St Margaret's Lodge Guest House

We had a five-night stay and would happily come back. The location made it easy to get everywhere and was simple to find. The host and staff were so friendly and willing to help with anything. Our room was comfortable and very clean, and the breakfasts were excellent. One of the best hotels we've stayed in.

The owner kindly stayed up to wait for our unavoidably late arrival. The bed was very comfortable, and the bedding lovely. I liked seeing how the house had been adapted, especially the unusual en suite with two basins and a tub bath.

The rooms at the front are really spacious, and the place was spotless. Breakfast was great, and the host knew the local area well. I'd definitely stay again and recommend it.

The setting is lovely in a beautiful old building, just a few minutes from Southsea Beach, the pier, and Canoe Lake. Shops, a tea room, and the usual pub on the corner are about a ten-minute walk away on Albert Street. Still, this wasn't a highlight of our Portsmouth trip. The room was okay, but we had to ask for toilet roll and Kleenex tissues once. The room was hot and stuffy with no fan. I wouldn't expect air conditioning in such an old building, but a fan would've helped. The plastic tumblers weren't replaced after we unwrapped them on arrival. Getting the iron meant carrying a heavy board and iron up to the second floor. I was glad we weren't on the third. Breakfast was standard, from a full English to a basic cheese omelet, but the instant coffee served with milk was a big letdown. It was piping hot, and we wondered if it had been microwaved. With France so close to Southsea, real coffee wouldn't go amiss. Not every visitor to England drinks tea.