Somerset House Boutique Hotel and Restaurant

Stay: 9–12 July 2026 (3 nights) – Sleeps 4 - Summerset Boutique Hotel in Portsmouth Southsea - Florence Road 1 - Room 4 (first floor) and 6 (second floor) Positive points ● Good location. ● Pleasant bedding and comfortable sheets. Negative points Upon arrival we immediately noticed some shortcomings. For example, there were no tissues in the room, something you can expect in a hotel that styles itself as “boutique”. For two people we only got two large and one small towel. When we asked for an extra small towel at the reception, we were told that this was neither possible nor customary. Because of this we had to share one towel. So bring your own extra hznddoeken if you stay here. During our stay it was about 30°C outside. Our room, just under the roof, rose to 32°C during the day and stayed around 27°C at night. There was only one fan, which was clearly insufficient. We requested an extra fan, but according to reception they were not available. On the first floor we saw a fan in a storage loft, which only needed to be made dust-free, but that was not made available either. Another room was not possible according to reception because the hotel was fully booked. We also had mn a room on the first floor and there too it was still about 30°C. We understand that no one can change anything about the outside temperature, but a little understanding and hospitality would have made a lot of difference. Think of a bottle of cold water, some ice, a piece of watermelon or an extra towel. Other guests also complained about the heat in the rooms. The floor in the room is very uneven. That may fit the historic character of the building, but this makes the headboard of the bed lower than the footboard. We woke up every morning with a puffy face and puffy eyes. In addition, the doors were jammed, some floorboards were loose and the shower in room 4 of Summerset House had a crack in the bottom. Outside the bathroom is a switch that is nowhere explained what it is for. It turned out to work the towel radiator. This one got so hot, it could burn you without any warning. We had reserved a twin room, but got a double bed with a folding bed next to it. That folding bed was particularly uncomfortable and did not meet our booking. We had to ask for a second key card ourselves. At check-in we were not given any explanation about the breakfast hours, the check-out procedure or the dining options in the area. We had to request all the information ourselves. The towels did not smell fresh, had become grey and on one towel there were still stains. Breakfast is adequate but very limited in choice. The welcome also disappointed. The employee who checked us in came across as distant and radiated little enthusiasm. We didn't feel welcome. Especially during the exceptional heat, a little attention or a warm gesture could have made a lot of difference. Conclusion For us, this hotel is not worth the name “boutique hotel”. We expect a warm and personal welcome, well-kept and fresh towels, basic amenities such as tissues in the room, clear communication and just that little extra service that makes a stay special. We found the value for money insufficient. We will not be coming back and unfortunately cannot recommend this hotel either.

The images on the site are taken with super wide-angle lens, so they appear much larger than they are. Our executive room was tiny with a small, run-down closet (1 door, 1 shelf, a few hangers). Toiletries were not available and a towel had to be enough for 2 people. We asked the lady at reception for a second towel, which she got us a bit reluctantly, with the remark that 1 towel for 2 people would be common...! The next day there was only one again. We spent 4 nights at the hotel. Room rates vary and can be three times higher on Saturday than on Wednesday! Demand is apparently being shamelessly exploited. Conclusion: If Portsmouth, then surely never Mercer Collection again!

Arrived at 2pm and room wasn't available until check in time 3pm.Had pre-booked parking for £10,room was spacious and clean. Very quiet. If staying at Somerset house,please be aware that this part of the hotel is a separate annex to where you have breakfast. Breakfast was great, huge choice.