CARDIFF & THE SOUTH OF WALES - England 2012 and the Best of Wales - page 688

GAY CLUBS
Exit Club, 48 Charles St. ( & 029/2064-0102; www.exitclubcardiff.com), is the
city's longest-running gay club, with DJs 7 days a week for almost 20 years. At week-
ends it expands to two floors, split between pop and dance music, and there is also a
beer garden. Prices vary. The club is open from 10pm until 2am, to 4am on Friday
and 6am Saturday. Club X, 35 Charles St. ( & 07523/904775; www.clubxcardiff.
net) is the Exit's main contender with DJs playing house, club classics, and elec-
tronica. It's open Friday to Sunday until 6am; entry is free before 10pm, then £10.
Where to Stay
EXPENSIVE
Barceló Cardiff Angel Hotel The elegant Victorian Angel Hotel, across from
Cardiff Castle, was the place to stay in South Wales when it was first built. Over the
years, it has attracted everybody from Greta Garbo to the Beatles to prime ministers.
The Angel is still good—and it has regained some of its old prestige following a res-
toration. It's a world of neo-Doric decor, trompe l'oeil ceilings, Waterford crystal
chandeliers, and hand-stippled faux-marble columns. As befits a hotel of this age, its
guest rooms come in a wide variety of styles and sizes.
Castle St., Cardiff CF10 1SZ. www.barcelo-hotels.co.uk. & 029/2064-9200. Fax [phone]
units. £65-£200 double; £125-£300 suite. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking £5. Amenities: Restaurant; bar and
lounge; babysitting; concierge; room service. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (£12 per 24 hr.).
Hilton This is a delightful, friendly, and modern place in a perfect posi-
tion across the road from the castle and museum, and around the corner from the
shops. The rooms are large, sleek-but-comfy, and many have fantastic views. The
stainless-steel swimming pool is a joy. The Razzi restaurant, serving modern British
and Welsh cuisine (such as salt-marsh lamb with bubble and squeak), spills out into
a glass extension opposite the castle, and manages to be both sophisticated and child-
friendly, with an excellent children's menu.
Kingsway, Cardiff CF10 3HH. www.hilton.co.uk/cardiff. & 029/2064-9200. 197 units. £99-£350 dou-
ble; £159-£850 suite. AE, DC, MC, V. Valet parking £17. Amenities: Restaurant; 2 bars; room service;
pool; gym; sauna; shop. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (£15 per 24 hr.).
St. David's Hotel & Spa The iconic new face of Cardiff Bay is a styl-
ish landmark on a promontory giving it watery views from every room. The glass
atrium on the inside is as impressive as the sail-like roof. And there's five-star service
to match. The rooms are big, stylishly furnished in a pale, interesting way, and have
floor-to-ceiling windows leading on to balconies. The Marine Spa has been voted one
of Britain's best, and there's a glorious pool. The Tempus bar and restaurant is a
place for a sea-view cocktail, afternoon tea, or a meal, while the Tides Grill offers
alfresco dining.
Havannah St., Cardiff Bay, Cardiff CF10 5SD. www.thestdavidshotel.com. & 029/2045-4045.
Fax [phone] units. £119-£190 double; £169-£570 suite. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking £8. Ameni-
ties: 2 restaurants; bar; babysitting; concierge; exercise room; indoor heated pool; room service; spa.
In room: A/C, TV/DVD/CD player (in some), hair dryer, minibar.
MODERATE
Jolyons Hotel This former seamen's lodge on Cardiff Bay's oldest terrace
has been turned into a delightful boutique hotel. There are only a few bedrooms,
each individually furnished. The place is modern and stylish inside, but with a rustic,

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