The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Cardiff, Wales

At one time this building in the Welsh capital was one of the most important industrial buildings in the world – up to 10,000 people came here to trade coal, and millions of pounds changed hands daily. After various incarnations, it’s finally finding its feet as one of the best luxury hotels in Cardiff, complete with 100 gorgeous rooms and suites, plus a tasty on-site restaurant and bar, Culley’s. Treat yourself to the Aber Falls gin afternoon tea, featuring sweet and savoury bites.

A Victorian hotel with reasonable prices and friendly service. Its imposing building, dating to 1900, retains plenty of original features and antique furnishings, conveying an air of traditional grandeur. Freebies including a full Welsh breakfast, car parking and wifi all make it a solid choice for a boutique hotel in Cardiff. It’s also just a short walk to the castle, universities and National Museum.

When considering places to stay in Cardiff, your wish list probably doesn’t include the word “Italian” – but perhaps it should. This charming place describes itself as “The Best Italian Hotel in Cardiff”, and is home to one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. The ten rooms are all ensuite and come with a free full breakfast (Welsh, not Italian). One of the closest guesthouses to Sophia Gardens, it’s a good choice for lovers of cricket, as well as pasta.

Step back to the 1730s at this Grade-II-listed, vine-covered manor house, situated in Thornhill, just outside Cardiff. Each room is individually designed with period quirks, including Chesterfield headboards and patterned wallpaper. The hotel’s elevated position offers lovely views over the rolling hills towards the city and Bristol Channel. Dine on homely classics in the restaurant, such as slow braised Welsh beef with dauphinoise potatoes, followed by chocolate fondant with honeycomb ice cream for pudding.

Couples seeking a weekend escape should consider this luxury hotel in Penarth, just a ten-minute drive from the centre of Cardiff. Arrive in summer and toast each other with champagne in the manicured garden. If you really want to push the boat out, book the Balcony Suite, complete with a freestanding copper bathtub and expansive views of the Severn Estuary. After a day exploring, enjoy a pint in the wood-panelled bar or seek refuge in the Elemis Spa, which features a hydrotherapy pool and eucalyptus steam room.

You’ll find this postcard-pretty traditional inn in Cowbridge, about 13 miles (20km) from Cardiff city centre. Enjoy a quiet night’s sleep in one of the oak-beamed bedrooms, many of which are dog-friendly. Travelling as a group? Book a self-catered option, which sleeps up to six people. Come morning, tuck into a proper cooked-to-order breakfast in the bar and, in winter, warm up by the crackling fireplace after a country walk.