Copthorne Hotel Cardiff-Caerdydd

The food was delicious, and there was plenty on the shared platter for two. I’d come back for the Sunday Roast at the Lakeview Restaurant, though the service put a damper on the visit. The Sunday menu isn’t listed on the website, but they do have a few options. We were the only diners when we arrived, and the restaurant was very quiet. Our host asked about starters, which we declined, then told us we had to order drinks at the bar rather than have them brought to the table. The drinks came quickly since there was no one else there, but I found having to go to the bar disappointing. After that, our host was away for a long time. Before she’d taken our order, the food came out. We were asked about allergies, but no one asked each person what they wanted, so anyone hoping for something other than the braised beef didn’t get the chance to order. A few of us wanted extra cauliflower cheese, which the menu says can be ordered on the side. We asked once the food had arrived, and said it was fine if it came later because the chef would need to make it fresh. But I heard our server tell the chef, “I need extra cauliflower cheese”, and the chef reply, “you didn’t tell me you needed it”. She answered, “yeah well they didn’t tell me they wanted it”. People at the table heard, and it made us feel like a nuisance for asking for a simple extra. We hadn’t been given a chance to order it earlier. Her attitude felt poor, and it marred the experience for me.

The food was tasty, though the choice was limited and there weren’t many fresh vegetables. The reception and lounge/dining room looked lovely with their Christmas decorations. Our room was comfortable, with a decent bed and a good night’s sleep. It was a bit old fashioned and tired, but still more than okay, and I saw that rooms are being renovated. I liked it and would return.

Being able to feed the swans by the pool after breakfast was a lovely touch. The breakfast lounge was beautifully decorated, and the food was fresh and high quality. My room was spotless and fresh, with a bed that gave me deep, restful sleep after a long drive. The welcome was warm, and the staff were exceptionally helpful and hospitable. I had a wonderful stay at the Copthorne Hotel, easily one of the best hotels I’ve stayed in.

Breakfast was delicious and there was plenty of it, but the staff were what made the stay for me. The rooms and facilities were as good as you could expect for the price after the revamp. I’d heard the Copthorne had a sketchy past and wasn’t up to much, but ignoring that turned out to be the best thing we could have done. It’s 15 minutes by cab from central Cardiff and cost a fraction of the price. I’ll definitely stay again.