Novotel Cardiff Centre Hotel 4 stars

Nice clean place to stay. Very close to office I was visiting. Enjoyed the breakfast

Good points: large rooms, good breakfast, friendly staff, nice pool and steam room. Negative points: slightly away from the city centre, we didn't feel particularly safe walking in this area at night.

It's shocking to read through recent reviews and find myself nodding at all of the faults pointed out. I wish I had read them through properly, rather than relying on Novotel's previously good reputation. I have no idea how they're still making money, given the amount of refunds they're having to make. All of the carpets NEED a deep steam clean; there are marks everywhere. The whole place needs a once over. Luckily the bar/breakfast area felt the cleanest of all. Customer service at the desk was fair when I complained about the state of our room (marks on the curtains, the carpets, limescale/scum on the shower head and a horrid smell in the bathroom), but this hotel is nowhere near the standard it should be. Especially post-Covid! The staff at breakfast are the standout here. One older man with a bun in particular was attentive and kind, offering the professional service one would expect. The hotel needs more staff and a big clean. The pool facilities were fine, but they do need more chairs by the pool, or just another area to place your towel. When we went down we had to put our towels on the floor as the 4 chairs were taken. It was also a shame to see that they are using single-use bowls and cups at breakfast. Why not use proper ones? They are better for the environment (even if they are compostable cups, they are likely being thrown into the garbage, I'd guess, which means they just go to landfill anyway). All in all, it was a disappointment to see what could be a wonderful hotel really drop the ball. I sincerely wonder what the manager is doing. Frankly, I was hesitant to leave a terrible review as I know from experience that many will choose to punish staff, rather than taking the information on board and understanding why things are the way that are. Are they understaffed? Do the people in charge of this hotel ever actually 'stay' in these rooms? I doubt it. It's unfathomable that whoever is in charge does not take more pride in their hotel, ensuring that both staff and customers are happy. Currently, they're running this place into the ground.

room clean.bed comfortable. toilet/shower old, needing upgrade, clean but old. on checkin one (female) staff member abrupt& hostile, one male staff member over-talkative.

Air conditioning broken Dirty bath No maintenance on site

The hotel was in a ideal location, it was clean and staff were friendly. I was impressed with the whatsapp service to get items that i needed such as some peppermint tea bags. they responded very quickly.

Another lovely stay at the hotel. Executive room was amazing

The hotel followed Covid restrictions and distancing very well. The breakfast was not up to its usual standard due to these restrictions. The breakfast for gluten free vegans could be improved. However, the staff were friendly and helpful, particularly Gyulie on the front desk. The location is great for the city centre and Cardiff bay.

Good location, friendly staff. However the housekeeping needs to be a higher standard. The bedding was stained on check in with hairs in the shower. The pool/spa had brown stains all over the walls and the men’s changing room was filthy.

NICE STAFF BUT THE SHOWER WAS BLACK OF MOULD AND RUST ON SHOWER DOOR.

Staff were wonderful, breakfast buffet lovely, parking convenient and really enjoyed the pool/jacuzzi area. Unfortunately however cleanliness of our room left something to be desired when we arrived.

Rooms need a refresh starting too long old & shabby. Room was far to hot as the air con had broken

A night stay to celebrate my sons 21st in Cardiff

Fab, really close to city centre, great breakfast

Disappointed at breakfast as our room was 220.00 per night plus 22.00 each for breakfast. I do not expect to be served with a paper cup for coffee and a plastic cup for juice. If you are served at the bar you get a cup and saucer. Also call me old fashioned but I do not expect guests to be allowed in for breakfast wearing their pj"s. Apart from that the hotel is OK but you would expect alot more for the money you pay. Also our shower was blocked when we arrived but was sorted without any fuss.