Premier Inn Portsmouth City Centre

This hotel is consistently praised for its friendly, attentive staff and its prime location right next to the train station, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. Guests frequently highlight the comfortable beds and the overall cleanliness of the rooms as key positives. While many appreciate the hotel's reliable standard, some recent visitors have noted a decline in room maintenance and significant issues with air circulation. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and business travelers due to its central position, and its family-friendly atmosphere makes it a good option for families exploring the area. To ensure a restful stay, guests sensitive to noise might consider requesting a room away from the railway side, and it is advisable to inquire about the air conditioning system upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers practical amenities that enhance convenience for guests. Many appreciate the availability of Premier Plus rooms, which often include a fridge and Ultimate WiFi, providing a more enhanced stay. General Wi-Fi access is also available, keeping guests connected. For quick needs, vending machines are located in the lobby, and a kettle is provided in rooms for hot beverages. A significant recurring concern, however, is the hotel's air circulation and air conditioning system, which many guests report as being ineffective or faulty, leading to uncomfortably warm and stuffy rooms, especially since windows cannot be opened. Some lifts have also been noted to have buttons not working, raising minor security concerns as card access was sometimes bypassed. Conveniently, a Tesco Express and Costa are located adjacent to or within the hotel building.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. Many visitors consistently commend the rooms for being immaculately clean, spotless, and providing a comfortable bed for a good night's sleep. The rooms are generally described as spacious and well-appointed. However, a significant number of recent reviews highlight concerns, including the presence of mould in bathrooms and by beds, stains on carpets and headboards, and an overall tired or dated appearance. Some guests reported unpleasant smells like damp or bleach, and issues with basic cleaning such as dirty floors or uncleaned bathrooms. Noise levels are also a point of varied experience; while many find the rooms quiet despite the central location, others report disturbance from train noise, noisy air conditioning pipes, or other guests in the corridors.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast, receive largely positive feedback. Many guests describe the breakfast as plentiful, good value, and offering a good selection of hot and cold items, with specific praise for the hash browns and well-cooked eggs. The restaurant atmosphere is generally pleasant, and the meal deal is often highlighted as a convenient and cost-effective option for dinner. The food quality for dinner, including dishes like steak, is frequently commended. However, some guests have reported issues with breakfast items not being adequately replenished, appearing unappetizing, or being served cold. There have also been isolated comments about dirty mugs or sticky tables in the dining area, and occasional reports of limited menu availability for dinner.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major draw, consistently praised for its convenience. It is situated directly next to the train station, making arrivals and departures seamless. Guests appreciate its close proximity to the Guildhall, ideal for attending events, and its easy walking distance to shops, the city centre, and attractions like Gunwharf Quays and the historic dockyards. While the hotel does not have its own parking, a nearby multi-storey car park is available, with guests noting it is reasonably priced, though some found the parking bays narrow. The area around the hotel can be busy, especially at night due to nearby bars and clubs, but the hotel itself is generally considered safe and accessible.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receive overwhelming praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight their willingness to go "above and beyond" to ensure a positive stay, from providing a quick check-in process to assisting with luggage storage and printing boarding passes. Many reviews commend the staff's polite and patient demeanor, noting their efforts to make guests feel welcome and valued. Specific examples of excellent family-friendly service include staff bringing coloring activities for children. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few guests have reported isolated instances of staff appearing indifferent or unhelpful, or experiencing long waits at the reception desk, particularly during busy periods.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain operational aspects that may impact their stay. The hotel has a policy of not cleaning rooms unless asked, which some guests appreciate for privacy, while others may prefer daily service. A recurring issue is the centralized room temperature control, which prevents guests from setting the air conditioning below 19 degrees Celsius, contributing to warm rooms, especially since windows cannot be opened. Some rooms, particularly those with connecting doors, have been noted to transmit noise from adjacent rooms. The hotel's overall condition is sometimes described as tired or in need of refurbishment, with minor maintenance issues occasionally reported. Thoughtful touches like flowers for Mother's Day or chocolates during Christmas have been appreciated by guests.