Aaron Wise Serviced Apartments

Check-in was straightforward, and the bed was the most comfortable one I've had since starting my UK trip. The room was small, as expected, but clean and had the usual amenities. We paid three times the normal rate because we stayed during the T Swift concert, though the location near Principality Stadium made it worth it. I asked about a late checkout and was turned down. I expect the hotel was full and needed time to clean.

The location was good, it was quiet, and getting in was easy, but I wouldn't stay there again for any price. We left early and drove home at 1am rather than spend another night. Before that, they'd charged us multiple times for the booking and messed us around. The place was dirty and mouldy, with car air fresheners trying to mask the smell. There was no heating in November or any cleaning supplies, not even hand soap, let alone shampoo. Several things were broken, from the blinds to the bin. Avoid it.

The location was convenient, but inside we felt so uncomfortable we didn't want to touch anything or even breathe the air. There was mould on the walls, mildew in the shower, dusty carpet, and a smoky smell in the hall. The closet was too dusty to use. I took the hairdryer from it and found the diffuser attachment covered in cobwebs; after washing it, I discovered it didn't fit the dryer anyway. I still cringe thinking about the place. What upset us most was how misleading the listing and photos felt. Maybe they have nicer units, but it seemed like those pictures were being used for all the rooms.

The rest of the apartment was tidy, and when we asked for a sheet and a fan, they were delivered, which helped in the very hot weather. The carpets in the hall and bedroom were obviously filthy when we arrived, though, and one night we found the mattress protector under the clean sheet stained and smelling of urine. We tried to reach the management team, but they didn't come until the next day. When we left, two managers apologized and offered 20 percent off a future stay. I'll leave it to you to decide if that's enough.