Travellers looking for a cheap hotel in Portsmouth have a solid range of choices, from big‑name chains to independent guest houses. Expedia lists budget rates starting at £34 per night, while Tripadvisor highlights 23 cheap hotels in the city. This guide compares prices, locations, and guest satisfaction to help you find the right option.
Last checked: 2026-08-18
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Cheapest month: July (€45/night avg) · Most expensive month: May (€124/night avg) · Hotels listed: 76+ on hotels.uk.com · Minimum price: £25/night
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-08-18.
Sources reviewed: Official hotel websites, online travel agencies (Kayak, Trivago, Lastminute), price comparison sites.
No on‑site visits, no staff interviews, no personal stay experience.
Key facts at a glance
- January to March – average low prices (Expedia)
- £34 per night on Expedia (Expedia)
- 23 on Tripadvisor’s cheap‑hotels page (Tripadvisor)
- 51,843 hotel reviews on Tripadvisor (Tripadvisor)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Cheapest months | January to March |
| Most expensive months | July to September |
| Cheap hotels on Tripadvisor | 23 |
| Lowest advertised rate (Expedia) | £34/night |
| Total hotel reviews (Tripadvisor) | 51,843 |
| Ibis Budget Portsmouth (Trip.com) | £37/night, 4.1/5 |
| Central Southsea Guest House (Expedia) | £42/night (sample date) |
Best cheap hotels in Portsmouth
The cheapest options on the market come from a mix of well‑known budget chains and small independent guest houses. Below is a snapshot of the rooms with the lowest verified prices, based on data from Expedia and Trip.com.
| Hotel | Price per night | Location | Unique selling point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expedia’s cheapest option | From £34 | Various locations | Number of budget hotels start at this rate (Expedia) |
| Ibis Budget Portsmouth | From £37 | Portsmouth | Rated 4.1/5 on Trip.com, budget‑friendly chain |
| Central Southsea Guest House | £42 (sample date) | Southsea | Good value in a popular neighbourhood |
Among these, the Ibis Budget Portsmouth offers the lowest specific price for a named hotel, while Expedia’s “from £34” rate may apply to smaller guest houses or last‑minute deals.
Prices change with demand. Booking during January to March, when rates are lowest, can push the cost even further down.
Where to stay in Portsmouth: areas and neighbourhoods
Portsmouth’s accommodation is spread across several distinct areas. Two that regularly appear in cheap‑hotel searches are the city centre and Southsea.
Portsmouth city centre
The city centre is the most convenient base for visitors exploring the historic dockyard, shopping areas, and transport links. Budget hotels here can start at the £34 mark (Expedia).
Southsea
Southsea, a coastal district just south of the centre, has its own cluster of cheap hotels and guest houses. The Central Southsea Guest House, listed at £42 per night (Expedia), is one example. This area is close to Southsea Common and the seafront.
The bottom line: choose the city centre for walkability, Southsea for a slightly quieter seaside feel.
Premier Inn vs Travelodge: which is better?
General travel‑industry patterns indicate Premier Inn tends to command higher satisfaction ratings than Travelodge, though individual property performance varies. Without specific review scores for the Portsmouth locations, the best advice is to check the most recent guest ratings for each before booking.
Booking tips and policies for cheap hotels in Portsmouth
Timing and booking channel can affect the final rate you pay.
When to book
Expedia identifies January to March as the cheapest months for hotel stays in Portsmouth. July to September tend to be pricier. So if your schedule is flexible, aim for an early‑year visit.
Direct vs third‑party booking
Expedia reports that direct booking is often cheaper, especially for chains that guarantee the best rate on their own site. However, the price can still be lower on third‑party platforms during sales. Always compare.
Check‑in age policy
For Premier Inn, a 17‑year‑old guest can stay if accompanied by someone aged 18 or over. Other chains may have different rules—verify before you travel.
What this means: plan your travel for off‑peak months and compare direct versus third‑party prices to maximise savings.
Our pick: the Royal Maritime Hotel
If you want the strongest combination of verified guest satisfaction and affordable rates, the Royal Maritime Hotel stands out. Expedia rates it 8.8/10 and calls it an “excellent budget‑friendly option”. While its price is not fixed in our data, its review score puts it ahead of many other cheap alternatives. Check current rates on Expedia.
“Properties ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data, including traveler ratings, confirmed availability from our partners, prices, booking popularity and location.”
– Tripadvisor, travel platform
“If you’re looking to save money on a cheap hotel in Portsmouth, the ideal time to go is usually during the off-season in Portsmouth.”
– Expedia, online travel agency
tripadvisor.com, cozycozy.com, tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.com, tripadvisor.fr, expedia.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest hotel in Portsmouth?
The lowest visible price on Expedia is £34 per night, and the Ibis Budget Portsmouth is listed from £37 on Trip.com.
How many budget hotels are available?
Tripadvisor’s cheap‑hotel page lists 23 properties specifically categorised as cheap hotels.
Which budget hotel has the best guest rating?
Among the hotels with cited review scores, the Royal Maritime Hotel scores 8.8/10 on Expedia, described as an “excellent budget‑friendly option”.
When is the cheapest time to visit Portsmouth?
January to March is the cheapest season, according to Expedia. July to September tends to be more expensive.
Are there cheap hotels near Southsea?
Yes. The Central Southsea Guest House is listed at £42 per night on Expedia. Southsea has several other cheap guest houses and small hotels.