The Clarence Hotel occupies a detached Edwardian townhouse with an immaculately presented red brick facade complete with ornate period detailing, wrought iron railings, and even an old-fashioned style street light in front. Visitors are first met by pretty stained glass windows that cast colored light into homey-looking hallways with patterned carpets and turned-wood balusters. This adult-only boutique has just eight rooms, a breakfast room, and small bar, all of which are superbly finished in a blend of classic vintage feel and smart contemporary style. The ambience is intimate and service attentive and personal, while at the same time affording guests plenty of undisturbed privacy.

The hotel is located on a quaint and quiet residential street in the seaside resort of Southsea -- the southern coastal part of the city of Portsmouth. The seafront with its long shingle beach is a few minutes' walk away -- though there's not a great deal of beachfront amenities beyond the pier. Five minutes' drive away Portsmouth's historic dockyard and the Gunwharf Quays can be found -- with numerous outlet stores, restaurants, bars, and cafés -- as well as ferries to the Isle of Wight. Portsmouth and Southsea train station connects directly to London and is about two miles from the hotel (a cab is recommended) while Portsmouth's main ferry terminal is about 10 minutes away by car with connections to Spain and Jersey.

Each of the hotel's eight rooms have been individually designed and decorated with particular attention to detail, with statement wallpaper, plush patterned fabrics, and antique wood or contemporary design furnishings. A number of rooms feature an in-room sunken or free-standing bathtub with integrated flat-screen TV while bathrooms also include under-floor heating, high-end bath products, and thick bathrobes and slippers. Wi-Fi is fast and free while up-to-date flat-screen TVs provide movie and music on demand. For comfort, air-conditioning is individually controlled and beds are king-size with high-end bedding -- however, with no minibars. Tea and coffee facilities, however, are provided.

Being more of a guesthouse than hotel, there's not a huge amount beyond the rooms. However, an excellent cooked-to-order breakfast menu has a particularly impressive selection on offer and served in elegant surroundings. The hotel also has a small bar area with soft seating which opens to an even smaller paved garden. Room service is also available (with limited hours) and in-room massage services can also be arranged. Parking is also available free of charge, though spaces are a mix of off-road and street parking.