£100 seems to be a tipping point for B&Bs, so you expect to get something a little special when one just nudges over the mark. The Retreat Guest House at Portsmouth delivers perfectly. The rooms are exceptionally large and very tastefully decorated. At no time do you feel like you are staying in someone’s spare room as you can at some B&Bs. Mark and Sian manage to walk that difficult line between being friendly informal hosts while still maintaining a standard of professionalism about the place that ensured everything was perfect. The house had a feeling of spaciousness and light. I particularly appreciated that there was a guest’s lounge room that offered space to sit and relax other than in your room. The whole house is full of character and charm and while it has been renovated to make it as comfortable as possible, Mark and Sian have retained the character that makes the place so special.
The bed was fabulously comfortable; soft mattress, plump pillows and a duvet as thick and warm as you could want. The bathroom had been refitted with a hint of 60s retro that was a little quirky but still felt modern and of course exceptionally clean. Breakfast was generous with a wide range of cereals, fruit and yoghurts as well as a delightfully hearty English offering.
The Retreat is in a very suburban location, about a mile or so from the Historic Dockyard (and shopping at Gunwharf Quays) and a little less from Southsea Common. Both are in easy walking distance. There is a school opposite so parking is a challenge. Mark and Sian allowed us to park in their driveway, which was very generous but I’m not sure where others would have parked if they arrived on a school day.
On the whole it is a beautiful place to stay that justifies the slightly higher price tag in comfort, cleanliness, space and character. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

I stayed here for my wedding night in July, and really loved it. The house is absolutely beautiful and the rooms large and spacious. Mark and Sian were fantastic hosts and made us feel very welcome. The breakfast was yummy too. This really is a hidden gem and we will definately be recommending this to friend and family on their trips to Portsmouth

Myself and husband stayed 1 night at the Retreat Guest House at the end of July as we were attending a wedding in Portsmouth. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.
We stayed in the Cooper Room which was lovely, the owners Sian and Mark were very welcoming and friendly. The breakfast room was light and airy and the breakfast itself was great.

The Retreat is in a quite area but close to all the shops, restaurants and about 20mins stroll to Gunwharf Quays. We stayed in the Ward Room and it was very spacious and the sun was lovely and warm on cooler days. The bathroom was huge. Mark welcomed us and we met Sian the next morning. Breakfast in the mornings were made to order and there were heaps of it. Mark and Sian provided fair trade coffee, tea, biscuits and bottle water.
We had a lovely stay and will recommend to friends anytime!