Name: Florence Gardens Boutique Hotel and Restaurant
Address: 4 Malvern Road, Portsmouth
Telephone: 0745 127 3975
Rating: 4.5

Good but could easily improve

Liked: Excellent clean room, bright and airy.Super bathroom plus tea, coffee and biscuits.
Disliked: Breakfast itself was good but staff training somewhat weak.Waitress wiped our table with dry paper towel, had to request proper clean to remove sticky feel, cutlery placed directly on table rather than on napkins - just minor but easily improved. Some tables left uncleared for too long and someone was allowed to bring their dog into the breakfast eating area - not a service dog.

Very good

Superb

Exceptional

Lovely rooms, food was good...

Liked: The rooms were decorated lovely, the food was good and service was good.
Disliked: We were quite underwhelmed by the service during our recent stay. Upon arrival around lunchtime, we had a light meal before check-in. When it came time to check in, we found the reception area completely unmanned. After standing there for about five minutes with no assistance, I approached a nearby staff member who admitted they didn’t know what to do and simply said, “The lady should be back soon.” Another five minutes passed before someone finally arrived.The check-in experience itself was awkward. The receptionist asked a series of standard questions but did so while facing the desk the entire time, never making eye contact. It felt impersonal and dismissive. The final question—asking if we had anything planned during our stay—seemed more like a formality than genuine interest. I chose not to answer, as it was clear the question wasn't asked with any intent to engage.Breakfast was similarly disappointing. Three staff members were gathered together chatting as we entered, yet none of them acknowledged us or even offered a simple “Good morning.” For a four-star hotel, this lack of basic hospitality is quite surprising.Overall, the experience left much to be desired in terms of customer service and warmth. It's a shame, as the hotel itself seemed to have potential.