Rooms with a view: The White Star Tavern, Southampton
David recently shared his thoughts on our Atlantic Crossing in August 2017 via Cunard's stunning flagship, the Queen Mary 2. Whilst the hotel we stayed in when arriving in New York City was certainly nothing to write home about (and one of the worst check-in experiences we've both ever experienced), this was definitely not the case for the room we checked into the day before boarding our vessel to "the new world", in Southampton.
The White Star Tavern in Southampton is in a great location to explore the city and also conveniently located for the port
Firstly, we must be honest: whilst we read a few reviews of The White Star Tavern before entering our debit card details and confirming our booking, the name was the thing that pretty much sealed the deal. Since going on our first cruise in 2014, David and I have become massive fans of all things maritime and a pub with lodgings named after the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company's better-known name was right up our street. At breakfast the next day, we quickly found out we weren't alone and most of the other guests staying in the nautical themed rooms were also going to be travelling with us on the Queen Mary too (great for instant bonding and the social aspect of going on a cruise - and also could have been ripped straight out of an Agatha Christie novel!)
The Upper Deck rooms are tastefully decorated and spacious with great views over the street below
It isn't just the name that screams the high seas at The White Star Tavern. All the rooms are designed with the sea and the famous ships (one in particular; no prizes for which!) of the titular passenger line. The different classes of rooms are even separated into Lower Deck, Middle Deck and Upper Deck (with each class being broadly similar apart from a bit more space to move about in and Upper Deck rooms having rolltop baths in addition to monsoon shower rooms).
Even with the rooms being above a very busy pub and restaurant, we had no issue with getting to sleep (although a full day at work each and a long train journey might have had something to do with that!)
The hotel staff were knowledgeable about the area and very happy to help with booking taxis to the port. The location of The White Star Tavern means it is conveniently placed to rest before and after a cruise as well as explore the lovely city of Southampton (the Titanic museum is a must do!) Despite being lodgings above a pub the rooms are on the luxury end of the spectrum and a great accompaniment to a similarly luxurious ocean journey.
Prices range from around £95/£125/£145 per night for two people (Lower/Middle/Upper) from Sunday to Monday, with Saturday to Sunday prices being at the higher end of £145/£175/£195 (Lower/Middle/Upper). All bookings through the hotel's website include breakfast. As of the time of writing, The White Star Tavern are offering 15% off their best available rates by using the code FST1845 when checking out online.
Have you stayed at The White Star Tavern in Southampton? What did you think? Are there any other hotels in the city you'd recommend worth a pre or post-port punt?
