Ennio's Boutique Hotel, Southampton, Hampshire

We love being able to park the car at the hotel and then explore the city on foot.

Ennio's is right on Southampton's waterfront, a short walk from the city centre and the West Quay shopping centre.
By car: The hotel is 2 hours from London and Bristol, 2 hours 30 mins from Birmingham and 3 hours from Cambridge. There is some paid parking on-site.
By train: London to Southampton Central takes 1 hour 20 mins. The hotel is a 20-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride from the station. thetrainline.com

The hotel is perfect for couples awaiting a cruise ship departure. We love the glass screens depicting gondoliers on the Grand Canal.

The small number of parking spaces at the back are very useful. They're allocated on a first-come-first-served basis - just remember to let them know in advance that you need a space so they can reserve one for you.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Outdoor seating
• Adults-only
• Free Wi-Fi
• Parking

Our favourite room is Venus, a corner room on the front with dual aspect windows looking out over the sea front and the cruise ship terminals. The fully-stocked mini-bar and room service are unexpected extras.

10 boutique rooms
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with large shower, L'Occitane toiletries, towels, bathrobes, slippers, air conditioning, TV, safe, free Wi-Fi, mini-bar, desk, hairdryer

We love the more unusual dishes, including duck and pumpkin risotto and linguini with mussels and bacon. Our favourite dish is a meaty pan-roasted fillet of halibut served on a bed of brilliant green crushed peas and baby fennel, accompanied by a breaded pig terrine.

Ennio's: authentic and traditional Italian cuisine, pasta, meat dishes and seafood, regional tasting menu. Open for dinner Mon-Sat, 6-10pm and Sunday lunch 12-7pm. Mains from £18.95.