Novotel Cardiff Centre

United Kingdom , Cardiff
CARDIFF, Schooner Way, Atlantic Wharf
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100 reviews shown

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2026

Dale

The front desk staff were amazing, so welcoming, friendly and helpful. Our kids were happy to see a play area directly inside the lobby too.

The room was nice, and it was useful to have a water dispenser on every level.

Breakfast was good, selection could have been better but it was perfectly fine for a great start.

The pool and spa facilities were a nice touch with both a proper steam room and sauna. I advise to go earlier as it can get busy with families in the pool. Gym is well kitted with a separate aerobic room too.

Short walk to the St. John's Shopping Centre so no need to drive once you're there.

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

Ivor

It was suitable for our needs. It was close to the center. Excellent

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Jun 2026

Dafydd

Friendly and helpful staff, lovely breakfast.

Self

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2026

Jeffrey

The computer screen at the car park access barrier needs looking at. It is impossible to read the instructions on it in certain weathers, certainly in sunshine. Staff seemed aware of the problem

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Jun 2026

Janice

Located outside city centre so less noise and convenient to get to train station and local offices.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Nicola

This was our 5th time staying here, the new play area is just fantastic. As always the staff are so helpful, the gym/pool is great and it's generally a great place to stay with a young family.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

04 Jun 2026

ANITA

Check-in was quick and efficient, and the staff were very friendly throughout our stay.

Although the restaurant was not particularly busy, our food arrived only lukewarm and our drinks were initially forgotten. The meals tasted more like pre-prepared frozen food than freshly cooked dishes. As a result, we chose not to dine in the restaurant again during the evenings. I did not have breakfast myself, but my partner said it was good value for the price.

Our room was spacious, very clean, and well maintained. Towels were changed daily when left on the floor. However, the shower gel appeared quite watered down.

One drawback was the lack of a quiet area to work or take private phone calls. I was directed to a space behind the lifts, but it was still too noisy for a confidential conversation.

The hotel advertises limited parking, but there were always plenty of spaces available whenever I returned.

Overall, this hotel is a good choice for a short leisure stay in the area, but it is less suited to business travelers who need quiet spaces for meetings or calls.

Business Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2026

Verity

Enjoyed our stay. Nice hotel, lovely friendly staff. Room size was good and beds were comfortable. The spa was lovely, clean and not busy. My only comment was that the room was quite warm and the climate system just didn't manage to cool it down.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2026

Gwawr

Great for kids, friendly staff

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

31 May 2026

Leo

It was a nice experience. Thanks

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

Meilyr

Great

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

26 May 2026

Andy

Very good hotel with excellent amenities inc fab pool. The hotel is a little set back from city centre but that suited our needs . Staff excellent thanks c u again

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Christopher

Will stay again! Toilet was broken though only a minor issue

Self

10/10

Exceptional

25 May 2026

zishan

Great full English breakfast, very friendly and helpful staff. Had parking on site and right in the centre of the city centre. Amenities were great with pool and even a small play area for kids with slid. Would highly recommend.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 May 2026

Natalee

It was well located and very nice. We had a lovely time. The staff were super helpful and very friendly.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

24 May 2026

Sarah

I'm easy to please but I wouldn't stay there again. It looked lovely when you walk in, very modern, I was impressed however I felt the rooms looked grubby and out dated. The safe was faulty and wouldn't work. The lights were faulty, only some worked. The TV was also faulty. Couldn't sleep very well due to others talking and watching tv around midnight. You could here everything in the hotel clearly. Children running and shouting. I understood there were going to be children staying in the hotel but the walls seemed so thin you could hear everything! Then the shower was also temperamental and fluctuated between warm and cold. The staff did seem friendly and breakfast was nice but definitely wouldn't come back due to poor room and poor sleep.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

24 May 2026

Kulvinder

Hotel is outdated, could do with some paint. Rooms are okay but didn’t feel very clean. Bathrooms are quite old. Gym was decent and had some good kit. Bar area also looked nice. Jacuzzi was out of service so can’t comment there. Overall I’d say it was okay but not worth what we paid!

Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 May 2026

marney

Food was decent in bar area

6/10

Pleasant

20 May 2026

Megan

Rooms are old and tired looking. Windows didn’t block out traffic noise.

Parking is not included with the room.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

19 May 2026

Matt

Most disappointing of all my stays at several Novotels. Room was looking tired and dated, an off putting drain smell from the bathroom. Room had no remote control for the TV. Cooked breakfast very average. Staff ok but not the most welcoming. Would I book again, no, I would look for an alternative.

Business

4/10

Poor

17 May 2026

Dawn

It was a good location to stay for the monster jam monster truck event with my young son, 20 mins walking distance into the town and a helpful surprise with the play area by reception. The sofa bed was made up on our arrival which was helpful and the room was clean with all the basics we required.

However, it was difficult for my son to go to sleep as the corridors were incredibly noisy till gone 10pm the first night - not exactly the hotel’s fault but maybe would be better to have more sound proofing? Or maybe encourage guests to respect others? We were on the 4th floor for reference.

It would have been helpful if the receptionist had explained about the requirement to tap your key card inside the elevator to be able to reach your floor - a good security feature but not ideal if you don’t get told upon arrival and other guests tell you they had the same problem.

Main reason for the poor review is that I’d contacted the hotel prior to my stay to ask about parking - it sounded safe and secure, and they sent a very warm and friendly email saying they’d do what they can to make our stay a relaxing one. However, my car was broken into and ransacked during my stay of 2 nights. My car alarm had clearly gone off and no none had noticed. I was parked close to reception!! Absolutely ruined our weekend. And when I reported it to reception, clearly shaken up, they couldn’t have cared less. So I presume this is a frequent occurrence.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

15 May 2026

Helen

Check in was great. Allowed to the room early.
Check out day was not so good. Check out is 12. We were showering and the cleaner knocked and walked in at 10.30 then a maintenance man knocked at 11 wanting to come in.
The bar staff were not helpful and no room tab was allowed. Not a smile in sight.
Lovely spa area and maintained well.
Plenty of towels provided.
But only 4 very old saggy loungers. People had to sit on the floor. Room for more or at least some chairs.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

07 May 2026

therisa

For the most part the hotel was great.
The reception staff were great except for one member who was unhelpful and rude.
There was a stain (looked like blood) on the under sheet and this member of staff on the desk seemed nonchalant.
The restaurant staff were amazing at breakfast especially Lin.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2026

Charlotte

Clean room, bathroom was a bit dated but totally functional. The sauna and steam room were great. Bed was comfy. Onsite restaurant menus are not up to date online.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Emma

Excellent. The parking was £16 extra for 24hrs.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Apr 2026

Kate

Lovely, helpful staff. Rooms were spacious. Bed was okay if you like a really hard mattress. Grouting in the bathroom was quite discoloured and in need of some love.

Friends_and_family Friends

4/10

Poor

18 Apr 2026

Abaz

Olld and s8nk not tace water bath very olld did work proply

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Apr 2026

Duncan

Great price, friendly staff, room was fine, walking distance for everything we did. Very happy

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Alison

I was happily surprised by the hotel. Wasn’t expecting much. Staff at checking were helpful, could have been more clear about charges (breakfast and parking). We were a big group and had a great time. Lit from the restaurant and bar was very nice and helpful!! Breakfast was good

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Apr 2026

Nick

Good location

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2026

Carol

Yes fresh but not hot, plenty of choice, the pancake machine was a hit

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

10 Apr 2026

Ike

The room was very hot most of the night. The air conditioner was not very helpful. Window would not stay open. We had a difficult night sleeping

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

07 Apr 2026

Scott

The staff at the front desk were fantastic even though they were so busy!
The first room we were put it had an issue with the sealant on the shower glass - water flooded the bathroom. The staff moved us straightaway. However, both rooms were really run down. There were chips in the bathroom counter. There were marks on the walls. There was rust on the lamps. The mugs had stains.
The towels were really crusty and had holes in them.
Not really what I expect from a Novotel. I doubt I’d get holey towels in a Premier Inn!
Would not stay again.

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

07 Apr 2026

Sian

Clean room, close to the arena

6/10

Pleasant

07 Apr 2026

Vikas

Decent stay that you can expect from a hotel based in the city centre, the room size was small for a family of 4, booked it for the pool only to realise that it was extremely busy when we wanted to use it and had to wait to get in.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

02 Apr 2026

Debbie

Worked well for a night in the city. Rooms were average. Breakfast was very good and the swimming, sauna etc were a big plus.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2026

Tara

Really lovely welcome, hotel stay was great, would recommend

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

31 Mar 2026

Luther

Excellent staff service!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2026

We had a fantastic stay at novatel cardiff bay. Staff were friendly, hotel was clean, amenities were fab, and the breakfast amazing!
We will definitely be staying again soon, and highly recommended.

Family_with_children

2/10

Poor

26 Mar 2026

Alireza

Nightmare last night , I was in room 113 , anytime neighbours used water flash in toilet too noisy
In the morning no shower gel in shower room

Not good experience

Self

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2026

Paul

Good quality hotel w great fitness facility and sauna/steam/pool.

Self

2/10

Poor

20 Mar 2026

Matthew

We arrived and my partner was injured outside so hotel so had to leave earlyTried to contact hotel about injury no reply had issues with parking from staff and overall no reply

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Mar 2026

Ben

Clean and well maintained. Great facilities. But overall a bit dated.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

02 Mar 2026

Elisha

To start with, the staff were absolutely lovely. In particular the receptionist (I think her name was Ellie) was so so welcoming, friendly and helpful!
The hotel was clean, facilities were great.
The room its self was very large and spacious with loads of natural light. Plug sockets, a fridge, safe, iron with board and some really nice quality products in the bathroom for you to use.
I can’t fault anything besides the bed itself.
I honestly had a really poor nights sleep due to how firm and uncomfortable the bed was to the point I woke up early and debated leaving sooner. I ended up folding the duvet in half and trying to go back to sleep on top of this to add more cushioning underneath.

I would stay again but would maybe book a different kind of room to see if this was the same issue throughout. Overall the hotel and staff were fantastic but the bed was not suitable at all and very uncomfortable.

I would recommend the children’s play area and games corner me moved somehow as it looks a little crowded when arriving

Self

8/10

Excellent

02 Mar 2026

Darren

Good location , friendly staff , the only disappointment was the Sauna was out of order

Business

8/10

Excellent

24 Feb 2026

Jane

It was all okay, nothing outstanding.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

22 Feb 2026

Suzannah

The room was clean but poorly maintained, water stains on ceiling, the seals around shower were black and shower blocked so the water wouldn’t go down, very noisy air conditioning

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Feb 2026

Rachel

Great location in the city .Clean rooms friendly staff and room was available to check in before 3pm

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Feb 2026

Abigail

My son and his partner stayed here for her birthday on the 13th of February, had a beautiful time, creating some really special memories. The staff were apparently amazing — welcoming, attentive, and genuinely helpful throughout their stay. They especially appreciated the lovely play area for the baby, which made the visit even more enjoyable and relaxed.

My son said he would highly recommend this hotel, even above some of the more expensive options in the area. Definitely give this one a go.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

08 Feb 2026

Tori

Room was neglected, dirty, dusty and smelt bad. Whole walk to room felt very tired and unkempt. Strong smell of a ‘herby substance’ throughout corridors on our floor and a friends floor too…

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

08 Feb 2026

Ioana

The hotel staff and overall experience were good. Rooms were very clean and spacious however slightly outdated for a 4 star hotel , coukd benefit from modernisation. The restaurant looked pretty nice but the food for a 4 star hotel was a bit disappointing, I expected a bit more .The swimming pool water seemed overly chlorinated which made our experience less enjoyable as this was one of our main reason why we chosed this hotel for our kids to enjoy the pool as had a shallow entrance and jacuzzi there but unfortunately we could not stay to long there as was slightly irritating the smell. They should test regularly the PH and Chlorine level in the water.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

04 Feb 2026

Ceri

Spacious room. Staff were very welcoming. Had a good stay

4/10

Poor

26 Jan 2026

Bethan

Rooms and corridors in need of decoration. Skirting Boards not well maintained making the room and hallway appear rundown

2/10

Poor

25 Jan 2026

Lewis

Poor service and facilities.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

25 Jan 2026

Nicola

Wouldn’t have given this hotel 4 stars.
Sauna, steam room and hot tub were not hot. Weren’t told prior to changing that we needed a padlock for the lockers.
Room was dated and the heating in the room not very warm.
After breakfast our key card didn’t work so needed to get reception to fix this and there wasn’t any apology for the inconvenience.
Breakfast was underwhelming.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

David

Excellent breakfast

Partner

4/10

Poor

25 Jan 2026

Graeme

No shampoo / wash in bathroom. Bath towels advertised for premium room, but not there.
Average rating, not rushing to book again.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

22 Jan 2026

Kris

Amenities were excellent - gym, pool, steam room, sauna, and spa pool. Staff are nice.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

21 Jan 2026

Emily

My friend didnt have any bed sheets on his bed. We had planned to watch Netflix and use the Chromecast which wasnt working. Apparently the chromecast hadnt been working all day which we werent told when we checked in, until I went to the front desk to inform them to which the woman at the front said \"oh I was hoping no one would notice.\" And suggested I go swimming instead. I didnt bring a swimming vostume so their solution was a trip to Primark. I was honestly gutted at the lack of solutions and they didnt seem apologetic at all. Ive stayed at 5 different Novotels and this is honestly my most di

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jan 2026

Carl

Enjoyed our stay!!

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2026

Janice

Spacious rooms, centrally located

Business

8/10

Excellent

02 Jan 2026

Angela

Staff at reception were very polite and helpful. Rooms were a decent size with everything you needed and very clean. The negative is the pool which wasn't warm and the sauna and steam rooms were very small however, for the price you pay I would definitely return. Another negative is you cannot pay with cash.

Partner

2/10

Poor

01 Jan 2026

Jean-Marc

Room wasnt like any of the pictures, old and un maintained, no streaming services and bad TV reception. Cleanliness was sub-par. Save your money and go somewhere else.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2025

Lisa

Great room, location and facilities.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2025

Anne

Yes

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2025

Drayton

Staff were wonderful and friendly, room was clean, quiet and comfortable and the pool/gym was great.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Dec 2025

Meris

Rooms good size, clean and comfy bed. Pool area clean, jacuzzi a little cool but ok.
Reception staff not the most welcoming.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2025

Paul

Nice clean and comfortable hotel, w great gym/pool/sauna

Business

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2025

Niel

Standard stay, comfortable and cclean

8/10

Excellent

08 Dec 2025

Hollie

Clean spacious rooms, pool facilities great and bar lovely for a drink

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Dec 2025

Nabegail

The staff, especially the ones who clean the room and serve the breakfast should be applauded for the dedication they have on the job. I am amazed. Very kind, very polite.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Dec 2025

Shani

Firstly the hotel has a nice look reception staff friendly and restrurant/bar looks good too. I did eat dinner there and it was lovely I stayed in room 220. Very clean good products in bathroom . Nice to have a fridge. Bed comfy.
Negatives bath an odd shape tight fit to lay down a big person would struggle. But worst was the heating . I had to put extra clothes on it was so cold . I told reception next morning and they put an electric heater in the room which helped. For a lovely hotel and the cost its not good enought and the heater will not be enough when the weather gets colder. For that reason I wont return unless this issue is fixed.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

23 Nov 2025

Jake

Anthony on the bar was really pleasant and very nice. Very enthusiastic. Great addition to the bar. He should be given a virtual pat on the back.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Nov 2025

Lindsey

Huge room and comfy beds. All staff we spoke to were lovely and helpful. Was a bit noisy in the morning with people leaving their rooms etc...

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2025

Shane

Great location and helpful staff

8/10

Excellent

07 Nov 2025

sara

Clean comfortable room (but shower leaked). Friendly staff especially restaurant. Spa was great. Good bar selection (could have been open a bit later tho)

Partner

8/10

Excellent

05 Nov 2025

Robert

Friendly staff clean rooms clean Hotel

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

03 Nov 2025

Jack

Shower was cold. Room was cold

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Nov 2025

Chris

Clean room, friendly staff.

2/10

Poor

31 Oct 2025

Alex

I checked in after a long day at work, fine no issue, went to my room having not been told that the hotel was running some sort of halloween offer as there were kids EVERYWHERE! so I came down stairs at approx 5.50pm to use the pool and steam room only for one of the receptionists run like mad to stop me from entering the pool telling me \"its full when arent letting anyone else into the pool\" ok fine i'll just use the steam room instead, \"no were nit letting anyone in full stop\" EXCUSE ME having paid a substantial sum for a one night stay I dont expect to be told I cant use facilities I'VE PAID FOR because you choose to turn the pool into Butlins. I am down in the area for work again in a couple of weeks and guess what... I wont be spending another penny in that hotel. Outrageous, extremly unhappy, nobody checked on leaving if everything was ok etc etc. Just took my money and basically gave me the impression I just have to suck it up.....

Business Self

8/10

Excellent

25 Oct 2025

Rhodri

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2025

Paul

Good value for money w the health spa and gym.

Business

8/10

Excellent

16 Oct 2025

Niel

Fine

6/10

Pleasant

14 Oct 2025

Darren

Room was clean but really needed a general tidy up and refurb

10/10

Exceptional

08 Oct 2025

dubravka

Amazing pool, great food, walking distance from the central railway station and the city center, 2 deli markets across the street. Super friendly and helpful staff.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2025

Paul

Great hotel w nice pool, gym and sauna!

Business Self

2/10

Poor

01 Oct 2025

Teresa

Bed was left unmade bathroom unclean.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Sep 2025

Heather

Clean room, nice staff, good facilities

Partner

8/10

Excellent

22 Sep 2025

rachel

Cardiff

Lovely hotel, great features, just not the best location

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2025

kerry

Great sized rooms for value

Birthday weekend trip, had a lovely birthday treat in the room waiting
The room was nice and big
Separate bath and shower is nice and mini fridge
The shower leaked a bit so soaks bathroom floor which was only annoyance of the room
We used the gym and pool
A family allowed their young children in/out the steam room which I felt was not appropriate as letting all the steam out but no staff around to report.
Reception staff were lovely and welcoming

We had G&T at the bar and the bar staff were friendly and enthusiastic
Overall a really nice stay

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

13 Sep 2025

Amanda

Staff were lovely, pool and sauna were clean and enjoyable, shower did not drain and upon arrival that the room we booked was not available so were given a different room

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Sep 2025

Linda

It would be useful for all reception staff to be familiar with the buses etc for people without a car. Also the map of Cardiff is really incomprehensible added to which reception needs to be able to read the map fro guests.
The catering staff were very efficient and helpful

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

08 Sep 2025

mark

booked to stay as have positive experience of Novotels before and location was good to walk into Cardiff town for a University reunion lunch.

Room had stain on curtains and in bathroom ( which looked like dried blood?)

very noisy with people returning (drunk?) at 2am and 3am slamming doors in corridor - this can happen in any hotel but it flagged the lack of soundproofing of the doors
i left at 7am Sunday and there was no one on reception to discuss this with

finally was told on arrival that parking would be £16 and easier to pay on exit..ended up being £24 for a 18hr stay

overall a frustrating and not a relaxing end to a nice day!

Business

8/10

Excellent

01 Sep 2025

Anne-Lise

Excellent location within walking distance of bot the historical center and Cardiff Bay. Very spacious and well equipped room.
The swimming pool is quite small and with all the kids there, it was impossible to properly swim. It would also be good if the rooms could be cleaned earlier: On the second day, when I arrived back around 4pm, the room hadn't yet been cleaned.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

20 Aug 2025

Business trips

Used this hotel several times for business trips in and around Cardiff. Very reasonable for location and facilities. Leisure facilities are good and easy on site parking.

Business

8/10

Excellent

17 Aug 2025

Laura

Lovely stay. Clean, convenient for city centre. Fab swimming pool with lovely jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.
David on reception was fabulous!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Aug 2025

Dawn

Some areas looking a little worn

6/10

Pleasant

03 Aug 2025

mark

Disappointing choice

Hotel could do with a paint , new carpets. Room felt a bit spartan.
Location not great. Lots of external noise from unsavoury characters and police sirens.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Aug 2025

Verified traveler

Great stay!

Our room was really spacious and clean. The bed and pillows were very comfortable and the bed itself was huge. There is a restaurant/ bar attached which served nice drinks and had a nice seating area outdoors.
The staff were very welcoming and checking in and out was easy.

We stayed in this hotel as we were attending a concert in the Principality Stadium. It was the perfect location for this as it was only a 15 minute walk from the hotel.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jul 2025

yobid

They committed to give the view room but when we reached there. They said they don't have the view room available. So what's the point for reservation we didn't get what we asked for

The rest is everything is fine specially swimming pool facility, restaurant and breakfast was awesome.

Business_and_leisure Partner