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Cardiff

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About Cardiff

Despite its age and history, Cardiff has only been the capital of Wales since 1955. However recent investment has seen the revitalisation of Cardiff Bay and the waterfront district, the new rugby stadium and the Senedd building, which is the seat of the Welsh parliament. The best places to stay in Cardiff are just as architecturally varied as the rest of the city's highlights, and range from Victorian townhouse conversions to a swanky waterfront hotel and spa that has been designed to look like a cruise ship.

If you’re in town to see the rugby, then you’ll want to be as close as you can to the Principality Stadium, which is the home of Welsh rugby, and hosted the 1999 Rugby World Cup. It’s very close to the centre of town, at the Cardiff Castle end of Bute Park. As well as sports fans, Cardiff is popular with shoppers, and folk drawn to the buzz of the city and the promise of great live music and a thriving scene for revelry. The best shopping can be found at the top end of Bute Park, on Queen Street, and the best places to go out of an evening are clustered around St. Mary Street and Charles Street.

If you’re fascinated by the history of this youthful capital, don't miss the National Museum of Cardiff, which covers great swathes of history, and is also home to one of Europe’s finest collections of impressionist art. The National History Museum, at St. Fagans, is a vast outdoor museum with a variety of historical buildings brought here from all over the country. This is a great place to learn all about Wales' past.

The best places to stay in Cardiff can be busy year round, especially if there's a big rubgy match or popular musical event in the calendar. So do your research and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Cardiff

For Water Views

  • St David's Hotel & Spa is a large hotel on Cardiff Bay. As well as 146 stylish and well-proportioned rooms and suites, the hotel has a great restaurant with a terrace overlooking the water, and a luxurious spa. There’s a pool, gym, 24 hour room service, and parking. When you look out onto the bay you may feel like you’re a world away from the city, but it’s only about two minutes

For Great Value

  • Holm House is located outside of the city, atop the cliffs of Penarth, and overlooks a stunning stretch of Welsh coastline. The location means it’s something of an escape, and the facilities, which include a luxurious spa and pool, a large garden and an elegant bar, are top notch. The hotel has just 12 rooms and suites, carefully designed, and decorated in pale neutrals. Very reasonably priced luxury with sea views.

Best B&Bs

  • The Hotel One Hundred is a family-owned and managed, seven room B&B in the heart of Cardiff City Centre. The rooms are all simply decorated, with contemporary furnishings and colours, and they all have full ensuites.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Cardiff Airport is to the south-west of the city, about half an hour from the centre by train, or about 20 minutes in a car of taxi. If you’re travelling via London, rail is your best bet. You can reach Cardiff in around two hours, leaving from London Paddington.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Cardiff is a proper city break destination, with lots to see and do whenever you fancy visiting. The Cardiff calendar of events and entertainment is awash with carnivals, food festivals, music, art and cultural exhibitions, and all sorts of celebrations. Cardiff is particularly beautiful in the spring, when blooms liven up the city, and you can fit more into the longer daylight hours. Autumn is pretty too. Whatever time of year you plan to visit it’s worth packing your wet weather gear, because like the rest of the UK, Cardiff's weather can be unpredictable!

Still not sure where to stay?

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Best Hotels in Cardiff

  • Hotel One Hundred Cardiff 7 rooms from CA$81

    Learning  -  Ideal for guests visiting Cardiff University, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Cardiff School of Engineering.
    Sights nearby  -  The Millennium Stadium, The National Museum Of Wales
    Close to nightlife  -  In close proximity to Cardiff city centre
    Other Activities  -  Caerphilly Castle, Cardiff Castle
    Swimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParking

    Hotel One Hundred is a family owned and managed bed and breakfast in Cardiff City Centre. The hotel has seven clean, simple, fully en-suite bedrooms and offer a continental breakfast each morning. Great value just a short walk from all of the shops and attractions of Cardiff city centre. See More

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  • Holm House Cardiff (Penarth) 12 rooms from CA$185

    Learning  -  Visit the local Turner House Art Gallery
    Other Activities  -  Visit nearby Cosmeston Medieval Village
    Wildlife Area  -  Explore Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
    Golf  -  The Glamorganshire Golf Club
    SpaSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessParking

    Located in a tranquil setting on the Penarth cliff tops, with stunning views of the Welsh coastline, Holm House Hotel is the perfect seaside escape. The hotel boasts a luxury spa, fine dining and lavishly decorated, individually designed bedrooms. A contemporary hotel with a warm heart. See More

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  • St David's Hotel & Spa Cardiff 142 rooms from CA$482

    Designer Shopping  -  Visit St. David’s or Capitol Shopping Centre
    Sights nearby  -  Explore Exquisite Architecture at Cathays Park
    Great walks  -  Take a Stroll Along the Beautiful Cardiff Bay
    Other Activities  -  Enjoy a Performance at the New Theatre
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessParking

    St. David's is set in an iconic, modern building with stunning views across Cardiff Bay. The Hotel features a restaurant with waterside terrace, a luxury spa and stylish bedrooms. Just 2 miles from the city centre the hotel is perfectly suited for short breaks, conferences, or weddings. See More

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