What are Room2 Hometels we hear you ask? They are the hotel, home, serviced apartment hybrid that you didn’t know you needed in your life until now.
Born from the idea that everyone loves their own home comforts, the Room2 Hometels concept is a new way to stay overnight somewhere a little different from a hotel.
Room2 Hometels are dotted around 4 cities in the UK and our writer, Rachel McAlley spent a night at Room2 Southampton to see what this unique accommodation had to offer.
A true home from home, all the property’s rooms include king-sized beds, a fully-equipped kitchen and plenty of space. Likewise, guests can relax in the Living Room, the on-site coffee and cocktail bar. In addition, there’s also a studio gym, laundry room and a well-stocked pantry with drinks and snacks. Plus, it’s dog-friendly too!
Check-in is from 2pm for all guests, and I arrived with my family around dinner time after a long 7-hour drive to Southampton from York. Room2 was going to be our accommodation the night before we embarked on a family cruise.
We were booked into a Master Loft Room for a family of 3 with a breakfast bag to be delivered to the door in the morning.
The Master Loft Room itself was extremely spacious at 34m², possibly the biggest room we have ever stayed in. Complete with mini kitchen including dishwasher, sink, hob, microwave, all glassware, crockery and cutlery. Equally, featuring huge floor to roof windows looking over the local park and across to the harbour where the cruise ships were docked.
The Room2 Layout
A sofa the width of the room filled the space under the windows, which could easily seat 6 people! Towards the back of the room were steps leading up to a raised double futon-style bed for kids. A nautical rope wall looking over the mezzanine to the space below gave the feeling of extra space.
Equally important, the room offered a dining table for 4, large flat-screen Smart TV, and plenty of space for us all to hang out in.
Furthermore, it’s a very well thought out layout, which is perfect for a family of 4 or in our case family of 2 adults and 1 child. The team at Room2 Southampton thought of everything. There was even a bar of local chocolate added to the tea and coffee facilities in the room, and a quaint glass bottle for fresh milk. Even the shower room was nautical themed with a porthole window into the bathroom!
In the main Room2 Hometels reception, cocktail bar and coffee bar area there is a pantry packed with food and drink items to buy. Moreover, it consisted of snacks, healthy treats, ice cream, beer, soft drinks and even boxes of cereal to purchase. Equally, there is also a menu of pizzas, sandwiches and salads in case you want to order something to be made fresh in the kitchen. In addition, the cocktail bar is stocked with everything from beers and wines to soft drinks and of course cocktails. We arrived whilst it was happy hour, and everything to eat or drink was half price!
More from Room2
What’s more, it’s the perfect base to explore the city, most things are within walking distance of Room2 Hometel, Southampton.
We enjoyed a couple of drinks in the bar area, and took the opportunity to dine out and visit a local restaurant. Back at Room2 post-dinner we hung out in the cocktail bar and then headed to our room to watch some TV before having an excellent night’s sleep.
As is always the case, morning arrived way too fast and we needed to make a move to our onward cruise, but not before enjoying our breakfast bags.
A very simple yet brilliant idea to deliver the breakfast bags and leave them outside the room, ready for us to pick up any time after 7am. Furthermore, each bag contained a bottle of orange juice, granola with yoghurt, milk carton, and freshly baked pastry or cookie. It was a no fuss, no rush, no worries type of breakfast, just the way we like it.
The Low Down
Firstly, if you’re looking to stay at Room2 Hometels Southampton visit the website for up-to-date pricing. Secondly, our family room was priced at around £200 for the 3 of us, including breakfast. Thirdly, parking is priced separately at £13 per night.
Furthermore, if you’re wanting to stay longer than the usual mid-week break or weekend-nights, Room2 offers long stay accommodation for any length. Ideal if you’re looking for somewhere to buy in the area and need a base, or for university accommodation, or if you have long term work commitments in the area.
Lastly, Southampton has plenty of events and activities to draw you to the city. Check these and more out with Visit Southampton:
Best of the UK’s musical Dupes headline Southampton’s Fake Festival at Mayflower Park this May
Best of the UK’s musical Dupes headline Southampton’s Fake Festival at Mayflower Park this May
The UK’s best musical dupes will be wowing family-friendly crowds at Southampton’s Mayflower Park this May 18th at the Fake Festival. Featuring six professional ‘touring grade’ tribute bands, the day-long event will run from 11.45am to 11pm. Featuring the totally believable line-up of Oasish, R.E.M by Stipe, Fore Fighters, Kazabian, Stereotonics, and Pulp’d.
Staged in a giant marquee, alongside the music, the festival space will feature food, drink and merchandise-selling stalls too. Under 10yrs are free with an accompanying adult. Other ticket prices from £35 adults, £27.50 10-17yrs and family bundle 2+2 £105. For more information visit Fake Festivals.
Tom Jones, Kaiser Chiefs, Madness and Nile Rogers headline Southampton’s Summer Session Series this June
An international line-up of musicians including Sir Tom Jones the Kaiser Chiefs, Madness and Nile Rogers will be performing live at Guildhall Square this June. All part of the Southampton Summer Sessions. Home to the city’s cultural hub, visitors can also explore the area’s museums, galleries, bars, cafes, and restaurants.
Furthermore, the Southampton Summer Sessions will launch on 15th June with Sir Tom Jones (tickets from £61.60). Madness on 16th June (tickets £61.60). Nile Rogers with Sophie Ellis-Bexter and Deco on 23rd June (tickets from £64.45). Then Placebo 26th June tickets from £50.40). Paloma Faith on 28th June (tickets from £58.80), and the Kaiser Chiefs on 30th June (from £58.80). For more information and to book visit SMMRSESSIONS.
A new three day ‘Southampton Fringe’ festival will launch in July
Lovers of theatre, comedy and the spoken word are in for a treat this July at the inaugural Southampton Fringe Festival. Spearheaded by the city’s MAST Mayflower Studios, the three-day festival will showcase the talents of local theatre companies and artists. Performances announced include a modern adaptation of Five Children and IT; a non-traditional theatrical take on Private Peaceful. Theatre for Life’s When Puberty meets Menopause, a play which tackles life’s hormonal changes. Plus, an all-encompassing musical-comedy -Trutopia! The spoken word will also be brought to the stage with poetry and drama by non-binary poet and writer Harley Truslove. For more information visit Mayflower Studios.
The Exciting World of Room2 Hometels – Words by Rachel McAlley
