Nice place. Upon arrival there, the check-in computer played 'Happy Birthday' to me (it was my birthday!!) Never had that before.

Access to it is a littly tricky: take the M3 (S), then the A33, up to the roundabout, then follow the hotel signs. Its setting, amongst lots of thick trees, belies its proximity to the main roads. Rail travellers would do well to alight at the nearby Southampton Airport station, which is just a 10 minute taxi ride away. The main Central station is a good 5 miles away travelling through the city. £3 parking fee, to deter would-be free airport parkers, apparently.

Nice room. Upgraded rooms, as I have found in my previous three visits, are the same size as standards and you only get a small bottle of horrible wine and a bathrobe extra. Certainly not worth paying £20 more, if you're thinking of paying to upgrade, if you're blue/silver. You can hear the traffic if you open the room window, but we didn't find it intrusive.

No Exec Lounge, but the guest lounge area is spacious and comfortable. That leads to the bar area, which is all panelled up in light oak and has a 'club' atmosphere which we liked.

The food has always been good and last night was no exception. Drink prices were reasonable too and breakfast was fine.

My only adverse comment would be that the bed mattress was very hard.

This is one of the best regional Hiltons in the UK IMO. Standards are consistently high and I'd stay here again. Recommended.