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If you’re sailing from Southampton before your cruise, choosing the right pre-cruise hotel can set the tone for your entire holiday. On a recent stay, I checked into The Pig in the Wall in Southampton – and it turned out to be one of my favourite pre-cruise stays yet.
Quite literally built into Southampton’s historic medieval city walls, this boutique hotel combines character, comfort and a touch of indulgence – perfect for unwinding before embarkation day.
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Why Stay at The Pig in the Wall Before a Southampton Cruise?
If you’re sailing from the City Cruise Terminal, Horizon Cruise Terminal there are many hotels within walking distance to the port however The Pig in The Wall might be the most cosy and luxurious of them all.
The location is great – regardless of which terminal you’re sailing from as its around 10 minutes by taxi to all Southampton cruise terminals even the Mayflower, the Queen Elizabeth 2 terminal and the Ocean Terminal, It’s also only short stroll to Southampton city centre too. So, for anyone wanting a smooth, stress-free start to their cruise, the convenience alone makes this a great choice.
A Boutique Hotel Full of Character
There are only a limited number of rooms at the Pig in The Wall, which means it books up quickly during peak cruise season – and after staying here, I can see exactly why.
The atmosphere feels more like a country house than a city hotel. The downstairs area is compact but beautifully styled, with cosy seating where you can enjoy a drink or a light bite the evening before your cruise.
Although there isn’t a full restaurant onsite, the Deli Bar offers a small but tempting menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. If you prefer more choice, Southampton city centre is just a short walk away.
Breakfast, however, is a real highlight – freshly baked breads, pastries and delicious hot options that set you up perfectly for embarkation day.
Parking at The Pig in the Wall
If you’re driving to Southampton before your cruise, there is a small private car park at the rear of the hotel, with parking charged at £10 per night for guests. It’s worth noting that space is limited, so advance planning is recommended.
Check latest prices and availability for The Pig In the Wall, Southampton
The Rooms: Cosy, Comfortable and Thoughtfully Designed
I stayed in one of the ‘snug’ rooms on the first floor. I noticed that the staircase is quite narrow, so this location might not be ideal if you have limited mobility. However, there is one ground floor room which is accessible.
My room (number 3) was wonderfully cosy and elegant. The bed was genuinely one of the most comfortable I’ve slept in – plush bedding, soft textures and calming décor made it feel like a proper treat before my cruise.
Storage and Practical Touches
For a boutique hotel in a historic building, the room was quite well equipped: Bedside cabinets and a small wardrobe, and in-room safe (which was a good size), plenty of plug sockets and USB points, a small desk and mirror, and really good aircon. It was also nice to see standard coat hangers rather than fixed anti-theft ones – a small detail, but one that adds to the feeling of quality and luxury.
The In-Room Larder: A Real Luxury Touch
One of my favourite features was the fully stocked in-room larder.
Inside, there was a high-quality coffee machine and kettle. The espresso was excellent, and the hotel’s own signature tea blend was just as impressive. I also found a cocktail shaker a well-stocked mini bar, fresh milk (extra bonus points for this), complimentary bottled water, and chocolate biscuits (which I only realised were complimentary after I checked out!).
There was also a generous (and quite impressive) selection of glassware – ideal if you fancy enjoying a glass of bubbly before your cruise.
Bathroom and Amenities
The bathroom design was charming – and slightly quirky – exactly what you’d expect in a historic building. Along with its character features, it was very well equipped. The walk-in monsoon shower was spacious and powerful, and thoughtful touches included luxury toiletries and complimentary robes. It felt indulgent without being over the top – exactly what you want the night before embarkation.
Is The Pig in the Wall Worth It for a Pre-Cruise Stay?
If you can secure a good rate, I would absolutely recommend The Pig in the Wall for a pre-cruise stay in Southampton. It’s convenient for all Southampton cruise terminals, full of charm and character, comfortable and quietly luxurious and perfect for starting your holiday in style. Personally, I would happily stay again.
If you’re planning a cruise from Southampton, I also have a detailed port guide covering hotels, transport, terminal information and embarkation tips to help you prepare.
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