Southampton Hotels - Smooth Hound Hotel Directory

Located in Hampshire, Southampton is located on the English coast in the south of England. It is believed to have been a permanent settlement dating back to Saxon times. During Roman times, the settlement was known as Clausentum. There are Roman remains which exist today in a suburb known as Bitterne Manor. During the last few decades, Southampton has grown at a rapid rate. Today it is one of the largest twenty cities in the entire country. There are two universities in Southampton, Solent University and the University of Southampton. As a result, there is a large university population in the immediate area.

Southampton is located on the south coast of Hampshire and is the largest city in the county with over 200,000 inhabitants. The city is still a major port and is regularly used by many of the world's largest cruise ships. The area has been inhabited since at least the Stone Age and has been an important port since at least Roman times. The Pilgrim Fathers set sail from Southampton on board the Mayflower in 1620. The city was also the departure point for the fateful voyage of the Titanic. More recently, the Queen Elizabeth 2 liner left the city for its final voyage amidst a massive firework display.

West Quay shopping centre looks after shoppers needs with approximately eight hundred thousand square feet of shopping space and around one hundred shops. It is a modern design located close to the city centre and the docks. The building is heated with geothermal energy which is derived from an underground aquifer.

In medieval times the city was protected by city walls, some of which are still standing today and are the second longest such walls remaining in England.

Every year, the city is home to the Southampton Boat Show which runs for ten days in September. The show regularly attracts over 120,000 visitors so it follows that if you plan to stay in the city whilst the show is taking place you should book your hotel room in plenty of time.

The city is also home to two ferry services which link the Isle of Wight to the UK's mainland.