Last Updated on April 28, 2025 by Katrina
The capital city of Wales offers a winning blend of history and contemporary fun, all combining for a great city getaway. Cardiff Castle dates back to Roman times but nearby, Principality Stadium hosts regular matches by the Wales national football and rugby teams. Don’t miss a stop along Cardiff Bay where the Pierhead amusement park offers a giant Ferris wheel and huge views of the city and the Bay. Here are the best hotels in Cardiff.
Hotel Indigo Cardiff, an IHG Hotel (Dominions Arcade, Queen St.; 44-871-942-9104) Castle Quarter
Get a taste of Welsh aesthetics—think sheepskin footstools and prints of Welsh corgis—at this 122-room branch of the Hotel Indigo. “Welsh culture and quirky symbolism have been bottled up in each of the rooms,” writes The Telegraph, “giving the city an injection of modern accommodation and a headline Marco Pierre White restaurant.” A Tripadvisor reviewer like that it’s “perfectly located right in the center of the city, across the street from lots of shops and restaurants, and only a couple of minutes’ walk to Cardiff Castle.” >> Book this hotel for less
The Parkgate Hotel (Westgate St.; 44-29-2274-5595) Castle Quarter
This 170-room hotel housed in two historic buildings—a post office and a county court— has grande-dame appeal. “Parkgate has already staked a claim as Cardiff’s best hotel,” writes The Times. “It brings sophisticated, grown-up design to the city, with high-end fabrics, and moody brasserie styling in the restaurant.” Located next to the Principality Stadium, the hotel caters well to sports fans, but online reviewers also rave about the spa with an infinity thermal pool. “The thermal spa was gorgeous,” writes a Tripadvisor user. “But make sure you pre-book. Nothing is included in the price.” >> Book this hotel for less
Royal Hotel Cardiff (88 St Mary St.; 44-29-2055-0750) Castle Quarter
This 60-room hotel can boast of being the city’s oldest hotel, built in 1866. Sports fans will love how close it is to the Principality Stadium—“within a drop kick,” writes The Times. “It’s likely not the most exciting place you’ll ever stay, but is a solid and reliable option for those on a budget. With triple rooms, it’s also a good choice for families.” One Tripadvisor reviewer writes that accommodations are “quite basic but have all you need, and breakfast is lovely, served in an old-fashioned dining room.” Another likes that “they keep bees on the 6th floor outside, and make their own honey.” >> Book this hotel for less
Cardiff Marriott Hotel (Mill Ln.; 44-29-2039-9944) Castle Quarter
Immerse yourself in the heart of the city at this hotel near both Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle. The “star asset is its location—within a 10-minute stroll of Cardiff’s main draws,” writes The Telegraph. “As a chain hotel, it offers no surprises—good or bad—but comes with all the amenities you’d expect from a Marriott.” Google reviewers were overall charmed by the creature comforts, and one recommends booking the executive-level rooms. “The view was great of the city. The executive lounge has snacks throughout the day and for breakfast there’s a nice spread.” >> Book this hotel for less
voco St. David’s Cardiff, an IHG Hotel (Havannah St.; 44-29-2045-4045) Cardiff Bay
This 142-room five-star hotel, part of the IHG family, sits right on the waterfront of Cardiff Bay. The Times calls it “one of the finest luxury hotels in the Welsh capital” and describes it as “striking” thanks to its “sail-shaped roof and ground-to-roof glass atrium. Rooms are a smart blue and yellow, and all have balconies and bay views.” A Google reviewer liked the little perks, “from the Welsh cakes in reception to the exceptional breakfast. The croissants were up there with the best.” >> Book this hotel for less
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