Best Hotels in Cardiff
Best Hotels in Cardiff - curated picks with prices, locations, and honest reviews. Updated for 2026.
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City centre hotels cost £80-150 per night, putting you walking distance from shops and restaurants. Cardiff Bay hotels run £70-120 with waterfront views but require buses or taxis for city centre dining. Budget options near the station start around £45.
City centre hotels cost £80-150 per night, putting you walking distance from shops and restaurants. Cardiff Bay hotels run £70-120 with waterfront views but require buses or taxis for city centre dining. Budget options near the station start around £45.
We reviewed 8 hotels across Cardiff's key neighbourhoods to help you pick.
Best Areas to Consider
City Centre - best for First-time visitors, Shopping enthusiasts, Nightlife seekers (mid-range)
Cardiff Bay - best for Culture enthusiasts, Families with children, Architecture lovers (mid-range)
Cathays - best for Budget travellers, Young adults, Food adventurers (budget)
Canton - best for Local experience seekers, Families, Budget-conscious travellers (budget)
Roath - best for Food lovers, Couples, Park enthusiasts (mid-range)
Daily budget guide: Budget £45-65, Mid-range £85-130, Luxury £220+.
Hotel Picks
Budget
Safehouse Cardiff (City Centre) - £25-45/night. Modern hostel with pod-style beds and social spaces for budget travellers.
YHA Cardiff Central (City Centre) - £20-35/night. Modern youth hostel with private and shared rooms in converted Victorian building.
Mid-Range
Park Plaza Cardiff (City Centre) - £120-180/night. Modern tower hotel in the heart of Cardiff's shopping and business district.
The Riverhouse (Cardiff Bay) - £90-140/night. Converted Victorian townhouse with individually designed rooms overlooking Taff River.
Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre (City Centre) - £65-95/night. Reliable budget chain hotel with comfortable beds near Cardiff Central Station.
Clayton Hotel Cardiff (Cardiff Bay) - £110-160/night. Contemporary waterfront hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Cardiff Bay.
The Angel Hotel (City Centre) - £85-125/night. Historic Georgian hotel opposite Cardiff Castle with traditional Welsh hospitality.
Luxury
The Coal Exchange Hotel (Cardiff Bay) - £180-280/night. Restored Victorian coal exchange building with original features and waterfront location.
Booking Tips
Book early for May to September for warmest weather and longest days. June and July offer the best chance of dry spells for outdoor activities. - this is peak season and prices rise.
Getting around: Cardiff Bus day ticket £4.50, covers city centre and bay.
Common mistake: Not booking restaurant tables on rugby match days when city gets extremely busy
8 reviewed properties in Cardiff
Independent editorial reviews
Safehouse Cardiff
City Centre£25-45/night
backpackerssolo travellersstudents
The Riverhouse
Cardiff Bay£90-140/night
romantic breaksvisitors wanting characterthose needing parking
The Angel Hotel
City Centre£85-125/night
history enthusiastscastle visitorsthose wanting Welsh character
The Coal Exchange Hotel
Cardiff Bay£180-280/night
luxury travellersromantic getawaysbusiness travellers
YHA Cardiff Central
City Centre£20-35/night
backpackersfamilies on tight budgetslong-stay travellers
Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre
City Centre£65-95/night
budget travellersfamiliesbusiness travellers
Clayton Hotel Cardiff
Cardiff Bay£110-160/night
business travellerscouplesvisitors to Cardiff Bay area
Park Plaza Cardiff
City Centre£120-180/night
business travellerscity break visitorsconference attendees