Hilton Cardiff Hotel

We stayed here for a mini break (ie away from our children!) for two nights last weekend. We had an executive room on the 7th floor at a very reasonable rate of something like £120 per night. The room was a good size, with a massive and comfy bed, and a great sized bathroom. It was very clean, modern, comfortable. Not what you'd get in a trendy boutique hotel, more standard chain fare but nothing to complain about as that's what we were expecting. Access to the Exec. Lounge was a great perk and I'm glad I found out about it via other reviews on here. It did get busy, indeed on the Saturday morning we were asked to breakfast in the main restaurant because it was full but that was no problem. We intended to use the gym/pool but didn't get round to it as we were too relaxed (read lazy!). Location is fabulous, right in the centre of town and walking distane to most places. I did hear a little noise on the Saturday night at club kicking out time but nothing that disturbed me too much. My only quibble was that for a 5star hotel their concierge service was a bit of a let down but that could be the fault of watching the divine Dexter Fletcher on BBC's recent Hotel Babylon!! All in all a great hotel and we'd definitely return.

Stayed 2 nights and its strictly 5 star. The restaurant surprised us with both the quality and food presentation. Meals were excellant. Location is across from castle and walking distance to St. Davids Hall, shopping and restaurants. City tour bus stops in front of castle.

This is a great hotel in a fantastic location close to all of the shops and many restaurants. The staff are friendly and professional without being snobbish. They upgraded us to the executive floor which meant we had free access to the executive lounge. The lounge had soft drinks, tea, coffee, beer, spirits, and wine in addition to a wide selection of fruit, tortilla chips and biscuits. We used the gym and I can honestly say I got a good workout although I wouldn't recommend it for legs. The equipment is new and they provide you with a free towel and of course a drinking fountain with cups. Our room rate included free dinner at the hotel. The restaurant, Razzi, isn't overly large but the food is of gourmet standard. We got three courses and all were excellent. The one bad thing about this hotel is the breakfast. Although it is included in the rate, it is disappointing. There isn't much variety and the selections are not very healthy. The fruit is basically a banana with dried fruit, and the hot food is all fatty. I would have liked to seen more fresh fruit, more cheeses, more selection. The room is what you'd expect from a Hilton...nice and clean and comfortable. The bathroom is also a good size. Actually, the shower is huge (and separate from the bath). It looks like a pod for time travel and could easily fit four adults. They provide the usual ammenities (i.e. shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, shower cap), an iron with ironing board, and a hairdryer. I would definitely stay here again and would recommend it highly.

I was really impressed with this hotel, normally i expect a fairly high standards from Hilton but was wary as the only other hotel of note in Cardiff is the St Davids. The rooms are a fanastic size (though the ones facing the castle are much better). The restaurant and two bars are lovely and the service is good. The price in the restaurant/bar are a little expensive but there are plenty of excellent restaurants and bars in Cardiff nearby due to this hotels excellent location. The gym facilities are pretty impressive too.

Having spent a weekend at Holland House recently, the Hilton in Cardiff had a hard act to follow, and it failed miserably. Rooms: We stayed in a standard room, internal, with nice view over the atrium. It was comfortable, good temperature control, well-stocked mini-bar, but no water provided. It was clean and modern, but had a clinical 'hotel' style. Only one easy chair at the coffee table, in a double room? Note: our room was a very good size, spacious. Our parents had a room on the outside, with a view of a car park, noise from the clubs outside, and theirs was much smaller, with quite a 'pokey' feel, yet the rooms were the same price. If you have to book this hotel, I'd recommend requesting an internal room, or a room on a much higher floor. I don't know what the executive rooms are like - probably nicer, and much more expensive no doubt. The hairdryer in the room is of the 'hold-your-finger-on-the-button-until-it-goes-numb' variety. The bathroom is massive, but mosaic tiles are starting to look grubby in the shower. Facilities: The internet in the room didn't work, as the keyboard had no mouse function (ridiculous), although they didn't quibble about removing the charge when we complained, so they're obviously aware of this problem. We didn't use any of the spa facilities, although they looked very good. Two bars, and a nice menu (but pricey) in the restaurant. The food in the Piano bar was delicious. There was a fire alarm while we were there, and although a letter of apology was pomptly issued, no-one was offered a discount, or free drink for standing out in the cold for 20 minutes. (We thought this was a bit poor for a 5-star hotel.) Service: At breakfast, you are poured a glass of orange juice as you sit down, which is a nice touch, but that's probably because you won't see another drink for at least 5 minutes, as that's where the service ends. I asked for decaff coffee, and was told that they bring hot water, and you make your own. Now, I'm more than capable of making my own tea/coffee, but it's not what you expect in a 5-star hotel, at £145 a night.... They don't bring you your toast either (in Holland House, it's at your table within 5 mins of sitting down) - you have to queue at the toast machine - very annoying if you want to have something from the buffet on your toast. After we ate, our dirty plates were left uncollected on the table for at least 15 minutes on both mornings, even when the breakfast room wasn't full. The tables have got those paper printed table mats, and the water pots dribble all over the table, so it's no wonder. You need the paper mat to absorb the water. The waiters and waitresses don't understand English very well, which is also annoying. Yes, the hotel is beautiful and shiny. It looks like new, and has a great location very close to the shops. But so does Holland House, and Holland House has better decor, and a 5 star service in every respect. This hotel is just not worth the money. Book it if the Holland House is full, or if you can get a special offer on the price. You'll have a pleasant stay, with some 'let down' moments. This review might sound harsh, but when you're paying that amount of money, and you've seen better, it's an honest viewpoint. I agree with the comment of another reviewer that this hotel is relying on the reputaion of its brand. The little touches that would make it a 5-star stay are missing. Shame....

Thoroughly enjoyed our one night stay. Valet parking and friendly, informative reception staff. Our room was very well appointed with very comfortable beds and it was quiet. The bathroom had Villeroy and Bosch sanitary ware, with a power shower with room for 4, as well as a bath. It is centrally placed, near the Millenium Stadium and ideal for shopping or eating out, although the hotel restaurant and Steam Room bar offered a great choice of food. We'd stay again like a shot!

We stayed here 3rd and 4th March 2006, as we were watching the Powergen rugby semi-finals at the Millennium Stadium. We opted for the Executive Room deal, and had a fantastic room on the 6th floor overlooking the castle and city hall. The Executive Rooms give you access to the exec. lounge on the 7th floor, with free drinks, and newspapers, and snacks. But beware the free bar shuts early on rugby match days (possibly, other sports events too?). The room was large, with a massive bed. There was a large bathroom, nicely equipped and with a separate large shower cabinet. The shower looked impressive and was big enough for 2(!), but it was actualy just a rather ordinary shower unit without much pressure. I found that disappointing. We ate one night in Razzi Bar, and the food was average but the ambience was great. The concierge recommended a restaurant called Da Vendito for the other night, and that was smashing. Double check if your room price includes breakfast. Ours only included continental breakfast in the exec lounge, and if you wanted full English (sorry, Welsh) you had to pay extra to go to the restaurant on ground floor. Luckily we were upgraded to include the full Welsh breckie cos we're Hilton Honours members. Very centrally placed hotel, for all sports facilities, shops, and historic buildings. Highly recommended. We paid £136 per room per night.

My husband and i have just returned from Cardiff after watching Wigan V Manchester United carling cup final, and to say the least we are very disappointed in the Hilton. Our booking was made via the internet, during this booking we were not informed that the fee paid was for the room only. Several charges were added which we were not aware of. But what brings me to make this review is that upon our last day we charged the full day rate for leaving our vehicle for an extra three hours after checking out. We were charged the full daily rate just because it was a match day. It will be the last time i stay in a Hilton hotel and i would not recommend it. It certainly isn't a five star more like 3+ to 4. Basically you pay for the name, like we did thinking we were staying in a good hotel but i feel like we had been ripped off due to these extra charges just because it was a match day, the rates had already increased due to football, so beware if you are a sports fan.

I am almost a weekly visitor to the Hilton in Cardiff. The staff are always respectable and are well trained, they will also go that extra mile in dealing with any request. The manager, Mark Walker, recently won an award for the best hotel manager in Europe. Having stayed here regularly over the past 3 years, I dont think the Hotel has never let me down, and even in this short space of time there has been decorative improvements such as in the Razzi Bar - the hotel obviously can't afford to lose out to the now very competitive hotel market in Cardiff. I have never had an issue with the food, or cleanliness of the rooms, and the lesiure facilities are excellent. You'll often see pop stars, international rugby players, politicians, footballers and tv presenters who will stay at the Hotel. The only problem with the Hotel is when its fully booked! Daliwch ati! - keep up the good work!

Stayed on business for 9 nights and found the rooms very comfortable and the staff very friendly and efficient. Highly recommended for business travel in Cardiff.