If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to pay premium prices for the authentic university halls of residence experience, look no further than the IBIS Budget Portsmouth. “Budget” appears to be merely a nostalgic nod to what your wallet might have looked like before checking in.
The family room offers that special kind of intimacy where everyone gets to know each other *really* well, thanks to the bunk bed setup and bathroom situation that makes privacy a distant memory. Perfect for bonding with the kids, less ideal for business travellers.
The “air conditioning” system deserves particular mention (because it's not actually aircon) - it’s a marvel of engineering that apparently takes its temperature cues from the great outdoors rather than the thermostat you’ve optimistically set to 15 degrees. At 4am, when the outside temperature drops by a whisker, this clever system decides it’s time to transform your room into a sauna. Who needs sleep when you can have a free spa experience?
The mattress, credit where it’s due, was actually comfortable. The pillows, however, seemed to be auditioning for being in the bin and should probably get the part.
Breakfast was a masterclass in packet-to-plate efficiency. The pastries had that special soggy quality that only comes from being thoroughly convinced they’re something they’re not - fresh.
For what you pay, you’d expect more than the full student experience. Unless you’re feeling particularly nostalgic for those university days