voco Southampton by IHG
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, it is a sound booking for cruise passengers and city-centre visitors who want a well-reviewed four-star at close to the median price. Drivers should budget for parking, which guests call expensive.
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Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
Cruise passengers are the obvious fit. Guests point out that the hotel is near the cruise terminals and the port, and that the city-centre shops are an easy walk. With 8.9/10 from 2,314 reviews, the score rests on a large sample.
It also works for families, since family rooms are listed, and for anyone who wants a gym and a restaurant on site. Skip it if you are arriving by car on a tight budget. Parking fees come up in guest comments, and so do pricey drinks.
Location and getting around
The hotel sits on Herbert Walker Avenue in Southampton City Centre, and its location score is 9.5. Southampton Castle is about 0.2 km away, roughly 3 minutes on foot.
Day trips are a different story. Netley Abbey is 4.3 km away, around 54 minutes walking, and Calshot Castle is 11.4 km, about 143 minutes. Both are far, so use public transport or a taxi. Walking times are straight-line estimates and have not been checked on the ground.
What guests say
Two things stand out in the reviews. First, the location: close to the port, with shops within walking distance. Second, the staff, described as friendly and welcoming, with reception singled out as helpful.
On value, opinions split. Room rates are seen as reasonable. Parking and drinks are not. If you plan to drive, look up the parking charge before you arrive so it is not a surprise at checkout.
Price and what you get compared with our other picks
Our reference check for 10 to 12 November 2026, 2 adults and one room, showed about €110.16 per night. The sample median was €107.02, so this sits just above the middle of the market. These are reference prices seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026, not live quotes. Check today's price for your dates.
Orange Grove Hotel & Gardens, our Budget pick (3 stars, 8.1/10), came in at about €82.05. No.4 Carlton, our Luxury pick (5 stars, 9.0/10), was about €273.81. So voco costs about €28 a night more than the budget option and scores 0.8 points higher. The luxury pick scores only 0.1 higher but costs about two and a half times as much.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 11 eligible properties in Southampton. voco holds a joint second place on review score among them. Our Best Value slot balances the guest score, the number of reviews and the reference price, and this hotel does well on all three.
It is not the cheapest hotel in town and was never meant to be. It is the one where the score, the review volume and the price line up best.
Before you book
Room size, noise, renovation condition, cancellation terms and breakfast inclusion have not been assessed. The breakfast listed covers continental, full English or Irish, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, buffet and a breakfast to go, which could help on an early embarkation morning. Confirm whether it is in your rate.
The gym, restaurant and terrace are listed by the property. Opening times and fees are not confirmed. Ask about parking costs in advance if you are driving to the port.
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 voco Southampton close to the cruise terminals?
Guests say it is near the cruise terminals and the port. Exact walking routes to your terminal are not confirmed, so check the distance for your ship.
Does voco Southampton have parking?
Guests mention parking, but they also say the fees are high. The exact price is not confirmed, so ask the hotel before you arrive.
Is breakfast included?
Several breakfast types are listed, including a breakfast to go. Whether it is included in your rate is not confirmed, so check the booking details.
What can I walk to from the hotel?
Southampton Castle is about 3 minutes on foot and city-centre shops are within walking distance. Netley Abbey and Calshot Castle are far and need public transport or a taxi.
How does it compare with the cheaper option?
Orange Grove Hotel & Gardens was about €28 a night cheaper in our reference check but scored 8.1 against 8.9 here.