The Coach & Horses Hotel

Carl was especially helpful during our stay before a concert in Cardiff. He returned my Kindle on his day off, which he really didn’t have to do. The reception staff were friendly and helpful throughout. We had breakfast in the restaurant, freshly cooked and served at the table, not buffet food, and it was stunning and reasonably priced. Rooms are basic but clean and have everything you need, with free parking. Cardiff is a 20 minute drive away, and staying here was much cheaper than a hotel in the city centre. We’d definitely return.

The lunch menu had nice choices, and everything we ordered, starters and mains, was delicious. The decor was beautiful, and the staff looking after us were very pleasant. It was extremely busy for Friday lunch in such a large place. We waited five minutes at the bar, then were sent upstairs only to find our table wasn’t ready, so we had to go back down and order drinks. Not the best start, but we’ll certainly return. We were too busy chatting to take photos.

It was a mixed bag, but that’s my honest view. The women serving upstairs were great, especially Paulina, and the place has been upgraded so it looks fresh and clean. Starters and mains were very nice, including the lamb and fish dishes and a good steak. The staff were pleasant and helpful. But the drinks were pricey and didn’t feel premium: the Bacardi tasted weaker than usual, and the Mojito was so strange we sent it back. Prices for the food also felt too high for what you got, as there are cheaper places of similar standard. The vegetables were a bit meagre unless you paid extra to add more, which pushed the bill up. I think the mains should come with ample vegetables. The sticky toffee pudding didn’t seem homemade and tasted microwaved, like the old tinned puddings. I eat out a lot, and you get a feel for what to expect at a price that matches the food. It’s a step up from pub grub, but too expensive, with nothing really special to make me travel out of the way. The hotel may bring in some business, but the city and other country establishments have more to offer. I wouldn’t return because of the cost.

We’re local and went to try the place after its recent refurbishment and takeover, as it used to be a Beefeater. The decor is much lighter and brighter now, and generally more pleasant. We tried the cooked breakfast, which was reasonably priced. My full Welsh breakfast was absolutely delicious and made with good quality ingredients, especially the sausages. My husband had Eggs Benedict and thought the ingredients were good, but there was so much Hollandaise sauce that it overwhelmed the dish a bit. We’re looking forward to trying the evening menu next time.