Situated between the coastal cities of Southampton and Portsmouth, the Solent Hotel and Spa offers the perfect opportunity to unwind either on site or by exploring the surrounding area. With two different hotels on the premises – the Solent Hotel and Spa and the Lodge at Solent – there are a number of room options to enjoy depending on what kind of stay you are after.
In terms of what to do whilst you are there, if you fancy a journey away from the hotel, there are plenty of coastal spots to enjoy including Lee-on-Solent and Hill Head. Given it overlooks one of the busiest sea lanes to and from the English coast, you are never short of something to look at and if you fancy getting out on the water yourself, there are places to go sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing. For any young families, or indeed former UK prime ministers, Peppa Pig World is a 20-minute drive away and there is also the New Forest to explore.
Should you wish to stay a little closer to base, the hotel has plenty to do including a relaxing spa and pool with a number of treatments on offer. If the weather is on your side then there is also an outdoor tennis court and hot tub.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE? Booking at the Solent Hotel will give you not only free use of the spa facilities but also a number of room options with all the modern luxuries you would expect. Each room comes with a comfy bed, capsule coffee machine and a mini fridge but there is also the nice touch of fresh milk making your tea or coffee taste a little bit more like home.
For your four-legged friends, there are dog-friendly rooms as well as the premier suite which has a complimentary mini bar, a large lounge area and even a pillow menu to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
Meanwhile at the Lodge, the price is lower meaning the rooms are a little more basic. You also will not have access to the spa facilities but if you are looking for a place to rest your head while you spend the day out and about, this could be the option for you.
BEST SEA VIEW? You are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to sea views as there are plenty of coastal towns nearby. Your closest beach will be Lee-on-Solent which has stunning views stretching across the water and looking out towards the Isle of Wight which is where, if the weather is right, you will be able to see Osborne House, the summer residence of Queen Victoria. Should you wish to take a trip to the island, ferries regularly depart from Portsmouth and can also carry your car, making it easier for you to get around.
If you are planning on staying on the mainland then the small seaside town of Lee-on-the-Solent has an excellent range of things to do and history. The town was a favourite of sailors in the early 20th century with seaplane trials starting in 1915 with a base built in 1917. The HMS Daedalus Royal Naval Station operated in the town until 1996 but the airbase is still there today to remind you of the history that surrounds you.
The beach has grassy areas suitable for games and picnics, a paved walkway that runs alongside the entire length of the beach and in the summer, the beach has zoned areas for swimming, fishing and other nautical activities. Kids can also have fun searching for crabs in the many rockpools provided the tide is out! There is also a children’s play area, a splash park, a skate park, seafront cafes and restaurants and plenty of places to get an ice cream.
HOW ABOUT THE FOOD? Regardless of which hotel you are staying at, you have a number of dining options to choose from. Inside the Solent Hotel is the restaurant and grill which offers a number of classic British cuisine dishes such as roast squash, beer battered sole fillets and slow roasted root vegetables. Vegans and vegetarians are also fully catered for with a vegan á la carte menu.
If you are after a more casual dining experience then head next door to the Lodge and the Parson’s Collar Pub where you will find a welcoming atmosphere and all the pub grub you can eat.
Should the weather be on your side then the outdoor Meadow Bar is open in the summer and offers drinks and light bites.
WHAT WILL IT COST? A night in the Solent Hotel and Spa will cost from £110 upwards while the Lodge is available from £85.
HOW DO I BOOK? To book at the Solent Hotel and Spa visit solenthotel.co.uk/ or call 01489 880000. To book at the lodge visit lodgeatsolent.co.uk/ or call 01489 880035.
