Hotel of the week

■ WHERE & WHY: Tucked away off the main shopping street, past a giant mural featuring a young Shirley Bassey, the Cardiff branch of the stylish Indigo chain gives a warm Welsh welcome.

The message “Bore da” – good morning in English – adorns a cushion in reception and travel buzz word “cwtch” – hug – is displayed on a wall plaque. Local artwork and materials are used to dress the boutique bedrooms in Welsh themes. Our room reflected the clothing industry and was kitted out in beautiful textiles. The bathroom was clad in retro racing green tiles and had complimentary ginger-fragranced toiletries.

Although some rooms have views of the Cardiff skyline, our window was misted, presumably because it faced inwards. So we watched telly and ate the free plate of chocolate brownies, lemon tart and raspberries. There’s an on-site fitness centre to work them off.

Parking is in the NCP round the corner, but hotel guests get a 25% discount.

■ COVID CHECK-IN: A sculpture of a turquoise lamb in a face mask set the tone. Staff stood between a Perspex screen and a row of lamps made from miners’ helmets. Welsh anthems rang out (Catatonia’s Road Rage while we were there), hands were sanitised, forms completed and keys handed over.

ON THE MENU:

For breakfast we took the lift to Marco Pierre White’s rooftop Steakhouse Bar and Grill, with its views over the city. After diving into a huge selection of cereals, juices and pastries, we had the Welsh full monty, which included black pudding and Welsh laver cake.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Go out sightseeing. Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium are a couple of minutes’ walk away. In Cardiff Bay, check out the Wales Millennium Centre, the Senedd building and the intriguing Norwegian Church where Roald Dahl was christened. Or just watch the boats go by.

BOOK IT: From £67 per night, room only. More info at ihg.com