8 Western Esplanade, Southampton, United Kingdom | (586) 210-9239
Central location near the cruise terminals and city center
Spotless rooms have minibars and bathrooms with rainfall showerheads
Downstairs deli with charcuterie boards and wines by the glass
Shuttle service to sister restaurant in the New Forest
Private parking lot
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Restrictive deli menu offers only small plates and drinks
Limited breakfast (no hot options) not included in room price
Narrow, steep staircase
Tiny and expensive rooms
The Pig in the Wall is a tiny 12-room hotel actually built into the medieval city walls around the center of Southampton, close to restaurants, shopping, and the docks. The shabby-chic lobby doubles as a deli, and the rooms are nicely decorated but too small for more than a couple of guests. The three-and-a-half pearl hotel is expensive for what it offers -- guests are paying for ambience more than for amenities. For more budget-conscious travelers, the Holiday Inn across the street is more affordable, albeit more bland.
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Scene
Hotel built into city walls offers cozy shabby-chic escape
The Pig in the Wall is one of four Pig hotels that advertise themselves as "restaurants with rooms." What sets this Pig apart from the others is that it is actually built into the medieval stone walls that surround the Southampton city center. The bright white facade of the 12-room hotel is a stark contrast to the centuries-old dark gray stones of the city wall. Inside, the lobby is covered in so many potted plants that it would almost resemble a greenhouse if it weren't for the floral upholstered armchairs and two wood-burning fireplaces on either end. A mounted boar's head and a chandelier made of antlers gives the shabby-chic decor some eclectic touches. The front desk doubles as a deli counter. Overall, it's a cozy hideaway for couples or business travelers, but it's not suitable for families as the rooms are tiny.
Location
On the southwestern edge of the city, close to the city center and docks
The Pig in the Wall is located on the southwestern edge of the city on a busy street that leads out of town to New Forest and Brockenhurst. The hotel is a two-minute drive (or a nine-minute walk) away from the docks of many cruise lines at the Port of Southampton. There is a large shopping mall only seven minutes away on foot and there are several restaurants and the long-distance bus terminal within a 10-minute walk. The railroad station is a 20-minute walk away, so those weighted down with luggage might want to call a cab.
Rooms
Small but quaint rooms with minibars and large rainfall showers
The tiny rooms are decorated in a muted palette of whites, grays, and tans. The decor is accented with tasteful dark-wood furniture and old-fashioned touches such as rotary phones, antique radios, and analog alarm clocks with bells. Every room comes with a fully stocked minibar and a hairdryer, as well as a safe, a tea kettle, and an espresso maker. The bathrooms are gray and white with collage-like tile floors (every tile is a different pattern) and have large walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads.
Features
Deli counter, private parking lot, free Wi-Fi, and free rides to a sister restaurant in the New Forest
The downstairs deli offers charcuterie boards and wines by the glass, but nothing substantial enough for a square meal. For those guests looking for a full dinner, the hotel offers free book-in-advance rides in their Land Rovers to the Pig Hotel restaurant, located in the New Forest (a 30-minute drive away). Other amenities include free Wi-Fi and its own private parking lot (though the fee for parking is steep).
