Name: The Royal Hotel Cardiff
Address: St Mary's Street, 88, Cardiff, CF10 1DW, GB

8/10

Excellent

26 Jul 2026

Julian

Our room could do with an update in general, best point the room has air con.

8/10

Excellent

25 Jul 2026

Dale

The room was clean and convenient to the downtown area, the castle and the train. The hot water was wonderful. The bed was a little uncomfortable and we felt the air was a little stuffy and warm but we are Americans used to air conditioning. They did provide a fan which was helpful. The price was very reasonable and staff were helpful. Even with a lift, you will have some stairs. Breakfast was very good.

6/10

Pleasant

24 Jul 2026

Darren

.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Jul 2026

Damian

When checked in the room given had not been cleaned but after a couple of hours the room was cleaned and was given free breakfast which was ok.Great location.

Partner

4/10

Poor

19 Jul 2026

Neil

Simply put I have stayed at this hotel many times over the last 15 years. Last time was 2020 in January. Maybe that says something. The room had run out of shower soap and despite my best efforts it never came over a 3 night stay. The bar was closed unless you asked for something. But was not maintained so the draft beer was not drinkable and the liquor and mixer choices were scarce. Finally no refrigeration in the room. So over 3 nights it was sadly an issue. The staff were friendly and polite. I was told the recent change of ownership wanted the bar gone and I suspect have little idea of what hospitality is.
This is sad for me as a returning Cardiff native from the USA.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

19 Jul 2026

Clifford

Great location but tired. Staff not helpful. Expect to wait for 10 minutes to get let in on arrival.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

15 Jul 2026

Samantha

Even though the location was idea the cleanliness of the rooms are a lot to be desired

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jul 2026

Samantha

Brilliant location and friendly staff but the cleanliness of the rooms are a lot to be desired

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

14 Jul 2026

Fiona

Our room was surprisingly large and we had a sofa down one end and two doors. The bed was very comfortable and we had a complimentary bottle of wine left for us. The staff were really helpful and told us all about the history of the Captain Scott room. The bathroom was fine and the shower worked well. We found the room very hot and the air con didn't really work very much even though it made a lot of noise. The large fan provided was pretty ineffective and didn't reach close enough to the bed to be of any use. We spent two nights on top of the duvet in temperatures of 26 degrees (30 during the day). The breakfast was good, a lot of choice though the cooked breakfast needs better quality and hotter sausages. The bacon was very good. On Friday night there was a lot of noise outside on the street but the double-glazed secondary glazing muffled it effectively. All in all, good value for money.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

09 Jul 2026

Carol

Very friendly staff. The reception desk is up 5 flights of stairs. Use the lift, much easier

Partner

4/10

Poor

09 Jul 2026

Chris

Check-in took a very long time as staff seemed confused by IT system.

Bedroom door deadbolt not working (reported when I stayed in same room several weeks ago).

Lot of unexplained noise in corridor outside bedroom at 5:30am.

Have stayed several times before and always found it to be excellent. Understand it is now under new management - apparently not a change for the better.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jul 2026

Richard

Traveled from the US and we couldn’t have been happier. Room was a little small but we didn’t spend much time in it.

Partner

4/10

Poor

09 Jul 2026

Chris

Check-in took forever as staff seemed confused by IT system.
Broken deadbolt on bedroom door (also reported during previous stay several weeks ago).
Lots of noise outside bedroom door at 5:30am.

I understand the hotel is under new management; this does not appear to have been a change for the better...

Self

8/10

Excellent

08 Jul 2026

Sheena

A fabulous hotel in a great location. Quirky. Friendly staff. A/C was challenged but it was unusually hot for our stay.
Breakfast was fabulous.
A little confusion as to whether we had breakfast included when we checked in. By morning there was a list available at reception.
Instructions for parking and entrance seemed confusing but actually pretty accurate.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2026

Helen

Lovely air-conditioned room. Spacious so we didn't feel as though we were on top of one another. Great amount of storage space. Decent wi-fi. We had a complimentary breakfast on one day and it was really good. Plenty of hot and cold options served in a very well appointed and historic room. Great stay.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

07 Jul 2026

C J

Clean room. Shower needed attention & water in tap was a trickle. Had to re-tune the TV. View front bedroom window was a bit bland. But overall, a decent hotel.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

07 Jul 2026

Lynda

A queue of people and was refused to be allocated a room until dead on 1500hrs.

Sausages were Inferior quality.

Central location.

Friends

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jul 2026

Deirdra

This hotel has the potential to be 4-star with some improvements. The bed was very comfortable and the air conditioning was very good. The location is lively and there are many shows and restaurants to walk to - Cardiff Castle is just down the road as is the train station and the stadium, so very central. Despite the activity on the street, the hotel is extremely quiet. However, it was recently sold and numerous staff were apparently laid off. While the remaining staff were quite lovely and helpful, I had to ask several times for my room to be cleaned. The breakfast was ample though identical each day and not particularly inspired. Overall we enjoyed our stay but would recommend that the new owners add staff and attention to detail to make this hotel a memorable one.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2026

Gregory

Very quiet in my room, despite the Saturday evening crowds in the street out front.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

05 Jul 2026

michael

Room was clean, staff were great and breakfast was nice.

Self

8/10

Excellent

05 Jul 2026

Aaron

Good location in the Centre of Cardiff.

Rooms are a decent size, good temperature control in them.

Only negative is the noise. Even with double windows, you can still hear the music of the pubs and clubs on the street below.

Sound proofing on doors not ideal either, so you can hear people in the corridors.

Nice breakfast options, with a cold and hot buffet.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jul 2026

Clive

excellent stay at this very nice hotel. Little strange when you walk in, as you go up some stairs to enter, then go down stairs to get the lift up to the 2nd floor for reception. very friendly staff, vert clean and spacious rooms, and very quiet. Was not expecting it to be so quiet as it is quite a lively area, but with double glazing and an extra window frame in place we could not hear anything from the area below. excellent choice at breakfast with very attentive staff refreshing items .Very nice hotel and will not hesitate to use them again

Partner

4/10

Poor

04 Jul 2026

Rachael

I arrived to the hotel and I proceeded to check in. The gentleman at reception was lovely but I asked as I had an important meeting the next day of I could check out 30 minutes late and he began to say that was fine however his colleague who was also checking another couple in rudely interrupted him and said if I was 15 minutes past their 'grace period' they would have to charge me. For the sake of 15 minutes this lady proceeded to argue the point. It was 15 minutes, my room was at the bottom of the hall so I would not have inconvenienced the cleaning crew. It was a very disappointing welcome. Completely lacking in customer service or welcome. Additionally, I had to ask for the TV to be fixed and the main l lights in the room flickered. I had booked this as a treat and it felt anything but.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jul 2026

Paul

Very good all round

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

01 Jul 2026

Em

The room had fantastic air con. Comfy bed and great location.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jul 2026

Leam

Really friendly, helpful staff. Nice feeling in hotel. Close to all attractions.
Carpark is a bit tight to park but was fine for us. Good discount on parking.

Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 Jun 2026

Andrew

Needed a bed for the night, central and near the train station, room was clean and shower decent. Was good value for money compared to what some hotels in Cardiff charge when a big event is happening.
Did the job

Family

6/10

Pleasant

27 Jun 2026

Jonathan

Close to train station and also castle.

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Steven

Amazing night's stay. Id book again. Great shower

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jun 2026

Kelly

Great location, clean room, friendly staff and great breakfast, can’t fault it. Will be saying here again!

Family

8/10

Excellent

25 Jun 2026

Amy

Room clean and serviceable but just a reminder to clean all glass surfaces because we did notice that. Running out of butter in the breakfast room was disappointing. Great location and good choice of music in reception :)

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jun 2026

Michelle

Excellent hotel and great location. Quiet and comfortable rooms. Really enjoyed the breakfast and the staff service was excellent. This is a great hotel!

Self

10/10

Exceptional

18 Jun 2026

Norma

My stay was on a room only basis so I did not book breakfast. However, the room and its amenities were excellent. I would have no hesitation in booking another stay there.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2026

Graham

Room was clean. Staff were lovely & polite.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2026

Lucy

The staff are absolutely wonderful, especially Eva who has always made our stay extra special with her amazing friendly caring ways. Its always had a homely welcoming feel and never failed to make us feel special in the many many times we have stayed there. We are therefore extremely dismayed to find out that the Royal has now changed hands and most of the wonderful staff will no longer be working there. With this in mind we feel we are unable to return to this special hotel in the future.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

16 Jun 2026

Gregory

Unique character hotel in a great area near Cardiff Castle and lots of restaurants and shops. Great breakfast as well in a lovely room - full English breakfast.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jun 2026

simon

Our second stay in 6 months and it was not a disappointment. Fantastic central location and near to the train station. Outstanding rooms and the best hotel breakfast you could hope to have. Very polite and accommodating staff. Will look to stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2026

Alaine

A nice and comfortable hotel in the center of Cardiff. Would stay here again!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

09 Jun 2026

Jeffrey Papa-Kwesi

Good food and a very receptive staff

Friends_and_family Friends

6/10

Pleasant

08 Jun 2026

Kenneth

The hotel has lots of charm. Perfectly located. Staff was friendly. We added a night to our stay and switched rooms. They were kind enough to hold our luggage until the next check-in.
First room was in need of a bit of cleaning. The floor was very sticky. Thought it might be from the cleaners used. Tub was very slick when trying to get out, and sill on bottom of glass door leaked. Second room was better.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Todd

Hotel is in a great location, so close to shops, restaurants and grocery. Also very close walking distance to the main train station and Cardiff castle. The room was so spacious and very quiet. The hotel lounge is a great place to wind down after a days outing.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jun 2026

Gail

My husband and I enjoyed the spacious and quiet room. The afternoon reception staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Great location.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2026

Monica

Breakfast was amazing!!
Totally worth it. The beautiful room in which it is located is a must see. I would recommend staying at this hotel for this reason alone.
Room has a lovely soaker tub. So necessary to soak away the pains of travel.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

03 Jun 2026

TJ

Room was clean and breakfast was ok.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

31 May 2026

Lorraine

The hotel is in a great location really close to the station but also central for shops and loads of restaurants on its doorstep. The castle is also only a few minutes' walk. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. The buffet breakfast was extensive and the breakfast room is a lovely wood panelled room full of character. The beds were very comforatble and the room lovely and quiet.

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2026

alicia

So many things to like about this hotel: location, price, friendly front desk, spacious room and breakfast on site. My only concern was that there was no availability to freeze my packages to transport my medication. With many people traveling with medications this would be very helpful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 May 2026

Mark

Great Location

Friends

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Alison

The room was lovely the bed was a bit bumpy but was fine the breakfast was ok but the hot water wasn't hot for tea I don't think its very suitable for someone with mobility issues it also says its free parking but its not you do get a discount for the car park half price i only knew this as I telephoned before

10/10

Exceptional

21 May 2026

Darren

Great Hotel and lovely staff.

Self

8/10

Excellent

19 May 2026

Mr Ashley

Better than I expected. Room was very good

Business

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

PAUL

An older hotel, some rough edges but clean, comfortable, well-enough appointed, helpful staff. Second stay.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2026

Antony

Very central location. Good breakfast. Cinema Room was a lot of fun. Overall recommended and good value.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 May 2026

Elliot

Good clean room and helpful staff. Wifi was not great but that might have just been our room location. Great location in the city.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

05 May 2026

Joanne

Wooden floor in room was sticky and in need to a bit of TLC.
Breakfast was good

Family

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2026

Lucy

Nice hotel in a lively area of the city. Five minutes walk from both the train station and castle. On the doorstep of many bars and restaurants. The staff were friendly and helpful. The rooms were big and comfortable and cleaned well every day. Breakfast was good, pastries and fruit alongside cereals and hot food. The bar didn't have any snacks available and was cash o ly but I got the impression that was temporary due to equipment failure. Would stay again!

Self

6/10

Pleasant

01 May 2026

Lucy

Room was clean and staff were polite. Shower and bath were good and rooms were large, but it was very noisy. Window panes were so thin, so you could hear everything all through the night. Breakfast was basic and food was ok, but unfortunately coffee was not good.

Friends_and_family Family

4/10

Poor

27 Apr 2026

Amber

I'm only marking this stay so low as the shower was broken; but the way the front desk dealt with it was absolutely appalling and I ended up leaving the hotel in tears because the aggressive, catty man started raising his voice to me.

(The tap had no temp control and the shower wouldn't run hot, but it wasn't a huge issue for me so I didn't call down at the time and just needed to eat and then catch my train. I informed them at the front desk of the issues with the plumbing and said I'd appreciate a partial refund as I couldn't shower. Instead of being helpful, I was belittled for not asking for a room change or running the shower for ten minutes in order to hope hot water came through). Honestly, would have been happy with a mere 10% as a token apology.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2026

Lesley

The hotel is beautiful, a bit dated but charming.
The Reception staff were friendly, professional and helpful.
The location of the hotel is ideal for experiencing and exploring Cardiff, as it’s so central.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2026

Jade

Great location, lovely staff and good value for money.

Partner

4/10

Poor

15 Apr 2026

Jeffrey

I can not recommend this Hotel.We had a free breakfast through Hotel.Com the Hotel would not honour this. They said the reason was it did not show on their check in information. I had printed documentation saying we were to get a free breakfast and a representative from Hotel.com phoned to verify this and staff still refused us the free breakfast.We were also locked out of our room twice due to a faulty lock. The floors in our room were very sticky. When we walked around room our shoes would make a sticky sound.
I can not recommend this hotel on the basis the staff would not even try to resolve our issues after they told us we had to contact Hotel.Com and they would have to speak to them personally which they did and still refused to honour the free breakfast.We only chose this Hotel because of Hotel.Com

Partner

8/10

Excellent

12 Apr 2026

Wendy

Great central location. Excellent spot if you are into night life. A little noisy for older folks like us. Older hotel but with modern updates. Safe location and very close to trains. It is a bit of a longer walk but Cardiff Bay can be walked to from the hotel. Staff was professional. Room was clean but the floor was sticky at the window end of the room. Didn’t have breakfast. Took the train so didn’t park.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

10 Apr 2026

kEITH

Obviously a lot of money had been spent on refurbishing this hotel, and it showed. Our room was modern, and clean and comfortable. We didn't have much contact with the staff, but they were friendly and helpful. It would have been helpful if we'd known about the disabled entrance before we arrived. We would stay there again.

Partner

4/10

Poor

10 Apr 2026

Nicole

Our room had sticky dirty floor. Sheets had ink spots splattered all over. Housekeeping did not clean the bathroom, just changed the towels and emptied the waste bin. Two lifts (elevators) that we used were extremely slow. Strong smell of cleaning chemicals could be felt in the hallways. We will not return.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Apr 2026

Martin

Great stay

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Apr 2026

Gwyn

Helpful staff

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

19 Mar 2026

Gareth

Only bought one drink from bar but selection looked pretty good.

Partner

4/10

Poor

18 Mar 2026

Angelena

First off, the staff at this hotel was very good. Kind, responsive, professional.

The pieces of the hotel outside of my room was overall as expected for a building of this age.

However, my room was awful, no ventilation at all, it smelled like cigarette smoke, the floors were oddly sticky so walking barefoot was not possible, the lighting was awful (suggest a replacement of bulbs for a softer ambiance).

But the real problem was excessive black mold in the shower. By excessive, I mean growing on multiple areas, visibly lifted and fuzzy. I am asthmatic and had an awful night sleep of coughing and nausea. The tool a shower in the morning and noticed the mold. Was sick for a few hours after I checked out and then felt fine. I did tell the manager and showed photos and was assured that the issue would be addressed.

However, I feel necessity to write this simply because of the dangers of this mold. If you are asthmatic or mold sensitive, I absolutely WOULD NOT recommend you stay here. Even if they get rid of the viable problem, the spores go everywhere and the fact that it was that out of hand in the first place is indicative of poor cleaning and maintenance. Black mold is dangerous, even deadly for some.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2026

alison

Excellent central location, rooms clean and comfortable. Staff always will to help, friendly and polite. Very good stay

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Mar 2026

luke

Decent

Business

8/10

Excellent

14 Mar 2026

FERNANDO DE JESUS

The breakfast is so good.

8/10

Excellent

12 Mar 2026

helen

Great location, the staff are always friendly and a nice breakfast. Have stayed many times and will stay again.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

12 Mar 2026

Liane

Difficult to get to if you’re driving. No onsite parking. We arrived at 9pm at night and it was frustrating to have to park 10 mins from the hotel and pay an exorbitant £32 for overnight parking. And to walk with all your luggage to the hotel. No clearly marked entrance either. Accommodations were adequate but the scent they use throughout the hotel was nauseating. Likely would not stay there again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Mar 2026

Carija

Lovely location about a 5 min walk from central train station. 2 entrances - one on Mary street pedestran area and directly next to an LGBTQIA pub :), spitfire bbq across the street, convient access to 3 arcades and Cardiff Market, 15 min walk to the Cardiff castle.

Staff very friendly and the clean modern rooms (on 6th floor) are quiet with minimal street noise. Breakfast is a good variety of fry up items, cereal, fruit and yogurts.

Would stay here again!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Feb 2026

katrina

The hotel is in a great place to explore Cardiff, literally a stones throw from the bus and train stations. There is a load of bars, cafes and shops right on the doorstep and the castle-which you must visit- is just up the road. The hotel is close to stadiums and theatres so is a great base to stay. Despite being in the heart of everything the room was really quiet and the bed just so comfortable. The room was clean, with an ironing board, iron, hairdryer and tea/coffee provided. The staff are lovely and helpful we will definitely stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Feb 2026

Viki

Very spacious room and breakfast was very nice

Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Feb 2026

Christine

Room was spacious and relaxing

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2026

Chris

Very convenient location, and exceptionally helpful staff.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

08 Feb 2026

Cain

Great location, right in the city centre - perfect if you’re staying for a night out! Parking isn’t far away and the hotel gave a discount code for the car park we used. We booked a superior room which was great. big room, comfortable bed, very clean, complimentary bottle of wine & tea/coffee. Staff were friendly and very helpful too

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 Feb 2026

lee

Very out dated hotel. However this located in the main night life area. So I understand the reason for not investing much into the hotel.

Great for a messy one nighter.

Staff were brilliant. I never had the breakfast so cant comment.

Business

8/10

Excellent

06 Feb 2026

andrew

Really friendly staff, comfortable room , good breakfast and great value

4/10

Poor

30 Jan 2026

David

The staff were lovely, but we couldn't open our window in our room and access fresh air and the breakfast has been left out for over two hours and it wasn't very nice, it was cold!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

Cerrie

Staff was great, room very clean very happy

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2026

simon

Outstanding service from all of the staff. A lovely, compact and extremely clean hotel. A fantastic breakfast and the central location was perfect.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

24 Jan 2026

andrew

The breakfast was an issue with lack of items and the time to restock. There was also a strange smell in the reception area.
Staff members helpful and friendly, as always.

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

21 Jan 2026

Nick

Very clean and friendly staff

Business

8/10

Excellent

18 Jan 2026

Oana

Loud (could hear clear words from the room next door), cold (the ac does not work) not the cleanest room (black mould in the bathroom) we’ve stayed in and would not return. Location is good but that’s just about it

Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Jan 2026

Aled

Very pleasantly surprised by the internal standards of the hotel as externally it is very poor. Will definitely use again. Breakfast very good.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

14 Jan 2026

paul

Convenience

Business

8/10

Excellent

06 Jan 2026

Larry

The hotel was an affordable and comfortable alternative to the international chains. Located 5 minutes from Cardiff Central train station and five minutes from the Cardiff Castle. Tons of bars and restaurants in easy walking distance. And the full English breakfast was solid as well.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

04 Jan 2026

Jim

A comfortable hotel in an amazing location, close to dozens of pubs and restaurants and a large downtown shopping mall. Just two blocks from the train station and a 15-minute walk to the castle. Lots of local buses. Only complaint was unreliable hot water, for which we deducted one star.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jan 2026

Gracita

It was a good location and about 5 min walk from the train station. The room was clean and made daily even when we left quite late. The staff was friendly and good breakfast.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2025

David

Nice hotel. Very central. Room spotlessly clean. Friendly staff. Recommended.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

21 Dec 2025

Robert

Great welcome, staff, location & room.
Free Coffee available in the bar area.
Breakfast was wonderful.

Self

6/10

Pleasant

18 Dec 2025

STANLEY

The floor of the room was sticky (also was in the room of a friend) which we assumed was due to the cleaning method or detergent.
The mattress was passed its best.
There were just two hangers in a double room.
In general the hotel facilities seemed tired.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Dec 2025

Bethan

Welcoming and easy check in.
Room clean and bed comfy
Check out easy

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Dec 2025

andrew

Check in, room and staff were all excellent. If Carlsberg made breakfasts it would be the one served here.