Spitbank Fort — Hotel in Portsmouth

What an experience! Spitbank Fort is the smallest publicly accessible old port defence forts. It's essentially a man made concrete island in the middle of the sea. You can only access it by boat (included in the price of the experience). We did the one night stay. You get all food and water included in the stay, you just have to purchase your own alcohol (prices range from £5 for a bottle of beer to £8 for a G&T and £20 for a bottle of house wine).

The food was excellent and with the chef coming out to announce the courses, which is a special touch. You get a guided tour around the fort and lots of time to chill out and get to know the other guests. Dining is on large round tables where you sit amongst other guests, which prompts you to have a more sociable stay. Despite being the youngest, we had a great time getting to know the other guests.

On the evening, the chef sets you up to fish off the side of the fort and a chance to catch Whiting or Sea Bass (currently protected). If the catch is large enough and unprotected, the chef seasons and cooks the fish for you as an evening snack.

You also get hot chocolate and rum as you draw the night to a close.

Pack your swimming clothes (for a jacuzzi) and sun cream to sunbathe on the top of the fort as you watch the boats go by.

Service was generally good but slightly concerning that there was so much new staff on.

Truly special...

I would like to start this review by personally thanking the Team that looked after both Lyn and myself, they were outstanding and a credit to the company they represent, the team headed up by Ellina with Lissie, Ewan, Luke and Ant went above and beyond in every aspect of Service and Customer Care and made our stay at Spitbank Fort even better than we could have dreamed, they are Professional, articulate, courteous, attentive and nothing is to much trouble. From the moment we checked in to the moment they saw us back to the boat on departure there was always a big smile and a warm approach leaving us in no doubt we were in both capable and safe hands, Thank You for an amazing stay! The whole process of dealing with this company has been professional and well organised, we would highly recommend visiting this venue it is unique and beautifully restored, it delivers exactly what it promises in the advertising. For a special occasion this is an absolute must.

Lyn &...

A fantastic venue which oozes character - let down by some aspects of customer service. We visited Spitbank Fort as part of the New Year's Eve package featuring 4 course meal and disco. The venue is absolutely stunning with guests being given time to explore the many corners of the fort at their leisure. But, when the hotel and experience prices are in the same league as the Ritz the set-up is let down by the poor approach to customer service. Trying to contact the team in the lead-up to the event was nearly impossible as the phone was rarely picked up. The itinerary was published very late which made timings difficult. Given the price, it would have been nice to have been sent a physical ticket or invite in the post rather than an email receipt. A little polishing-off on the customer experience and this venue could really make...