HOTEL of the week
WHERE AND WHY Cardiff is on the up thanks to its world-class museums and galleries, buzzing bars and restaurants, and great shopping. And the Park Plaza is right on the doorstep of them all – between beautiful Cardiff Castle and the National Museum Wales. It’s also just five minutes by taxi from the station. Glowing fires and comfy armchairs in the reception area guarantees a warm welcome, as do friendly staff. Our fourthfloor suite at the top was huge, as was the luxurious bathroom. Through windows that stretch from wall to wall are lovely views overlooking the grand City Hall. For a spot of indulgence head to the spa or take a dip in the pool.
ON THE MENU Dark wood flooring and furnishings create a warm, relaxed vibe in the Laguna restaurant, which has an open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work. My Welsh beef carpaccio starter with a fine bean salad and Parmesan was amazing (€12), while the grilled sea bass main – served with a delicious combo of crisp calamari and squid ink mayonnaise – was bursting with flavour (€20). Save space for pudding – my cherry and white chocolate cheesecake was divine (€7). Kids’ menus are imaginative and good value – for €11 little ones can tuck into the likes of carrot sticks and hummus, chicken goujons, and pancakes with maple syrup. Don’t skip breakfast – the buffet includes both streaky and back bacon, eggs to order and a pancake machine.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE To learn why the Welsh love their rugby so much take a guided tour around the Principality Stadium, home to the national team. Cardiff Castle, right in the city centre, is fun for all, with tunnels hidden in the walls that were used as wartime air raid shelters. Explore the wonderfully ornate Victorian shopping arcades or pop into the National Museum Cardiff for world-class art and a fascinating Evolution of Wales gallery with dinosaurs and woolly mammoths. Catch a boat down to Cardiff Bay for charming cafés and the pretty Norwegian Church where Roald Dahl was baptised.
WAKE-UP CALL B&B doubles from €126 per night.