Best Cheap Pre-Cruise Hotels In Southampton

If you’re setting sail from Southampton, one of the UK’s busiest and most popular cruise ports, you’ll want to ensure your holiday starts as smoothly as possible. In this post I’ll run though some of the reasons to opt for a budget pre-cruise hotel in Southampton and my recommendations for the best pre-cruise hotels in Southampton if you’re on a budget.

💰Best Budget Pre-Cruise Hotels in Southampton - at a glance:


➡️ Days Inn Southampton Rownhams – simple, motorway-side stop with free parking.

➡️ ibis budget Southampton Centre – probably the cheapest AND closest hotels to the port.

➡️ The Grapes Pub – budget-friendly rooms above a historic pub.

➡️ Holiday Inn Express Southampton West by IHG – convenient location, free breakfast, good value.

➡️ Moxy Southampton – affordable, vibrant vibe, great central location.

➡️ Premier Inn Southampton (West Quay) – consistent quality, good price, near terminals.

➡️ Premier Inn Southampton (Cumberland Place) – reliable chain option, slightly further out.

➡️ Travelodge Southampton Central – straightforward and affordable, central location.

Why You Should Stay in a Budget Hotel Before Your Southampton Cruise

Excellent Value for Money

Travelling to the port on the morning of your cruise can be stressful. Think – unpredictable traffic, rail delays, and early check-in times can all add unnecessary pressure. Staying overnight in a budget hotel near the port is a simple but effective way to begin your cruise in comfort and peace of mind without breaking the bank.

If you simply need a comfortable place to rest before your cruise, a budget hotel is an excellent choice. Budget pre-cruise hotels in Southampton offer good comfort at a fraction of the cost of premium accommodation. Many provide modern rooms, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast options and everything you need without overspending. By saving money on your pre-cruise stay, you can spend more on the experiences that matter most once you’re on board.

Convenient Locations Near the Port

Southampton has a great selection of budget-friendly hotels close to both the city centre and cruise terminals. From well-known hotel chains to independent favourites, there are plenty of options within walking distance of many terminals. Staying nearby allows you to save even more by avoiding additional taxi or transfer costs on embarkation day.

Avoid Travel Stress and Delays

Many people make the mistake of travelling to Southampton Cruise port on the day of their cruise thinking that they can save some money by cutting out a pre cruise stay.However, travelling to Southampton on the day of your cruise can be risky due to unpredictable traffic or transport delays. Arriving the night before gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re already close to the port. Missing your ship due to travel issues can be costly a pre-cruise stay helps you avoid that risk entirely. Choosing a budget hotel means you can enjoy this reassurance without stretching your travel budget.

Map of Best Cheap Pre-Cruise Hotels in Southampton

Best Budget Hotels Before Your Cruise From Southampton

These hotels are the perfect options if you are looking for a clean, comfortable place to rest without breaking the bank. Opting for a budget hotel before your cruise is an affordable way of giving yourself peace of mind before setting sail.

The Grapes Pub

Distance to Cruise Terminals: Around 5 minutes by car or a 15–20 minute walk.
Parking: No dedicated parking, though there are public car parks nearby.

A historic pub with accommodation located on Southampton’s Oxford Street. The Grapes offers simple, budget-friendly accommodation above a lively bar. It’s particularly popular with those who enjoy being in the heart of the city’s nightlife.

Expect basic great value en-suite rooms with Wi-Fi and tea/coffee facilities. Downstairs, the pub serves classic drinks, live music, and sporting events. It’s a great option if you’re looking for accommodation with a central location close to restaurants and bars. However, this is located in a busy area so expect some noise from the pub and surrounding nightlife. Also worth considering that that there is no on-site parking and amenities are limited compared with hotels

Days Inn Southampton Rownhams

Distance to Cruise Terminals: Approximately 5 miles (15-minute drive).
Parking: Free on-site parking during your stay.

This budget-friendly hotel is located at the motorway services. This is a good option if you’re driving and want somewhere cheap and clean to rest your head before your cruise – affordable rates with convenient access to the motorway. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities. However as with all budget options, there are basic amenities in the rooms, and this is only a viable option if you’re driving.

Holiday Inn Express Southampton West by IHG

Distance to Cruise Terminals: Approximately 3 miles (10-minute drive).
Parking: Free on-site parking.

Convenient hotel located off the M27, offering modern, clean accommodation. Included in your room rate is free Wi-Fi, and a complimentary breakfast, there’s also a bar/lounge area. A great price conscious option with basic amenities, however it’s not within walking distance to cruise terminals.

ibis budget Southampton Centre

Distance to Cruise Terminals: Approximately 1 mile (15-minute walk).
Parking: Limited on-site parking – approx. £12 or 24 hours.

A no-frills hotel in the heart of Southampton. Ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Despite basic facilities, limited parking, there’s free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, and a 24-hour café and reception. Public parking is also available. It’s close to shopping and dining options, with easy access to public transport. Probably the cheapest and nearest hotel to the Horizon, City and Mayflower cruise terminals.

Moxy Southampton

Distance to Cruise Terminals: Approximately 1 mile (15-minute walk).
Parking: Limited on-site parking; public parking nearby - approx £7 for 24 hours.

Vibrant hotel offering modern accommodations with a lively atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour bar, and communal spaces. Despite the limited parking on site, the cheap public carpark (Westquay Multistorey) is right next door. A fantastic central location with basic amenities and great value for money.

Premier Inn Southampton (West Quay)

Distance to Cruise Terminals: Approximately 1 mile (15-minute walk).
Parking: Limited on-site parking; public parking nearby - approx £7 for 24 hours.

Reliable hotel with comfortable accommodations at an affordable price. You know what you’re going to get in any Premier Inn so the quality and experience is consistent with any other Premier Inn you might have stayed in before. Rooms come with basic amenities, free Wi-Fi, and there’s also a restaurant, and bar on site. This option is great is your after affordable rates and a central location near the cruise terminals.

Premier Inn Southampton (Cumberland Place)

Distance to Cruise Terminals: Approximately 5-10 min drive
Parking: No on-site parking; public parking nearby - £11 for 24hrs

Reliable, budget-friendly, straightforward comfort in the heart of Southampton a little further away than the Premier Inn in West Quay). Still a great option for convenience and good value. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, Hypnos beds, in-room tea and coffee facilities, and an on-site restaurant serving breakfast and evening meals. Family rooms are also available. While there is no on-site parking available at this hotel, off-site parking is available at Grosvenor Square multistorey car park a 3-minute walk away from the hotel

Travelodge Southampton Central

Distance to Cruise Terminals: Around 5 minutes by car or 15–20 minutes on foot
Parking: No onsite parking, but nearby paid car parks are available.

A straightforward, budget-friendly hotel ideal if you’re looking for a simple overnight stay before your cruise. Just like the Premier Inn Chain, Travelodge offers consistent facilities at affordable rates. En-suite rooms come with free 30 minutes Wi-Fi, but paid thereafter, tea/coffee facilities, and an on-site bar café serving breakfast and light meals.

This is a great option if you’re looking for excellent value for money and a central location close to nightlife and dining. A fantastic budget friendly and reliable choice for short stays. However, things to consider before booking include the hotel’s very basic amenities and that there’s no free on-site parking. There may also be some noise due to the central location.

Videos you may enjoy: