Park Plaza Hotel, Cardiff

Author's product rating:   

Advantages:	Clean modern hotel in the heart of Cardiff,
Disadvantages:	A little pricey for many, car parking not included .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Being regular visitors to Cardiff, we have tried many hotels there varying enormously. The Park Plaza I'm pleased to say, is definitely one of the best.

The hotel is relatively new, and has only been open 2 yrs. It is located behind one of the main shopping streets, and within a 5 minute walk of the CIA, St Mary's Street (bars/clubs galore) and Cardiff Castle. Even to walk to the Stadium would be under 10 minutes even at my pace!

Be careful with directions to the hotel as there are a few one way streets in this area, so you'll need to keep your wits about you. The car park is a standard NCP just over the road. A discounted ticket is available and cost around £7 for the 24 hours.

Into reception- this is very tastefully decorated in a modern contemporary theme. Lots of comfortable seating and art work. Reception was swift on both occasions we have stayed, although i was very wary when i was informed they'd have to authorise my card for an extra £50 to my card in case of "extras". I prefer to pay as i go for these sorts of things, but at that time, the extra cost was compulsory but it was refunded on check out.

The first time we stayed we had an immaculate tasteful room although perhaps a little smaller than i would have liked for such a pricey hotel. It also had an internal view so not as bright as being on the outer sides of the hotel. That said, the bathroom was gloriously large and spotlessly clean. The bed was probably the most comfortable i ever stayed in and it had a beautifully goose down duvet.

The second time we stayed (March 2007) we had a room at the back of the hotel looking over the parks and Uni grounds. A little noiser as it was near the roads, but that didn't affect us at all. The room temperature was adjustable therefore not requiring you to open the windows. This room had different decor, and felt much brighter than the last. Both rooms were impressively decorated and immaculately clean. The beds truly are to die for.

The rooms also had the usual facilities, tea/coffe, TV with a good range of sky channels. A desk and extra comfortable seating.

We decided to use the bar after our night out but found it a little difficult to find! If you enter the hotel through the main entrance again the bar is not sign posted but there is a doorway by the lifts which takes you through. Drinks were fairly standard hotel prices, and the bar was one of the nicest hotel bars we've used. There were tables and chairs, and also high backed leather booth areas. Very comfortable with a nice atmosphere.

Breakfast is served in the main restaurant and has the usual hot and cold delights. Excellent Welsh sausages, cakes, fruits etc. Quick service, and very bright and airy.

The hotel also boasts fitness and leisure facilities which we did not have time to use on either stay so cannot really comment on these- but i'd imagine they'd be of a very high standard given our experiences here.

Our first stay (Sept 2005) the room rate was £70 without breakfast, March 2007 we paid £99 for B&B. The hotel price will vary depending on who you book through so it is worth shopping around.

All in all, a lovely hotel worthy of its 4 star rating. Price varies and understandably may well be above the budget of many, however for a romantic weekend away this would fit the bill.

Wales and Cardiff in general have so much to offer, this hotel makes an excellent base. Price dependent, we will more than likely be making a 3rd visit in 2008!