I had booked to see a Darkness gig at Cardiff Students Union in mid November of this year. I did not relish the thought of missing half a gig to catch a 10.30pm train back to West Wales especially on a Sunday night. So I looked at cheap hotel alternatives in Cardiff I.e. Premier Inns and Travelodge's etc. in order to see the whole gig and have a room to crash out in later on. (I should also mention that I was recommended this place by a friend too in the process).
I proceeded to make a looking through the Late Rooms website in weighing up other comparisons. I was aware that at peak times I.e. weekend, bank holidays & major event the room rates can be as high as £110 per night for a twin or double room. On off peak times I.e. Sunday, the room rate drops to £35 a night for a twin or double room, which is then in the budget hotel bracket and therefore more affordable.
The hotel is situated in the centre of Cardiff, near the Motorpoint Arena. It is five minutes walk away from the Central train station, in fact closer to the Queen Street station. From the outside the building is an unassuming off ice type block, the only giveaway that it is a hotel is the signage. The hotel boasts 80 rooms incl. Family, twins & doubles..
The reception is on the second floor, with a big lounge/lobby and small bar/snack area. You can check in any time after 3pm. You are given two smart cards, one for the room door lock and the other for the electricity. Worthwhile arranging for an alarm call, breakfast is between 7.30pm and 9.30 pm. And is a continental one.
The room I has was large, pained a pastel blue and had what looked like imitation sheep fleece curtains (nice). Cheap but fairly comfortable bed. TV with the menu language in Turkish (although easy to work out what's what on the remote), kettle & coffee/tea making facilities, desk & chair, clothes rail. Heated towels and complimentary shower gels in bathroom also. Can also have Wifi for additional charge and also late check out option for an extra amount.
Continental breakfast is served in the bright pink breakfast room on the first floor. You can have cereals, croissants coffee, fruit, yoghurt, toast, fruit juice, eggs etc.
Service at the hotel is generally good, staff seem friendly & helpful. There is car parking available too with a nearby car park.
I found the hotel cheap, modern, clean & tidy. I had a decent sized room with a good view of the centre. I quite enjoyed my short stay there and has encouraged me to come back a later date nearer the time of my next music gig in the capital. read more