Located with coast, countryside and city on its doorstep, this hotel has a lovely alfresco terrace with an outdoor grill where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the summer months.
Words – Helen Newton
There’s also a newly renovated, state-of-the-art spa, boasting a pool, jacuzzi, storm shower, steam room and salt sauna, plus ample space to lounge and unwind indoors. Fitness facilities include tennis courts and a gym with an activity studio. The spa features a wide range of options, including bespoke massages using Templespa oil blends. It recently underwent a substantial upgrade, and the space has taken its design inspiration from the south coast in terms of its colour palette and seaside style.
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE?
A range of suites and family rooms is available, and the beds have comfy mattresses and plush pillows to help you drift off to sleep. All the rooms feature tea and coffee making facilities as you might expect, but instead of having to deal with those tiny UHT milk cartons, a small fridge in the room with a couple of glass bottles inside allows guests to help themselves to fresh milk and filtered water when required, courtesy of a refilling station on each floor. White Company toiletries are supplied and if you’re in the mood for an indulgent soak, you can order a special, tailor-made relaxation kit to be delivered to your room.
HOW ABOUT THE FOOD?
There are two restaurants on site. The FYR Bar & Grill has a team of chefs who cook up a feast on the open-flame grill – their hanging kebabs, in particular the tandoori marinated salmon and monkfish kebab served with spiced mango relish (£26.95), look spectacular and taste just as great. If you’re after lighter bites, they also offer a range of small plates including Crispy Hampshire Rosary goats’ cheese with hot tomato chutney (£6.25). The onsite Parson’s Collar Pub & Kitchen provides pub-style fare such as pizzas, burgers and salads – good food for all the family with a selection of freshly prepared dishes served from 12 noon daily.
ANY SPECIAL TOUCHES?
It’s very family friendly – if you have children travelling with you, little robes are available on request. And when dining in the restaurants, an activity pack will keep them entertained as you all enjoy your meal. For adults, the outdoor hot tub is worth a visit – it’s bookable via the spa.
WHAT CAN YOU DO IN THE SURROUNDING AREA?
Just a few miles away from the hotel are Meon Shore Beach and Hill Head Beach which offer long stretches of shingle beach with views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight – both great for walks. Lee-on-the-Solent is busier, with a promenade and cafés to enjoy. Fareham sits between Southampton and Portsmouth, in a region rich in naval and military history, with sites and museums including Portsmouth Historic Dockyard a short drive away.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
Prices start at £105 per night for a double room.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Call 01489 880000 or visit solenthotel.co.uk.
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