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Summary of reviewsThe Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns, located in the center of Fareham, offers a delightful blend of historical charm and modern conveniences. Guests appreciate the hotel's central location, which provides easy access to the town center, shops, restaurants and transportation options like the Fareham train station and the A27. The ample, free onsite parking adds to the convenience, especially for those traveling by car and the hotel's proximity to Portsmouth and Gosport makes it an ideal base for exploring the area.
Guests frequently praise the breakfast at the hotel, highlighting its excellent quality, generous portions and variety of options, including gluten-free choices. The breakfast is often described as freshly cooked, filling and well-presented with attentive and friendly staff contributing to a positive dining experience. Similarly, the dinner offerings receive commendations for their delicious and freshly prepared meals, extensive menu and good value for money. The consistent quality of the restaurant and the pleasant dining atmosphere further enhance guests' satisfaction.
The hotel's rooms garner mixed reviews; while many guests find them clean, spacious and comfortable, others feel they are in need of updating. The cleanliness and comfort of the rooms are consistently praised, but the dated decor and minor maintenance issues are noted. Despite these drawbacks, the large car park, comfortable beds and overall cleanliness positively impact guests' stay experience.
The staff at the Red Lion Hotel are a standout feature, frequently commended for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Reception staff, breakfast servers and housekeepers are all noted for their dedication to ensuring a pleasant stay.
Wi-Fi experiences are mixed with some guests appreciating a reliable connection while others face challenges with intermittent or weak signals. However, the hotel's parking facilities are consistently praised for their availability, safety and convenience.
Families find the hotel to be a suitable destination, appreciating the spacious family rooms, quality breakfast offerings and family-friendly staff. The hotel's amenities and services effectively cater to families, making it a favored choice for those traveling with children.
Overall, the Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns delivers a competent three-star experience, offering good value for money with its historic charm, convenient location and friendly service, despite some areas needing modernization. Show more
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Categories
Historic Hotel
Originally built as a coaching inn, this Grade II listed building has offered hospitality since 1736. It maintains period touches like oak beams and exposed brickwork.
Hotel near Golf Courses
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel with Parking
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Single RoomElegant, traditionally furnished room with a TV and free Wi-Fi access. Tea and coffee facilities are provided, along with a hairdryer and ironing facilities.
Extra beds are not available for this room type
Double RoomElegant, traditionally furnished room with a TV and free Wi-Fi access. Tea and coffee facilities are provided, along with a hairdryer and ironing facilities.
Twin RoomElegant, traditionally furnished room with a TV and free Wi-Fi access. Tea and coffee facilities are provided, along with a hairdryer and ironing facilities.
Family Room (2 Adults + 2 Children)Elegant, traditionally furnished room with a TV and free Wi-Fi access. Tea and coffee facilities are provided, along with a hairdryer and ironing facilities.
Business Double RoomElegant, traditionally furnished room situated in the annex with a TV and free WiFi access. Tea and coffee facilities are provided, along with a hairdryer and ironing facilities.
Small Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a shower. The double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of Fareham, the Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns offers an ideally situated base for exploring the local area and beyond. Guests laud its central location, conveniently positioned within walking distance to the town center, shops and restaurants. The proximity to Fareham train station and easy access to the A27 make it a perfect choice for both business purposes and leisure activities, including family visits and shopping sprees.
Visitors appreciate the ample, free onsite parking, which adds a layer of convenience for those traveling by car. The hotel’s location also caters to ferry travelers and those visiting nearby areas like Portsmouth and Gosport. Despite being centrally located, the hotel maintains a quiet atmosphere, making it a tranquil retreat in a bustling town. Friendly staff and cozy accommodations enhance the overall guest experience, making it a reliable option for a comfortable and convenient stay.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns consistently receives high praise from guests. Frequent commendations highlight the excellent, fantastic and amazing quality of the breakfast offerings. Many guests appreciate the generous portions, variety of options and attentive service provided during breakfast. The breakfast is often described as freshly cooked, filling and well-presented with some noting it as their favorite meal at the hotel.
Continental breakfast and gluten-free options are available, which guests find to be very nice and plentiful. The value for money is regularly mentioned with the breakfast considered worth the price paid and great value overall. The breakfast staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful and professional, contributing significantly to the positive dining experience.
The selection and quality of food are notable with hearty options such as full English breakfasts and smoked salmon with scrambled eggs receiving special mentions. Despite a few isolated comments about the breakfast being overcooked or not starting early enough on weekends, the overall sentiment remains highly positive. The breakfast menu provides an excellent choice and is thoughtfully prepared to meet guests' tastes, further enhancing the enjoyment of their stay.
Dinner
The dinner experience at the Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns has garnered positive feedback overall from guests. Many reviewers have highlighted the excellent value and quality of the meals, often describing them as delicious, delightful and freshly prepared. The extensive and varied menu, including options for those with dietary restrictions like gluten-free, has been appreciated with particular praise for the generous portion sizes and the range of choices available.
Guests have frequently mentioned the good value for money, pointing out that the meals are reasonably priced yet maintain a high standard. The evening meals, whether enjoyed in the pub or the restaurant, have repeatedly been described as very good with some specific mentions of meals being spot on, superb or even exceeding expectations. The positive comments extend to the friendly and helpful staff, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The restaurant itself is often mentioned as being excellent, serving both breakfast and dinner to a high standard. Reviewers have noted the restaurant's consistency in delivering good food and the pleasant atmosphere conducive to enjoying a meal with family or friends.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are occasional mentions of meals not meeting expectations, but these are significantly outweighed by the commendations for good, tasty and well-prepared food. The Red Lion Hotel appears well-regarded for its dinner options, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying dining experience.
Rooms
The guest reviews for the rooms at Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns present a mixed picture. On the positive side, many reviewers appreciated that the rooms were clean, spacious and comfortable. Comments such as "rooms were very clean," "larger than expected and comfortable," and "room was spotless" highlight the efforts put into maintaining cleanliness and comfort. Guests also praised the size of some rooms, describing them as "spacious," "large," and "well-furnished." Features like comfortable beds, ample storage space and good amenities like tea/coffee making facilities and hairdryers were noted.
However, there were also a significant number of comments indicating that the rooms are in need of updating and refurbishing. Phrases like "room was very dated," "furniture old and worn," and "rooms need upgrading" reflect the urgency for modernization. The decor in many rooms felt outdated, reminiscent of the 1980s and some rooms showed signs of wear and tear with issues such as chipped furniture and tired bathroom fittings. Several reviews pointed out specific maintenance issues like non-working showers and musty smells.
Noise was also a concern for some, particularly in rooms located above the bar or facing busy areas. Despite these drawbacks, the hotel’s large carpark and convenient location for walking into Fareham were mentioned favorably.
Overall, while the hotel's rooms have their charms, particularly in terms of cleanliness and space, they would significantly benefit from refurbishment to address dated decor and minor maintenance issues.
Beds
Travelers have frequently commented positively on the beds at the Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns. A majority of guests found the beds to be comfortable, comfy or even extremely comfy, making for a restful night's sleep. Reviews often highlighted the beds as clean and warm, contributing to an overall pleasant stay. Multiple mentions were made of the beds being big and comfortable with some guests specifically noting the beds were great and allowed them to sleep well.
However, a small portion of reviews did report issues with comfort. Some noted old mattresses with significant indentations or springs that made sleeping uncomfortable. A few guests found the beds either too hard or too soft with a need for updating or replacement.
Pillows also garnered mixed reviews with some guests finding them firm and supportive, while others described them as lumpy or even painful to sleep on.
Overall, despite a few instances of discomfort, the prevailing sentiment is that the beds at the Red Lion Hotel are comfortable, contributing positively to the stay experience.
Cleanliness
The Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns has consistently received positive remarks about its cleanliness. Guests frequently describe the rooms as very clean, comfortable and functional. Many reviews emphasize that the rooms are spotless, well-maintained and always kept tidy. The bathrooms, though sometimes noted as dated or in need of renovation, are often described as clean and modern. Fresh, clean towels are provided daily and the overall hotel environment is praised for being tidy and presentable.
Despite some mentions of tired furniture and the need for updates, the general cleanliness of the hotel remains a strong point with many guests appreciating the care taken to maintain a clean and comfortable stay. The establishment also benefits from a great location, making it convenient for guests visiting the area. While some areas, like carpets and certain decor elements, could use refreshment, guests seem largely satisfied with the hotel's commitment to cleanliness.
Staff
The staff at the Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns consistently receive high praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. Guests laud the reception staff for being welcoming, professional and efficient, ensuring a smooth check-in experience. The breakfast and food service staff are also noted for their attentiveness and politeness, contributing to a positive dining experience. Housekeepers are acknowledged for their hard work and pleasant demeanor. While there are occasional mentions of less favorable interactions with bar staff, the overwhelming sentiment is one of exceptional service and a warm, accommodating atmosphere throughout the hotel. Overall, the staff’s dedication to guest satisfaction significantly enhances the overall staying experience.
Wi-Fi
While staying at Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns, guests had mixed experiences with the Wi-Fi. Many appreciated a good and reliable Wi-Fi signal, describing it as excellent and great. Free Wi-Fi access was available with some guests highlighting the benefit of contactless connectivity and being able to enjoy the service for more than an hour.
However, several guests encountered significant issues with the Wi-Fi. Problems ranged from complete inability to connect, intermittent connectivity and weak signals, to the connection dropping frequently. Some described the Wi-Fi as shocking, nonexistent or unreliable, suggesting that the Wi-Fi system may need updating as it was difficult to connect and maintain a stable connection.
Overall, while some guests enjoyed a satisfactory experience with the hotel’s Wi-Fi, others faced frustrating challenges in accessing a stable internet connection.
Parking
The Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns receives consistent praise for its parking facilities from its guests. With a large and ample on-site car park, visitors frequently highlight the availability and safety of the parking spaces. Many express satisfaction with the ease of parking, noting that the process is straightforward and convenient. The fact that the parking is free is repeatedly mentioned as a significant advantage, adding considerable value to their stay. Guests appreciate the considerable number of parking spots, ensuring that finding a space is rarely an issue. Overall, the parking facilities at the Red Lion Hotel are regarded as excellent, contributing positively to the overall guest experience.
Family
The Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns seems to be a well-received destination among families visiting the Portsmouth and Fareham area. Many guests highlight the hotel's ability to cater to families with particular praise for the spacious family rooms that provide adequate space for everyone and proper beds for children. The hotel's breakfast offerings also receive commendation for their quality and efficiency, including options for kids that are described as a bargain.
Guests frequently return, finding the hotel convenient for family trips and reunions due to its central location. The staff are generally noted for their family-friendly approach, making families feel welcome. The children's menu and the overall environment are suited for both younger kids and teenagers, providing sufficient room for kids to move around and enjoy their stay. The hotel's amenities and services effectively meet the needs of families, making it a favored choice for those visiting the area with children.
3 Star
Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns offers a straightforward and adequate three-star experience, providing good value for money. The accommodations and facilities align with typical expectations for a three-star hotel. Guests have noted the rooms as being spacious and comfortable with amenities like coffee and tea facilities adding a pleasant touch. The decor gives the building a traditional feel, though some aspects appear dated and in need of modernization.
The service stands out with friendly and helpful staff, particularly highlighting individuals like Louis, Alison and Sharon for their exceptional assistance. Despite some guests finding the rooms tired and in need of refurbishing, the overall ambiance remains neat and tidy, contributing to a decent budget stay.
While there are areas that could be improved, such as the need for better hygiene in certain spots and the preference for a glass shower screen over a plastic curtain, the value offered by the hotel meets expectations. In essence, Red Lion Hotel delivers a competent three-star experience, perfectly fulfilling the basic needs of travelers seeking worthwhile accommodation on a budget.
Historic
Nestled in the heart of Fareham, the Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns is a quintessential historical gem, brimming with quaint charm and character. As a traditional coaching inn, it offers visitors a journey back in time with its beautiful period architecture and antique style. The original building, despite the street frontage, stands out for its charming features, old-world style bar and the fascinating historic maps on the walls.
Guests appreciate the seamless blend of the historic with the modern, as the hotel accommodation includes a more contemporary and comfortable extension. The central location is an added advantage, making it accessible for travelers keen on exploring Fareham. However, while the hotel thrives on its heritage appeal, there are some suggestions that the older installations might benefit from an update. Overall, the Red Lion Hotel remains an interesting and characterful destination for anyone interested in the stories of yesteryears, wrapped in a charming old inn experience.
No, Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns.
No, Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns.
No, Red Lion Hotel by Greene King Inns doesn't have a gym.