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Jolyons Boutique Hotel - Cardiff

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A city hotel with a difference

The city of Cardiff has undergone a bit of a revolution in the past few years. Once known as a bit of a no-go zone, the water-side area formerly known as Tiger Bay has been transformed into a sleek, modern centre of culture, and the rest of this vibrant city has been pulled into the twenty-first century as a result. In fact, thanks to its new-found fame as location for the most recent series’ of Doctor Who, it’s been pulled even further into the future on more than one occasion...

But the new Cardiff isn’t all about plush, styalised modernisation - the heart of the Capital of Wales still beats with real passion and character - and little Jolyons Boutique Hotel in Cardiff Bay is the best place to stay in the city to experience both sides of the coin. Opened in 2004 by the eponymous Jolyon, just as Cardiff Bay began to reap the rewards of its multi-million pound makeover, this oasis of quirky luxury is a friendly and fun base from which to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

Jolyon’s six bedrooms, some with great views of the Bay, are individually designed, with great en-suite bathrooms. Cosy antique beds are made super-comfy with the best Egyptian linen and lots of stylish throws and cushions, while other lovingly-chosen vintage pieces mix with distinctly modern touches like flat-screen tellies, wi-fi and iPod docks and PSPs on request. The bathrooms are equipped with fluffy towels, bathrobes and fab toiletries, while some have luxurious whirlpool baths.

Downstairs (in the basement) is the hotel’s brilliant bar and pizza restaurant - Bar Cwtch. Cwtch (pronounced like it rhymes with ‘butch’) is roughly translated from the Welsh to the English as a hug, and this super-cosy, super-comfy little spot couldn’t be more hug-like if it tried. Huge, squishy sofas, a wood-burning stove, great music and newspapers on tap make it the perfect place to enjoy Jolyon’s fantastic breakfasts (including full Welsh and a whole range of yummy pastries), a delicious pizza in the evening, or simply to hide away from the rest of the world for an hour or two. Or a day or two. It’s considered a real hidden gem in the city, but Bar Cwtch is just two flights of stairs from your cosy bedroom.

So, the rooms are fab and the bar/restaurant is great, but the icing on the cake has to be Jolyons’ location. Sitting right opposite the new hub of Welsh arts and one of the most exciting new arts venues in Europe, the Millennium Centre, the hotel is right in the thick of things. It’s just a few seconds’ walk from the waterfront and within spitting distance of the top restaurants and bars at Mermaid Quay. The centre of old Cardiff, with its castle, museums and fantastic shopping is just a fifteen minute walk, or amuch quicker shuttle-bus ride away.

Where is it?

Jolyons is perfectly placed for discovering one of the most vibrant cities in Britain. Whether it’s the fairytale Cardiff Castle, the impressive collection of impressionist paintings at the National Museum, the shopping, the restaurants or, of course, the rugby, there really is something for everyone. For the definitive guide to what to see, do and eat while you’re staying, read The Weekenders Guide to Cardiff.

Where can I eat?

For the best places to eat in Cardiff, check out The Weekenders Guide to Cardiff.

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This oasis of quirky luxury is a friendly and fun base from which to enjoy everything vibrant Cardiff has to offer.