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Summary of reviewsThe Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG, is lauded for its strategic location, making it a prime choice for travelers with diverse needs. Situated just off the M27, the hotel provides convenient access to Southampton Cruise Terminals, the Ageas Bowl cricket ground and shopping centers with easy connections to major transport links such as Southampton Airport. Its setting balances accessibility with tranquility, ideal for both pre-cruise stopovers and exploration of the area, enhanced by ample parking options.
Guests frequently praise the complimentary breakfast for its quality, variety and value with a well-stocked buffet catering to diverse dietary needs, including vegan and dairy-free options. Although the breakfast area can become crowded during peak times, leading to occasional service delays and limited options, the overall breakfast experience remains positive.
The dining experience, particularly dinner, receives more mixed reviews. While some guests appreciate the convenience of an on-site restaurant, many find the menu limited and the quality basic, often deeming it overpriced. The hotel's dinner offerings appear to need improvement to better meet guest expectations.
Room quality also attracts mixed feedback. Many guests appreciate the clean, comfortable and spacious accommodations with modern decor and effective temperature control. However, some reported minor maintenance issues such as blocked sinks and non-functional TVs and occasional noise disturbances. Despite these drawbacks, most guests value the cleanliness, comfort and amenities of the rooms.
Cleanliness across the hotel is consistently praised with numerous guests highlighting spotless rooms and well-maintained facilities. Only a few minor exceptions in cleanliness are noted, generally seen as outliers.
The hotel's staff excels in providing exceptional service, frequently noted for their friendliness, efficiency and professionalism. Positive interactions with staff significantly enhance the guest experience with many praising their helpfulness and commitment to guest satisfaction.
The hotel's free Wi-Fi receives generally positive reviews with many guests finding it reliable and fast. However, some noted connectivity issues, indicating room for improvement.
Parking availability is appreciated for its ample and secure options, though some guests did encounter difficulties finding spaces during peak times.
For families, the hotel offers a convenient and welcoming environment, particularly appreciated by those visiting local attractions like Peppa Pig World or embarking on cruises. Family rooms, while a bit small, are suitable for short stays. The hotel can become busy and noisy due to the number of children, but overall, it remains a preferred choice for family stays.
Golf enthusiasts benefit from the hotel's proximity to golf courses with visitors noting a clean, welcoming environment and friendly staff.
Finally, the beds at the hotel receive varied feedback. While many guests find them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, others cite issues with bed size and firmness.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7, offers a convenient location, high standards of cleanliness, exceptional staff service and comfortable accommodations with some areas for improvement, particularly in dining and room maintenance. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
The hotel is located next to Utilita Bowl cricket ground, which features the Boundary Lakes golf course. It is listed as having direct access to golf facilities.
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel is a good option for families looking for a comfortable and convenient stay. It offers family rooms and is well-connected to major routes.
Dog Friendly Hotel
Dogs are not allowed in public areas or in the restaurant and should not left alone in rooms.
Business Hotel
As a Holiday Inn Express, it likely provides standard business amenities for travelers, though specific details on its meeting spaces are not available in the provided data.
Hotel with Parking
The hotel offers cruise parking. It is located near the Ageas Bowl cricket ground with bus access to the city center.
Accessible Hotel
As part of the Holiday Inn Express brand, this hotel is expected to provide accessible room options and features in line with brand standards.
3-Star Hotel
Located near the M27 motorway in Southampton, this hotel provides convenient accommodation for travelers. It's a practical choice for those needing easy access to transportation routes and nearby attractions.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Room Types
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleWith free WiFi, this air-conditioned room includes knock lights, a visual alarm, and wheelchair accessible beds. It also includes a flat-screen Freeview TV, a work desk, a choice of pillow, and tea and coffee making facilities. The en-suite shower room has a roll-in shower and a safety bar.
Standard Room with Free Hot BreakfastThis air-conditioned room includes a flat-screen Freeview TV, a work desk, and tea and coffee making facilities. The en-suite shower room has a hairdryer. The bed type preference cannot be guaranteed, and standard double or standard twin allocated on arrival
Standard Double Room with Sofa Bed and Free Hot BreakfastWith free WiFi and a sofa bed, this air-conditioned room includes a flat-screen Freeview TV, a work desk, a choice of pillow, and tea and coffee making facilities. The en-suite shower room has a power shower and a hairdryer.
This room can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children under 18 years or 3 adults.
Travel Cots are available upon request.
Standard Double Room with Free Hot Breakfast - AccessibleWith free WiFi, this air-conditioned room includes knock lights, a visual alarm, and a wheelchair accessible bed. It also includes a flat-screen Freeview TV, a work desk, a choice of pillow, and tea and coffee making facilities. The en-suite shower room has a roll-in shower and a safety bar.
Standard Twin Room with Free Hot BreakfastWith free WiFi, this air-conditioned room includes a flat-screen Freeview TV, a work desk, a choice of pillow, and tea and coffee making facilities. The en-suite shower room has a power shower and a hairdryer.
Extra beds are not available for this room.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
The Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 boasts a highly praised location, making it an ideal choice for travelers with various needs. The hotel is conveniently situated just off the M27, offering easy access to Southampton Cruise Terminals and the Ageas Bowl cricket ground. Its position is also favorable for guests who are visiting family, attending conferences or traveling to Southampton for university-related activities.
The proximity to major transport links and amenities such as shopping centers and eateries adds to the convenience, while the quiet surroundings and ample parking options enhance the overall stay experience. Guests consistently highlight how easy it is to find the hotel and appreciate the short drives to key destinations like the docks, ferry terminals and the Southampton Airport.
Despite being a few miles from the city center, the location strikes a balance between accessibility and tranquility, making it an excellent pre-cruise stopover or an ideal base for exploring the area. The combination of excellent staff service, clean and comfortable rooms and a quiet yet accessible setting ensures that the hotel meets the varied needs of its guests effectively.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Holiday Inn Express Southampton – M27, J7, receives a notably positive evaluation from the majority of the guest reviews. Many guests commend the excellent quality and variety, highlighting the extensive selection of both hot and cold items available in the buffet. The breakfast is often described as delicious with options catering to diverse dietary needs, including dairy alternatives and vegan choices.
Guests appreciate the complimentary breakfast included in the room price, considering it to be of good value. The breakfast facilities are praised for being fresh and well-stocked with several reviews mentioning the high quality and plentiful array of food items, such as English breakfast staples, pancakes and a good range of beverage options. Additionally, the friendly and helpful staff contribute positively to the breakfast experience.
However, some criticisms do emerge with a few guests finding the breakfast area occasionally crowded and the service somewhat chaotic during busy times. Issues like slow replenishment of hot food, limited availability of gluten-free options and occasional lack of coffee were noted. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall feedback points to a satisfying and enjoyable breakfast experience that exceeds expectations for many visitors.
Dinner
At the Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7, guest reviews present a mixed yet clear picture of the dining experience. While some appreciate the convenience of having an on-site restaurant and bar, others consistently note that the dinner menu is quite limited and often does not meet modern guests' expectations. The food quality ranges from basic to good with occasional praise for specific dishes like chicken wings and burgers served with generous portions of fries. However, many guests express disappointment, describing the evening meals as bland, lacking in freshness and not offering good value for money.
The prices for dinner are frequently mentioned as being high for what is received, adding to the dissatisfaction. Some guests also highlight long waits for food and occasional poor service. On a positive note, a few guests found the dinner to be good and reasonably priced, while others would not recommend dining there due to the limited and repetitive menu options. Overall, while there are some positive aspects, the evening meal service at this hotel appears to need significant improvement to meet guests' expectations fully.
Rooms
The Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG, receives mixed feedback regarding its rooms. Guests frequently mention that the rooms are clean, comfortable and spacious with many highlighting the modern decor and good facilities. The temperature control in the rooms is noted as effective, ensuring a cozy stay, while the large bathroom towels and availability of coffee and tea-making options are appreciated.
However, some guests faced issues such as a lack of sufficient lighting, dated decor and occasional maintenance problems like blocked sinks, non-functional TVs and broken fixtures. Noise from external sources and other occupants was also a recurrent concern, making some stays less restful.
Despite these drawbacks, guests generally valued the hotel's cleanliness, comfort and overall room amenities, as well as the friendly and accommodating staff. Frequent positive remarks were made about the spaciousness and layout of the rooms, comfortable beds and the welcoming atmosphere. The convenience of the location and ease of accessibility added to the experience, although occasional parking difficulties were noted.
Summarized, the hotel offers well-sized, clean and comfortable accommodations that tend to meet guest expectations, tempered by periodic maintenance and lighting issues.
Beds
The beds at the Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG receive mixed feedback from guests. Many reviewers appreciate the comfort level of the beds, mentioning that they are soft with pleasant mattresses and pillows that contribute to a good night's sleep. Comments frequently highlight the beds as being very comfortable, clean and supportive for restful sleep. Some guests even describe the beds as excellent and the best they’ve experienced, expressing satisfaction with both the bed and pillows.
However, several reviews indicate issues with the size and firmness of the beds. Specifically, double beds are often mentioned as being too small and sometimes not suitable for two people, which affects comfort. There are also instances where the mattresses were considered too soft or too hard, leading to complaints about discomfort. Additionally, a portion of guests felt the beds and pillows were less than ideal with some beds being described as old, noisy or even broken.
Overall, while the beds at this hotel generally provide a good level of comfort and clean accommodations, there are notable instances where improvements in size and firmness might enhance the guest experience further.
Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG, consistently excels in maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, a detail prominently noted in guest reviews. Many describe the rooms as spotlessly clean with visitors frequently remarking on their pleasant and immaculate condition. The hotel's overall environment, including common and public areas, is also kept very clean with housekeeping staff paying close attention to regular and thorough cleaning.
Guests have appreciated the clean, modern and comfortable rooms, highlighting that they often arrive to find fresh and adequately prepared accommodations. The general consensus is that the hotel is not only clean but also tidy with all essential amenities well maintained. However, a few reviews mentioned minor cleanliness issues such as stained carpets and overlooked areas during cleaning, but these appear to be the exception rather than the norm.
In summary, the Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 upholds a strong reputation for cleanliness, supported by numerous accounts of spotless rooms and well-maintained facilities, contributing to a comfortable and pleasant stay for travelers.
Staff
The 'Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG' earns high marks for its staff's exceptional service, making it a noteworthy choice for travelers. Guests consistently praise the staff for their friendliness, helpfulness and efficiency. The reception team is highlighted for their welcoming and professional demeanor, swiftly handling check-ins and addressing any concerns with a polite and accommodating attitude.
Notable mentions include specific employees such as Lucia in the restaurant, who went out of her way to cater to dietary needs and other front desk and bar staff who demonstrated outstanding service under pressure. Despite occasional criticisms regarding management and staffing levels, the overarching sentiment depicts a team that is attentive, courteous and eager to ensure a pleasant stay for all guests.
Several reviews specifically commend the staff for maintaining a cheerful and friendly atmosphere, further enhancing the overall guest experience. From handling special requests to providing prompt assistance and efficient service, the staff's dedication shines through, leaving guests feeling well cared for and appreciated. This focus on excellent customer service sets the Holiday Inn Express Southampton apart as a reliable and welcoming accommodation choice.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi experience at Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG draws a mixed, yet generally positive picture from guest reviews. Many guests reported good to great Wi-Fi, indicating that the internet service is quick and stable in several areas, including rooms. The complimentary Wi-Fi was appreciated and described as fast and secure by some visitors. However, there were also mentions of spotty and unreliable connections with a few guests experiencing difficulties in connecting and maintaining a stable link, even noting security warnings upon logging in. While some could not access the internet at all and found it inconsistent for basic websites, others found the process of connecting to be easy.
In spite of these connectivity issues, the hotel's staff received commendation for their excellent service, specifically in organizing the retrieval of guests' keys. The Wi-Fi service, although generally satisfactory for many, shows room for improvement to ensure a more consistent experience for all guests.
Parking
The parking situation at Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG receives mixed reviews from guests. On the positive side, many guests appreciated that there is ample free parking available, often highlighting the convenience of having plenty of parking spaces right onsite. The free and secure parking, sometimes with a security guard on duty 24/7, was well-received by those who value safety and security for their vehicles.
Guests found the parking to be generally easy to access with some mentioning the good parking facilities and well-lit parking areas. The availability of parking spots before check-in was also a notable plus for early arrivals. Many reviews reflect satisfaction with the ample parking space and some even noted the secure nature of the parking lot.
However, numerous reviews also indicate issues with the parking becoming full, especially towards the evening. Several guests found the car park to be crowded or even full to the point of having to seek overflow or street parking. This scarcity of parking spots was particularly problematic for late arrivals and disabled drivers with comments on the insufficient number of disabled parking slots.
Overall, while the hotel endeavors to provide sufficient and secure parking spaces, it seems that during peak times, guests might face challenges in finding an available spot. Enhanced management of parking spaces and possibly expanding the parking area could further improve guest satisfaction.
Family
The Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG, has garnered a reputation as a family-friendly destination, particularly ideal for those looking to stay before embarking on a cruise or visiting nearby attractions like Peppa Pig World. The hotel features an array of family rooms, though some guests noted that these rooms are small but still convenient for short stays.
Breakfast time at the hotel can be quite chaotic due to the high number of children, making the atmosphere busy and sometimes noisy. Although high chairs are available, their cleanliness has been questioned. Despite this, the overall cleanliness of the hotel is praised.
The location is excellent, especially if one needs to be near the docks. The hotel offers free parking, a bonus for families traveling by car. Staff is frequently described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive atmosphere.
While the hotel is highly popular with families, some reviews mention incidents of unsupervised children causing disruptions during meal times and in shared spaces, which might not appeal to all guests. Despite these challenges, the hotel remains a good option for family stays with essential amenities and a welcoming environment for both kids and pets.
Golf
The Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG, offers easy access to nearby golf courses, making it a convenient option for golf enthusiasts. Guests have noted a smooth and pleasant stay, highlighting the hotel's clean and welcoming environment. The staff is frequently described as friendly, helpful and efficient in dealing with any issues. Families are also well-provided for, ensuring a relaxed and inclusive experience for all visitors. Overall, the hotel comes highly recommended for its great location and excellent service, contributing to a restful and enjoyable stay.
3 Star
Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG is a solid example of a three-star accommodation, offering reasonable quality and value for its category. Guests frequently mention that the hotel meets expectations for a Holiday Inn Express, providing reliable standards of rooms and amenities. The cleanliness of the rooms and the comfort of the beds are particularly noted as positive points, contributing to a generally pleasant stay.
The breakfast included in the price is a definite highlight, adding to the good value for money that many guests appreciate. Additionally, the bar staff receive praise for their friendliness and the food and drinks available are well-regarded.
However, some aspects of the hotel indicate a need for improvement. There are mentions of tired-looking areas that could benefit from a refresh and some housekeeping issues that need addressing. In terms of service, while some guests found the staff to be good and helpful, others experienced lapses in service quality that detracted from their stay.
The location of the hotel is considered convenient, though some feel the property could empower its team better to provide solutions when issues arise. Overall, this hotel provides a typical three-star experience with managed expectations aligning well with the standard amenities and services offered.
Business
The Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG, stands out as a highly practical choice for business travelers seeking a convenient and modern accommodation option. Its location on the city outskirts is not in the city center, but it provides ease of access and is ideally situated for business trips and work conferences, making it a functional hub for professionals.
Guests noted the hotel as being clean, modern and offering good facilities, which include in-room work desks and free parking. The environment is generally quiet, providing a peaceful atmosphere conducive to work. The hotel also features standard business services such as conference rooms and meeting sections and while these were described as typical and robotic by some, they are effective for a business stopover or one-night business stay.
Friendly and efficient staff is one of the highlights with guests appreciating the security presence and top-notch service. Requests are attended to almost instantly, adding to the overall efficiency. Despite not having a wealth of information available about specific business facilities, the fundamental services provided are sufficient and cater well to the needs of business travelers.
Furthermore, the hotel offers excellent value for money with many guests pleased about the inclusion of basic services in the price. The location is also noted for being next to the Ageas Bowl with a large car park, which can be particularly convenient for those involved in business related to the stadium or requiring ample parking space.
Overall, the Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 is an excellent choice for business travelers looking for a clean, modern and efficiently run hotel that offers good value and is strategically located for various business needs.
Accessible
The Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7, an IHG Hotel offers several accessible features, although guest experiences varied. On the positive side, the hotel is easily accessible by car, featuring ample disabled parking spaces close to the entrance. Guests noted that the hotel was accessible throughout with facilities including accessible rooms and toilets equipped with handrails. The accessible rooms were generally described as spacious and comfortable with functional bathrooms.
However, some challenges were noted. While some found the accessibility to be perfect, others reported difficulties, including long walks from disabled rooms to reception and the absence of ramps for wheelchairs. Issues such as a dirty elevator, inadequate dropped kerbs in the car park and occasional non-functional lifts were also mentioned. Despite these issues, the staff received praise for their helpfulness, especially from guests with conditions like Multiple Sclerosis. While accessibility was generally as needed for many visitors, improvements could enhance the stay for those with more specific needs.
Dog Friendly
The Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG, stands out as a highly dog-friendly establishment, making it an ideal choice for travelers with pets. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's welcoming attitude towards dogs, whether large or small. Dogs are permitted in various areas of the hotel, including the bar where owners can enjoy meals with their furry companions.
The staff consistently receive praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, particularly towards guests with dogs. This includes offering treats and ensuring a warm, accommodating environment for both pets and their owners. The hotel maintains high cleanliness standards with no traces of pet odors or dog hair, which is often a concern in pet-friendly accommodations.
Families especially appreciate the combination of comfortable and clean facilities and the added convenience of being able to bring their pets along. Though a fee of £15 per dog is mentioned, the excellent service and consideration for well-behaved dogs make it a worthwhile investment for a pleasant and stress-free stay. All in all, the hotel's dedication to being dog-friendly contributes significantly to a positive experience for guests traveling with pets.
No, Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG.
Yes, Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Express Southampton - M27, J7 by IHG doesn't have a gym.