Where to stay in Cardiff

·7 December, 2022
·Samantha - Travelling King

Editorial Cardiff, UK - Cardiff Castle, a medieval castle and tourist attraction located in the centre of Cardiff city, Wales, UK

A trip to Wales is not complete without a stay in the capital city of Cardiff. The city on Cardiff Bay is a great place to explore, with an ancient castle, huge rugby scene and modern museums. The city proper is quite small, with under 7000 residents, so it’s easy to navigate and many attractions are within walking distance of the city centre.

There are many places to stay in Cardiff, so we’ve broken out the best neighborhoods to stay in Cardiff, with hotel recommendations for any budget or travel style. While we’re happy to help sort out the Cardiff neighborhoods, you’re on your own when it comes to deciphering the Welsh language!

We will cover off all types of Cardiff accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Cardiff hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Cardiff 2023, the best Cardiff hotels, best places in Cardiff to visit, the best places to stay in Cardiff, hotels near Cardiff attractions, Cardiff neighborhood guide, best areas to stay in Cardiff and many more.

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Table of Contents

Cardiff City Centre – Where to stay in Cardiff for first timers

Cardiff City Centre is the best area for tourists visiting Cardiff for the first time. The city grew up around Cardiff Castle, so you’ll sometimes hear this referred to as the castle district. The main train station is in the city centre, so day trips to and from Cardiff are easy. Bordered on the east by the River Taff, and Cooper’s Field to the north, the city center is a very family-friendly place to explore.

Cooper’s Field has an arboretum, woodlands, museums, cricket grounds and even a stone druid circle that is still used today. This area also has the highest concentration of hotels, so you’ll be spoilt for choice of places to stay in Cardiff City Centre. If you are looking for budget-friendly accommodations, the city centre also has cheap places to stay in Cardiff, including many hostels. Wondering where to stay in Cardiff city centre? The below recommendations should help you make a quick and easy discussion.

Best places to stay in Cardiff City Centre

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Cardiff City Centre
The River House
NosDa Hostel & Bar
Mrs Potts Backpackers
Bunk House

Budget Hotels in Cardiff City Centre
Anchorage Guest House
Sandringham Hotel
Austins Guesthouse
Wynford Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Cardiff City Centre
Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre
Riverside Bed and Breakfast
The Angel Hotel
The Royal Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Cardiff City Centre
Travelodge Cardiff Central Queen Street
Hilton Cardiff
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Hotel Indigo Cardiff

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Cardiff City Centre
A Space in the City – Park Lane Aparthotel
voco St. David’s Cardiff
Canada Lodge and Lake
Crofts Hotel

Cardiff, United Kingdom - Panoramic view of Cardiff Bay and Mermaid Quay on a sunny morning in Cardiff, Wales.

Cardiff Bay – Where to stay in Cardiff for tourists

The old Cardiff Docks have been transformed and revitalized into the Cardiff Bay neighborhood. Once the center of the global coal industry, Cardiff Bay is now a trendy neighborhood with loads of entertainment options. A prominent fixture on the bay is the Wales Millennium Centre, an exhibition space with a unique, and controversial, design.

From here, you have easy access to the city centre or the nearby wetlands reserve. For shopping and entertainment, the Mermaid Quay and Red Dragon Centre both offer many shopping, dining and entertainment options.

Best places to stay in Cardiff Bay

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Cardiff Bay
YHA Cardiff Central
Bunk House
Mrs Potts Backpackers
Nomad

Budget Hotels in Cardiff Bay
Travelodge Cardiff Atlantic Wharf
Hotel Ibis Budget Cardiff Centre
Premier Inn Cardiff City Centre Hotel
Premier Inn Cardiff City South Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Cardiff Bay
Jolyon’s Boutique Hotel
Future Inn Cardiff Bay
Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay
Radisson Blu Hotel, Cardiff

Family Friendly Hotels in Cardiff Bay
Novotel Cardiff Centre
Cardiff Marriott Hotel
Park Inn by Radisson Cardiff City Centre
Jurys Inn Cardiff

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Cardiff Bay
voco St. David’s Cardiff
Aaron Wise – 57 Fitzhamon Serviced Apartments
Crofts Hotel

Cardiff United Kingdom - : People enjoying themselves on a sunny day at the Cardiff Bay Beach Fair an urban seaside beach fair at Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay Cardiff.

Riverside – Where to stay in Cardiff with family

Across the River Taff from the Cardiff City Centre is an area called Riverside. This area includes Cooper’s Fields to the east and the Canton railyards to the south. Art is very much a fixture in this hip residential area. If you are planning to stay in Cardiff for more than a few days and would like to experience the local culture through food, music, and festivals, then Riverside is a great choice. The central thoroughfare of Cowbridge Road has tons of shops, cafes, and pubs to explore, with lots of ethnic food offerings as well.

Best places to stay in Riverside

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Riverside
NosDa Hostel & Bar
The River House
Bunk House
Mrs Potts Backpackers

Budget Hotels in Riverside
Wynford Hotel
Sandringham Hotel
Austins Guesthouse

Mid range Hotels in Riverside
Flat 5 Cardiff
Innkeeper’s Lodge, Cardiff
Cathedral 73
The Pontcanna Inn

Family Friendly Hotels in Riverside
Dexby Town House
Hilton Cardiff
Travelodge Cardiff Central Queen Street
Park Plaza Cardiff

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Riverside
Aaron Wise – 57 Fitzhamon Serviced Apartments
A Space in the City – Park Lane Aparthotel

View of the river taff public Bute Park and the water bus stop at the public and government owned Cardiff castle in autumn. Cardiff Wales UK

Roath – Where to stay in Cardiff on a budget

Just minutes north of the city centre, the Cardiff suburb of Roath is a popular place for students to congregate. Roath Park and Roath Park Lake are popular destinations for outdoor recreation, with pedal-boat rentals, cafes, and the Botanical and Rose Gardens. The adjacent neighborhood of Cathays is home to several universities.With a great selection of international cuisine along City Road, this is the place to have a budget-friendly night out in Cardiff. Made in Roath is an annual art festival that draws eclectic crowds from all over.

Best places to stay in Roath

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Roath
Nomad
Mrs Potts Backpackers
Bunk House
NosDa Hostel & Bar

Budget Hotels in Roath
Tanes Hotel
Travelodge Cardiff Llanederyn

Mid range Hotels in Roath
The Cardiff North Hotel
Lincoln House Private Hotel
Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa
Elgano Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Roath
Park Plaza Cardiff
Jurys Inn Cardiff
SACO Cardiff – Cathedral Road
Dexby Town House

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Roath
Beautiful Victorian House

Public Roath Park with it's row of benches and beautiful trees during a sunny morning at the beginning of autumn.

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Where to stay in Cardiff

Article written by: Samantha - Travelling King

Hi, my name is Samantha, Finance Managing Guru by day, Travel Blogging Enthusiast by... well... day too! Haha! Travelling King is the destination hotspot for the wannabe traveller! Showcasing affordable, luxurious getaways for the budget conscious! With the combination of my financial knowledge and travelling experiences I aim to show you, with a little planning, the right budget and a realistic goal you can fulfil your travel fantasies and explore the world whatever your budget or desires may be!