Luxury Cardiff

You might not realize, but Cardiff is one of Britain’s most European cities:  filled with terraces and cafes, as well as bustling shopping arcades, it’s the perfect place for a luxury retreat:  relax, spoil yourself, and enjoy capital life, Welsh-style.

Places to Stay

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to high quality accommodation in Cardiff.  You’ll want to stay in the city centre so you can take advantage of easy access to all the local attractions as well as the excellent public transport routes from Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Queen Street Station.  I based my stay at the Park Plaza Cardiff, (map) which is just steps from the castle.  Rooms at the Park Plaza are styled with a very modern decor, including working desk and flat screen television, tea/coffee making facilities (with very nice biscuits), laptop safe.  The building has free Wifi and it’s the fastest Wifi I’ve seen in a hotel, in fact.

When I wasn’t surfing or enjoying all of the music channels on the TV, I was alternating my time between the bath and the spa.  The bathrooms I found on a bit of the cramped side, but to be fair they’ve given up space to have an absolutely enormous bath – just brilliant.  As for the spa, that’s in the fitness centre adjacent to the hotel, but you have direct access via the first floor.  The gym is top notch, though it’s crowning jewel is the stainless steel pool: perfect for a swim after a long day of sightseeing, or place to getaway when it’s rainy or cold out.  There is also a spacious hot-tub and wet sauna.

Breakfast is included in the downstairs restaurant, which features both hot cooked breakfast as well as cereals, fruit, and pastries.   It’s hard to find fault with this establishment, so be sure to check it out if visiting Cardiff.  I’ve had personal recommendations for the Parc Hotel as well as the Hilton Hotel.

Places to Spend

I’ve had many people say that Cardiff has the best shopping in all of the UK.  While I’m not sure about that, it certainly is the most enjoyable shopping – mostly due to the quaint arcades that criss-cross the city centre.  They’re perfect rain or shine, and you can do everything from have lunch to get a haircut and more.

St David’s, also in the city centre, is more of your traditional mall, but with plenty of restaurants and two levels of shops that stretch all the way from the castle nearly to the train station.

The Visit Cardiff website has a great guide for some specific store suggestions as well as some special offers, so be sure to check it out.

Places to Eat & Drink

I have to admit, after 9PM Cardiff can be a bit of a rowdy place.  It’s a popular destination for stag & hen parties, and unfortunately they don’t seem to have much regard for everyone else.  It is possible, though, to have an enjoyable cocktail and meal out without all the fuss.  Some suggestions:

• Bar Cwtch:  ’cwtch’ means cuddle in Welsh, and this bar place delivers its cosy promise, so why not go and ‘cwtch.’
• Laguna Kitchen and Bar:  stylish and fresh, the Laguna offers a little bit of something for everybody, with both traditional British cuisine as well as international dishes (map)
• Patagonia:  just west of the city centre, Patagonia offers “a friendly place with sophisticated food” – and that’s exactly what you get.  Delicious. (map)

Places to Dance

After a day of sightseeing, a dip in the pool at the Park Plaza, and the fortified with some food, it’s time to hit the town. A few places to let your hair down and enjoy Cardiff nightlife:

• Club 411:  it’s smart, it’s upscale, so dress the part – they don’t let just anybody in here.  Open until 4AM, so there’s plenty of time for that one last cocktail. (map)
• Welsh Club (Clwb Ifor Bach):  for a melange of great indie music and rock bands, you’ll want to head here.  It’s popular with locals – and not popular with those aforementioned rowdy drunks. (map)
• Evolution:  this is the city’s largest club, in Cardiff Bay.  Enforces a dress code so wear your finest! (map)

Disclosure: The author was provided a media rate at the hotel but this did not influence the content of this article.

Photos by Park Plaza Cardiff, sfboisvert, Howard Dickins, ezioman