voco St David's Cardiff, an IHG Hotel

We booked a two-hour spa visit for four of us to celebrate a birthday, and had a lovely, relaxing afternoon. Mali and Caitlin were great before we booked, helping when I couldn’t pay online and answering all my questions. The price seemed reasonable compared with other spas nearby. There’s a pool, wall walk, jacuzzi area and sauna, all spacious enough for several guests. The changing rooms were excellent, with shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the showers, plus hairdryers and straighteners to use afterward. Some areas could have been cleaner. The glass between the wall walk and main pool was grubby, as were the water jets’ metal fittings and the jacuzzi walls. The sauna and general upkeep around the spa were good, though. I didn’t take photos because phones aren’t allowed in the spa.

We spent the weekend here for my husband’s birthday, and the staff made it feel special throughout. They were friendly, attentive, professional and fun, without anything feeling forced. The spa was lovely, though sometimes a bit crowded. We also had a great location for exploring Cardiff without traveling far. Room 713 had a beautiful view and some thoughtful extras. The complimentary binoculars and bird book were an unexpected treat, and the Nintendo Switch and other little add-ons made the stay feel like more than just a hotel room. Room service wasn’t the best, but breakfast and the Sunday roast were lovely. I’d happily come back. If we visit Cardiff again, this is the only place I’d consider staying.

We’ve been staying here once or twice a year over its 30-year life, and it still feels like a treat. IHG membership comes with a few little extras that make joining worthwhile. Our room was beautifully furnished and impeccably clean, as it always is. The spa is showing its age a little, but it’s still a lovely place to spend a few hours. We enjoyed delicious restaurant food in beautiful surroundings, and it wasn’t expensive. From reception and room service to housekeeping, the spa and restaurant, every staff member we dealt with was friendly, helpful and sincere. It’s rare to get service this good these days. A fantastic overnight stay, highly recommended.

Trizia checked me in with a warm, professional welcome and was really helpful. She’s a real ambassador for IHG. My room overlooked the bay and was very comfortable, and the bathroom worked exactly as it should. Plenty of hotels get the shower and bath settings wrong, but this one didn’t. Dinner was lovely, and breakfast was just as good, from the welcome to the buffet. My only criticism is that the machine coffee could have been hotter. First visit to Voca St David's, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. Good value, too.