I am going to Cardiff next March for the Wales vs Ireland rugby international. Unfortunately we've left it quite late to find accommodation and all of the hotels we have tried are booked out. We have found one which is in Roath - called Tanes Hotel. Does anyone know anything about the area (Newport Road) or the hotel? Alternatively, does anyone have any other recommendations of places that we are likely to get a room? (we're happy to go with a B&B or a hotel but nothing too expensive). Thanks.

Nothing in Roath (other than a Travel Inn) on the tripadvisor web site. I would imagine it's a basic B&B type. Good luck.

Tanes Hotel is cheap and cheerful. If you can though, try the Premier Travel Inn's which are located all around the city, and Travelodges, Holiday Inn's and Hotel Ibis'. With these your guaranteed good quality and a nice nights sleep - they're well respected hotel chains and fairly cheap too. Search for them in Google and the addresses will come up.

Good luck!

thanks - I actually managed to get a great deal at the Rocco Forte St Davids Hotel - £125 per room per night! a bargain - especially considering Jurys quoted me £400 per room per night!

Hi cailin,
Tames Hotel appears to be on Newport Rd.
These hotels are all B&B type accomodation in large houses. Sorry I have never stayed there. The area is the main road from the East into the City center and on the main bus route. Although the Mill stadium is only around 15-20 mins walk it's not a bad location for the city center and on Match days we often see fans walking in this area so it is popular amongst fans.
Just around the corner about 10 mins walk is City rd where there is an abundance of pubs and restaurants for you to drown your sorrows after the game..lol
If you need advice on other hotels please let us know.
Another good location is Cathedral rd which is 5 mins from the stadium.

As Glyn says Travel inns and lodges are cheap and good value but will probably be booked already. The Ibis is in a good location and the Big sleep is too however price may be higher.

Have a look in this website, there is plenty of hotel information.

http://www.visitcardiff.info/content...ault.asp?id=84
Good Luck
I suggest you book something soon as all the hotels will be full for this date.
Muck

St Davids spa..£125 !! ....I don't think so cailin, This is a 5* hotel and for that night it will be much more than that. Please double check because they have probably made a mistake.
If they haven't made a mistake wow..grab it its a bargain.
Jury's £400 !! wow I stayed there last weekend and paid £75 and that was expensive.
Good Luck !!

Muck

I agree with Mucky. Check that price. Is it for a single room or double? Make sure that it is not per person for a double room as the rack rate is £246 with the cheapest net price at £184. If that price is correct then take it with both hands! This is the hotel all the "names" stay at including Robbie Williams, Kylie and the Beckhams (plus the other football stars).
If the price is wrong and Cardiff is full then you could always look outside the city. Places like Bridgend and even Swansea offer excellent rail links. The Heronston Hotel (a Great Western Hotel) in Bridgend is very popular on match weekends with football, Rugby Union and League and other events.

the price is right - it has already been booked.

ROCCO FORTE ST DAVIDS HTL
HAVANNAH STREET
CARDIFF GB CF10 5SD
Phone: 44 29 2045 4045

Check in: Friday, March 18, 2005
Check out: Sunday, March 20, 2005

2 Night(s)
1 Room(s); SUPERIOR KING ROOM 30MSQ - AIR-CONDITIONED/MARBLE BATHROOM/DATA PORT
2 Adult(s) (Requests for more than 2 people per room will be sent to the hotel, and may incur extra charges)

Rate per Room per Night: £125.00 (Excluding taxes and other surcharges imposed by the hotel)

Room(s) and rates are guaranteed for your arrival.

All rates are for double occupancy per room, and are quoted on a nightly basis unless otherwise specified. Some rates may require special identification. Our booking fee, taxes, and other surcharges imposed by the hotel are not included. Extra people, children, roll-away beds and incidentals may be subject to additional charges.

Fantastic !!!!
Looks like you got the bargain of the day in the best Hotel in Cardiff !
Its a far cry from the Tanes Hotel.
Have a great time and enjoy your stay in Cardiff.
If us Cardiffians can help you with anything please don't hesitate to let us know.
Good Luck
Muck
Ps: Come on Wales !!

Thanks Mucky - I was delighted to get such a great deal!! It's less than half the price they quote on their own website.

Unfortunately we don't have a huge amount of time in Cardiff - we arrive late on Friday evening.

What do you suggest we do on Saturday morning before the match? Also, if you have any recommendations for pubs that will have good pre and post rugby match fun (don't suppose you know of any places the teams would be likely to go as it's the last match of the tournament??). I think we'll be spending Sunday morning in bed and Sunday afternoon taking advantage of some of the treatments at the Spa in St Davids, but if you know of anywhere that would do a good brunch or lunch I'd much appreciate it!! Thanks.

PS Come on Ireland

Hi Cailin,
The hotel is situated in Cardiff bay and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. Personally I would have a hearty breakfast and get out and mingle in the City center, perhaps have a look around Cardiff Castle and just soak up the incredible atmosphere we have. There are plenty of pubs in the center of town, the walkabout and the springbok are rugby biased and they are sure to have things going on. Springbok is next to Jurys hotel.
Have a look at the website I showed you in an earlier post and that should have details of up and coming attractions.

After the game of course you will be too upset and crying into your Guinness, I can tell you a few places to do that too, Wales have had enough practice at such things.

I wouldn't be surprised if Ireland stay at your Hotel, it is used frequently by visiting teams, Wales usually stay at the Vale.

Will you have a car? If you do there are some great carveries for lunch, they serve for most of the day. If you don't have a car there will be plenty of places in the city center for food. I found the Burrough Arms pretty good thats on St Mary st/High st but the website will show most restaurants.

Good luck

Muck

Thanks Muck - I'm looking forward to crying tears of joy into my Guinness as we'll have just won the Grand Slam!!

I was wondering if the team would be at our hotel - I presumed the Welsh team would be there, but I guess if they stay at the Vale it's quite likely our lads will be there!!

We won't have a car so I will take a look at that website for some restaurant suggestions.

Thanks for all your help! I'm really looking forward to it now

Well done from me also. I also hope that you will be very sad after the game but will allow Simon Easterby to have a blinder - as a good Scarlet!!
All the best.

Just to update this post -
Did you have a good time Cailin? Did you get the hotel as planned? Did you enjoy the match and agree that Wales are worthy Grand Slam winners (ha ha)?

Hope you enjoyed the terrific atmosphere in Cardiff last weekend.

I really hope cailin gets back, we all want to know about St Davids Hotel.
Hi AR What a result,I met some fabulous Irish people in O'neils bar. A lovely time was had by all (especially the Welsh)
;-)
Look forward to hearing about your trip Cailin

Cheers

Muck

Muck - rubbing it in again, eh!?

Oh Margo,
I am shocked....would I ever do such a thing??
Cailin, please just ignore Margo she is so naughty...
;-)

Muck

It's taken us 27 years to be in a position to rub it in, so let us have our moment of glory!!!
Now for the football boys to get it right this weekend and we can really enjoy.

I'm back!!! Firstly...well done to Wales - a thoroughly deserved victory. You may never get an easier Grand Slam so enjoy it!! We had a fantastic time in Cardiff and it was a real priviledge to be there and enjoy the terrific atmosphere.

We did, eventually, get to the hotel...our flight was delayed 13 hours, so we spent Friday night in Dublin airport. We, therefore, missed our first night at the hotel (which of course we still had to pay for) and we eventually checked in at about midday on Saturday - enough time to shower and change and dash to the match.

St Davids is a gorgeous hotel - I was really impressed with it. The rooms were a great size with amazing views over the bay. The bed was extremely comfortable and the bathroom was lovely too. The reception desk and the concierge staff were extremely helpful. They had even laid on buses to bring us to the stadium.

Anyway, we got to the stadium (really amazing...my first time there & I was very impressed!). The atmosphere was great...I had tears in my eyes for the Welsh national anthem. I spent most of the match being thoroughly frustrated at the Irish performance, but Wales played well and deserved the victory.

Afterwards, we went back to the hotel to get some shut eye as we'd only grabbed about half an hour at the airport on Friday night. We slept for about two hours and then went out and joined the melee that was Cardiff city centre. I have never seen anything like it!! Anyway, we enjoyed a drink or two (or more!) and finally got to bed at 6am!!

On Sunday we got up and walked around to the bars and restaurants by the harbour. We ate in Salt which was nice, then wandered around to the Opera House (really impressive!) and then got some lovely ice cream at Cadwaleders before strolling back to the Spa at the hotel - where we pampered ourselves for the afternoon. I had a facial and my other half had a massage, and then we both enjoyed the jacuzzi and sauna before heading back to the airport to catch our flights back.

All in all it was a great weekend...fab Welsh hospitality! We look forward to our return visit in two years time!

Hi Cailin,
I am so pleased you had a great time (despite the obvious of course).
I have not yet been to Cardiff's opera house, I will have to go soon !
What a shame you missed the first night in the hotel, and also you missed the second night too by the sound of it lol
The singing was tremendous as ever and the Anthem will turn the hardest of men into a crying child, I am so pleased you witnessed that.
Thanks for visiting Cardiff
Come back soon !!

Muck