Recently we were invited to an event onboard P&O Cruises newest ship, Arvia. It was a fabulous day, one we were determined not to miss, and everything happened whilst she was docked in Southampton. Luckily it was May bank holiday weekend and we were able to make the trip.
Having our head office in Leeds, it’s quite a trek, so we decided to stay for the weekend with Moxy Southampton and discover just what the city has to offer, both for a short break and also if you are picking up a cruise ship and would like to take the pressure off that long, tiring drive.
We have driven this route a few times when picking up a cruise ship, but for some reason we have always travelled down on the day of departure and been very tired and cranky by the time we were in the queue to board. So this experience, and the fact that we realised we knew nothing else about Southampton, was going to be an eye opener.
Moxy Southampton
Having recently stayed at Moxy York, we knew what to expect from Marriott’s lifestyle brand. What we didn’t appreciate until we got to Moxy Southampton was how perfectly this hotel is located, at the Westquay Shopping Centre and very close to the famous cruise terminal.
Boasting 208 bedrooms, it offers something very different to any other hotel in the city, and following the Moxy tradition, reflects its locality as well as the history of Southampton with a nautical interior theme that is truly Insta worthy!
A large art object in the shape of an anchor is at the entrance. A wall of shipping containers and graffiti art depicting ships dominates the communal areas and the hotel’s 208 bedrooms include 106 Moxy Sleepers, 42 twin rooms, 50 Moxyfied Peak Sleepers with extra amenities and 10 Family Rooms.
Moxy is such a great concept, it’s relaxed style, comfy seating, dedicated work spaces and casual all day dining menu create a well thought out home from home to base yourself for some R&R, (including the dog!), a business trip or for a restful night before or after a cruise.
Moxy Bar has everything from the perfect cappuccino at breakfast to an all-day dining menu featuring nibbles and bar snacks, late night cocktails to start (and end) your night, Moxy bar has you covered. A vibrant social hub to plug in and get to work, or unplug and socialise!
24/7 Grab and Go is where snacks and beverages are available 24/7, there is something for every taste: healthy nibbles, fresh drinks, crunchy bits and light bites satisfying day trippers and party animals alike. Grab something, pay at the bar and you’re good to go!
Something we were very pleasantly surprised by was the parking. Moxy has its own (if very small) car park, and there is a huge multi story next to the hotel – both options are only £5 for 24 hours!
They are obviously completely geared up to looking after cruise groups too as we witnessed many coach loads arriving and departing seamlessly during our stay.
Where we ate
A short walk (literally around the corner), and you have a selection of upmarket bars and restaurants with something for every nationality, taste and budget. We ate breakfast at Bill’s, which we thought very similar to The Ivy in décor and impeccable service. We also had a great Sunday roast at The White Star Tavern, an award-winning hotel, bar and restaurant located close to the river on vibrant Oxford Street, the pub mixes timeless, comfortable elegance with great food. Both places should be checked out for your visit.
Southampton
Also a very short walk from Moxy is Westquay Shopping Centre, with 130 shops, including major retailers such as John Lewis and Partners, Marks and Spencer, Zara, Schuh, Waterstone’s, Hollister Co., Apple, and others. So if you realise you have forgotten any essentials, you are sure to be able to pick them up here.
The city of Southampton itself has heaps of history, galleries and museums to explore. There’s honestly so much to do dotted all across the city. This all makes it the kind of place that’s perfect for a day trip or a longer weekend getaway.
Southampton has its own distinctive character with a rich maritime heritage and a focus on water sports, sailing and ocean racing, as well as being one of the most important ports in the UK and the major port for cruise ships. The city was one of the 4 shortlisted locations for the 2025 UK City of Culture.
The weather was great during our stay and we loved walking along the waterfront, looking at the different ships awaiting their passengers, ready to take them on their personal adventure.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Southampton and decided there and then that for all future cruise holidays departing from Southampton, we would take the stress away completely and book into Moxy the night before sailing and the day we return.
In fact we will probably enjoy another few days in Southampton, it is well worth a return visit.
Check Moxy Southampton out for your pre or post cruise stay, or your perfect base for a staycation.
