The Big Sleep Hotel
Bute Terrace, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 2FE
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#8 of 20
expert-rated hotels in Cardiff- Recommended for:
- Backpackers / Students, Business travellers, Couples, First-time travellers, Stag / hen parties, Design and architecture, Great views / scenery, Nightlife, No fuss, Trendiness
Best for Value for money - Expert review of The Big Sleep Hotel
Cardiff’s celebrity-endorsed retreat that’s perfect for both music lovers and shoppers.
It's not the most striking of buildings, but looks can be deceiving. Inside, The Big Sleep is aglow with retro patterns and soft-but-funky colour, I'd instantly forgotten its old office block exterior the minute I first arrived. Owned by Hollywood actor John Malkovich and Cosmo Fry, the 10-year-old retreat has developed a cool reputation and it isn't difficult to see why.
Business travellers can escape dull functionality while young couples will revel in its cool coating. All will be pleased with the location and the price tag.
Location:
Two minutes' walk from the central bus and train station, and the city’s revamped pedestrian area is just a hop across the road. The Big Sleep is directly opposite Cardiff International Arena and an easy walk to the Millennium Stadium. The city’s glamorous shopping centre St Davids 2 is also just one minute away. Admittedly Bute Terrace does get busy during rush hour, but I found the rooms soundproofed enough to drown out most vehicles, even the trains that run nearby.
Bedrooms:
Take your pick; penthouse, executive suite, family room, standard and budget. The standard’s benchmark is impressive; washed with a cool blue glow, they’re functional, pretty and clean with ample room in the bed department. Tea and coffee facilities are provided and the curtains are bizarrely made of a snugly blanket material. Thanks to the building’s old function as an office, each room is blessed with large windows...even the bathrooms.
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Public areas:
The reception is bright and roomy and the large windows capitalise on its position several stories above the street. The lobby bar around the corner is bedecked in cute pink decor and retro patterns. It’s relatively small but the furniture is well positioned and the vibrant use of colour makes for a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Eating and drinking:
Your complimentary Continental and cooked breakfast range is served overlooking Bute Terrace, allowing you to watch Cardiff slowly come to life as you do too. Light snacks are available throughout the day but there is no specific evening dinner. This isn't a problem as there's a wide range of restaurants within five minutes in almost every direction.
Leisure facilities:
There’s no gym on the actual hotel site but the room rate includes the use of the Vitality Gym & Health club that’s a short walk across the centre.
Service:
A relaxed atmosphere run by young, friendly and helpful staff.
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Who stays there:
Young couples at the weekends, business travellers in the week and families.
Price advice:
The penthouse stays the same price, no matter what events are being held in the city. Drinks are very reasonable, unlike their internet services.
Pros:
Contemporary design
Great value
Location
Cons:
It's on a busy road by a railway line
Expensive WiFi
More information on The Big Sleep Hotel:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Bute Terrace, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 2FE
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Pets Allowed
- Neighbourhood:
- City Centre
