1st September 2008
Cardiff and the Novotel
Cardiff is a fabulous city to visit. There;s always something going on and recently we travelled there to attend a concert at the CIA Arena and booked to stay at the Novotel Cardiff.
Location was fine-a quick taxi ride from the station-although it was walkable had I not been feeling lazy-but hey it was a weekend break right-so I gave my feet a break too !
Check in was fine-we had requested a smoking room with two beds and that is exactly what we got.
The room was very nice-clean, spacious and the bed was comfy. Shortly after we checked in a really bouncy bubbly member of staff knocked to check we were happy with our room. I told her we were but could she get me any more coffee sachets (not their fault I'd drink it all and wanted to have one for the morning). She came back with a massive pile of coffee, sugar, creamers and shortbread Yum Yum. the only downside to the room was the net curtains. Yes it was a smoking room but the net curtains were yellow with smoke and stank-they need to check them more often and change them as needed.
Had a few difficulties getting a taxi to the CIA for the concertand in the end walked. If you are attending a show-book in advance or leave plenty of time.
The bar staff were efficient and cheerful and we spent a couple tours in the bar after the show -comfy seats and nice mix of people.
The Novotel isn't as nice as say the St Davids but it's a good price and I'd stay there again although next time I'd check the net curtains as soon as I checked in !