Where to stay in Cardiff [Best Places to Stay for 2024]
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 2024.
This guide shows 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.
Below are 5 of the best neighborhoods in Cardiff to help you make the right decision when trying to work out best areas to stay in Cardiff for you. We have tried to make the guide as easy to follow as possible.
We have also included some things to do or places to visit as well as some eatery suggestions of either our favourite places or some funky places to eat at within the areas in Cardiff so you can use this as a go to guide to pick the best accommodation in Cardiff for you.
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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
Budget accommodation in Cardiff City Centre
Mid range accommodation in Cardiff City Centre
- Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa
- Holiday Inn Cardiff City, an IHG Hotel
- Leonardo Hotel Cardiff – Formerly Jurys Inn
- Novotel Cardiff Centre
Family Friendly accommodation in Cardiff City Centre
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Cardiff City Centre
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
Budget accommodation in Cardiff Bay
- Quayside Apartments
- Beautiful Apartment in Cardiff
- Quayside Apartment in Cardiff Bay
- The Bay Apartment – 10 Mins from WMC
Mid range accommodation in Cardiff Bay
- The Coal Exchange Hotel
- The Townhouse by Switchback Stays
- The Waterways – Parking & WiFi
- Rueben Suite By Koya Homes – Cardiff
Family Friendly accommodation in Cardiff Bay
- Future Inn Cardiff Bay
- Century Wharf by Urban Space
- Staybridge Suites – Cardiff, an IHG Hotel
- Luxury 2 Bedroom, and 2 Bathroom Apartment
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Cardiff Bay
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
Budget accommodation in Riverside
Mid range accommodation in Riverside
Family Friendly accommodation in Riverside
- The Beverley by Innkeeper’s Collection
- The Spires Serviced Apartments Cardiff
- SACO Cardiff Cathedral Road
- Stylish 2 Bed Penthouse in Trendy Pontcanna
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Riverside
Plasnewydd – Where to stay in Cardiff for foodies
Plasnewydd is the best area to stay in Cardiff for foodies and travellers looking to experience a variety of culinary delights. From German Doner Kebab, Saray Restaurant, Shaam Nights Restaurant and The Globe Live music venue, Plasnewydd has it all.
Whether you are looking for an indulgent kebab or a traditional Turkish meal with plenty of atmosphere, Plasnewydd is the place to be. With its vibrant nightlife and entertainment options including live music venues, there’s something for everyone here.
Even if you just want a quick snack after hours exploring Cardiff’s sights and attractions, Plasnewydd has plenty of takeaway options so you can enjoy your meal on the go.
Best places to stay in Plasnewydd
Budget accommodation in Plasnewydd
- The Elms – Close to City Centre
- Tanes Hotel
- Richmond Apartments by Switchback Stays
- Coburn Street First Floor Apartment
Mid range accommodation in Plasnewydd
- No.71 by Switchback Stays
- Albany 2 by Black Door Stays
- Evita Apartments
- NEW Cosy & Secure – 2 Bed – Free WIFI
Family Friendly accommodation in Plasnewydd
- Willow Serviced Apartments – 22
- Number One Hundred Bed And Breakfast
- Flat in Cardiff City Centre
- Crofts Hotel
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Plasnewydd
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. So if you’re looking for accommodation in Cardiff for students Roath is the spot for you.
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
Budget accommodation in Roath
- CoHost Collections Cardiff
- Minster House Apt 1 by Tŷ SA
- Stunning 1 Bed Spacious Apartment -Central Cardiff
- Lovely 2 Bed 1st floor Apartment CF241
Mid range accommodation in Roath
- 2 Bed Flat! Great location – 5 Guests!
- Exquisite Cardiff Apartments
- New to the short term let market – Close to Cardiff centre
- Mayfair Guest House
Family Friendly accommodation in Roath
- Nottage House Premier Apartments
- Gorgeous 3 Bed House – Close to City Center
- 3 bedroom house with gated parking
- House for Families or Groups near Cardiff City Centre
Penarth – Where to stay near Cardiff for relaxation
Penarth is a beautiful seaside town located just outside Cardiff and it’s the perfect spot for a weekend getaway. Stop by Penarth Pier Pavilion to take a leisurely stroll along the pier and admire the stunning views of Cardiff Bay.
Alexandra Park offers scenic, coastal paths to explore with plenty of greenery, as well as exciting activities like mini golf and tennis courts.
A short drive from Penarth Marina will take you to the famous Cardiff Bay Barrage, an impressive man-made structure that provides calm waters and plenty of opportunities for fishing or bird watching.
No matter what your interests may be, Penarth is one of the best places to stay near Cardiff for a relaxing weekend away.
Enjoy breathtaking views overlooking the bay while indulging in some rest and relaxation – all without having to worry about travelling too far from home!
Best places to stay in Penarth
Budget accommodation in Penarth
- Glendale Hotel
- Penarth Town Terrace, close to cafes
- Flat 5 Archer Road by Mia Living FREE parking
- Pixel’s Place by StayStaycations
Mid range accommodation in Penarth
- Seafront Cottage – The Nook
- Skipper’s Cottage – Perfect for Cardiff & Penarth
- Luxury Seafront 2BR Apartment
- Beachcliff Hotel & Apartments
Family Friendly accommodation in Penarth
- Penarth Town (Cardiff) – Private Sun Terrace!
- Penarth/Cardiff Bay: Deluxe Flat
- Penarth Townhouse close to Cardiff & Bay
- Seaview Cottage
Affordable Luxury accommodation in Penarth
Top 5 favorites accommodation options for Cardiff
| ❤️ Best Area first timers | Cardiff City Centre |
| 💸 Best Luxury Hotel | voco St. David’s Cardiff, an IHG Hotel |
| 👪 Best Hotel for For Families | The Beverley by Innkeeper’s Collection |
| 🏨 Best Mid-Range Hotel | Albany 2 by Black Door Stays |
| 🛏️ Best Budget Hotel | Minster House Apt 1 by Tŷ SA |
| ✨ Best Hostel | Mrs Potts |
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