Dolphin Hotel

The rate I got direct with Mercvure (£55) seemed excellent value for what is actually a really good hotel. This is at a time when premier inn (and the like) prices have been creeping up to match or surpass this. Unlike some others, the bathroom was fine, though the room (118) seemed to have had any original features taken out. TV poor, getting only the 4 terrestrial channels (not even C5!) This really needs adressing - most people now have far more at home. This therefore is likely to disappoint. The first floor is something of a rabbit warren with coirridors and unmarked firedoors to navigate to get to your room, though that adds a bit to the quirky nature of the hotel. Location (just 2 mins away from the city centre and the IOW ferry) is one that many will feel convenient. However, in my opinion Southampton itself (and especially the centre) has very little to offer a leisure visitor. The grim shopping street has been enlivened by newer Quays shopping centre though this is straight from the 'could be anywhere' shopping centre design handbook!