The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Cardiff, Wales

Find the best bargain base in Cardiff for your break
Find the best bargain base in Cardiff for your break | © Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo
Fiona Whitty

With its ancient castle, daffodil-filled parks, friendly locals and effervescent atmosphere come rugby match days, a city break in Cardiff provides a great introduction to Welsh culture – and doesn’t need to cost the earth. Looking for a cheap and cheerful place to stay in the Welsh capital? Say shwmae (hello) to some of the best budget-friendly accommodation and cheap hotels in Cardiff, all bookable with Culture Trip.

1. Park Plaza Cardiff, for complimentary spa access

Hotel

The reflective indoor swimming pool with columns, chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows with views of greenery at the Park Plaza Cardiff
Courtesy of Park Plaza Cardiff / Expedia

Smack-bang in the city centre, this modern hotel is moments from Cardiff Castle, the National Museum and the capital’s main shopping thoroughfare, Queen Street. You’ll get complimentary access to the light and airy pool and spa facilities (hello, hot tub). If your budget allows, follow up a swim and soak with the glorious gin-inspired afternoon tea.

2. Clayton Hotel Cardiff, for train station convenience

Budget Hotel

Modern guest room in jewel-tone hues with espresso machine, flatscreen TV and city views at Clayton Hotel Cardiff
Courtesy of Clayton Hotel Cardiff / Expedia

Travelling by train? You’re in luck – the Clayton is less than a five-minute walk from Cardiff Central station, making it ideal for late arrivals and early departures. Rooms include Kaymed pillow-top mattresses, snuggly slippers and robes, and you even get access to a gym. Here to party? St Mary Street – lined with cocktail bars, jazz clubs and pubs – is practically on your doorstep.

3. Pontcanna Inn, for a boutique feel

Pubs with Rooms

Artsy queen room with flower-themed wallpaper, small framed artworks, grey futon-type couch and grey carpeting at Pontcanna Inn
Courtesy of Pontcanna Inn / Expedia

Craft ale and cocktails are readily on hand at this pub with rooms in a buzzy suburb beloved by young professionals. An inspiring menu embraces vegetarians, too: try the chickpea, squash and lemongrass Thai curry. Its 10 rooms are boutique rather than standard – think bold and brassy wallpapers, window seats and glossy white-tiled bathrooms. Venture out into the hip hangout of Pontcanna for cosy coffee shops and inventive restaurants.

4. Mrs Potts Backpackers, for budget-friendly facilities

Hostel

Cheerful dorm room in lime green with parquet floors, retro bunk beds with curtains and wood ladders at Mrs Potts Backpackers
Courtesy of Mrs Potts Backpackers / Expedia

Retro furniture and standout colours command this cosy-but-cool hostel, slap bang in the heart of the city centre. Wooden cabin bunk beds with curtains offer some welcome privacy in dormitories for four or six, while your own personal mains power point with USB socket is a big plus. A laundry room, common room and kitchen round off the must-have facilities available here for budget-conscious travellers.

5. Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa, for access to culture

Spa Hotel

Modern king room in grey and burgundy hues with painted cityscapes framing bed at Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa
Courtesy of Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa / Expedia

A swimming pool and gym await culture vultures at this four-star city centre budget hotel in Cardiff. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with tea and coffee making facilities in the rooms for your morning cuppa. Fans of contemporary art should head to g39 on nearby Oxford Street for its cutting-edge art exhibitions and talks. Also close by you’ll find the New Theatre, dating back to 1906 and offering a mix of family shows, comedy, drama and dance, while the Moon, a 15-minute walk away, is a heavenly hub for live music and club nights.

6. Sleeperz Cardiff, for a central base

Budget Hotel

Snug room with double bed in white linens and yellow and orange headboard at Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff
Courtesy of Sleeperz Hotel Cardiff / Expedia

A lofty position next to Cardiff Central train station makes this the go-to Cardiff budget hotel for car-free visitors. To trim down costs, rooms are compact but clever; offbeat bedding arrangements include small doubles and bunks. Bold strips of colour keep the furnishings fun, while less formal breakfast eaters can avoid the main restaurant and grab a seat on a comfy fireside sofa in the lounge bar instead.

7. Lincoln House Hotel, for updated Victorian charm

Bed and Breakfast

Luxe traditional Victorian bedroom with canopied four-poster bed, large desk and bay window with antique chairs at Lincoln House Hotel
Courtesy of Lincoln House Hotel / Expedia

This Victorian townhouse in a leafy Pontcanna street has been attentively restored into a bright and modern B&B with a clutch of awards under its cheery belt. For a taste of traditional Wales, try laver bread cakes at breakfast, made from the reddish edible seaweed found on the nearby coast. Later, pop into one of Pontcanna’s chic eateries – try the Smoke House for American barbecue belters. For a splash of decadence, book the four-poster suite or the four-person penthouse.

Interested in something a little more special? Discover our guide to the top hotels or the best boutique hotels in Cardiff and book now on Culture Trip. For a cosy stay, check into one of the best bed and breakfasts in Cardiff.

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