Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, is a city that effortlessly blends ancient history, rich culture, and a modern lifestyle. When planning your visit, finding the right accommodation is crucial to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. In this article, we’re going to explore the best hotels in Cardiff, tailored for both budget and luxury travellers.
For the Budget Traveller
With the cost of living crisis affecting us all sometimes knowing the best areas of a city can help you to minimise expenses when travelling, here are some of the best budget hotels in Cardiff.
Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff
Situated just a stone’s throw away from Cardiff Central Railway Station, the Sleeperz Hotel offers modern, budget-friendly rooms with free Wi-Fi and sleek design. The on-site restaurant and bar serve a delightful variety of dishes, and the city’s main attractions are within easy walking distance.
Ibis Cardiff Centre
Located in the city centre, Ibis Cardiff Centre offers excellent value with comfortable rooms and a 24-hour bar. The Motorpoint Arena is nearby, and Cardiff’s bustling shopping districts are just around the corner, making it a prime choice for budget-conscious travellers.
The Safehouse Hostel
This vibrant, backpacker-friendly hostel is nestled right in the city centre, offering dormitory-style rooms with free Wi-Fi. There’s also a communal kitchen and a comfortable lounge area, perfect for meeting fellow travellers.
For the Luxury Traveller
If you are looking for something a little nicer when vising Cardiff, check out some of these luxury hotels.
The Park Plaza
One of Cardiff’s premier luxury hotels, The Park Plaza offers elegance and comfort right in the heart of the city. Rooms are stylishly appointed, the Laguna Kitchen & Bar serves up delicious cuisine, and the on-site spa offers a variety of treatments for ultimate relaxation.
Hotel Indigo Cardiff
Set in the city centre, Hotel Indigo combines boutique charm with modern luxury. Each room is individually decorated to reflect Cardiff’s rich culture and history. The rooftop restaurant, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, offers stunning city views and exquisite dining.
The St. David’s Hotel
If you prefer a waterfront location, The St. David’s Hotel in Cardiff Bay is an excellent luxury choice. This five-star hotel offers panoramic bay views, sophisticated rooms, and a world-class spa. Dining at the on-site Admiral St David restaurant is a must for food lovers.
Cardiff’s range of accommodations means that regardless of your budget, you can find a hotel that provides comfort, convenience, and a dash of Welsh charm.
Finding the best deals on Cardiff hotels
While Cardiff offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, knowing where to look for the best deals can make your travel budget go even further. Here’s a guide on how to snag the best hotel deals for your visit to Cardiff.
1. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
Online travel agencies such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com often provide competitive rates and special offers for a wide range of hotels in Cardiff. They offer an easy-to-use interface, customer reviews, and flexible search parameters. You can sort by price, location, star rating, and facilities, and they also offer a best-price guarantee.
2. Hotel Comparison Websites
Hotel comparison websites like Trivago and Kayak compile rates from multiple sources, including OTAs and direct hotel websites, allowing you to compare prices at a glance. These sites can help you find the best deal for your chosen dates and hotel.
3. Direct Hotel Websites
Sometimes, the best deals are found by booking directly through the hotel’s official website. Hotels often offer exclusive deals and perks to guests who book direct, such as complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, or room upgrades.
4. Discount Booking Websites
Websites like Hotwire and Priceline can offer significant discounts on Cardiff hotels. These sites work by offering heavily discounted rates on unsold hotel rooms. Keep in mind, however, that specific hotel details are often not revealed until after booking.
5. Membership & Loyalty Programmes
If you’re a member of a hotel loyalty programme, such as Marriott Bonvoy or IHG Rewards Club, you can often find special rates or earn points towards future stays. Similarly, members of certain organisations or holders of particular credit cards might be eligible for special rates.
6. Travel Deal Websites and Newsletters
Sites like Travelzoo and Secret Escapes, or newsletters from Scott’s Cheap Flights and Jack’s Flight Club, often feature hotel deals in addition to discounted flights. Signing up for these newsletters and keeping an eye on these sites can help you spot a great Cardiff hotel deal.
Remember, booking your hotel well in advance, being flexible with your dates, and travelling during off-peak seasons can also result in significant savings.
Visiting Cardiff
Getting to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales is quite straightforward due to its excellent transport links. Just be warned, if you visit you could end up moving to Cardiff full-time.
If you’re travelling from abroad, the nearest airport is Cardiff Airport, which offers both domestic and international flights. The airport is around 12 miles from the city centre and is easily accessible via the T9 bus service or by taxi. For those within the UK, Cardiff is well-connected by train, with direct services from cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
The city’s main train station, Cardiff Central, is right in the heart of the city. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, Cardiff is well-served by major motorways such as the M4, making it easy to reach from all parts of the UK.