No.4 Carlton
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Yes, book No.4 Carlton if you want the highest-rated five-star stay in central Southampton and value friendly staff over a lavish breakfast. Skip it if price matters most, because it cost more than double the city median in our reference sample.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This is a small, top-rated five-star address for couples and solo travellers who want a calm, central base and a warm welcome. Guests single out the staff as friendly, professional and attentive, and that is the clearest reason people rate it so highly.
It also works if you are in town for the port. Guests describe the location as central and close to the port, parks, shops and local restaurants.
Skip it if a generous hot breakfast buffet is part of what you are paying for. Breakfast is delivered to rooms, and guests often find the continental selection basic or pre-packaged. Budget travellers should also look elsewhere, since the two other picks in the city cost far less.
Location and getting around
The address is 4 Carlton Crescent, in Southampton City Centre. The location score from guests is 9.1 out of 10, which is high even for a central hotel.
Southampton Castle is about 1.4 km away, roughly an 18-minute walk on a straight-line estimate.
Netley Abbey is 5 km away, around 63 minutes on foot, and Calshot Castle is 12.4 km away, about 155 minutes. Both are far, so plan on public transport or a taxi for those day trips.
Parking is not listed among the facilities in our data. If you are driving, confirm with the hotel whether there is parking and what it costs before you book.
What guests say
The score is 9.0 out of 10 from 448 reviews. That placed it joint first on review score among the 11 eligible properties we compared in Southampton.
Praise centres on two things. The team gets credit for a warm welcome and attentive help, and the central position near the port, parks, shops and restaurants comes up again and again.
The main complaint is breakfast. It arrives in your room, and many guests say the continental choice feels basic or pre-packaged. The listed breakfast styles include Continental, Full English or Irish, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Buffet and Breakfast to go, so ask what is actually served on your dates and whether it is included in your rate.
Price and what you get against our other two picks
The reference price was 273.81 euros per night, or about 547.62 euros for two nights. These are reference prices seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults, not live quotes. The sample median for the city was 107.02 euros per night. Check today's price for your dates.
Our Best Value pick, voco Southampton by IHG, scores 8.9 at 110.16 euros per night with 4 stars. That is almost the same guest rating for well under half the price. Our Budget pick, Orange Grove Hotel & Gardens, scores 8.1 at 82.05 euros per night with 3 stars.
So the premium here buys five-star status, a slightly higher score and a strongly rated welcome. Listed facilities are free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and a 24-hour front desk. Room size, noise and cancellation terms have not been assessed.
Why it made our top 3
Our Luxury slot goes to the best-rated five-star hotel available. No.4 Carlton holds an official five-star rating and tied for the top review score among 11 compared properties, with a solid base of 448 reviews.
Before you book
Check today's price for your dates, since the reference figures come from a past sample. Confirm whether breakfast is included, and remember it is served in the room.
Ask about parking if you drive, and check the cancellation terms on your rate. If you want a hot breakfast, it is worth asking the hotel which options are available that day.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
Is No.4 Carlton close to Southampton's port?
Guests describe the location as central and near the port, parks and shops. Exact walking times to the cruise terminals are not in our data, so check the route for your terminal.
Does No.4 Carlton serve breakfast?
Yes, breakfast is delivered to rooms. Guests often call the continental selection basic or pre-packaged, and whether it is included depends on your rate.
How much does No.4 Carlton cost per night?
The reference price was 273.81 euros per night for 2 adults on a 2-night stay in November 2026. It is not a live quote, so check today's price for your dates.
Is there parking at No.4 Carlton?
Parking is not confirmed in our data. Ask the hotel directly before you arrive by car.
Can I walk to Southampton Castle from No.4 Carlton?
Yes, it is about 1.4 km, roughly 18 minutes on a straight-line estimate. Netley Abbey and Calshot Castle are far and need transport.