Portsmouth Marriott Hotel

Somewhat isolated, but well-connected for nearby ferries and ports, the hotel's block structure lacks character, but gets interesting beyond an initial nondescript entrance. The "Sea Level" lobby forms a vast open-plan area encompassing the bar and restaurant, and sail-like structures here add nautical accents to suspended mood lighting in golden yellow. A partition divides lounge spaces and the leisure club's pool, and while water sound effects are fun, accompanying chlorine odors and noise are less-so. Despite buzzing activity, atmosphere is easygoing, although guests have been disappointed to find the pool small and overrun by excited little ones. Nevertheless, the property has an edge. Sit-up stools at the back-lit bar are atmospheric, although the property could do with a revamp since its 2007 renovations. Note, the hotel lacks the chain's well-known Executive Lounge facility.

The hotel's industrial location isn't the most glamorous, but it's practical, with Portsmouth International Port and Ferry Terminal a 12-minute drive. While a bus stop a five-minute walk reaches most destinations, a vehicle is recommended here. Boutiques and restaurants filling Port Solent marina are five minutes by car, and it's four minutes farther for Portsmouth Harbour. Impressive ships at the Historic Dockyard are a 14-minute drive -- around the same time it takes for Gunwhard Quays outlet shopping, downtown Portsmouth, and landmark observation structure, Spinnaker Tower. All can be reached by bus. A large Tesco supermarket a two-minute walk away is surrounded by some fast-food outlets, including a Krispy Kreme. The nearest Cosham train station is an eight-minute drive. Southampton Airport is a 21-minute drive, or one hour by public transport. It's closer to an hour by car for Bournemouth Airport, and Heathrow Airport is a 70-minute drive.

Starting at 280 square feet (26 square meters), rooms are spacious and well-presented, but predictable. They have warm tones from golden wall-to-wall carpeting, drapes, and armchairs, plus wood furniture and pops of red from desk chair cushions and artwork. Amenities include glass-topped desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, kettles for tea- and coffee-making, mini-fridges, and seating areas, plus safes, hairdryers, and AC. Upgraded rooms add slippers and robes, although all bathrooms have swanky Acca Kappa toiletries, plus shower/tub combos and towels. Rooms overlooking the interior afford lively views, but they lack natural daylight, and can be noisy. Alternative parking lot views are drab, but these rooms are brighter. Crib fittings are free, but room Wi-Fi is at a fee.

A mix of worn leathers and funky retro fittings form dining layouts in the Cast Iron Bar & Grill, where pendant lamps are stylish amid blond woods and brick backdrops. Beige cushioned benches in the bar have blue accents from tub chairs with popping red cushions, and indoor plants add greenery. Unfortunately, there's no avoiding chlorine odors from the nearby pool. At a fee, buffet breakfasts offer full cooked and continental options, plus tea, coffee, and juice. They get busy, but remain well-reviewed. The bar serves all-day alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages alongside solid meals, plus Starbucks coffee. The restaurant's classic entrees have a British edge, and kids' menus are available. Also open to non-guests, the Portsmouth Marriott Leisure Club has a heated indoor pool, spa with sauna, steam room, and whirlpool, and good-sized gym with cardio and weight-training equipment. Note, the pool is small and gets crowded. Often used for functions, a lawn garden with terrace seating offers outdoor space. The 11 meeting rooms are regularly used, and the largest holds 350 people. There is no business center or executive lounge. A whopping 198 parking spaces are on-site, but they're at a fee. Pets are welcome for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free in common areas -- or everywhere for those that are Marriott Rewards members.