Premier Inn Cardiff Bay

The location worked well for us, and breakfast was fresh with plenty to choose from. Reception staff were also really good when we finally asked for help, and we were offered breakfast free the next morning, a kind gesture. The problem was that we’d reported the sink plug around midday because it was stuck and the water couldn’t drain. Staff took our room number and said someone would come by, but when we got back at 9:45 that night the sink was still full. It was disappointing that the first request had been missed. The people at reception did their best to sort it out, though. The room could use an update. There were several carpet stains, and the underside of the toilet roll holder had some really unpleasant marks and hadn’t been cleaned properly. The air conditioning barely helped, so it became hot and stuffy overnight. We’d booked for two, but there was only one bath towel. The rooms need a refresh, and those troublesome bathroom plugs probably need replacing.

Christmas felt like a proper treat for our family. We’d forgotten our decorations, but the team came up with a lovely surprise: chocolate treats for the girls and frosty Santa footprints for them to find in the morning. It was pure magic. The accessibility support was excellent, and the food and atmosphere were wonderful too. Vicky and her crew, Lauren, Akshay, and the cheerful Elmer in the kitchen, made us feel at home. The staff were warm and friendly, and it was clear they enjoy their work. We had a fantastic stay.

The room was spotless, roomy, and had a really comfortable bed. The bathroom was good too, with such strong water pressure that a bath fills in just a couple of minutes. I had a check-in issue and needed someone to help me do it manually, but the staff were good about it. This was only the first of my two nights, and I’m happy with the hotel so far. I didn’t use the restaurant or bar, so can’t comment on those.

For £64 for two, with checkout at noon, this was great value. Parking right next door was convenient too, and you get 25% off for 24 hours. The top-floor sea view and sunset were lovely, and the room was warm, had a fan if it got too hot, and kept outside noise out well. The bed was comfortable, just not as good as the one I remember from a Premier Inn stay ten years ago. The toilet was clean and tidy, and the TV was a decent size, though it wasn’t smart, which seems odd nowadays. Mermaid Quay is a perfect spot, with lots of good places to eat, a Sainsbury's local around the corner, plus an Everyman cinema and theatre. The receptionist was amazing and happily brought another towel when we found there was only one for our booking of two. She was doing a 16.5-hour day and still made us feel welcome. A strange omission was the lack of a telephone in the room, and there was no way to contact reception through the TV in an emergency. There was a drinks room-service menu, but no clear way to order from it.