The Parkgate Hotel, UK Hotel

UK

Cardiff might just be the most visitable city around, especially if you want small-town, local friendliness coupled with big-ticket music and sporting events, and in the five-star Parkgate Hotel you’ve got the ideal jumping-off point. It’s right on the doorstep of the Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby, and the maze of Cardiff’s city centre lies in front of you, with the castle and epic Sophia Gardens just up the road too. And this being Cardiff, some of the food-forward local neighbourhoods are but a two-minute taxi ride away.

But before you leave the hotel, you’ve got the 30-day-aged rump to try or, perhaps, the 35-day-aged Welsh beef burger - and that's just for the kids. The Parkgate does its food seriously and the staff - especially veteran Italian waiter Max - are excellent. They're as considered with the kids as they are for adults who may pick, for instance, a three-courser consisting of Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky-cured salmon with Brecon vodka crème fraîche; a lamb three-way main (rack, crispy shoulder and shepherd’s pie); and sticky toffee pudding and Brecon honey ice cream to round things off.

The rooms are genuinely spacious, and the muted coloursreflect a focus of substance and comfort over style-for-style's sake. If you're looking for a family room, there's one available, complete with bunk beds and a lounge area in-between. In short, they know what they’re doing.

The concierge are well- informed, ensuring no afternoon in the Welsh capital goes begging for something to do. There’s also a well kitted out spa and a small pool with cityscape view, and although this is only for ages 16 or over, if you’re desperate for a family swim, they’ll happily find you somewhere local to go.

Doubles from £136.

Words by Alex Mead.

This review was taken from the April 2024 issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.