voco St. David’s Cardiff

With more than a passing resemblance to the architecture of a ship -- complete with a sail-topped roof -- this striking piece of contemporary design is aptly perched overlooking the waters of Cardiff Bay. Although built at the turn of the millennium as the first five-star hotel in Wales, the glass-fronted facade -- while still impressive -- has started to show signs of wear from the elements. The soaring lofty atrium lobby, however, has pristine white walls and minimal decor that feel cool and contemporary, or clinical and frosty, depending on perspective. A few funky furnishings and splashes of contemporary art in the reception area and throughout the property tend to soften the look. While stunning views can be found from many vantage points, there's also the chance to glimpse the occasional celebrity who passes through this luxury hotel. 

The hotel sits in a recently redeveloped area of the old Cardiff Docks that overlooks Cardiff Bay in the south. While the surroundings are newly paved and secluded, they lack the bustle and energy of the city center, which is a 10- to 15-minute drive away. The waterfront shopping and leisure of Mermaid Quay, however, is within a 10-minute walk, and the Wales Millennium Centre is five minutes beyond that. The hotel also offers unparalleled views across Cardiff Bay to the Bristol Channel, where the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm can sometimes be seen.

The hotel's 142 rooms are spread over seven floors and personify clean, contemporary styling but have a warm, almost homey, feel -- with maritime-hued tones in some and fluffy pillows and bed-toppers in others. Most rooms have superb views over the bay, while many feature floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open onto wooden-deck balconies. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea- and coffee-making facilities, but there are no minibars in standard-level rooms. Bathrooms include telephones, heated towel racks, shower/tub combos, and high-end White Company toiletries. Only the renovated rooms are photographed, and those awaiting makeovers have begun to look tired, and they're in urgent need of a refresh. 

Breakfast is available, though it's not included in the standard room rate, and guests have complained that it's overpriced for the quality. The Tempus at Tides Restaurant also offers a la carte menus for lunch and dinner, and it has an outdoor terrace for alfresco dining (weather permitting). Room service is also available around the clock -- though the overnight menu is limited. The hotel's spa stands out as one of the city's best, with an indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pools, sauna, and attractive treatment rooms. The pool has dedicated swim times for kids, while a modern gym offers lovely views over the water, along with free weights, exercise balls, and a full array of cardio- and strength-training equipment. Several meeting rooms are on-site for business travelers, and catered lunches can be arranged. High-speed Wi-Fi is also free of charge, but on-site parking can be pricey.