Hilton Southampton – Utilita Bowl

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what? I was honestly skeptical when I first heard about staying at a hotel inside a cricket ground – I mean, it sounds a bit gimmicky, right? But the Hilton Southampton at the Utilita Bowl actually surprised me in the best way possible. The building itself is sleek and modern, sort of rising up from the stadium complex like it belongs there, and when you’re checking in, you get these glimpses of the pitch through the windows that are pretty cool even if you’re not a massive cricket fan.

The rooms are proper Hilton standard – nothing groundbreaking but definitely comfortable with those crisp white sheets and blackout curtains that actually work (thank god, because Hampshire summer mornings start early). What I really appreciated was how quiet it stays, even during match days. I was there during a county game and barely heard anything from my room on the third floor, though I’d imagine the atmosphere gets more intense during the bigger international matches. The views vary quite a bit depending on which side you’re on – some rooms look out over the cricket ground which is brilliant, others face the car park and Botley Road, which is… well, less inspiring. The staff mentioned they try to accommodate requests for ground-facing rooms, so definitely worth asking when you book.

Here’s what makes this place work better than you’d expect – it’s actually positioned really well for exploring this part of Hampshire without dealing with Southampton city center traffic. You’re maybe fifteen minutes from the New Forest if you fancy a proper countryside walk, and getting to Winchester is dead easy via the M3. Plus, honestly, the parking situation is fantastic – massive spaces and it’s free, which is almost unheard of these days. The restaurant does solid British fare with a modern twist, though I’d say the breakfast is better than dinner (their full English is properly done, none of that sad bacon nonsense). There’s also this bar area that transforms completely on match days – buzzing with energy and cricket chatter – but during quiet periods it’s actually quite a nice spot to have a drink and plan your next day. The spa facilities are smaller than what you’d find at a city Hilton, but the pool’s decent for a few laps and the gym overlooks the outfield, which gives your workout a slightly surreal quality. If you’re here for cricket, obviously it’s perfect, but even if you’re just using it as a base to explore Southampton, the coast, or venture into the New Forest, it’s got this relaxed, almost resort-like feel that makes it worth considering over the more standard business hotels closer to town.