I'll be embarking on a cruise as Destination Speaker-Italy expert in June, flying into Gatwick from Rome.
If it was Civitavecchia I'd be able to give great tips, but this time I need those Southampton experts to give me the inside tips as to which B&B would be a good place to rest for the night between arrival at Gatwick and departure on the cruise in Southampton.

While I don't know any B&Bs in Southampton, I am curious about something Mary Jane -- what day is the cruise leaving that you're speaking on? I have guests that are staying here before leaving on a cruise out of Southampton on 7 June.

Wouldn't that be a kick if you were speaking on their cruise?!

Hi Maria, its leaving the 14th .

My husband and I will be boarding the "Independence' on the 14th June for 28 days. We will be the "Bridge Directors" (card game}, prior to boarding we will spend three days in London and then two nights in Kent with friends. I would be happy to ask our friends in Kent about a B&B in Southampton for you if you like. Otherwise, I am active on a cruise site where I could also inquire for you..

Regards,

Shannon

I work in, and live near Southampton, and there is not a great deal there to get excited about! Two possible answers would be staying in the New Forest (Lymington, Ashhurst, lyndhurtor similar), or alternatively stay Winchester.

I am just packing up my stuff to leave for home later today(After 4 weeks in Italy), but I will do some searches for local places later in the weekend.

TimW

Thank you Shannon and Tim... there are so many
out there: on Landguard Rd there are several but the rooms look so cramped and we will be in a tiny cabin for 2 weeks
Hate to spend tons on taxis back & forth from station to docks. On the avenue facing the docks there is a Hotel Posthouse of the Forte group but I cant find a website...is it brand new?

Ahhhhhh! I had completely forgotten about this. It was literally the last thing I looked at before closing up my laptop, packing it in my bag and leaving Siena

The Forte hotel, from the picture on this website has been there ages. I know very little about it except to know that I have passed it fairly often.

I am open to correction on taxis and the port, but you may need a taxi anyway, as I often see the Cruise liners moored a long way from any of the obvious gates.

I think small rooms are just the nature of UK houses, particularly those in the area of Landguard road. There is a B&B on "The Avenue" - this would mean about a 5 minute taxi ride to the docks, but the area is quite good - also several reasonable pubs and restaurants in the area, although quite a "student haunt".

Sorry I cannot be more helpful.

TimW

Just heard from our friends in Kent who recommend www.smoothhound.com. Any chance you are on the Independence with us, I would love that. We will be in Rome in November.

Good luck with your search and you tour on the ship.

Warm Regards,
Shannon

Have checked smoothound and many other sites . One mentioned a new ETAP hotel which opened in Jan. and has very low rates. Are they really open? Cant seem to find a mention, photos on the company's website.
If you are here in NOV. I'll be happy to supply any info, help you need...ask questions on Italy forum or pm to me.

You may be interested in this review

I've visited the White Star Tavern a few times - usually just for a drink, but also to eat. The food was very good, but the portions very small even by UK standards.

The Tavern is on a street full of restaurants and bars, and can be very busy, although It is not intimidating.

TimW

Mary Jane,

Thank you for your very kind offer for November. We have rented a studio/with terrace for five nights. Am very excited, as this will be our sixth year in a row to be lucky enough to visit the "Eternal City".

Much good luck with Southampton, sorry I couldn't be more help.

I'll post on Italy board with ??????s

Warm Regards,

Shannon

After a thorough search I booked a room at the new ETAP hotel for only 32pounds sterling...for l night it should suffice. Its close to embaracation dock ...I'll send a review after our June stay.

Have just read from a regular column in a national newspaper that the newly refurbished White Star Tavern in Southampton was recommended.www.whitestartavern.co.uk