Southampton

There is no doubt that whatever your budget you will be able to find somewhere to lay your head in Southampton. A the top end of the scale the De Vere Grand Harbour (http://www.devere.co.uk/) is the only 5* hotel in the city and an exceptional piece of architecture.

In the level below that the Hilton (http://www.hilton.co.uk/s...) provides 4* luxury in a pleasant environment as well as being easy to get to from the M3.

3* hotels are much easier to come by, the Jurys Inn (http://www.jurys-southamp...) has recently opened in the middle of a city centre roundabout, the Novotel (http://www.novotel.com/no...), Travelodge (http://www.travelodge.co....), Holiday Inn (http://www.ichotelsgroup....) and Hotel Ibis (http://www.ibishotel.com/...) are all perfectly adequate for providing a night's sleep.

If you feel the need for a less generic hotel experience, The Dolphin (http://www.thedolphin.co.uk/) hotel and The Star (http://www.starhotel.co.uk/) are both on the High Street in traditional coaching inn buildings and will make you feel less like you're just a commodity.

If you're on the cheap, or feel like a more personal stay, then there are plenty of Bed And Breakfasts; most cluster around the bottom end of Hill Lane which is close to the train station. Simply wander out from the station's main exit If you see Toys 'r' Us opposite you're on the wrong exit and take the path by the left side of the HSBC office block. Hill Lane leads up the small hill from the traffic lights. Keep going up the hill until you find one worth staying at; don't forget to check the side streets too.

Tourist Information will almost certainly be able to find you somewhere to stay if you're stuck 023 8083 3333.