It was in 1793 that Jane, her family and friends took over the “Assembly Room” at the then Dolphin Hotel to celebrate her birthday. Dancing was a great passion of the young Jane, and her 18th birthday soiree was the prelude to her attending balls in many of the great houses in Hampshire, and for these to be featured regularly in her novels.
Jane subsequently lived in Southampton between 1805-09, and visitors today can retrace her connection with the city and the surrounding Hampshire countryside through organised tours.
The Mercure is housed in a Grade II listed heritage building that has stood in the heart of Southampton since 1423, and the High Street hotel has survived Nazi bombers and architectural scars of modern development to be one of the city centre's most cherished landmarks.
Jane Austen’s legacy lives on in the hotel with the Jane Austen function suite, where she held her 18th birthday. The function space contains two striking bay windows, reported to be the largest in Britain, as well as two stone carved fireplaces, facing one another across the length of the room. The venue is capable of hosting dinners for up to 100, and is very popular for weddings.
The atmospheric 90-bedroom hotel is a significant addition to the Mercure network in the UK. Mercure hotels are known for their individuality, each with their own distinctive character. These range from city centre hotels to country manors in key provincial locations. Mercure Southampton Centre is the 33rd hotel to join the Mercure UK network.
The extensive refurbishment undertaken by Mercure has been sensitive to the historical qualities of the building, ensuring the hotel offers a modern and contemporary feel, whilst retaining its historic charm.
Jonathan Sheard, Director of Operations, Mercure UK and Ireland comments: “We are delighted to have been able to restore this well-known local hotel to its former glory. Its central location, close to Southampton’s main shopping areas and the historic harbour, will make Mercure Southampton Centre the natural choice for visitors to the city.”
Mercure General Manager, Neil Brailsford, added: “It’s great to see this local hotel come alive again after all the hard work. The age and history of the hotel makes it truly unique and we didn’t want to lose this during the refurbishment. The building is steeped in tradition and it was often visited by the timeless author, Jane Austen, hence our new Jane Austen suite.”
Mercure Southampton Centre Hotel also features the contemporary and stylish restaurant. Using locally sourced produce for its extensive menu, the restaurant caters for all tastes, making it perfect for business or pleasure. The menu is perfectly complemented by a selection of wines specially selected for Mercure hotels.
Rates start from GBP55 per night per room.
mercure.com
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