Jolyons @ No.10

I've stayed here three times recently, and each visit has been a pleasure and a privilege. The staff are a lovely bunch, always attentive and smiling. It's also well placed, with Cardiff centre an easy walk away.

It was an average stay. Breakfast was alright and the bar was nice, but a few room and parking problems brought things down. We had to use a local pay and display car park because hotel spaces apparently needed to be reserved, though that option hadn't been offered when booking. The shower leaked badly onto the floor, which felt like a safety hazard. Only one of the two toilet flush buttons worked, and the toilet paper holder fell off the first time we used it. Maybe it was just our room and you might have better luck. None of this was quite a deal breaker, but it did make the stay more subpar, so 3/5.

The lack of air conditioning was my main gripe. The hotel gets very hot, and the window in my room couldn't be opened properly to cool it down, presumably for safety reasons. Otherwise, this is a lovely boutique place just a little off the beaten track, close enough to walk to the castle, stadium, park and city centre, while still being quiet when you want to relax. Staff were helpful and polite, and breakfast was fresh and clearly cooked to order, with a great menu if you fancy eating in. I'd highly recommend it for the rooms, location and staff.

There's plenty of seating indoors and out, and the outdoor area works even when it's raining. Staff are friendly and quick, even when the bar is busy, and they'll bring drinks to your table so you don't have to stand at the bar. The contemporary hotel has a great bar. For alcohol-free drinks, I'd recommend the soya latte; for those drinking, Guinness.