The St Davids Hotel And Spa, Cardiff

Liked - cleanliness of rooms. Plus plenty of towells and a robe each. Disliked - location, hard to get to, staff not very concerned with visitors. Think this due to shortage of staff on reception (1 member) and too many untrained staff in restaurant. Breakfast was way overcooked and made me feel glad I refused the 'Full Welsh (which is, erm, bacon, sausage (1) plastic egg and I think something that could have been a mushroom) in other words, a typical breakfast, but cooked 2 hours previously. You get toast (2 half slices per person and cold). Buffet breakfast the best option. Do not be tempted to 'wait to be seated' as you could be waiting the best part of half an hour, even though breakfast room v empty and staff generally circulating tables in the 'waggons ho' mode just in case they are attacked by guests wanting to be seated and served. Go grab a table (there are plenty of empty ones) and wave napkin at staff to get attention afterwards. Do not make the mistake of eating in the restaurant in the evening - it is beyond belief what they can mess up from a very simple menu. Just don't go there! Even if they reduce your bill by 25% when you complain, it's not fair when you can't eat 75% of what is presented.... You do get view of Cardiff Bay from your balcony, plus the full volume of some noise from across the Bay - bar music, whatever, it does not add to the ambience which is lacking. No seats to sit on the balconies, which would be a nice touch. However, when you shut the balcony door, it is soundproof. Not the hotel's fault, but whoever designed the Bay needs to be shot. Watch out for extras like £8 for parking your car in hotel car park - also don't assume you can park in front of hotel to discharge suitcases etc as every space, including inbetween the 'NO PARKING' signs have been taken up by cars .... suspect a lot are staff cars, so be prepared to lug you luggage back to hotel when parked - not like most 3*, 4*, 5* hotels who have spaces for booking in, or even staff to park car for you.