The Moxy Southampton hotel is well-beloved by cruise passengers departing from one of the nearby terminals. But why? Here’s what we thought about our most recent stay…
Key data
Cost: £79.00
Fair cost: £70.00
Breakfast: Not rated
Rating: 4 out of 5
How accurate are the website photos? 5 out of 5
The lowdown
As is our habit, we like to arrive in Southampton the day before we sail. This means that any traffic delays on the way will not stop us embarking.
Previously we have stayed on the outskirts of the city and in the centre. We will be using one of the port-side car parking services, so a city centre hotel makes sense.
There’s a handful of properties that fit the bill (see below), but the Premier Inn West Quay and the Moxy Southampton are probably the best situated. Given that the Premier Inn was more expensive on the night of our most recent visit, we chose the Moxy.
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Location
The Moxy Southampton is perfectly located in the city centre, directly opposite the massive West Quay shopping centre. It is a few minuted walks to Upper Bar, the main shopping thoroughfare and many of Southampton’s historic sites, such as the old city walls.
For drivers, this does mean navigating many of the busy roads leading into town. For anyone arriving by National Express, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the coach station.
Top tip: Check out our complete National Express Coach to Southampton Cruise Terminal Guide for more info about getting to Southampton on the coach.
There are plenty of restaurants and takeaways within easy walking distance.
Check-in
Check-in at the Moxy is unpredictable. Today there were two staff on the reception desk and check-in was as slow as ever.
If you are using the hotel car park (see below) you will need to enter your car registration details into the tablet mounted on the desk. DO NOT forget to do this.
The Bedroom
Rooms at the Moxy are relatively generic. Queen size bed, thick carpeting and shades of grey on the walls.
There’s a high-backed chair beside the bed. If you have to work, there’s a narrow glass desk and a long, hard stool to sit at. Frankly, it’s a bit rubbish.
The TV is built into a wooden case, preventing access to the various ports built into the screen. Forget plugging in your Fire Stick or Apple TV – you’re stuck with the pre-configured channels.
Linda says she thinks the rooms are starting to look a bit tatty.
The Bathroom
A glass cubicle with a fully closing door! The water flow is steady and hot which is nice. The towels are big and fluffy although I personally don’t rate the ‘Deep Muk’ toiletries.
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Parking
The Moxy Southampton has a limited number of spaces at the rear of the building.
Top tip: There is ONE disabled space, located in the furthest corner from the hotel entrance <shrug>. You will need to leave your Blue Badge on display on your car dashboard.
Parking costs £8 per night which isn’t too bad. Probably equivalent to the cost of parking at the West Quay shopping centre next door.
Accessibility factors
Aside from the single disabled parking spot, there is one other major factor you may wish to consider.
By far the biggest problem with the Moxy Southampton is the lifts – there are only two to service all six floors of the building. They are small and narrow, only holding four people at a time. Now consider suitcases, wheelchairs and mobility scooters and you can see why this may be a problem at busy times of day – like when everyone is trying to check out to get down to the docks…
Other nearby accommodation options
The Moxy Southampton shares a building with the Premier Inn West Quay. The Moxy is probably one hotel category above the Premier Inn, but we have not stayed there since the property was refurbished.
There are a few other hotels in the area to choose from:
Check out our guide to the top hotels near the Southampton Cruise terminals.
Can you walk from the Moxy Southampton to the cruise terminals?
Can you walk to your ship? That depends on your appetite for walking (with luggage). City and Ocean terminals are closest to the hotel, but Mayflower, Horizon and the QE2 terminals are much further on foot.
Driving to any of the terminals should take no more than 10 minutes – even if the port is exceptionally busy.
Top tip: A taxi from the Moxy to your cruise terminal will cost £10-£15. Make sure you have reception book your taxi the night before, otherwise you may have trouble securing one on a busy day.
Overall rating of the Moxy Southampton
The Moxy Southampton is a perfectly serviceable crash pad for the night before your cruise. At £70-£80 per night, it’s relatively good value and its central location means that there are a few tourists sights and restaurants within easy walking distance.
Would we recommend the Moxy Southampton? Yes. See you there next time.
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