The Parkgate Hotel Cardiff

WHERE AND WHY

Situated right in the heart of busy Cardiff, The Parkgate Hotel is a little slice of sanctuary.

It’s easy to see why the hotel is labelled “Cardiff’s finest new luxury hotel,” with a gorgeous grand exterior, glamorous foyer and bright, spacious rooms.

Our room was fitted with a large TV, loads of space for luggage in wooden wardrobes, a coffee machine, an extra living space with sofas and a second TV, gorgeous views of nearby landmarks and a luxurious freestanding bath.

An array of indulgent Elemis products were provided while a fully stocked hot drink station kept us on top form.

ON THE MENU

Dinner is served in The Sorting Room, a Michelin Guide-listed low-lit venue with the cosy ambience of a 70s-style speakeasy.

We started with beetroot houmous (£5.95), cauliflower soup (£8.50) and smoked Mediterranean octopus (£12.50), all equally delectable and set the tone for the rest.

For mains, we ate the roasted oak smoked salmon fillet (£22.95) which came with tempura battered avocado, corn salsa, spiced couscous and lentils, while the mushroom, leek and Welsh cheddar pie (£18.95) suitably warmed the heart. The thyme and honey roasted root vegetables (£4.95) were the perfect accompaniment too.

The following day we were greeted with a jam-packed buffet breakfast, which included a selection of fresh pastries, fresh fruit and cheeses alongside hot and cold drink options.

The hotel doesn’t scrimp on hot buffet options either – locally made sausages, Welsh cured back bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, potatoes and eggs were all on offer, piping hot and regularly refreshed.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Take the lift up to the sixth floor and indulge in the ultimate spa experience at “one of the city’s most exclusive wellness destinations”.

The Elemis spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind with a specially tailored facial or a deep tissue massage before entering the Thermal Suite (charges apply).

The suite includes a sauna, steam room, loungers and hydrotherapy pool.

With panoramic views across the city, the Thermal Suite is the perfect place to watch the sunset across the nearby Principality Stadium.

WAKE-UP CALL

Rooms at The Parkgate Hotel start from £110 a night B&B, theparkgatehotel.wales