THE LOCATION: Gunwharf Quays is in the historic dock area of Portsmouth and the hotel is part of an impressive new-build canal-side mixed use development of apartments, shops, restaurants and leisure activities.
THE CHECK-IN: A lift to the first floor reception area brings you into an open-plan space with modern bar and TV lounge area. Young, friendly and refreshingly chirpy reception staff explained my room wasn’t ready and locked my luggage away, so I returned later for a swift check-in.
THE ROOM: A good size double room with sofabed, flatscreen TV offering 24-channels, desk with high-speed internet access, wall-mounted hairdryer conveniently located next to a mirror, plus an open wall unit comprising wardrobe space, storage and tea and coffee-making facilities. The small bathroom was cleverly designed with a large shower cubicle with power shower and separate toilet and wall-mounted liquid soap dispenser. The bedroom décor was a bit of a mish-mash of colours between the curtains, bedspread and bed cover, but not offensive.
THE BUSINESS: The glass-walled Nelson meeting room on the ground floor accommodates up to 15 delegates boardroom style and up to 25 theatre style; the Victory room on the first floor gives more privacy and is slightly larger, accommodating 24 and 40 delegates respectively. There is wireless internet access in the lobby area.
THE RESTAURANT: There's no restaurant, just a breakfast area with a free self-service continental buffet. There are takeaway menus at reception from local restaurants who will deliver to the hotel, plus a list of discounts from them ranging from ten to 20 per cent. THE FACILITIES: There's car parking spaces directly outside and in the adjacent underground car park which are free for 24 hours; laundry service; public payphone on the first floor; ice machine on the second floor.
THE CHECK OUT: Painless and fast.
THE VERDICT: A well-run product for the city which is well located and has very good service standards.
THE DETAILS: The Plaza, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth PO1 3FD. Rates range from £89.95 to £105 and include breakfast and VAT. www.hiexpress.co.uk; Tel: 02392 894240. Gillian Upton
