Angel (I)

This is such an historic hotel, right in the middle of Cardiff, yes you can go to a Premier Inn or a Travelodge or Holiday Express, but you won't get the warmth of grandure dating back many years. Yes, unlike the others mentioned it's not had a big refurb or a rebranding, but for me that is what keeps drawing me back, along with the modest prices they still charge when the others have hit some dizzy heights. The rooms and restaurants are all very clean and grand and since my last visit several years ago the dinning experience has definitely upped its game, the quality it's outstanding and although the portions were small the food was both rich and filling. I really don't think the pictures I took did the food justice. A very memorable experience and would love to repeat again next year....

On arrival you could see that the hotel needed a little tlc. Foyer was untidy, used welcome glasses not cleared away. Check in was quicker than our wait for the lift which only fitted 4 people. Room was clean but very hot, couldn’t open windows because they were painted shut and the view was horrendous. We over looked flat untidy roof of the hotel. Bathroom was clean but dated,sink was cracked and provided no slip mat for the bath. Food was good, not great and restaurants were both too hot so our group was very uncomfortable. This is a very nice building which could be magnificent if the right people owned it.

I arrived by train from London. The walk is very short from the station. The hotel is directly across from the Cardiff Castle and the stadium so ask for a room facing the castle. Note, one of the smallest lifts I have ever seen, but I loved it! I stayed on the 3rd floor facing the Castle. The room is small and old but had everything I needed. The shower was hot with a brisk showerh3ad, TV, plenty of space to unpack and hang clothing. Bath had plenty of towels and toiletries. Bed was comfy and lots of pillows which I like. On arrival, which I arrived very early, the room was not ready and that was to be expected. They took all my luggage and suggested this was the perfect time to tour Carsifd Castle and it was. Literally you walk across the street and there is the entrance! On check in I was very pleasantly greeted and brekki was explained. They allowed me to take a look as I am a fussy eater. Since I only would eat the boiled eggs and fruit with some juice they graciously only charged me 3 pounds and that was worth it. I did eat dinner there on my first night sitting at the bar. The food was good, hot and quickly served. Please note, no ac but I went in April so not an issue but could be in the summer. They did provide a fan in the room. The only issue was with the windows. Very dirty and some are hard to see out of. A cleaning should be done as that Castle view is Everything!!