THE Location: Select Apartments, Basset Avenue, Southampton. The apartment block is on the corner of quiet Basset Avenue and the busy A33. Well located for quick access to the M3 and M27 and, with clear traffic, it's just a five-minute drive into the city centre.
THe Check-in: Having called around 30 minutes prior to arrival – as requested – we were greeted by a friendly agent. She provided us with a thorough briefing on facilities and the check-out procedure. She also supplied us with information on the city as well as directions to local amenities.
the Apartment: The newly built second floor, two-bedroom apartment was bright and spacious. The dining, lounge and kitchen space was of smart, contemporary design with comfortable cream leather sofas and a dining table that seated four. The open plan kitchen and lounge had floor to ceiling windows and a sliding door leading to a balcony. The kitchen came equipped with cooker, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, iron and ironing board, plus a mass of pots, pans, cutlery and crockery. An excellent breakfast basket included bread, butter, milk, sausages, eggs, jam, sugar, tea and coffee. There were two sofas, a wall-mounted flatscreen TV and a DVD player in the lounge area. A master bedroom lead off the living room and had a queen-bed, large wardrobe and a chest of drawers. There was a small ensuite bathroom complete with towels and toiletries. The second bedroom and bathroom were accessed from the entrance hallway, the latter featuring a deep bath/shower, toilet, sink, towels and toiletries.
the Facilities: There was wifi internet, a phone line and plenty of free parking. There's no on-site personnel but a phone number for a 24-hour help line was supplied.
The Checkout: Simply dropped the keys into a deposit box.
The Verdict: A smart, modern and very comfortable apartment on the outskirts of Southampton with easy access to the motorways and to the city centre. Well equipped and plenty of space in which to relax. The only quibble was a lack of amenities in the local area.
The Details: 136 Basset Avenue, South-ampton, SO16 7EZ. Rates from £120 per night for a two-bedroom apartment with a minimum seven-night stay. Minimum stays at other properties range from one night upwards. Tel: 0845 055 6352; www.selectapartments.co.uk Matt Bonner
