The hype
Travelers love the friendly staff and prime location but often mention the decor feels like a step back in time.
The Royal Maritime Club
$80-180/ nuit
Réservez si You want a budget-friendly, character-filled base right next to the Historic Dockyard and don't mind a bit of naval nostalgia.
Pourquoi les gens l'adorent
- Unbeatable location 5 minutes from HMS Victory and Gunwharf Quays
- Genuine club atmosphere with a library, skittles alley, and naval memorabilia
- Surprisingly good leisure facilities including a pool, jacuzzi, and steam room
En bref : It’s a quirky, charitable institution first and a hotel second—expect dated charm and unbeatable value over modern luxury.
Évalué par @Shelleylovestotravel: I honestly loved the unpretentious vibe here. Yes, the decor is a bit retro (those carpets!), but having a proper indoor pool and leisure centre right in Portsmouth was amazing. It feels like a safe, quiet haven with real history. Perfect for a relaxing solo trip.
Ce que les clients qui ont séjourné ici ont dit
Reality check
The 'Budget' rooms are genuinely tiny (pod-like) and the breakfast buffet can get chaotic during peak times.
- You are a history buff or visiting the Naval Dockyards
- You appreciate value and don't need 'Instagrammable' aesthetics
- You want a hotel with a pool and games room for rainy days
Propreté et entretien
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable; rooms are generally tidy but can feel 'tired'.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are clean but dated; grout is usually scrubbed well, though wear and tear is visible.
- Maintenance: Common areas like corridors show scuffs and worn carpets; elevators are old but functional.
- Linens & towels: Towels are standard hotel grade, clean but not plush; bedding is fresh.
- Odors & scents: Generally fresh, though some hallways have a faint 'old building' or cleaning product smell.
Sleepability™
7MODÉRÉ
0-4BRUYANT
4-7.5MODÉRÉ
7.5-10SILENCIEUX
- Wedding/party music from function rooms until midnight
- Street noise for rooms facing Queen Street
- Creaky floorboards in older corridors
Avant de réserver
Bon à savoir
- The hotel is a registered charity; profits support veterans and naval families.
- Pool hours are restricted: Mon-Fri 15:30-20:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-20:00.
- Breakfast is a buffet; arrive early (before 8:30am) to avoid the rush and get fresh eggs.
Quoi emporter
- Earplugs (essential for weekends)
- Swimsuit for the pool and jacuzzi
- Smart-casual clothes if you plan to dine in the formal club areas
Génie des chambres
Meilleurs choix
- West Wing rooms (recently refurbished and more accessible)
- Top floor rooms facing away from Queen Street for better quiet
Chambres à éviter
- Rooms directly above the 'Below Decks' function room on weekends
- Budget double rooms if you are claustrophobic (very tight squeeze)
Génie de demande de chambre – copier & coller
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room in the West Wing or on a high floor, as far away from the Trafalgar Ballroom and Below Decks function areas as possible.”
FAQ et astuces cachées
Tout ce que vous voulez vraiment savoir avant de réserver.
Is parking guaranteed?
No. It's free but first-come, first-served. If full, reception sells scratchcards (£4.50-£6.00/24h) for street zones JA/JD.
Is the pool free for guests?
Yes, but hours are limited (afternoons on weekdays, all day weekends) due to hydrotherapy sessions.
Can I bring my dog?
No, the hotel has a strict no-pets policy, with exceptions only for registered assistance dogs.
Is there AC in the rooms?
Most rooms do not have air conditioning; fans are provided, but it can get stuffy in summer.
How close is the train station?
Portsmouth Harbour Station is a 5-6 minute flat walk away.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, families like the pool, games room (snooker/skittles), and proximity to the ships.
Conseils d'initiés
- ✨
Ask to see the 'Below Decks' room even if no event is on—it's designed like a ship's engine room.
- ✨
The library on the first floor is a hidden quiet zone perfect for reading or working.
- ✨
You can get a discount on Historic Dockyard tickets—ask at reception before you buy them online.
5 choses à savoir avant de partir
💡The hotel was bombed in WWII and rebuilt by the Royal Navy in the 1950s.
💡There is a full two-lane skittles alley available for guest use (rare find!).
💡The 'West Wing' rooms were refurbished with funding from Help for Heroes and are significantly more modern.
💡It operates as a charity, so your stay technically supports a good cause.
💡The lift system can be confusing with different lifts serving different wings/floors.
Guide local
Carte
Découvrez où se situe The Royal Maritime Club et ce qu'il y a à proximité.