Premier Inn Southsea

We booked a twin room, but the receptionist said we’d booked a double. They reluctantly made up a single bed in the room. My wife woke in the night freezing and couldn’t change the temperature with the thermostat. With no spare blankets, she spent the rest of the night fully dressed, woolly hat included. When we mentioned it the next morning, the receptionist said other guests had reported the same problem, and that the control panels had changed from white to black(!!?). We also tried to give feedback to the Premier Inn call centre. The operator’s first words were, “We cannot give you compensation.” We weren’t after compensation. An apology from the receptionist or the call centre would have been a start. We won’t stay there again, so it doesn’t affect us now, but future guests should be aware.

The reception team were welcoming, and our room was clean with the view we wanted. It was a shame that the window overlooking the sea from the bed really needed cleaning. The outside could do with some attention. We stayed out of season, though, so we have no complaints about that and would definitely return.

The location was good, and most of the staff were friendly, as you’d expect. But the rooms were the worst I’ve had at a Premier Inn. We often choose the chain for mini breaks because we know what to expect, but this room had a strong damp smell. We asked to move, but the hotel was full. The whole place needs to close for a few months for an update. The stand let it down, and I wouldn’t stay at this one again.

The reception staff were friendly, and the location is great, but this was a very poor stay. The building is old and creaky, and we didn’t get the good night’s sleep this chain usually promises. Noise from what seemed to be a walkway above our room was unacceptable. I can only assume an Irish Dance troupe was rehearsing overnight. In that British stiff-upper-lip spirit, who gets up to complain unless there’s a water leak? The car park is also in a very poor state. When we returned in the morning, part of the roof had fallen onto our car. I’ve always been a fan of Premier Inn, but this was a very bad experience.