The Marriott Cardiff Hotel ★★★★

Far from just attracting rugby fans, these days Cardiff is one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the whole country, a perfect destination for a UK city break. Freeing itself from the shackles of its industrial past, in recent decades the city has exploded into life. Architectural innovation abounds, especially around the ultramodern waterfront, and the whole city seems to buzz with a youthful energy. This urban regeneration has also brought about a cultural renaissance, with a thriving live music scene and the opening of new cultural venues such as the impressive and futuristic Wales Millennium Centre. Meanwhile, all this new-fangled development is watched over by some stately older monuments, including the beautiful 11th century Cardiff Castle.

The Cardiff Marriott Hotel could hardly be more ideally placed, right in the thick of the effervescent city centre. It is more or less right between the enormous Millennium Stadium and St David’s shopping centre. You always know you are going to be in safe hands with the Marriott brand, and you can expect a warm welcome, friendly service and typically high standards of luxury. Though the location alone is enough to make the hotel an ideal base for an express city break, the superb four-star facilities make the Marriott even better, allowing for a sumptuously comfortable and relaxing retreat after a busy day in the city.

The Executive guest rooms provide a luxurious sanctuary to recharge your batteries, whether it is after an intense day of shopping over the road, a whistle-stop tour of the city’s diverse attractions or a late night at a show or concert. The design is elegant, classy and understated, while each of the spacious rooms comes with amenities including fluffy pillows, plush duvets, thick mattresses, air conditioning and high-speed internet. These same lavish standards are kept up in the en suite bathrooms, with high quality toiletries and soft bathrobes.

It is not just the bedrooms which provide cosy havens of relaxation; downstairs there is a lovely spa area, a soothing spot to rest your weary feet in between forays out into the city. If you have an hour or two to kill, there is nothing quite as refreshing as a few lengths of the indoor pool, a wallow in the Jacuzzi or a visit to the sauna. Alternatively, if you prefer to work up a bit more of a sweat, a gym with cardio machines and free weights is also on hand.

With two restaurants to choose between, the Marriott’s dining options are the icing on the cake. Every day begins with a delicious, traditional British breakfast spread, and you can also enjoy a two for one offer on afternoon teas. For lunch and dinner, Chat’s Café Bar is a laid-back venue to enjoy a light bite, stone-baked pizza or a great selection of British classics such as fish and chips. Then there is the main restaurant, Zest, which showcases the best of traditional Welsh cuisine using fresh, organic ingredients to create dishes which burst with flavour. The specialities are the steaks, all aged for 28 days and sourced from local farms, and seafood, with daily deliveries from a local fishmonger.

The Cardiff Marriott Hotel has absolutely everything you need for a scintillating city break. Offering fine dining, luxurious comfort and a dream location, there has never been a better opportunity to go and discover the Welsh capital!