Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

The hotel is highly regarded for its strategic accessibility and ample parking, making it a convenient choice for various travelers. Its location provides easy access to the Portsmouth ferry terminal and major motorways, while also being a short drive from popular areas like Port Solent. Guests consistently praise the friendly and professional staff, who contribute significantly to a positive experience. The rooms are generally described as spacious, clean, and comfortable, though feedback on bed firmness can vary. The hotel is well-suited for business travelers attending conferences, families visiting local attractions, and ferry travelers seeking a convenient stopover. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm the status of amenities like the swimming pool before booking, and be aware that parking often incurs an additional charge, requiring vehicle registration upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
Most guests were disappointed to find the swimming pool was closed or had been removed, as this was a key amenity for many who booked with the expectation of its availability. Despite this, the hotel offers a well-equipped fitness center that is appreciated by guests. The elevators are frequently praised for being readily available and fast, contributing to smooth movement throughout the building. While ample parking is available on-site, it is consistently noted as an additional paid service, which is a common point of frustration for guests. Similarly, Wi-Fi in the rooms is often an extra charge, rather than being complimentary. Feedback on the air conditioning is mixed, with some rooms experiencing issues with temperature control or noisy units, while others found it effective. Some rooms also feature a fridge, which is a convenient addition.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally commend the hotel's cleanliness, describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. The spacious rooms are a highlight for many, offering ample space, particularly for families. However, feedback on bed comfort is mixed; while many found the beds comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, some reported them as being too hard or lumpy. Similarly, duvets were often described as thin, leading to some feeling cold. A recurring point of feedback concerns rooms with internal windows overlooking the atrium, which meant a lack of natural light and fresh air, and sometimes increased noise levels from the public areas. Despite this, the bathrooms are generally noted as a good size, clean, and equipped with effective showers.

Dining & Food Quality
Most guests found the buffet breakfast to be good, offering a wide variety of options and being plentiful. However, some noted issues with the hot food being only warm and occasional delays in replenishing items, particularly during busy periods. The coffee machine also received mixed reviews. Feedback on the restaurant for dinner was more varied; while some praised the food quality, especially the steaks, and the service, others found the menu limited, the food bland, or the prices high. There were isolated reports of undercooked food. The bar area was generally appreciated for its atmosphere and service, though some guests found drink prices to be on the higher side and noted strict service rules during hotel events.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is highly convenient for those traveling to or from the Portsmouth ferry terminal, often cited as a primary reason for choosing the hotel. It also offers easy access from the M27 motorway, making it simple to reach by car. While it is a short drive to popular destinations like Port Solent and Gunwharf Quays, many guests noted that the hotel is somewhat isolated from the city centre, requiring a car or taxi for access to central attractions. Ample parking is available on-site, which is a significant advantage, though it is consistently highlighted that this comes with an additional charge, and guests must remember to register their vehicle. Some reviews also mention the availability of a direct bus route to Portsmouth city centre.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight the warm welcome and attentive service provided across various departments. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as smooth and efficient, contributing to a positive arrival and departure experience. While most interactions with reception staff are positive, there were isolated instances of perceived rudeness or disinterest. Bar staff and restaurant staff receive mixed feedback, with some guests commending their excellent service and others noting slow service or disorganization, particularly during busy periods. Overall, the staff's commitment to providing a welcoming and accommodating environment is a recurring theme in guest reviews.

Additional Information
A significant point for many guests was the ongoing renovations and construction within the hotel, particularly in the lobby, bar, and restaurant areas. Many reviews indicated that guests were not informed of this disruption prior to their arrival, leading to temporary dining setups, noise, and inconvenience. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by those traveling with animals, though finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can be a consideration. Guests frequently noted that Wi-Fi in rooms and parking were subject to additional charges, which was a common source of frustration, as these were often perceived as unexpected costs. Some guests also reported a deposit being taken upon check-in, with delays in its return. Additionally, some rooms feature internal windows overlooking the hotel's atrium, which can impact natural light and air circulation.