Looking for a place to stay in Southampton? The city boasts of several five-star and four-star hotels as well as countryside and other novel accommodations that exude their own unique ambiance, whether it’s modern and chic or classically traditional.

One of the most impressive hotels around is the De Vere Grand Harbour on West Quay Road, an absolutely stunning architectural structure. The hotel is an amazing glass structure and has a distinctive nautical feel to it, obviously inspired by nearby ships. This five-star hotel provides its guests with a breath-taking view of the harbour. Not only does it spoil visitors by placing them in the lap of luxury, it also provides a gym, solarium and business centre to address their guests' other needs. And one look at their rooms is enough to assure you of a good night's sleep.

The Hilton Southampton is another five-star hotel that is a study in elegance and luxury. Its unique design features plenty of natural wood, which adds to the remote outdoorsy feeling. The hotel boasts of a swimming pool, landscaped gardens, a health and fitness centre and wonderful rooms. The in-house Pavilion Restaurant specializes in contemporary British and international cuisine while the Caffe Cino offers a wide range of coffee, specialty teas, pastries and deli sandwiches. There is also a business centre for 200 delegates and 14 meeting rooms for those travelling on business. You are likely to find Southampton's most distinguished visitors here at the Hilton and for good reason.

If you're the type who likes to put in a little golf while on vacation, then the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Golf and Country Club is just the spot for you. They have impressive rooms and suites and a lush green golf course on the premises. The view of the countryside is spectacular while the food from the Winchester Restaurant boasts of exquisite cuisine in an informal setting. The rooms are comfortable and feature huge bathtubs and steaming hot showers so guests can soak their fatigue away after a day on the golf links. Rooms are equipped with satellite TV and DVD players. The Macdonald Botley Park Hotel also has a gym, aerobics studio and squash courts. Located on Wincester Road in Botley, this elegant hotel boasts of all the trappings of a excellent venue where you can relax and recuperate.

In this part of Hampshire and The New Forest, Southampton also has its fair share of countryside accommodations that offer a welcome getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The Beaulieu Hotel on Beaulieu Road is one such location and provides guests with their own country idyll as well as a beautiful view of the New Forest. The rooms are very comfortable and stylishly equipped. The Beaulieu also has its own gym, sauna and indoor heated swimming pool. This hotel is an excellent base for exploring rural Hampshire and Beaulieu village itself, particularly Beaulieu Palace and the National Motor Museum.

Over in Woodlands lies the Busketts Lawn Hotel, one of those splendid venues that offer visitors that home away from home feel. As a family-run hotel, Busketts is the most popular country hotel of its kind in the area. The environment is relaxing while the woodland beckons to be explored. To top off a typical English hotel stay, Busketts Lawn Hotel serves croquet on the lawn and tea in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, if you want your accommodations to have a touch of history, The Forest Lodge Hotel on Romsey Road in Lyndhurst is just what the doctor ordered. Built in the 1820s, this elegant Georgian lodge can trace its history back to the days of George IV. But that doesn't mean its facilities are outdated. On the contrary, The Forest Lodge Hotel's facilities are as modern as they come, rivalling the 21st century accommodations of any other hotel around. The hotel has its own fitness room and a heated indoor swimming pool. As an added bonus to golf aficionados, the New Forest Golf Club is just a short stroll away.

Southampton also has its share of elegant guesthouses, which offer visitors all the comforts of home right at their finger tips. For a truly romantic getaway from it all, nothing beats a Southampton guesthouse.

The Wayside Lodge Guest House is a prime example of the kind of cosy, traditional guesthouses you can find in Southampton. Its rooms hold a warm, traditional appeal and are equipped with modern facilities. The regular package comes complete with breakfast, while dinner and midnight meals can also be arranged. Standing proudly on Midanbury Lane in Bitterne, this guesthouse is accessible through all modes of public transport and falls under the regular direct bus route.

The four-star Acacia Lodge on Providence Hill in Burlesdon is another guesthouse that demands your consideration. This grand old house provides an alluring view over Hamble River and an idyllic setting. It's a great place to have kippers for breakfast or to go for the Full English meal.