Travelodge Southampton Central

The location is central, the rooms are clean but small, they have heating and AC, and the price is good. That's all the good I can say, unfortunately. After a five-hour drive, I arrived at 2:30pm and was told I couldn't get into my room until exactly 3pm. Midday check-in costs £15. The hotel parking underneath is £6 for 24 hours, but to get that discounted price you need the Horizon app. You can't get a signal down there because it's semi-underground. Wi-Fi isn't free either, it's £3.50 for 24 hours. The parking spaces are so tight I had to unload my things first, then park. To get out of my car I had to block the driver next to me from getting into theirs. There was nobody on reception when I arrived and no way to call anyone. The bar/restaurant felt soulless and bare. After seeing a few odd people, I quickly realised the hotel is being used to house homeless people and others. I had no issues, but as a woman travelling alone and paying to stay somewhere, I don't like the possibility of antisocial behaviour. On a dark, rainy day I couldn't see the many bus lanes and gates, so I'm expecting a fine any day. I wouldn't choose to stay here again.

Breakfast was good, and so was the coffee. The room and shower area were smaller than I expected, but perfectly adequate for my short stay. The decor is much better than their old style and gives the place a cosier feel. My only issue with the tiny shower room was the toilet roll holder, set at a level that got in the way. I also wish they'd sort out the keycards. I needed more cards just to get through one door and reach my room.

The staff were the kindest and most caring team I've come across at a Travel Lodge, and they were great about storing our bags and refrigerating essential items when we checked in. There were five of us, a mixed group of friends, and I've stayed in plenty of Travel Lodges. When I locked myself out of the family room, they checked multiple booking details before cutting a key card, to make sure the girls were safe. The one thing that let the hotel down was a stranger's fake eyelash on the duvet, which made me question the hygiene.

The staff were pleasant, helpful and reliable throughout my stay, and the location scores points too, just a short walk from the high street. I didn't try breakfast, though I saw other guests having it most mornings. The vending machine at reception worked reliably, and everything else did what it should. For a straightforward, functional budget stay, it's okay, but I think Travelodge is a bit overpriced for what you get when other nearby hotels offer more for a similar price. A decent no-frills stay, somewhere in the middle for me.