Novotel Cardiff Centre Hotel - Family Review

11/09/2024

Novotel Cardiff Centre


We recently had some major renovations done on our home, which involved taking down walls, and levelling the floor and we were somewhat under-prepared to the reality of working on a building site and living in constant dust and rubble. So on a whim I decided the boys and I really needed a break for 24hrs so I found a very good rate using the Hopper App for a family room at the Novotel Cardiff Centre hotel and wanted to share our experience of this well-located hotel in the Welsh Capital.

Firstly the hotel is within walking distance of the city and major train station, we decided to drive and they have plenty of parking connected to the hotel although there is a charge of £10 per night to park, however, this is still cheaper than parking anywhere else in the city for that long of a duration. 

When we walked in we loved the reception interior, it's modern and cool with very high ceilings but also exposed brick for a warehouse feel. The staff were very friendly and made both the boys and I feel very welcome. We stayed on one of the upper floors in a large standard room that had a double bed and sofa bed, sleeping up to 4 people. We found it both spacious and comfortable and considering we only paid £69 it felt like a great deal (we were there off-peak). 


Novotel Cardiff Centre


What was a big draw to booking this particular hotel was access to the indoor swimming pool, which is included in your stay and the boys were very excited about. The boys pretty much immediately wanted to go to the swimming pool, so as soon as we checked in and left our bags in the room we were downstairs in the pool, which is a lovely space and great for all ages. There is also a gym connected to the pool which can be used both by hotel residents and a small number of private gym members. 

After a fairly long swim we headed back up to our room, got changed and then headed downstairs to The Customs Shed, the restaurant and bar connected to Novotel, which has a fantastic industrial feel to it. Now usually we don't eat at Hotel restaurants as it can often be very pricey but I was pleasantly surprised at the menu with kids meals being £5.95 and pizza coming in at the same price of anywhere else in Cardiff. Again the staff were very friendly and the food while not fantastic was it tasty and the atmosphere was great which added to the whole experience. 

Novotel Cardiff Centre

Overall we had a very comfortable night as the rooms have climate control and both the bed and sofa bed made for a good night sleep. We also opted for the hotel breakfast and I am so glad we did at the pancake machine was a hit with the kids, as were the pastries and warm options in a similar style of places like Premier inn. 

We managed to squeeze in another swim before checking out, which again was an easy process. As mentioned the staff were always smiling, friendly an happy to help and we would definitely stay here again. 

Novotel Cardiff


7 comments:

  1. Happy to hear you got to get away from the construction for a bit and enjoy the luxury of a hotel for a few days, best of luck with all the changes! I'm like your boys, when I see a swimming pool I just have to jump right in. Glad to hear the prices for food were reasonable as well.

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  2. I like hotels that have a special design or are housed in old buildings renovated to keep the original features. Novotel Cardiff sounds like a great hotel to get away from the house renovations. I've been there, done that, and I know how dusty and horrible it can get. The pool was definitely a bonus.

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  3. We have not yet made it to Wales but plan to visit Cardiff. Good to know that the Novotel in Cardiff is located close to lots of key sights. It does sound like it was a great deal price. A reminder that off peak rates can sometimes be very good. Our son too was always excited when there was a pool at hotels we stayed. Linda (LD Holland)

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  4. Good to hear you had a wonderful stay at Novotel Cardiff. The bed looks cozy! The indoor pool sounds like a great deal, as well as the restaurant next to the hotel. Prices looks affordable. Hope the renovation works is done by now.

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  5. I think it is always fun to stay in a hotel near your hometown. It is like going on a micro holiday, just leaving behind the usual stress for a few hours.

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  6. Glad to know that you had a great time at Novotel. We recently stayed in one of their properties in Asia and I am also surprised that the food is reasonable.

    Your room looks adequate and really spacious. Will consider staying here to should we have a chance to visit Cardiff.

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  7. I know this feeling. Sometimes you just need a quick break to organize your thoughts. I went on a staycation to a nearby hotel with my daughter for just that. Good to know that Novotel Cardiff is close to the railway station. I stayed in an Airbnb when I visited there. But this is super cool esp with the pool & all. Kids meal at 5.95?! I'm sold!!!

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