The capital of Wales, Cardiff is a small but vibrant city with a whole lot of activities and attractions to offer. When you choose one of the hotels in Cardiff, by the sea or in the city center, you’ll be well-placed to explore its many gems. Are you a history buff? If so, you’ll have a grand time in Cardiff. From 6,000-year-old burial grounds to ancient Roman structures to an 11th-century castle, the city has it all. An important coal port in the early 20th century, Cardiff today boasts relaxing green spaces and bustling entertainment districts. It also exudes a youthful vibe, which is to be expected as it’s among the UK cities for international students that aren’t London. So, sit back and let’s take a peek at some of the top hotels in Cardiff, Wales.
Where To Stay In Cardiff, Wales
Cardiff is the youngest capital city in Europe, having attained this status in 1955. Compared to London, which became England’s capital in the 12th century, Cardiff is practically a babe in arms! Nevertheless, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cardiff. Stay in the city center, for example, and enjoy leisurely strolls along the River Taff. If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll love the Hayes, Queen Street, and St. Mary’s Street, which are the city’s main shopping districts. The venerable Cardiff Castle is here, too! Meanwhile, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants abound in the heart of the city.
If you’re looking for hotels in Cardiff by the sea, your best bets are the properties in the outskirts of the city. In the Penarth area, for instance, you’ll find accommodation close to the beaches of the Vale of Glamorgan coastline. The Cardiff Bay district, once home to the old Cardiff Docks, also boasts waterfront hotels. They’re close to myriad shopping and entertainment options at the Mermaid Quay and Red Dragon Centre.
The Riverside neighborhood, located across the River Taff from the city center, is also a popular place to stay. A vast parkland beside the river as well as public gardens are inviting places for families. And with a plethora of ethnic shops and eateries plus lodgings for backpackers, it draws foodies and visitors traveling on a budget.
Novotel Cardiff Centre
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Its convenient location makes the Novotel Cardiff Centre a terrific base for sightseeing. From the hotel, it’s a short walk to the historic Cardiff Castle. Likewise, the Wales Millennium Centre and the University of South Wales’ Cardiff campus are close by. Also, indulging in retail therapy is easy since shopping centers are a 10-minute stroll away.
Are you planning a romantic getaway in Cardiff? If so, you can book the superior queen room, which sleeps two. Meanwhile, if you’re traveling with the kids, you can opt for either the double room or executive room. These rooms can accommodate two adults plus two children. If your two kids are younger than 16 years old, they stay for free in your room! Plus, they’ll get to enjoy video games and a children’s menu. These and more make the 4-star Novotel Cardiff Centre one of the top family hotels in Cardiff, Wales.
Speaking of menus, the restaurant serves a breakfast buffet and hearty lunches and dinners. Should you want a cocktail later in the day or evening, head to the bar lounge. Also, there’s an indoor pool where you can swim a few laps no matter the weather outside. What’s more, a fitness center means you can keep up with your exercise regimen.
The Angel Hotel – Part Of The Cairn Collection
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Tracing its roots to at least the 18th century, The Angel Hotel offers superb accommodation to discerning guests. Many celebrities have stayed here, including The Beatles, Greta Garbo, and Anthony Perkins. Located in the city center, the hotel sits next to Cardiff Castle and a stone’s throw from the Principality Stadium. And although it isn’t among the hotels in Cardiff by the sea, it’s a short drive to the beaches of Penarth and Bendricks.
Whether you choose a standard or deluxe room, you’ll enjoy a host of comforts. Featuring single, twin, or double beds, they also have their own private bathrooms. Some rooms overlook Cardiff Castle. And if you’d like extra space, book one of the suites. Each comes with a separate dining area and lounge.
Mealtimes are pleasant affairs at the Castell restaurant. Start your day with a hearty Welsh breakfast. The lunch and dinner menus change seasonally to maximize the use of local ingredients. Also, don’t forget to drop by the restaurant for sumptuous afternoon tea.
Hilton Cardiff
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Perched at the edge of the city center’s Castle Quarter, the Hilton Cardiff sits close to many top attractions. Cardiff Castle, for instance lies a mere two blocks away while the National Museum of Cardiff is also a short walk from the hotel. What’s more, there’s plenty of shopping and dining options within the hotel’s immediate vicinity.
The 4-star Hilton is one of those hotels in Cardiff, Wales, that’s a pleasure to come home to after a day of sightseeing. You can get the kinks out of those sore muscles with a massage at the Schmoo Spa or a soak in the heated indoor pool. Later, grab a cup of coffee at the Costa cafe or a cocktail at the Metropole Lounge. And for country-style dishes, you can’t go wrong at Grey Restaurant.
The hotel’s rooms provide the perfect place to chill day or night. Bright and airy, some have wonderful castle views. Sleek and streamlined, each one boasts an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower. And as you would expect from a luxury hotel, it offers modern comforts like air-conditioning, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs.
Jurys Inn Cardiff
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Behind the grandiose stone façade of Jurys Inn Cardiff lie more than 100 modern rooms and suites. Each one offers the comforts befitting a 4-star hotel. For example, you can go online as often as you want, courtesy of the free, fast, and unlimited Wi-Fi. Warm and cold drinks are close at hand, courtesy of the fridge and the coffee/tea refreshment dock. Also, the flat-screen LCD TV with Freeview keeps you updated on your favorite shows.
If you’re an early riser, you’ll probably appreciate the continental breakfast delivered to your room in the morning. Prefer to sleep in? No worries; you can drop by the lobby/bar later to pick up a hot sandwich. And with nine meeting rooms, it’s no wonder Jurys Inn is among the popular business hotels in Cardiff, Wales.
On-site parking is ample, albeit for a fee. Don’t worry about getting around if you don’t have a vehicle, though, since the bus station and the train station are a couple of minutes’ walk away. Also, the hotel’s location in the city center places it close to attractions like Cardiff Castle and Motorpoint Arena.
Park Plaza Cardiff
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If staying in a luxury hotel is what you have in mind, you’d do well to consider Park Plaza Cardiff. This 4-star property boasts 129 stylish rooms and suites, each of which will keep you in the lap of luxurious comfort. Some rooms will welcome you with a refreshment tray. And if you book one of the designer rooms, you’ll sleep in style and comfort on Egyptian cotton sheets, feather duvets, and pillows.
Refreshing yourself with food and drinks is a pleasure at the Laguna Restaurant & Bar. Enjoy fine dishes made with ingredients from local Welsh suppliers and choose a drink from the wine wall. It’s also a wonderful place to have afternoon tea. And if you visit in the summertime, you can dine under the sun on the restaurant’s terrace.
Park Plaza Cardiff might not be one of the hotels in Cardiff by the sea, but don’t let that worry you if you feel like a swim. You can head to the indoor stainless steel pool. Heated and treated with UV filters, it’s a relaxing and safe place for a few laps. And when you’re ready for sightseeing, you can walk to nearby landmarks like the National Museum.
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
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Are you planning on getting some major shopping done during your Welsh holiday? If so, you might want to book a room at the Clayton Hotel Cardiff. This 4-star property is in the city center, a short walk from St. David’s Shopping Centre. Likewise, the Wales Millennium Center and the Principality Stadium are close by.
The rooms are airy and bright and feature modern decor. If you book an Executive Room, you’ll enjoy sleeping on a Kaymed pillow top mattress and refresh yourself with deluxe toiletries. And if you’re coming with the kids, you can choose one of the family rooms where you can ask for an extra bed or an infant cot. If you’re with a larger party, you can also choose interconnecting rooms so that everyone stays close together.
At the Clayton, you can start your day with a traditional cooked breakfast. Later, have brunch at the contemporary View restaurant and afternoon tea at the Grill Bar & Restaurant. And if you’d like to burn some calories, head to the hotel gym. Complete with cardio and weight training equipment, it also offers yoga sessions.
Future Inn Cardiff Bay
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Hankering for a memorable stay near the waterfront? If so, Future Inn Cardiff Bay is worth your attention. Though it isn’t one of the hotels in Cardiff by the sea, it’s well within walking distance of the bay’s waters. Also, it’s close to the Mermaid Quay waterfront shopping and leisure area, where restaurants, cafes, and shops abound.
The 4-star Future Inn offers almost 200 guestrooms. Each is air-conditioned and boasts comforts such as tea/coffee makers and LCD TVs. If having a separate living room sounds appealing, choose a superior room. But, for added luxury, splurge on one of the king suites. Besides the extra space, it also comes with an exclusive welcome package containing fresh fruit and a bottle of Cava.
The cozy and welcoming Thomas Restaurant is where you’ll start the day with a wonderful breakfast. It’s also a popular restaurant in the city for lunch and afternoon tea. And if you’ll be in town on a Sunday, don’t forget to drop by for a traditional roast. It’s a highlights of staying in one of the top hotels in Cardiff, Wales.
Pontcanna Inn
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Sometimes exceptional experiences come in small packages, and that could well be the case with the Pontcanna Inn. Once called the Cayo Arms, the property offers only ten guestrooms, perfect if you’re after a quiet and intimate environment. Prints of flowers and plants as well as leafy or floral wallpapers lend a fresh, garden feel to the rooms. And with modern features like free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, the outside world is never too far away.
The rooms are on the property’s second level while the lower level holds the pub and restaurant. Here, you can look forward to freshly cooked food at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A wide selection of drinks also awaits, from craft beer and authentic ale to classic cocktails and fine wine and spirits.
Pontcanna Inn sits along Cathedral Road, close to the Sophia Gardens public park in Riverside. Cricket fans will also know that Sophia Gardens is the home of Glamorgan Cricket. Likewise, the city center is within walking distance. Its quiet environs and proximity to the action makes Pontcanna Inn one of the top hotels in Cardiff, Wales.
New House Country Hotel
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With its ivy-covered walls, New House Country Hotel looks like something straight out of a historical novel. The building being a bit of a historic gem isn’t fiction, though. In fact, it’s a manor house dating from the 1730s. Surrounded by exquisite gardens, it’s a romantic spot for a quiet getaway. Set on a hillside, the hotel offers spectacular views of the city and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Each of its rooms is a study in ornate elegance. Think old-school chandeliers, four-poster beds, and colorful bedspreads and furnishings. But they’re filled with 21st-century comforts, too. From the en-suite bathroom with luxury toiletries to televisions and room service, they promise a pleasant stay.
The Sequoias restaurant further cements the property’s status as one of the best hotels in Cardiff, Wales. Tuck into delicious Welsh delicacies in front of a roaring fireplace at lunch and dinner. Also, the restaurant is a great place for afternoon tea. Indulge in scones, champagne, and more!
voco St. David’s Cardiff
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The modern voco St. David’s Cardiff towers over the waters of Cardiff Bay. If you’re looking to stay in hotels in Cardiff by the sea, the beautiful water views from this property won’t disappoint you. Day or night, you’ll enjoy the scenic marine vista from the floor-to-ceiling windows or private balcony of your room. What’s more, you’ll also luxuriate in style with designer toiletries, climate control, and satellite TV. And if you upgrade to a suite, you can enjoy meals in a separate dining area.
Speaking of meals, you can savor delectable Welsh and international cuisine at the Admiral St. David restaurant. From breakfast and lunch to afternoon tea and dinner, it’s a culinary adventure waiting to be experienced. The bar, which opens from noon, offers an extensive cocktail menu where Welsh gin and vodka are the stars. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of pampering to be had at the Marine Spa. Soak in the hot tub and let your cares float away as you sit on a bubbling water bed.
The 5-star voco St. David’s Cardiff is a short walk from the Techniquest science and discovery center. Likewise, the Red Dragon Centre indoor entertainment complex is close by.
Hotel Indigo
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Cardiff Castle is a must-see on any trip to the city, and booking a room at Hotel Indigo makes this so easy to do. Set in the city center, it’s one of the best hotels in Cardiff, Wales, for sightseeing. From this 4-star property, it’s only a six-minute walk to the castle and its fairy-tale towers. Similarly, the Motorpoint Arena and the St. David’s Hall concert venue are moments away. Also, don’t let the fact that the Indigo isn’t one of the hotels in Cardiff by the sea disappoint you. The pebbly beach at Penarth is just a short drive away!
Fitness buffs will appreciate the hotel’s fully equipped gym. And at the Marco Pierre White restaurant and bar, set on the rooftop, you can relish classic British dishes while admiring the skyline. Need to see to some business matters? The hotel staff is happy to help with services including copying, printing, and scanning.
The hotel’s rooms pay homage to Welsh industry and music in their furniture and furnishings. Enjoy an invigorating rainfall shower in your en-suite bathroom and grab a drink from the minibar before settling down for a show on cable TV. And for amazing rooftop views of the city, book one of the south-facing rooms.
Recommended Restaurants / Food Tours in Cardiff, Wales:
- Crumbs Kitchen – Vegetarian and vegan treats await at this laid-back restaurant. From fresh salads and hearty soups to savory curries and delicious desserts, Crumbs Kitchen has it all. Located in the Morgan Quarter shopping district, it’s close to many hotels in Cardiff, Wales.
- Cardiff Tasting Tour: The Best Way to See Cardiff – Bring your appetite for a delicious culinary adventure in Cardiff! Sample a variety of Welsh cheeses and other local delicacies along with Welsh beer and cider.
Recommended Activities In Cardiff, Wales:
- City Sightseeing Cardiff Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – Sit in comfort in a bus as it makes its way around the city! Some of the many stops during this tour include the medieval Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay.
- Private Tour: Doctor Who TV Locations and Tour of Cardiff – Spend 4 mesmerizing hours exploring the locations where this enduring TV show was filmed. You’ll also get the inside scoop from your local guide, who’s an avid Whovian.
