Whether you’re here to explore HMS Victory and the Mary Rose, the D-Day or the Royal Marines museums, or you just want to take in the views from Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth makes for a lovely break. And if sightseeing isn’t your thing, the beach at Southsea is the perfect spot for grabbing an ice cream and catching some rays. So you'll want to save your pennies for the wealth of activities, which you can do by staying at one of Portsmouth's best cheap hotels.
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Rooms at this stylish converted Edwardian mansion vary from small doubles with shower rooms to a superior wedding suite with a grand double bathtub (ideal if you’ve just tied the knot) and there are also in-room spa treatments available. The hotel’s gastropub, The Florence Arms, is just opposite, serving everything from burgers to scallops and sea bream, while Southsea beach is just a few minutes walk away.
If you’re an independently minded traveller, this converted Victorian house on a quiet residential street behind Clarence Parade is worth a visit. All the rooms are modern and have en suite wetrooms; there's free wi-fi, parking, a bike lock-up and laundry. But best of all is the communal kitchen, ideal for knocking together a spectacular picnic before heading off to the beach, a ten-minute walk away.
This pretty, simple guesthouse attached to a pub in the heart of Old Portsmouth has a variety of rooms to suit budget travellers, from doubles with shared bathrooms (from £50) to large en suite twin and family rooms, all with free wi-fi. It’s a short walk to the beach, Clarence Pier and the Gunwharf Quays shopping centre. Fancy going further afield? You’re a stone’s throw away from Portsmouth Harbour, which has ferries to the Isle of Wight and the Continent.
From the sea views to the superlative breakfasts, there’s plenty to recommend the family-run Seacrest Hotel. You can even bring your pets (you’ll need to call ahead). The 28 en suite rooms here come with TVs, free wi-fi and a bountiful breakfast running the gamut from bacon and eggs to waffles to a cheeseboard. A small bar and lounge, complete with big leather armchairs to sink into, round up the offerings.
For boutique style on a budget, try this Edwardian townhouse turned hotel a few minutes walk from the Aquarium, the D-Day Museum, Clarence Pier and Southsea beach. Rooms are all en suite and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities and fluffy towels. Breakfast is included and plentiful, and the hotel is particularly handy if you’re catching a boat: there’s a car park around the back and the ferry terminal is a ten-minute drive away.
Although it’s in Fratton, a five-minute drive east of the centre of Portsmouth, what the Ibis lacks in location it makes up for with its bright, clean interiors and in value for money – with rooms from a bargainous £30. They come with en suite showers and TVs, plus there’s free Wi-Fi throughout and (limited) free parking for guests.
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