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Summary of reviewsHoliday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, is highly regarded for its central and convenient location, ideal for exploring Cardiff. Situated opposite Cardiff Castle and next to Bute Park and the Principality Stadium, it offers easy access to major attractions, shops, bars, restaurants and the train station. The stunning views of the castle and parklands from the rooms are frequently highlighted by guests. Despite its bustling location, the hotel maintains a quieter ambiance and offers the bonus of on-site parking, enhancing its appeal for both leisure and business travelers.
The breakfast at the hotel receives widespread praise for its variety, quality and taste. Guests appreciate the well-stocked buffet that caters to diverse tastes with fresh and delicious food being a consistent highlight. The efficient and friendly staff contribute to an enjoyable breakfast experience, although there are occasional minor issues like waits for replenishment and a malfunctioning coffee machine.
Dining at the hotel garners mixed reviews. While the food quality is high with particular commendation for items like gluten-free fish and chips, the limited menu variety and higher prices are noted areas for improvement. The service in the restaurant is praised for its attentiveness and friendliness, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Rooms at the hotel are generally spacious, clean and comfortable with many guests appreciating the family-friendly environment and scenic views. However, the dated decor and need for refurbishment are common points of criticism. Despite issues with room temperatures and soundproofing, the cleanliness remains a positive aspect. The hotel maintains high hygiene standards, although some areas show signs of wear and occasional inconsistencies in cleanliness.
The staff at Holiday Inn Cardiff City receive exceptional praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and welcoming demeanor. Guests consistently highlight the attentive and accommodating nature of the team, contributing significantly to the hotel's positive atmosphere.
Free wifi is offered throughout the hotel with generally good connectivity and speed. However, some guests experience slow responses and weak signals. Parking at the hotel is convenient and accessible, although the high costs and tight spaces are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
The hotel is noted for its family-friendly environment with spacious family rooms and helpful staff enhancing the stay for those with children. The central location and ample breakfast options further add to the convenience for families.
Proximity to Cardiff's vibrant nightlife is a significant advantage, offering easy access to bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants. However, noise disturbances from nearby venues and events can affect the quality of sleep.
Beds at the hotel receive mixed reviews with many guests finding them comfortable and conducive to a restful sleep. Cleanliness and tidiness of the bedding are positive aspects, though some guests find the mattresses either too soft or too hard, impacting their comfort.
Overall, Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, is highly favored for its prime location, excellent breakfast, friendly staff and family-friendly accommodations. While there are areas for improvement, particularly regarding room updates and dining variety, the hotel's strengths make it a preferred choice for many travelers visiting Cardiff. Show more
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Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
This property has received Green Key certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education. This certification indicates that the hotel is committed to reducing its environmental impact.
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Found on Castle Street, this Holiday Inn is situated in a lively area with numerous nightlife options. Its central location provides easy access to various bars and entertainment venues.
Hotel with Parking
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre offers parking. The hotel is centrally located, providing easy access to city attractions.
Accessible Hotel
This Holiday Inn is described as a modern, accessible hotel ideally located in the city centre. It offers accessible rooms and onsite parking.
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double Room - Non-SmokingFeatures include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You can enjoy a choice of pillows for you bed, and there is 24-hour room service.
Standard Twin RoomFeatures include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You can enjoy a choice of pillows for you bed, and there is 24-hour room service.
Standard RoomFeatures include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You can enjoy a choice of pillows for you bed, and there is 24-hour room service.
Premium RoomSpecial touches include bathrobes, slippers and a large uncluttered desk for working, as well as a minibar for you to enjoy.
Standard Double RoomFeatures include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You can enjoy a choice of pillows for you bed, and there is 24-hour room service.
Executive Double RoomFeatures include a TV and an en suite bathroom.
In addition, the Holiday Inn Executive room product has been enhanced and guests booking this room type will now receive the following amenities & services:
-Super fast complimentary WiFi
-Premium hot drinks refreshment amenities
-Still and sparkling water in your room
-Bluetooth sound system & 37-inch flat-screen TV
-Bathrobes and slippers
Standard Double Room with Sofa BedFeatures include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You can enjoy a choice of pillows for you bed, and there is 24-hour room service.
Standard Double Room - Disability AccessFeatures include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. You can enjoy a choice of pillows for you bed, and there is 24-hour room service.
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
The location of the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, is overwhelmingly praised by guests for its convenience and centrality. Positioned right in the city center, opposite Cardiff Castle and adjacent to Bute Park and the Principality Stadium, the hotel offers an ideal base for exploring Cardiff.
Guests frequently note the ease of access to major attractions, including shops, bars, restaurants and the train station. The proximity to the stadium makes it especially convenient for those attending events. Many guests appreciated the stunning views of the castle and parklands from their rooms.
The hotel's central position is described as perfect for both leisure and business trips, providing short walks to various city amenities and tourist spots. Despite its bustling location, some guests mentioned that the hotel remains relatively quiet. On-site parking is considered a bonus given the hotel's prime location.
Overall, the hotel's central location is highlighted as a significant advantage, making it a preferred choice for those wishing to make the most of their visit to Cardiff.
Breakfast
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, garners widespread praise for its breakfast offerings. Guests consistently highlight the variety, quality and taste of the breakfast options available. Many reviews specifically mention the superb and delicious food with plenty of choices ranging from traditional English breakfast items to continental favorites. The buffet setup is frequently noted as well-stocked and offers something for everyone, making it a hit for those with diverse tastes.
Several guests appreciated the consistent hot and fresh quality of the food and the occasional special touch like Welsh cakes upon arrival added to the experience. The staff is often commended for their friendliness and efficiency, enhancing the overall breakfast experience. Even though there were occasional mentions of average or disappointing experiences, these were vastly outnumbered by positive feedback.
The breakfast is described as generous, substantial and well-organized with many reviews calling it one of the best hotel breakfasts they've had. The strategic location of the hotel and the inclusion of breakfast in the stay's price further add to its appeal. Despite a few minor issues, such as occasional waits for replenishment and the coffee machine being broken, the breakfast at Holiday Inn Cardiff City stands out as a significant highlight for guests.
Dinner
Dining at the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, offers a mix of high praises and notable critiques from its guests. The restaurant and bar are often described as well-designed and welcoming, providing a pleasant atmosphere for a relaxing meal. The food quality consistently scores high marks with diners appreciating the delicious and well-prepared meals, both at dinner and breakfast. Items such as gluten-free fish and chips and excellent sandwiches receive particular acclaim for their taste and quality.
However, menu variety seems to be an area for improvement. Some guests have mentioned that the evening menu lacks diversity and remains unchanged daily, which could lead to a rather repetitive dining experience for extended stays. A few have also pointed out a need for more vegetarian and vegan options.
Price is another critical point. While several guests find the meals delicious, the consensus is that the food and drinks are on the expensive side. Despite this, some found value in the inclusive dining packages offered.
Service quality garners positive feedback with restaurant staff being attentive and friendly, which enhances the overall dining experience. Yet, there are occasional hiccups, such as late sandwiches or meals being misrepresented on the menu.
Summarily, while the dining experience at Holiday Inn Cardiff City can be praised for its fantastic food quality and excellent service, potential diners might want to be prepared for less variety and higher prices.
Rooms
Rooms at the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, receive mixed reviews, balancing between spaciousness, cleanliness and the need for significant updates. Guests frequently praise the large, spacious rooms and comfortable beds with special mention of rooms being well-suited for families. Views from certain rooms—overlooking Castle Park or the river—are a highlight, providing an appreciated scenic backdrop to the stay.
However, many guests express dissatisfaction with the dated decor of the rooms and corridors, noting that areas appear worn and tired and are in need of refurbishment. Bathrooms, in particular, are often mentioned as small and outdated, sometimes affecting the overall comfort. Issues with the air conditioning, heating and room temperatures also recur with some rooms noted to be too hot or cold. Soundproofing appears to be inadequate, as many guests report noise from other rooms and the surrounding area.
Despite these concerns, the general sentiment towards room cleanliness remains positive. Many appreciate the cleanliness and basic functionality of the accommodations, even if the rooms are described as basic or lacking modern touches. Overall, while the spaciousness and cleanliness are commendable, a consistent theme arises around the urgent need for modernisation and better maintenance to meet guests' expectations fully.
Beds
At the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, the beds are generally considered comfortable by many guests with numerous reviews highlighting soft and cozy sleeping arrangements. Many visitors appreciate the large and spacious beds, contributing to a restful night's sleep. The bedding is often mentioned as clean and welcoming, ensuring a pleasant stay. Guests frequently describe the beds as very comfortable with others pointing out the cleanliness and tidiness of the linens.
However, the feedback is not unanimously positive. Some guests found the mattresses either too soft, too hard or worn out, which impacted their comfort. A few also noted that the beds could be on the smaller side, contributing to a less than ideal sleeping experience. The quality of the sofa beds received mixed reviews with some finding them comfortable while others did not.
Despite these mixed reviews, the general consensus leans more towards a comfortable stay, bolstered by the beds' cleanliness and overall comfort. The staff's friendliness and the welcoming ambiance on arrival further enhance the experience.
Cleanliness
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, consistently receives praise for its cleanliness. Guests frequently describe the rooms as clean, tidy and comfortable with many noting the spaciousness and lovely views from the windows. The hotel's overall hygiene is maintained at a high level with public areas and facilities also being clean and well-kept. Check-in is reported to be smooth, contributing to a positive initial impression of cleanliness.
However, some concerns are mentioned regarding the age and condition of certain aspects of the rooms and bathrooms. While many bathrooms are described as clean, others are noted to be dated, tight or in need of a deep clean. Instances of dirty carpets, stained surfaces and occasional reports of dusty or dirty rooms suggest inconsistencies in cleanliness. The overall appearance of the rooms and corridors sometimes shows signs of wear and a need for modernization.
Guests appreciate the overall clean and welcoming environment, even though there is room for improvement in specific areas, particularly in terms of updating facilities and ensuring consistent levels of cleanliness throughout the property.
Staff
At the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, guests frequently highlight the exceptional staff. Descriptions of the team often include terms such as friendly, helpful and welcoming. Many guests specifically mention the politeness and accommodating nature of the reception staff with one noting a particularly helpful European receptionist. The customer service stands out as great with check-in and check-out processes typically characterized as efficient and pleasant.
Reviews consistently emphasize the warm, supportive ambiance created by staff members. Many describe the hotel team as going above and beyond to ensure guest satisfaction, being attentive and providing prompt assistance. Notably, the friendliness is a common thread throughout the feedback with several mentions of smiling and cheerful interactions.
Despite a few isolated comments about some staff being less than enthusiastic, the overwhelming sentiment is one of appreciation for the staff's efforts. Words like lovely, amazing and fantastic often come up when guests describe their interactions. This attentive service significantly enhances the overall guest experience, making the Holiday Inn Cardiff City a welcoming place to stay.
Wi-Fi
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG offers complimentary wifi throughout the premises, which is particularly appreciated by many guests. The wifi speed has been described as commendable and the overall connectivity is generally good. However, some guests have noted that the wifi can be slow to respond with occasional issues like weak signals and glitches. The hotel provides free wifi to its guests, adding to the convenience of the stay. While there are some criticisms about the need for improvements in wifi options and the lack of USB ports in rooms, these are balanced by perks such as complimentary drinks from the bar and free parking for rewards club members. Overall, the hotel makes a decent effort to ensure wifi access, though there is room for enhancement in providing consistent and robust internet services.
Parking
The parking facilities at Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, receive mixed reviews. A common highlight is the convenience and availability of onsite parking, which many guests appreciate. The hotel's parking is noted as a considerable advantage, being particularly easy and accessible with some guests benefiting from complimentary parking. The secure and private parking options are also praised for their convenience in a city center location.
However, there are frequent mentions of high parking costs with several guests finding the fees expensive or extortionate. Some guests feel that the parking should be free for hotel residents or at least more reasonably priced. Additionally, the parking spaces themselves are sometimes described as tight and limited, causing occasional issues. The difficulty in locating the car park and the need for reservations can add to the frustration.
In summary, while the onsite parking at Holiday Inn Cardiff City is generally viewed as a convenient and valuable feature, the associated costs and occasionally challenging logistics might require consideration from potential guests.
Family
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, offers a welcoming and convenient stay for families. The hotel is praised for its family-friendly environment with multiple mentions of spacious family rooms that are suitable for groups of four. Guests appreciate the comfortable and well-sized rooms, which are kept clean and dark for restful nights.
The location of the hotel is another plus, being a short walk to shops, restaurants and the city center. This makes it easy for families to explore the area and enjoy local attractions without hassle.
Family breakfast options are mentioned as a positive, providing ample choices to start the day. The hotel staff are noted for their helpfulness, especially when accommodating large families and ensuring all needs are met, although some reviews mentioned a room arrangement that fell short with an insufficient number of beds.
Additional amenities such as useful fridges in the rooms and safety measures for family members add to the comfort and convenience of the stay. Despite some minor issues, the hotel remains a solid choice for families seeking a comfortable and convenient stay in Cardiff City.
Nightlife
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, boasts an ideal city centre location that offers fantastic views and easy access to Cardiff's vibrant nightlife. Guests frequently mention the proximity to numerous bars, pubs and clubs – all just a short walk away. This makes it a perfect choice for those attending events in Cardiff or looking to enjoy the city's bustling entertainment scene. The surrounding area is home to many great restaurants, ensuring dining options are plentiful.
However, guests also noted that the prime location near nightlife venues can result in noise disturbances, particularly from revellers, heavy traffic and nearby events. Some experienced difficulties sleeping due to the noise throughout the night, including early morning disturbances and noisy lifts. Despite the potential for a bit of noise, the hotel's location remains highly praised, making it an attractive spot for those eager to explore Cardiff's nightlife and vibrant cultural offerings.
4 Star
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, offers a mix of experiences according to guest reviews. Positively noted are its good location, close proximity to attractions and comfortable beds, making it a solid option for those looking to explore Cardiff conveniently. Guests have praised the hotel for being clean with spacious and good-quality rooms and providing a nice dining atmosphere. The overall sentiment suggests it is a good value for a four-star location.
However, there is a recurring theme concerning the hotel not living up to the four-star rating. Descriptions such as the decor being a little tired and the place looking run down indicate an urgent need for updates. The lack of typical four-star features and amenities has led some guests to seek out other budget-friendly accommodations for future stays. Issues like no TV instructions, small rooms and high prices on match days further contribute to the dissatisfaction.
In summary, while the Holiday Inn Cardiff City offers a convenient location and some well-received amenities, there is a notable gap between guest expectations of a four-star experience and the actual offerings. A refresh of the facilities might help align the hotel more closely with its advertised rating.
Business
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, offers a strategic location for city centre venues and is ideal for both travel and business purposes. The hotel's facilities are well-suited for conferences and business meetings, providing excellent services and meeting rooms that cater to business travelers' needs. Guests appreciate the clean and tidy rooms with some mentioning that while the rooms are a bit basic and dark, they still provide a comfortable stay with comfy beds.
Check-in is consistently smooth and quick, enhancing the overall convenience for guests. The hotel's reception is welcoming and the staff are friendly, further contributing to a positive experience. The breakfast offerings are highly praised with multiple mentions of it being great, good and nice.
The hotel's location is particularly favorable with rooms overlooking the stadium, making it a unique city hotel experience. Additionally, the staff efficiently provide essential business amenities such as WIFI access. For those needing to unwind, Sky Sports on the TVs adds a touch of leisure to the stay. Overall, the Holiday Inn Cardiff City meets all expectations for a business trip, ensuring a comfortable and efficient visit for business travelers.
Accessible
Holiday Inn Cardiff City, an IHG Hotel, receives high marks for its accessibility features and accommodations for guests with disabilities. The hotel offers wheelchair-friendly rooms with layouts and facilities praised for their ease of use. Guests found the rooms particularly easy to navigate and appreciated the thoughtful design.
Location-wise, the hotel's central setting adds to its appeal for disabled visitors, offering easy access to shops, the train station and the bus station. Handy parking facilities further enhance convenience for those with mobility challenges.
The staff at the hotel stand out for their attentiveness, particularly in aiding wheelchair users and ensuring their needs are met. However, there were occasional issues, such as a malfunctioning lift and a lack of walk-in showers in some of the wheelchair-accessible rooms, which may pose challenges for some guests.
Overall, the hotel is considered highly suitable for disabled travelers, making it a commendable choice for a comfortable and accessible stay in Cardiff city center.
Luxury
The Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG, offers a delightful stay with several standout features appreciated by guests. The reception area is notably pleasant, setting a welcoming tone upon arrival. Guests frequently commend the lovely Welsh cake, which adds a charming, local touch to their experience. The shower facilities are another highlight, described as great by visitors who value a refreshing start to their day. Many rooms boast lovely views, enhancing the overall ambiance and offering guests a pleasing outlook during their stay.
Although breakfasts receive high praise for their excellence, some guests have expressed that including breakfast in the room rate would further enhance the value of their stay. Special touches like bottled water and chocolate in the rooms are considered thoughtful and appreciated amenities.
However, it is worth noting that the hotel’s interiors and facilities have received mixed reviews regarding their modernity. While the hotel provides a pleasing stay, it is noted by some to have a dated, old-fashioned appearance with decorations and facilities in need of modernization. The overall sentiment suggests that while not a luxurious hotel, it offers a charming stay with several commendable features that make it a preferable choice for many.
No, Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG.
No, Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre by IHG doesn't have a gym.