Where to Book Your Stay in Cardiff Like a Local

You know you’re in Cardiff when you check into the Indigo. Bedroom themes represent the vibrant capital through a collection of local art, while many also come with city skyline views. Perhaps more enticing, however, are the vistas from the Marco Pierre White rooftop steakhouse. After a meal of locally sourced delights – and the odd cocktail – luxuriate under the rainfall shower in your room before gently falling asleep in the warm embrace of a cosy queen-size bed.

This Grade II-listed house is lent a serene, romantic feel by its honey-coloured stone walls. The rooms benefit from ottoman beds, funky patterned wallpaper and Myddfai luxury toiletries. New House Country Hotel calls itself a countryside retreat with city views, and that’s exactly what it delivers – on a clear day, you can see across the waters to Devon, despite being just minutes from the centre of Cardiff.

Enjoy a sea view with your morning coffee at this five-star hotel right by Cardiff Bay. The rooms are modern and sleek, designed in neutral shades with fun pops of colour. What really draws the eye, however, are the floor-to-ceiling windows that look over the water. Head to the Marine Spa for an afternoon of utter indulgence. Massage yourself under the swan-neck fountains, or book a treatment to put your relaxation in the hands of professionals.

Opposite Cardiff Castle and just a short walk from the Principality Stadium, the Angel Hotel occupies an enviable address. Days can be spent traipsing the city centre or exploring the gardens of nearby Bute Park. But that’s only if you can pull yourself away from your room, where you’ll find comp slippers and the fluffiest of bathrobes. For dinner, head to Castell’s to try the seasonal menu of Welsh classics.

Where to stay in Cardiff? How about Jolyon’s Boutique Hotel. Starting at the bright pink front door, it’s full of character. It offers a boutique service, and to that end, there are just seven rooms, all individually styled in a quirky way with statement wallpaper and decadent furnishings. The Georgian building of the hotel is right in the centre of Cardiff, and its history and charm are best displayed in the shared lounge, decorated with blue walls, velvet chairs, wooden accents and brightly coloured art.

This luxurious French-Renaissance-style hotel sits in the Glamorgan region, just 411m (1,348ft) from Cardiff Bay. The Grade II-listed building is an architectural wonder, starting with a pale-cream limestone facade and the Jacobean-style entrance hall. Accommodations range from family-friendly rooms hosting six to the luminous presidential room, with a whirlpool bath and a rainfall shower. Special mention must go to the beds; they’re all queen-size and come with padded bedheads that stretch to the ceiling.

Found in St Fagans, a charming village only a 20-minute drive from Cardiff, the Old Post House is near the city buzz but also enjoys the peace and quiet of the country. It’s run by husband and wife Christopher and Faye Price, who have curated modern rooms decorated in soothing neutral tones with pops of colour. The Sunday lunches are the talk of the town, all home-cooked with local ingredients – don’t forget to order the delicious Yorkshire puddings.

A five-star guesthouse, Cathedral 73 is close to major sites in Cardiff, such as the castle and Principality Stadium. With a terrace and a flower-filled garden, this hotel is particularly great during breaks in the famously prolific Welsh rain. The rooms feature sink-into-me furniture, Linea bed linen and luxurious toiletries. Room service is also top-notch – we suggest ordering the club sandwich. Better yet, head to the cocktail and gin bar for a glass of something special to be enjoyed under a chandelier.

Looking to stay in Pontcanna, one of the most stylish areas in Cardiff? The serviced apartments of Cove (formerly Saco) are ready for you. The restored Victorian property sits on a tree-lined, residential road and backs onto Sophia Gardens, the first public gardens in the capital and home to Glamorgan County Cricket Club. The interiors are airy and modern, while the apartments come with a homely living-dining room, kitchen and modern bathroom.

Family run and owned, this B&B aims to be the kind of neighbourhood place where staff and customers are buddies. The modern service is complemented by the wooden beams and cutely old-fashioned look of the hotel. Rooms come with Netflix, allowing for late-night movie marathons. As it’s just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, Number One Hundred is close to the action without sacrificing a bit of peace and quiet.

If you’re after something low key or travelling on a budget, the Riverhouse delivers. A grubber kick from the Principality Stadium, this simple yet elegant B&B is run by bro-and-sis duet Charlie and Abigail Prothero. The rooms are minimalist and clean, plus all guests receive a delicious continental breakfast. Should you wish to whip up your own meal, there’s a family-style kitchen. Tea, coffee and biscuits are on the house.