The Parkgate Hotel is one of Cardiff’s newest and most luxurious destinations. Following a two-year redevelopment, the 170-bedroom hotel opened in 2021. We had the opportunity to visit Cardiff’s newest luxury hotel to bring your this cheat-sheet of the best place to stay in the Welsh capital and it did not disappoint.
Dating from the turn of the 20th Century, the hotel’s striking period features have been brought out in a careful restoration, marrying stylish innovation with the elegance of yesteryear, as it breathes new life into two of the city centre’s most historic buildings – the former Head Post Office and the old County Court.
Your hotel cheat-sheet
As you step into the lobby it is like a different world to the hustle and bustle outside, immediately the grey from the street transforms to a lobby enrobed in the warm hues of the wooden panelling. Our room didn’t disappoint at all, a mixture of traditional features with contemporary touches, the French navy panelling and the rich warm wood, complimented the marble bathrooms with an attention to detail and quality that was thought through.
Nothing is too much at Cardiff’s latest luxury destination, the Parkgate Hotel features exceptional facilities, including the super chic Sorting Room restaurant, elegant tea lounges and a rooftop spa – your Cardiff cheat-sheet essential to beauty and bliss – with views over the city skyline.
With said spa in mind, I wrapped up in my oversized towelling robe and made my way there on the sixth floor. One of Cardiff’s most exclusive wellness destinations, the boutique rooftop spa provides an escape from the world, where guests can relax and unwind whilst enjoying the finest luxury treatments from Elemis, I chose a combination facial, this was an Elemis hands-on touch facial combined with a tech facial.
This is a powerful, clinically proven facial treatment that irons out wrinkles and fills out lines. Using unique technology from Elemis, Microcurrent pulses stimulate the skin cells, light therapy de-stresses the skin and a blast of oxygen from the O2 infusion irons out wrinkles and fills in lines, it’s the perfect facial for winter also, with our skin going cold to hot as we go indoors and outside.
Post-facial, Chris joined me in the spa area, we were spoilt with a glass of champagne each and the spa area was entirely to ourselves. With a bubbling hydrotherapy infinity pool, heated volcanic zones, massaging water showers and panoramic views over the stunning city skyline, the gentlemen reading this; he was rather impressed with the bird eye view of Cardiff Blues rugby club’s pitch, I was more inclined to spend as much time relaxing as I could on the heated loungers; once again… the attention to detail was incredible.
We opted for an early dinner in The Sorting Room, in one of the grand old post office spaces. Low-ceilinged and wood-panelled, with dark green leather banquettes, it has an old school aura with a menu that includes the odd nod to Wales: Brecon lamb, Welsh beef, cured meats and cheeses from nearby Monmouthshire, Chris chose steak, I chose the Vegetarian option of gnocchi, which was ok, but I think maybe I was expecting homemade pasta, if you are a meat lover however you are in for an absolute treat.
Massimo, our waiter came armed with a wooden canteen of various knives for each cut and from what I could gather, the steak was beautiful. Our puddings arrived after we’d had a little break and the iced coffee parfait was incredible, Chris went old school again with sticky toffee pudding and this was an absolute winner also. Content and full of lovely food we decided to have an early night.
The following morning, we made our way to breakfast in the sorting room, this was a hive of activity with plenty of friendly staff to hand to take your order. There was an option of buffet style or table service. We opted for the buffet as we were still full from the previous evening (well I was). This is a hearty breakfast scenario here… if you aren’t vegetarian. Chris was in his element and on the positive, the use of local products was abundant again.
To conclude, the hotel’s setting – number 1 on the cheat-sheet for enjoying your stay in the heart of the capital – offers visitors the perfect opportunity to soak in vibrant atmosphere of Cardiff whilst enjoying great food, a beautiful spa and luxury comfortable rooms.
The Parkgate Hotel
Westgate Street
Cardiff
CF10 1DA
Wales
