Holiday Inn Cardiff North

We knew the hotel was beside a busy road when we booked, so the noise wasn’t a surprise. It worked well for a stopover. The reception area is modern and looks great, and everyone enjoyed breakfast, with its good selection. The kids had fun in the pool, although the basic changing rooms could use a few hooks in or near the showers. There were a few room issues: only 3 towels for 4 people, a shower temperature knob that kept falling off with barely a touch, and a clump of hair under one duvet. The car park could use a tidy-up at the back. We arrived late and found lots of screws in the rear spaces the next morning, though luckily none ended up in our tyres. Some end spaces were blocked by overgrown shrubs and mud.

The restaurant food was excellent and good value, and the Welsh lager on tap was a treat. Restaurant staff were pleasant and helpful too. The reception area is light and spacious, with modern decor. We stayed with family last Friday while travelling to London during Stirm Eunice. It was easy to reach from the M4. The rooms were spacious and the beds comfortable. We were below ground floor, so there wasn’t much of a view, and there was a strange smell that eased somewhat after opening the windows. The Health Centre was in poor condition generally, especially around the pool, where the smell was stronger.

The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the room was comfortable. Breakfast was standard but served hot and fresh, and cost £6 per person. The air conditioning made some noise, though it was bearable. The building feels older and needs maintenance and updating. The pool water was murky: I could just about make out the bottom, and couldn’t see someone at the far end of what I’d guess was a 10m pool. EV charging is available on site.

The kids’ bed was great, and we especially loved the very soft, cosy main bed and pillows. We stayed three nights as a family; the rooms were clean and well kept. The pool was smaller than I expected, and the room was a bit too warm. Breakfast was okay, with standard English options, but there was no continental breakfast during our stay.