The hotel is located near the waterfront and docks. In the room towards the top of the building there are great views up and down Southampton Water. The hotel is looking a bit tired and the public areas are not really inspiring. However, the staff are attentive and helpful and make your stay a pleasant one. The rooms are comfortable, but are in need of a little tlc. This didn't really cause me any problems, as I was on a business trip. The food in the restaurant is quite good, but I wouldn't have eaten there if it hadn't been part of the delegate package. The city is only a few minutes walk away and has some great bars and restaurants.

We were staying overnight as daughter had 30th birthday party locally. So a functional stay. Frankly a functional hotel. From the outside in it looked jaded and old. The bath came from another era and the shower leaked constantly. Comfortable and warm. Staff very pleasant. Would I return? not unless I had to. It seems Holiday inn hotels are so very different and range from the amazing to the awful. this one sits at about 4/10

The Holiday Inn is located right on the waterfront next to the docks. It's an easy 5 minute walk to West Quay shopping Centre with a good choice of restaurants and bars.

This was a 1 night stay checking in on a Saturday Night.

Check In

First impressions were very good, the reception area is warm and welcoming. The lady at check-in was very pleasant and accessed my booking very quickly. I was provided with my room number and keys for room 414. An executive double. In addition, the lady offered a wake up call and asked if I'd like to make reservations for dinner.

Room

First impressions were excellent, the room had a view overlooking the DeVere Hotel, but looking to the right allowed for views of the docks and waterfront. The room was clean and tidy. A large 32" TV, tea and coffee facilities with water and kitkat were provided. The bathroom offered a selection of free products (shampoo etc.) for use in the shower. Large bath tub with shower over. The only negative comment relating to the room was the temperature. It was possible to open the window but this allowed little relief from the heat, it was an uncomfortable night as a result. The a/c and heating system allowed the temperature to be lowered to 16 degrees but as the settings were on heat, it didn't cool (it was january!).

Facilities

A fitness centre is located across the road, swimming pool and gym are included for free. I felt the opening hours were very reasonable, 7am to 10pm I believe, even on the weekends! Pool is of reasonable size and gym offered a variety of equipment. The hotel bar offered a selection of drinks. We didn't eat at the hotel so cannot comment. Ample parking is provided for £7 per 24 hour period.

Staff

Probably the highlight of the hotel. Every member of staff we came in contact with, reception, maid service, bar staff and pool attendant were all fantastic. Everyone is clearly making an effort to provide an excellent service, highly impressed by this as Customer Service is a major factor when deciding to revisit a hotel.

Overall

A good hotel offering in a good location. A very enjoyable stay and highly recommended!

Positives:

- Location, next to the waterfront and close to the city centre!
- Staff - going above and beyond for the customer, very positive in my opinion.
- Value for money, reasonably priced offering.

Negatives:

- Wifi - £16 per day is extortionate. A better solution must be provided in 2012. This is a massive turn off and if McDonalds can offer free wifi on the basis or purchasing a £5 burger, Holiday Inn should offer to their guests.

- Parking - £7 a little steep for paying hotel guests.

- Room temperature. It would be great if truly functional climate control was available year round.

Anyone doing their homework regarding this well placed hotel would realise that it's location to the docks is one of it's main selling points. Although we were not sailing anywhere we could see how it would fit in with a cruise journey. We received an extremely warm and friendly greeting at reception, check-in was swift and efficient and all extra questions regarding the area were answered efficiently. The room, on the 8th floor overlooking the water had a lovely large picture window, a wonderfully comfortable bed. Nice large tv and was extremely clean and comfortable. I will agree with some reviews and say that it may have needed a small touch of updating in the bathroom but that would be being extremely picky. Both evening and early morning we saw the tugs pulling container ships past the window, great for us because we really wanted to be close to the water.Another cheery welcome when we made our way to reception to check out, lovely staff. I would personally suggest that this is an ideal short stay, convenient hotel with all the amenities you would expect from a city centre hotel. I do have to add that we had an exceptional deal on this stay being Boxing Day and a notoriously quiet time for the hotel industry.