The Parc Hotel
Park Place, Cardiff, United Kingdom, CF10 3UD
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#11 of 20
expert-rated hotels in Cardiff- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Culture vultures, Families with younger children, Foodies, Design and architecture, Live entertainment, Shopping, Sightseeing
Expert review of The Parc Hotel
One of Cardiff's oldest hotels with one of Cardiff's newest restaurants.
Along with The Royal on St Mary Street, The Parc is one of the oldest hotels in the city centre. I’m a big fan of the hefty Victorian facade, and an even bigger fan of the stunning decor inside. What’s particularly impressive about The Parc is their latest development with the Michelin-accredited chef Martin Blunos and the Crown Social restaurant brand.
Location:
Smile, you’re on the east side... Sitting at the foot of Queen Street’s shopping heaven, and just seconds away from the New Theatre, a whole array of nightspots and the city’s beautiful museum area, The Parc is a really convenient hotel for all aspects of Cardiff’s central attractions.
Bedrooms:
Sumptuous is the key word here. The bold bedding adds serious colour to the understated beige and grey decor schemes and even the standard doubles are generously sizable. I found the contemporary furnishings were a cool addition without trying to be zany or different (the bedside tables are like clay wheel spun egg timers!) and the rain showers are just as successful in your wake-up process as any cup of good coffee. Families are made to feel welcome with three proper beds (as opposed to a pull out sofa) and the suites are pretty much mini apartments without any kitchen. Those seeking an extra quiet night should ask for rooms facing inside the complex; the view isn’t grand but the silence is golden.
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Public areas:
The Parc might be part of the Thistle chain but the use of room, with cute corners and cosy sofas in the lounge give it a more boutique feel than you’d expect. I was endeared by the individual reception booths; they manage to carry the exciting atmosphere you usually experience checking in at an airport for a long adventure!
Eating and drinking:
The classy bar, champagne bar and restaurant may have only been refurbished two years ago but The Parc have decided that’s not enough... So they’ve just developed the restaurant with the help of executive chef, the Michelin-accredited Martin Blunos. The Crown Social only opened this March and is a highly impressive addition to Cardiff’s ever-growing restaurant selection with immaculately dressed dishes and contemporary flavour combinations that a chef of Blunos’ calibre can bring. Their twist on the chef’s table is worth paying extra for; a private dining area tucked away at the back, it’s graced with a large flat screen TV so you can watch your food being cooked as your hunger builds to fever pitch.
And if the Crown Social is a little too greedy for your needs then the bar on the other side of the lobby is a more relaxed environment with a brasserie style selection for you to enjoy in its cool, relaxed atmosphere.
Leisure facilities:
Almost every hotel in Cardiff’s city centre has a deal with the Vitality Gym, allowing you full use of their facilities for £5. The Parc is no exception, and it’s blessed with being directly opposite the gym so you’re more likely to benefit from this offer than you would if your hotel is the other side of town.
Service:
With The Parc’s new look, the staff seem extra proud of their hotel, they’ve always been incredibly friendly and accommodating whenever I’ve visited.
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Who stays there:
Families and foodies are both common guests, as are business travellers in the week.
Price advice:
Parking does come at a cost. watch out for regular promotions and discounts for advance bookings.
Pros:
A premium restaurant
Cool decor
Convenient location
Cons:
The individual reception booths can often create queues in the lobby
More information on The Parc Hotel:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Park Place, Cardiff, United Kingdom, CF10 3UD
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, High-Speed Internet, Restaurant, Room Service
- Neighbourhood:
- City Centre
