I stayed here recently for a business conference and despite being 'at work' I managed to relax and enjoy my time at this hotel.
This place is ideal for business people, the rooms have high speed wi-fi and a work desk and there are five air conditioned conference rooms
with complimentary tea and coffee facilities.
The Great Room restaurant has a good selection of food at reasonable prices and the staff are very professional and friendly.
I'm not a cricket fan but if you are, one of the benefits of staying at this hotel is that it's directly adjacent to the Rose Bowl. I beleive it's near Marwell Zoo and Paultons Park as well.
There's no lap of luxury here but the Holiday Inn Southampton is affordable, clean and well run - good enough I would say for even the most discerning visitor.