Photo of Cardiff

About Cardiff

Despite its age and history, Cardiff has only been the capital of Wales since 1955. However recent investment has seen the revitalisation of Cardiff Bay and the waterfront district, the new rugby stadium and the Senedd building, which is the seat of the Welsh parliament. The best places to stay in Cardiff are just as architecturally varied as the rest of the city's highlights, and range from Victorian townhouse conversions to a swanky waterfront hotel and spa that has been designed to look like a cruise ship.

Some of our Cardiff collections:

If you’re in town to see the rugby, then you’ll want to be as close as you can to the Principality Stadium, which is the home of Welsh rugby, and hosted the 1999 Rugby World Cup. It’s very close to the centre of town, at the Cardiff Castle end of Bute Park. As well as sports fans, Cardiff is popular with shoppers, and folk drawn to the buzz of the city and the promise of great live music and a thriving scene for revelry. The best shopping can be found at the top end of Bute Park, on Queen Street, and the best places to go out of an evening are clustered around St. Mary Street and Charles Street.

If you’re fascinated by the history of this youthful capital, don't miss the National Museum of Cardiff, which covers great swathes of history, and is also home to one of Europe’s finest collections of impressionist art. The National History Museum, at St. Fagans, is a vast outdoor museum with a variety of historical buildings brought here from all over the country. This is a great place to learn all about Wales' past.

The best places to stay in Cardiff can be busy year round, especially if there's a big rubgy match or popular musical event in the calendar. So do your research and book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

The Best Places to Stay in Cardiff

For Water Views

  • St David's Hotel & Spa is a large hotel on Cardiff Bay. As well as 146 stylish and well-proportioned rooms and suites, the hotel has a great restaurant with a terrace overlooking the water, and a luxurious spa. There’s a pool, gym, 24 hour room service, and parking. When you look out onto the bay you may feel like you’re a world away from the city, but it’s only about two minutes

Best B&Bs

  • The Number One Hundred is a family-owned and managed, seven room B&B in the heart of Cardiff City Centre. The rooms are all simply decorated, with contemporary furnishings and colours, and they all have full ensuites.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Cardiff Airport is to the south-west of the city, about half an hour from the centre by train, or about 20 minutes in a car of taxi. If you’re travelling via London, rail is your best bet. You can reach Cardiff in around two hours, leaving from London Paddington.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Cardiff is a proper city break destination, with lots to see and do whenever you fancy visiting. The Cardiff calendar of events and entertainment is awash with carnivals, food festivals, music, art and cultural exhibitions, and all sorts of celebrations. Cardiff is particularly beautiful in the spring, when blooms liven up the city, and you can fit more into the longer daylight hours. Autumn is pretty too. Whatever time of year you plan to visit it’s worth packing your wet weather gear, because like the rest of the UK, Cardiff's weather can be unpredictable!

Still not sure where to stay?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Cardiff

Best Hotels in Cardiff

  • Number One Hundred Cardiff 7 rooms from €70

    Learning  -  Ideal for guests visiting Cardiff University, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Cardiff School of Engineering.
    Sights nearby  -  The Millennium Stadium, The National Museum Of Wales
    Close to nightlife  -  In close proximity to Cardiff city centre
    Other Activities  -  Caerphilly Castle, Cardiff Castle
    GardenDisabled accessParking

    Number One Hundred is a family owned and managed bed and breakfast in Cardiff City Centre. The hotel has seven clean, simple, fully en-suite bedrooms and offer a continental breakfast each morning. Great value just a short walk from all of the shops and attractions of Cardiff city centre. See More

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  • New House Country Hotel Cardiff (Caerphilly) 37 rooms from €159

    Country Escape  -  Surrounded by lush Welsh countryside with stunning views of Cardiff, it's perfect for a peaceful retreat into nature
    Great walks  -  Take a stroll through the nearby countryside, where breathtaking views of the Welsh landscape await at every turn
    Sights nearby  -  History buffs will love visiting the iconic Castell Coch, a Gothic fairy-tale castle just a short drive away
    Romantic Break  -  Experience elegant rooms, cosy fireplaces, and panoramic views that set the scene for an unforgettable stay
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Good Hotel Guide

    Set in rolling hills just outside Cardiff, this country house blends classic charm with modern luxury. Guests can expect rich wood panelling, plush furnishings, and rooms with stunning views over the Severn Estuary. Dine at the sophisticated restaurant and unwind in the cosy bar. An elegant stay. See More

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  • Parador 44 Cardiff (Wales) 9 rooms from €171

    Sights nearby  -  Step back in time with a visit to Cardiff Castle, where over 2000 years of history are revealed within its stunning walls
    Foodies  -  Savour exquisite northern Spanish cuisine, where wood-grilled meats and inventive tapas redefine your culinary experience
    Total relaxation  -  Unwind in the serene garden oasis or sip a drink on the tranquil terrace after exploring Cardiff’s nearby sights
    Great walks  -  Wander through the lush greenery of Bute Park, a sprawling oasis perfect for picnics
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    In the heart of Cardiff, this boutique hotel channels authentic Spanish charm with rustic décor and traditional touches. There are cosy rooms with carved wood and terracotta tiles, plus a standout restaurant serving flame-grilled Spanish and Welsh dishes. Perfect for a unique stay with character. See More

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  • St David's Hotel & Spa Cardiff 142 rooms from €330

    Designer Shopping  -  Visit St. David’s or Capitol Shopping Centre
    Sights nearby  -  Explore Exquisite Architecture at Cathays Park
    Great walks  -  Take a Stroll Along the Beautiful Cardiff Bay
    Other Activities  -  Enjoy a Performance at the New Theatre
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessParking

    St. David's is set in an iconic, modern building with stunning views across Cardiff Bay. The Hotel features a restaurant with waterside terrace, a luxury spa and stylish bedrooms. Just 2 miles from the city centre the hotel is perfectly suited for short breaks, conferences, or weddings. See More

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