to be great, with a strong connection and free access, praising it as good and reliable. Others described it as basic but adequate for their needs. However, there were experiences of slow and weak connections, with some guests even reporting no WiFi availability at times. Overall, the quality seems variable, yet the positive remarks about the WiFi connection suggest it can satisfy those with standard expectations.
Nightlife
The Duke of Buckingham enjoys a unique position for those keen on experiencing local nightlife, with its proximity to various pubs, restaurants, and a pizza place right below. Guests find themselves entertained by the lively atmosphere, especially on Friday nights, while being just a short walk from the bustling Harbour and ferry port. However, the vibrant ambiance comes with the downside of late-night street noise and occasional disturbances from the nearby establishments. The now-closed pub of the same name attached to the hotel has left some expecting less commotion. Guests staying at the hotel note that the noise levels, particularly from conversations nearby, can at times make it feel as though events are unfolding within their own room. Despite these auditory challenges, the hotel's location is still appreciated for offering a glimpse into the local nightlife without being in the thick of it.
Boutique-Style
Duke of Buckingham captures the charm of an old world setting with its lovely building situated in a scenic area. Guests appreciate its unique character, particularly noting its transformation from a garage into a picturesque cottage. The property exudes a quaint atmosphere, enhanced by the super comfy beds and tasteful decor. The traditional inn embodies the special charm of a beautiful old building, with distinctive features like crooked walls adding to its appeal. Despite its small size, the cottage offers a cozy and welcoming environment, contributing to its standing as a great little place.
No, Duke of Buckingham doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Duke of Buckingham.
No, Duke of Buckingham doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Duke of Buckingham.