St Davids Hotel & Spa

I really enjoyed my stay here. Almost everything about the place was nice, the only bad things were a balcony that was a bit dirty and some noise during the night (possibly from the boiler).
The staff are very professional and friendly. I had to get directions to the swimming pool and they were great.
The room was very nice: elegant furnishings and a really nice feel to it. Very large mirror. Large window overlooking the bay (very nice). Comfy bed although it was two single beds put together I didn’t notice until my girlfriend pointed it out. The bathroom was also nice.
The swimming pool has two areas: main pool which is smallish, a lounging type area which is small and a large jacuzzi type area which I really liked. The view from the jacuzzi is lovely so long as the windows are not steamed up. The changing rooms were nice and better than the average gym ones.
I can’t comment on the spar as I didn’t use it.
I also got 4 vouchers which were in a birthday card for me and I think I will use one or two of them and plan on returning,

I did a review on Tripadvisor and felt like I was a little negative.
I truly did enjoy my stay here, and it was beautiful. I just felt like it was trying to be «high end» when it’s more appealing to be «welcoming.» I felt like some of the staff wanted to prove that they are «fine dinning» when it’s really just proving poor customer service.
On the other hand, I felt like the location was amazing, the building was beautiful and the rooms were warm. Good hotel.
I would say … not worth the price …

Visited here today for my 18^th birthday as a present from my boyfriend. We had two massages each (25 mins a massage), and access too the swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna. For the £165 he paid I don’t think it’s worth the money. First I had a shoulder, back and neck massage for 25 mins… My mum and partner have given me better massages. It wasn’t very relaxing, my shoulders and neck hardly got touched, and the knots in my back actually felt worse after the massage! Every time I’ve had a massage somewhere else they ask me where I have any tightness etc but the lady here did not. Second massage was legs and I had that one done by a different lady who actually did a pretty good job and I could clearly see the difference in the two ladies skills. The jacuzzi and pool i really liked. The relaxation room could of done with a heater. The juice bar where you can get juice and tea etc would of been better with some biscuits etc. Overall if you get the good massager then maybe it would be worth the money, but I did not leave felling relaxed or pampered.

I was lucky enough to stay here whilst on a work trip. The trip itself wasn’t overly successful and was pretty stressful, but coming back to this place at the end of each day more than made up for it. A quick swim, a sauna, a dip in the jacuzzi, and suddenly all seemed well with the world again. And starting the day with a delicious buffet breakfast didn’t hurt either. Top that off with amazing views of Cardiff Bay from our balcony, and I’d say this place is a winner.
Oh, and some unusual touches I have to share with you — when we arrived, we found an elephant on our bed. Made from towels, but an elephant nonetheless. And in case you’re unfamiliar with western toilets and their purpose, the good people of St Davids Hotel & Spa provide some tasteful and informative artwork above the cistern — two bottoms in profile, fashioned from plaster.

Location! Location! Location! One of the best views you can get of Cardiff Bay in my opinion… The lobby looked smart, modern and sophisticated… And definitely has that «wow» factor when you walk into the building… The rooms were bright, clean, comfy and had plenty of natural light… The elephant folded towels on the bed gave it a welcoming atmosphere… And as soon as you step outside the room to view Cardiff Bay from the balcony you feel instantly relaxed and a million miles away from the hustle and bustle… I guess the only negative comment i have to say is about the customer service. They didn’t make me feel overly welcomed into the hotel… They weren’t rude just no friendly or polite greetings… I don’t know if it was because I rocked up in casual clothes and motorcycle gear at a 5 star hotel. It may have looked like I belonged more to a motel rather than a hotel… But this is just my assumptions. Other than that i had a pleasant stay… Would i go back? probably not, not because i don’t want to but because I would rather checkout something new… But i would definitely recommend it to any one who hasn’t stayed there before…

Love it… will definitely be back!

I stayed for one night here, for a work event. We were having quite a large event here, using most of the bedrooms and conference spaces.
My room was nice, and I loved the balcony. However the room was stuffy and I had the air con set to 15 degrees and it didn’t get cool at all. I had to use a chair to keep the balcony door open during the night so I could sleep.
I went to get a wine from the bar at around 4.30pm. I could see the bar person was busy, so waited. After 10mins, she didn’t even acknowledge I was there, I could clearly see she was busy, but a «Hi, i’ll be with you in a moment» could have made all the difference,
For a 5 start hotel the service needs some work. I had dinner in the conference rooms, and was told at the start of the meal there was no gluten free bread. Then the started came out, and I was given the wrong plate (i have allergies), when the correct plate was given to me, it had gluten free bread.
The next morning at breakfast I was told an omelette would be an additional £5 even when it started clearly on the menu card, that the omelette is part of the full breakfast package. They also advertise gluten free bread on the menu card, and when I asked for some, they started there was none. When I questioned why I had some last night and why there was none this morning, they didn’t know why, and just that they could offer me a flap jack for breakfast. Ummmm NO! A 5 start hotel should have plenty of items the for the gluten intolerant.
The waitress then cleared my plate ad cutlery, and never bought a fork back, so I had to ask for another.
Customer Service makes or breaks a hotel, and I’ve stayed in far cheaper, more dodgy hotels, and had excellent customer service.

The St. David’s Hotel & Spa is a five star hotel situated on the waterfront in Cardiff Bay. It is adjacent to Mermaid Quay. You are only five minutes drive or even train ride from the city centre. The hotel belongs to the Principal Hayley chain of hotels.
It is a tall striking building some 8 stories high with a glass backed atrium from floor to ceiling. It has an a la carte restaurant (Waves Spa) & (Tides) bar, conference facilities & suites plus the leisure club as the spa denotes in the title.
I happened to attend there whilst going to a conference with my work. An overnight stay had been booked with a view to attending & setting up the conference the following day.
My room was on the third floor and the balcony overlooked the bay directly at the pier head and the Welsh Senedd building, with the Millennium Stadium to my left and the Norwegian church to my right.
The room boasts a comfortable double bed (with mattress protector for all of you in the know after watching TV’s the Hotel Inspector). Tea & Coffee (Twinning’s & Douwe Egberts for all you connoisseurs) making facilities with ginger biscuits. Nice bathroom complete with telephone, bidet & nude art ! Also the room has a SKY TV too.
Only tried the food via breakfast which was an adequate hot buffet one with alternate cereals, fruit, croissants etc. Should also mention the bar can be a bit pricey too for drinks whatever the time of day. There is also room service available on request but there is a £5 tray service charge in top of the value of your order.
There is a modest size conference room and buffets can be arranged for the duration. Plus there are syndicate room jus off the suites too for breakaway groups.
The only negative side too my stay is on checking out and asking the concierge to keep my luggage safe to one side for the duration of the days conference. He was supposed to have stored it in one of the two safe locations. On asking for my luggage at the end of the day, the staff could not find it as it was misplaced. I was offered a complimentary drinks whilst waiting for my case to be found. Ultimately I had to leave with out it. I was given a complimentary taxi ride to Cardiff Central train station minus my luggage.
I received a phone call a few hours later to find out they had found my luggage it has been mixed in with another groups. IT WAS ACTUALLY EN ROUTE TO PARIS VIA LONDON. I live in Llanelli, so the management tried to retrieve to send onto me. This process took five days and a number of phone alls. Eventually I had my case back & the manager had personally driven down to m place of work to drop it off.
I enjoyed my stay in spite of the lost luggage which was the only real blight on my visit.

Loved this hotel, stayed for my wifes 40^th birthday.
Check in was fantastic, the staff on main reception (John) very welcoming, the head concierge (Jeff) dealt with our car and also delivered our luggage to the room (we were upgraded to a Junior Suite on arrival at no extra cost).
From beginning to end the service we received was second to none, all the staff are very helpful. Dinner in the restaurant was very good, Matthew looked after us very well, reccommending dishes, giving descriptions and advising us on wine choice. Thank you Matthew, had a great time!
The suite was fantastic, great panoramic views over to Penarth, and back into the city.

Cardiff’s first five star hotel, this beautifully constructed hotel enjoys wonderful views which overlook Cardiff Bay. With the iconic wave shaped structure at the top of the building, this building is recognisable from all across Cardiff Bay. It’s shiny, mirror-​like exterior further adds to it’s appeal as a building, with the class this hotel has inside reflected by it’s sleek exterior.
The bedrooms are wonderful, with guests blessed by the views which are excentuated by the large glass panelled windows. Furthermore, the rooms are furnished very stylishly, making for an extremely comfortable and enjoyable stay. It has all the qualities you’d expect from a 5 star hotel, with it’s spa a great way for customers to relax and enjoy their stay even more. With excellent customer service and a high quality of food, there’s no need to venture out of the hotel if you do not wish to do so. It’s 5 star hotel rating is undoubtedly matched by a 5 star Unilocal rating.

I spent last New Years Eve here. I booked a room over looking the bay and proposed to my girlfriend on the stroke of midnight as we watched the fireworks light up Cardiff nigh sky. If my wife had found out she’d have gone mad! Only joking — it was a lovely night — not only this part but the gala evening meal with pre-​food champagne and post meal entertainment.
It’s a great looking hotel from the inside and the food, service and atmosphere is lovely. Ok its expensive but its a 5 star hotel.
The spa hotel is great but the gym is a little poor.
All in all though if you book one of their spa break weekends then I’m sure you will leave having been glad you did it.

I went here for News Years Eve 2009.
My partner paid about a hundred pound each which paid for a four course meal, midnight snack and a glass of champagne. It was the best New Years Eve I have ever had…
We arrived at about 7pm and were taken into one of the conference rooms which had been transformed into the most beautifully set restaurant.
We were offered champagne on arrival which was delicious. The ticket says the price includes one glass of champagne but the drinks tray was circulating for about an hour and a half so I for one had at least four glasses!!!
We were then sat on a beatifully dressed dinner table with six other people. We were lucky to get a good bunch but I am sure some of the tables did not get on as well as we all did!
They had live music, a singer and a dance floor which as the night grew gold got more busy.
The food was lovely… and there was pleanty of it! Midnight came and we snuck off for a private kiss and a cuddle which meant we missed out on the midnight snack they put on for us.
We left about 1 am… and rolled on home!
It was a great night and I will go back again this year!

Yes I’m a bit of an outdoorsy type, but I also love a good pamper and at St. Davids Spa you get some top notch pampering. From the moment you walk in you feel mmm.
I’ve been to St. Davids Spa twice, the first time was for a birthday treat. At around £100 a pop this was a pretty special birthday treat that included access to the Spa, a treatment and lunch.
I arrived in style… on my bike and was drenched as I walked through the pristine glass doors to the spa. Here comes one of my favourite bits, I was handed a lovely fluffy dressing gown and slippers and was told that I could stay in my dressing gown for lunch — felt right at home!
The spa itself was gorgeous. I hate chlorine and the St. Davids spa uses minimal chlorine and mineral salts instead. I spent my time going from sauna to pool to jacuzzi to jet, only stopping for my treatment. The treatment was a massage and I’d give it 4 stars, the room was scented with oils and the massage hit the spot.
Lunch was a buffet with a view over the bay, I had called ahead to tell them that I was Vegan, but wasn’t that impressed with the main. What I did love was the fruit selection — which included my favourite — prickly pear.
After lunch I went back in for a soak and a sweat and got stuck on the jet like a bear with a scratchy back. Jumped out had a bit of a read by the poolside, it was getting on so donned the old waterproofs took off my crown and cycled home with a warm glow that made me immune to the drizzle and lasted until I got home and then some.
I have never stayed at the hotel but looks like you’d have some pretty fab views of the bay and judging by my spa experience a rather luxurious stay as well.

If you’re into your celebrity stalking, this should be your first stop.
I’ve been told by a few people that any touring musician books into the St. David’s Hotel when they’re playing in Cardiff (I was in Tides Bar a few years ago and saw Will Young, and apparently Madonna stayed here on her ‘Sticky and Sweet’ tour).
As a Cardiff resident, I haven’t needed to book a room, but if you’re looking for a glamorous retreat with spectacular views of the Bay to boot, then St. David’s Hotel is probably worth the exorbitant price tag. Although saying that, they often have £99 per night specials, so it’s worth looking into.
I experienced a few of their Marine Spa treatments here (one was a facial, the other was a special they had going on a few months ago — a three course lunch and a body scrub treatment).
Each decadent treatment made me feel incredibly pampered, and on both occasions the beauty therapists were skilled and gentle — exactly what you’d expect from a spa housed in a five-​star hotel.

St David’s has everything you’d expect from a 5 star at hotel. The brilliant Tides restaurant, the amazing spa that Conde Neste has voted one of the top in the UK and of course amazing view out over the bay.
Obviously that all comes at a price and its probably the most expensive in town too. A basic room will set you back £200 and thats without breakfast. The suits cost over £500. Whilst it is a fantastic place its not the most amazing 5 star place i’ve seen or been in. Sometimes I find the staff to be a little bit lax and its starting to a look a bit tired and so maybe they rely too much on its past reputation that getting in perfect every time. Still i’d thoroughly recommend the spa breaks here, wonderful setting, brilliant service.

Disappointed. Booked for afternoon tea as a special birthday treat — memorable for the wrong reasons. Tho people pleasant and food nice, we were left languishing by the edge of the bar instead of being shown to table, very late getting us seated, pot of tea turned up but no food until we chased it up over 20 minutes later — how long does it take to ‘cook’ sandwiches … didn’t bring more milk when we had to ask for fresh tea as food so tardy in coming, and they forgot items to be charged to the bill. Sad to say, but if you want something special, give it a miss.
February 2011 — returned for dinner at the invitation of the manager (as we’d written to raise our concerns as outlined in the original review). The food was very good and the service steered the right line between being attentive without being intrusive — and that appeared to be the case for all the diners, not just a special fuss being made of us. It can’t change the fact that a special birthday treat was ruined but it does show that the management can get the game upped to the level required.

Loved it here when I stayed had a room with a view across the sea. The staff was friendly and couldn’t help you enough. Very posh but the people was not snobby as you get in some places.
I came here on a valentines weekend a couple of years ago so we had our food in a suite over looking the bay. 5 course meal and a pianist playing in the back ground. They made you feel very special but a negative point is if you are vegetarian they just chuck ingredients together and don’t seem like they make as much of an effort on vegetarian meals than normal ones. Which is a shame!
The only downside of this hotel is the Spa is too small.
If you fancy having a pamper weekend here is the place to go

Das Hotel ist sehr schön gelegen. 5-​Sterne in Cardiff. Ich war hier — mit einer Frau aus Llandaff. Sie wollte zu einer Wedding Show, einer Hochzeitsmesse, und ich habe sie begleitet. Wir tranken einen sehr guten Rotwein. Der Service war auch sehr gut.
Wer ein sehr gutes Hotel sucht, dem kann ich das St. David’s Hotel sehr empfehlen.

We visited this special hotel for two days for a romantic weekend in April, when we arrived the view was amazing it really is a lovely hotel.
We were told on arrival that we had been upgraded from a normal room to a suite complementary — the room was amaing and the service excellent. All food was delicious and staff helpful and friendly.
We had views across Cardiff bay.
The spa section of the hotel is tucked away and guests get to use a special lift to get there, it is impeccable kept and of the highest quality.
It is well placed for shop and restaurants.
Wonderful hotel!

Cardiff’s only 5 star hotel, part of Rocco Forte’s new group, not to be confused with the «old» Forte chain which he left a few years ago. This was one of the first developments in the rejuvenated bay area, which now features many, many bars, restuarants & shops. In some respects the heart of Cardiff has returned to this area, so you’re not short of lively nightlife should you want it.
The hotel itself juts like a sail up into the sky on a peninsular overlooking Cardiff bay. From every angle you get a fantastic view of the sea and/​or the marina. The main atrium of the hotel is impressive as all the floors overlook the reception area. Modern & contemporary, all the rooms are kitted out to the highest specification. There’s a hotel restaurant, gym & spa and the place is popular for spa weekends.

Contemporary hotel & spa on the edge of the water in Cardiff; it is located on the waterfront which is still at a development stage, but there is enough around not to feel isolated.
The hotel rooms are modern, stylish and comfortable. Most have a sea view, which is one of the hotel’s best features. The spa is on the small side, but good range of services. The pool is great, except it is indoors only, which seemed a particular shame on a warm sunny day.