Travelodge Cardiff Atlantic Wharf

The welcome was friendly, and breakfast was basic but fine. The location worked well for the millennium centre and bay. Our room was small and plain, with an uncomfortable bed; the bathroom extractor didn’t work and it could have been cleaner. For somewhere with no frills, the price means we wouldn’t book again.

Staff were friendly and helpful, and the room was clean and big enough, though I found the mattress rather hard. There’s a heater but no air conditioning, and leaving the window open can bring in noise. I also paid for WiFi, but it kept cutting in and out, as did the TV signal. The hotel is in a leisure park with a cinema, restaurants and gym, and parking across the lot is free. Remember to enter your car reg at reception before heading out. It’s around 10 minutes on foot to the bay bars and restaurants, and about half an hour to the city centre, castle, stadiums, station and shops. Buses run too, and there’s a taxi boat to and from town. I’d give it 3.5 stars if I could.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and there’s plenty of free parking for Travelodge guests. The train is also a convenient way to get around. It takes around 10 minutes to walk to the Bay and 30 minutes to the city centre. My room’s bed was lumpy and hard, and I was disappointed to find just one chair, especially since another branch I use regularly has two in all but its smallest rooms, even when I’m alone. The bathroom had mould in the grout and dust in the corners, and the window wouldn’t close properly. WiFi was poor despite the extra charge. There was just one double socket and no USB points, which compares badly with my usual branch. The coffee machine wasn’t worth paying extra for, and the TV was larger, but we didn’t even turn it on. Kitkats were a nice touch, unless your party includes one diabetic and one coeliac.

Chris at reception was lovely when we checked in. The room was tidy and clean, with fresh towels and sheets. There was a little mould on the ceiling, though not as much as some comments made it sound. I’d recommend it for an affordable night in Cardiff.