Park Plaza Cardiff

Although its weather-worn concrete facade is reminiscent of a multi-story parking lot, the hotel has chic common areas. The lobby is airy and bright with chic modern styling, warm wood flooring, and attractive contemporary furnishings, all illuminated by a trio of high-tech chandeliers hanging from lofty ceilings. A number of real fireplaces line the length of the room below a flock of gulls sculpture that casts shadows on the expansive canvas-white wall. Other pieces of modern art adorn the reception space and hallways, creating an artsy ambiance, while a real emphasis has been placed on creating a laid-back and relaxing vibe. The restaurant to the rear is well-placed, with a little terrace overlooking trees and a canal, while the spa's relaxation room has views of Cardiff's City Hall's domed roof. As well as the usual blend of tourist and business guests, this semi-boutique hotel also attracts plenty of the city's media types, those-in-the-know, and even owners from other bars and hotels. Rooms, however, are unfortunately lackluster.

The hotel is set on a fairly busy road in the center of Cardiff center, opposite an NCT car park on one side and with views towards the domed of the City Hall to the rear. Its central location means that most of the city's bars, shops, and restaurants are well within walking distance -- with many in the immediate area which means it can get lively at weekends. Cardiff Castle and the neighboring expanse of green space -- Bute Park -- are just over a five minutes' walk away, while the nearest train station is Cardiff Queen street which is 10 minutes away on foot.  

The hotel has 129 spacious rooms, all of which are decorated in simple furnishings, carpeted floors, and pieces of abstract art. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and tea/coffee facilities, while comfy beds are topped with Egyptian cotton sheets and feather duvets and pillows. Executive room and all suites also include a welcome tray with a half bottle of red or white wine and two half bottles of mineral water, as well as a set of bathrobes and slippers. Sleek bathrooms are finished in gray slate with shower/tub combos (plus walk-in shower for upgrade rooms, but they're tiny), wall-mounted hairdryers, and decent bath products. While rear-facing rooms have pleasant views towards City Hall, those facing the road are prone to noise from local bars -- especially during Fresher's Week (earplugs are available from reception).

The hotel's Laguna Kitchen restaurant is attractive, with large windows ensuring plenty of natural light and views over the greenery -- as well as an outdoor patio for al fresco dining. The eatery is open for breakfast (which is not included in the rates), lunch, and dinner, and offers an excellent menu of Welsh and British favorites from locally sourced ingredients. A floor-to-ceiling wine wall divides the restaurant from the bar, which offers snug booths and a funky vibe. The hotel also offers impressive health and fitness facilities, with an Elemis Spa providing exotic therapies (as well as a Balinese ambiance), a 60-foot UV-filtered swimming pool, and a well-equipped modern gym spread over two levels. Wi-Fi is also free of charge throughout the hotel and guests get a discount at the parking garage opposite the hotel.