Planning a trip to the historic dockyard or the bustling city centre and wondering where to stay in Portsmouth? The sheer variety of this great naval city, from the quaint streets of Old Portsmouth to the lively shores of Southsea, can make finding the perfect base feel like a challenge. You need a home away from home that offers comfort, reliability, and true local connection.

This is where Air Maison comes in. As your trusted, local Portsmouth-based short-let management experts, we offer a curated portfolio of premium homes managed professionally. We ensure every property meets a high standard of cleanliness, comfort, and service, giving you peace of mind from booking to check-out.

We’ve selected our top properties across the city to prove that Air Maison knows the best places to stay in Portsmouth, whatever your requirements.

The Dockyard Dream: For the History Buff and Waterfront Wanderer

If the sound of the sea and the sight of grand naval history excites you, the areas around Old Portsmouth and Gunwharf Quays are where you should focus your search. This location is unbeatable for first-time visitors who want instant access to the city’s most famous landmarks.

Consider a property such as Monoklino, a cosy one bedroom apartment in the heart of Old Portsmouth. This charming apartment, set within a building that was once a wine merchant's shop, blends historic character with modern convenience, offering a peaceful and intimate escape for up to two guests.

Imagine stepping out and being minutes from the entrance to the Historic Dockyard, home to HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. From here, you can also gaze up at the iconic Spinnaker Tower. This single-bedroom retreat is perfectly designed for comfort, featuring amenities like high-speed complimentary Wi-Fi and a full kitchen setup, ideal for couples or solo travellers enjoying an extended cultural break in a prime, historic location.

Old Portsmouth, in particular, offers a charming, village-like atmosphere with cobbled streets and historic pubs like The Still & West. This section of the city perfectly balances the buzz of modern Gunwharf Quays, with its high-end designer outlet shopping and waterside dining, and the profound quiet of centuries of history. Choosing accommodation here means you get the best of both worlds, offering an unparalleled experience in the heart of Portsmouth.

The Seaside Escape: For Families and Beach Relaxation

For those travelling with family, or simply seeking a relaxed, sea-air-infused stay away from the intense bustle, Southsea is the undisputed champion. Located along the eastern stretch of the city’s coastline, Southsea offers wide open spaces, classic seaside attractions, and a vibrant, independent high street. This is often cited as where is the best place to stay in Portsmouth for a true holiday feel.

A property that typifies the Southsea experience is our Shore Stay Seaside Retreat, a bright and welcoming two-bedroom apartment that is just a short stroll from the Southsea seafront. This retreat is perfectly suited for families or groups of friends, sleeping up to six guests across a king-size bed, a fun bunk room, and an extra sofa bed. The focus here is on relaxation and accessibility. You are just a short walk from Southsea Common, a vast expanse of green space ideal for kite flying or picnics, leading directly to the promenade.

Families will love the proximity to Clarence Pier with its traditional arcade games and fairground rides, as well as Southsea Castle, where you can explore its historic ramparts and enjoy views across the harbour. The apartment encourages unwinding after a day by the sea, with a spacious living area and a dining space for sharing meals. The area is renowned for its boutique shops on Osborne Road and Marmion Road, offering everything from vintage finds to artisanal bakeries.

The City Central Hub: For the Business Traveller and Commuter

For professionals, contractors, or those needing fast, reliable access to Portsmouth’s business parks, train networks, or the University, the City Centre and Portsea areas offer the ultimate blend of convenience and efficiency. Your choice of accommodation should prioritise a streamlined experience and excellent connectivity.

We recommend properties such as the this charming two bedroom apartment in the heart of Portsmouth, which is just a few minutes from the train station and University for easy access. This comfortable condo sleeps up to five guests and is nestled just minutes away from the train station and the University of Portsmouth. Key features include high-speed Wi-Fi, a full kitchen, and an elevator, ensuring a self-contained and flexible stay perfectly suited for professionals, contractors, or students needing quick access to transport and academic hubs.

Being close to Portsmouth & Southsea station means you have direct links to London Waterloo, eliminating complicated travel logistics. The city centre offers essential amenities like supermarkets, gyms, and quick dining, all within easy reach to maximise productivity.

The Space Commander: For Group Trips and Events

Whether you are planning a celebratory weekend, a reunion with friends, or housing a team for a local project, sometimes you simply need space. For larger groups, Air Maison offers properties slightly outside the immediate tourist hotspots, which provide superior value and capacity without sacrificing convenience.

This large family home sleeps up to 10 guests is the perfect base for any adventure. This refurbished four-bedroom house is capable of sleeping up to 10 guests comfortably - with two bathrooms. These properties are lifesavers for groups, featuring a pool table for entertainment, large communal living areas, and fully equipped kitchens suitable for feeding a crowd. The value proposition is immense: securing an entire house is often far more cost-effective and provides significantly more privacy than booking multiple hotel rooms.

These locations are perfectly situated for local events, such as being close to Fratton Park for football fans, and offer easy access to main arterial roads out of the city. A huge advantage in these neighbourhoods is the availability of parking, a rare luxury closer to the waterfront.

Neighbourhood Quick Guide: A Final Word on Location

To wrap up your planning, here is a final, simple guide on where to stay in Portsmouth based on your travel goals. Deciding on the best location is the first step to a perfect trip, and Air Maison has professional short-let properties in all these areas, ready for you to book.

So, ultimately, where should you stay in Portsmouth?

• Old Portsmouth & Gunwharf Quays: Best for history, waterfront views, high-end dining, and luxury seeking couples or solo travellers. It is the most central and historically significant choice.
• Southsea: Best for families, beach access, parks, boutique shopping, and a slightly quieter, more relaxed coastal atmosphere.
• City Centre & Portsea: Best for business travellers, commuters, and those prioritising excellent transport links and modern, efficient accommodation.

Your Portsmouth Home Awaits

Air Maison are proud to be Portsmouth based short-term experts offering exceptional quality and local knowledge across our entire portfolio of short-term rentals. We take the hassle out of finding a temporary home, ensuring you can focus on enjoying the vibrant culture and rich history of the city. We have options for every type of visitor, confirming we are the local expert in Portsmouth UK short-term rentals.

Stop wondering where to stay in Portsmouth and start booking your perfect Portsmouth home today. Browse our full portfolio and secure your next stay with us now.