Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays

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Key details

About the Hotel

The Plaza Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3FD

Close to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Very good

7.9

8.3

/10

3.9

Loved by Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg guests

Cute staff

Excellent breakfast

Comfy beds

Clean hotel

Perfect location

"Parking was underneath and you validate with the hotel and pay £2 on exit for 24 hours."

Katie L from United Kingdom

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"There was a wide choice of places to eat all with discounts."

Jill from United Kingdom

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"Situated right in the middle of Gunwharf Quays it is perfect to shop all day."

carl

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3-star hotel with free hot breakfast and direct access to Gunwharf Quays

Location & Surroundings

The hotel is located within walking distance of Gunwharf Quays, a waterfront development with designer shops, a cinema, bowling, a casino, and a comedy club. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and The Mary Rose Museum are a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The nearest rail station is a 5-minute walk away, and the city centre shops are 0.6 miles from the hotel.

Dining & Breakfast

The hotel includes a free Express Start Breakfast(TM) with scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, yogurt, and fresh fruit served each morning. The breakfast area is located in the relaxing lounge, and guests can also take away food in brown bags or white paper boxes. Coffee and tea are available 24 hours a day from the reception area.

Rooms & Amenities

Rooms include air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, power showers, and tea and coffee making facilities. Family rooms are available for accommodating children, and some rooms offer views of the docks and Spinnaker Tower. The hotel offers on-site parking for £2 per day after 24 hours free.

Pet-Friendly & Accessibility

The hotel has a pet-friendly policy that allows dogs with additional fees and provides dog treats and puppy pads at reception. Accessible features include wheelchair-accessible rooms, emergency cords in bathrooms, lower bathroom sinks, raised toilets, and toilets with grab rails. The hotel also offers a sun lotion pump in the reception area.

Business & Family Offerings

The hotel provides flexible meeting spaces equipped with natural light and meeting and banquet facilities. Guests receive a 10% discount card for selected shops and restaurants at Gunwharf Quays. Special offers are available for direct bookings with IHG Rewards Club points, and late check-out is available for IHG members.

Highlights

Location: On-site at Gunwharf Quays shopping and entertainment complex

Breakfast: Free Express Start Breakfast(TM) included daily

Parking: £2 per day after 24 hours free

Pets: Dog-friendly with treats and puppy pads

Discounts: 10% off card for local shops and dining

Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible rooms and grab rails

“For a stay near Gunwharf Quays, the location is clearly a draw, and the free breakfast adds genuine value. While some rooms have air conditioning issues that management needs to address, the staff's friendliness stands out. In my opinion, this is a practical choice when visiting the area for business or leisure.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Abundance

Breakfast had a wide selection, from hot items to fruit. You can even take food away to eat later.

Oliver from Canada

Review on

Guest ParkingParking Perks

The first 24 hours of parking are free. After that, it's just £2 per day in a secure car park.

Mei from China

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Room FeaturesAC Cooled Rooms

The air conditioning in the rooms was a lifesaver. The rooms were also spacious and modern.

Rajesh from India

Review on

BathroomBathroom Basics

The bathroom had a shower gel dispenser, grab rails and hangers for your towel.

Isabelle from France

Review on

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers

Standard Double Room Hot
2 persons
19 m²
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Standard Room Hot
2 persons
19 m²
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Standard Twin Room View
2 persons
19 m²
2 Single beds
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

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August 2026 - August 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable

Facilities: Very good

7.8/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Coffee shop
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Location

The Plaza Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth, PO1 3FD

Explore Portsmouth

Local Activities and Dining Near Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays

Spinnaker Tower

5 minutes' walk

Iconic viewing tower offering panoramic views of Portsmouth, the Solent, and beyond. Great for photos and special events.

Gunwharf Quays

2 minutes' walk

Shopping outlet with over 90 designer stores, restaurants, and cafes. Ideal for retail therapy and dining by the waterfront.

HMS Victory

9 minutes' walk

Historic flagship of Admiral Nelson; fascinating tours display naval history and maritime heritage of Portsmouth.

The Mary Rose Museum

9 minutes' walk

Museum dedicated to the Tudor warship Mary Rose. In-depth exhibits showcase artifacts retrieved from the shipwreck.

Kayaking at Portsmouth Harbour

10 minutes' drive

Thrilling kayaking tours through Portsmouth's historic harbour and coastline. Rentals available; suitable for all skill levels.

Walking along Southsea Common

19 minutes' walk

Relaxing green space with sea views, perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics. Nearby cafés enhance the tranquil atmosphere.

Whittard

1 minute' walk

Quaint café known for specialty teas and coffees. Perfect for light bites and brews in a cozy setting.

The Cornish Bakery

3 minutes' walk

Delightful bakery serving Cornish pasties and pastries. Casual atmosphere, ideal for a quick and tasty meal.

Gunwharf Quays Cinema

5 minutes' walk

Modern cinema showing latest films with comfortable seating. Great for families or couples looking for a night out.

The Pyramids Centre

5 minutes' drive

Entertainment venue hosting live music, comedy shows, and family events. Vibrant atmosphere perfect for all ages.

Local transport and travel tips

City Centre
Portsmouth 12 min · 1 km
Airports
Southampton (SOU) 51 min · 33.8 km
Bournemouth (BOH) 121 min · 80.5 km
Train
Portsmouth Harbour 4 min · 300 m
Portsmouth & Southsea Railway Station 14 min · 1.1 km
Bus
Bus stop 2 min · 100 m

Want access to early-bird pet-friendly hotel deals?

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby at .

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

130

Former name

holiday inn express portsmouth gunwharf quays, an ihg hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently highlight the hotel's perfect location within Gunwharf Quays, making it ideal for shopping and exploring attractions like the Spinnaker Tower and historic dockyards. The rooms are generally a decent size and offer a comfortable stay, with some guests noting the inclusion of coffee machines near the rooms. Breakfast is often praised for its excellent choices; however, a few guests have occasionally mentioned minor issues such as dust in the rooms. Conveniently, parking is available nearby, simplifying travel arrangements.

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Review score

Based on 2908 verified reviews

7.8 /10

Very good

78 %

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

8.8/10

Breakfast

7.6/10

Facilities

7.8/10

Pros

Excellent location

Comfy beds

Welcoming staff

Cons

Non-working air conditioning

Chaotic breakfast

based on 1689 reviews

3.5/5

Neil from Australia

Business traveller

Standard Twin Room Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 09, 2026

8.8/10

fantastic stay!

excellent choice buffet breakfast friendly staff great location

The location was perfect. It's close to many amenities. the staff were friendly and always ready to assist. i found discounts at local restaurants, which i really appreciated. breakfast offered an excellent choice of buffet items and was a great start to the day!!!

i noticed a slight bit of dust on the skirting boards in the room.

Location

9/10

the hotel benefits from its central position, offering easy access to various attractions and the waterfront area. there's excellent transport links nearby. it's so convenient for exploring the area!!!

Dining

8/10

breakfast included a buffet with several options, like pastries, cereals, and hot items such as scrambled eggs and sausages. the dining area was spacious and well-kept, accommodating many guests comfortably. coffee and tea were also readily available.

Service

10/10

The reception staff assisted me quickly during check-in and check-out. They were always available to answer questions. the team was polite and efficient when i needed anything. i felt really well looked after.

Rooms

8/10

my room included a comfortable bed, a television with several channels, and a private bathroom with a shower. the room had a functional layout and was adequate for my stay. wifi access was also available and worked perfectly.

0 Helpful

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Logan from United States

Business traveller

Standard Double Room Hot

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 04, 2026

9.3/10

Excellent Hotel with Great Location

super helpful staff clean room many options tasty breakfast

The super nice team. They always had a smile. The room was very clean and included everything one might need, such as an iron. Breakfast included many options and tasted good, even if the coffee wasn't my favorite.

Facilities

9/10

The hotel provides free coffee machines in the lobby area, available at any time for all guests. Underground parking exists, and it's free for the initial 24 hours. This setup makes arrivals and departures easy.

Location

10/10

The hotel offers a very convenient location, close to shopping outlets and the historic dockyards. Secure parking is available, and the location permits easy access to local attractions. This feature makes it great for exploring.

Service

9/10

I received a warm welcome. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit. I observed them offer supportive service for all the guests. Their positive attitude contributed significantly to my stay.

Rooms

9/10

The room featured comfortable furnishings and adequate space. It suited all my needs. The clever positioning of the mirror allowed a full view. the room was very clean, contributing to a comfortable experience.

0 Helpful

Parker from United States

Couple

Standard Double Room Sofa Bed Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 31, 2025

9.0/10

Excellent Location and Attentive Service

convenient location good variety helpful staff members clean room

I found the location convenient, close to many attractions. The breakfast offered a good variety. Staff members were helpful and polite, always ready to assist with any queries. The room was clean and well-kept. I appreciated the complimentary water.

The room felt a bit small for multiple guests, especially with luggage. More space would improve comfort.

Rooms

9/10

The room included a comfortable bed and a functional desk area. There was also a flat-screen television with several channels available. The bathroom had a good shower, and toiletries were provided.

Facilities

8/10

Underground parking was available at no extra charge. A fitness center had basic equipment, including a treadmill and exercise bike. We loved the pool. but the view was amazing!

Dining

9/10

Breakfast included hot items such as scrambled eggs and bacon. There was also a selection of pastries, cereals, and juices. Coffee and tea were available throughout the morning.

Service

10/10

The reception staff was efficient and addressed all my questions quickly. Housekeeping kept the room tidy . Their service was quick and effective. Check-in was quick.

0 Helpful

Ryan from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 22, 2025

7/10

central location breakfast choice easy check-in soft bed double bed missing view

The location was excellent, right in the middle of the shopping area. the breakfast had many choices, which i appreciated. the staff were friendly and helpful. They made check-in easy.

the bed in my room was too soft for my liking. i requested two single beds, but i got a double instead. also, my room did not have the view i booked.

0 Helpful

Philip from United Kingdom

Business traveller

Standard Room Hot

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 22, 2025

9/10

solid stay

convenient location various options

i found the location quite convenient (close to amenities). the provided breakfast was good with various options.

0 Helpful

Elizabeth from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Double Room Hot

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 20, 2025

6/10

average stay, some issues

small bed insufficient space

the location was acceptable for visiting the local attractions.

the bed was far too small for two people. we nearly rolled off during the night. i'm not sure why they didn't have a bigger bed since the room had plenty of space.

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FAQs

About Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg

Which landmarks are closest to the Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg?

Guests of the Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg can visit Gunwharf Quays (approximately a 5-minute stroll from the accommodation), or Portsmouth Historic Dockyard placed 9 minutes' walk away.

What is the closest airport to Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg?

Southampton airport is located within a 33-minute drive (35 km) from Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg.

Can we park our car at the inn?

Guests of the inn can take advantage of private car parking.

What are the booking prices at the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg?

The prices at the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg start from £99.

What payment methods are available in the Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg?

At the Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg, you can pay using American Express, Visa, and Maestro.

What kinds of rooms does the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg offer?

The 3-star Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg offers such room types as Standard Double Room and Standard Twin Room.

Are there any cleaning services provided at the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg?

Yes, the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg offers dry cleaning and housekeeping.

Which facilities are provided in the Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg?

Top locations of the Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth Gunwharf Quays By Ihg include a shopping area and luggage storage, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a safe deposit box and 24-hour security service.