Imagine executive suites, three course meals with champagne, and white-washed saunas – the Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa is one of the most luxe hotels in the city.
Having just returned from a gorgeous hostel stay, I’ll be the first to admit that my mindset in regards to travel accommodation used to be that they’re just places to rest, and can be as low-quality as they like. After all, I have stayed in rotting rooms in Dublin, pest-swarmed hotels just out of Istanbul, and windowless holes in Warsaw – and couldn’t have cared less. Or at least, that was until I decided to lay down in a luxury hotel, having been swept in with the promise of spa treatments and a panoramic view of the capital.
Trailing a room with windows thrice as long as the super-king-sized bed, with my own dining area and large nude-coloured washroom with a deep-set tub and glass shower, I had stepped into a world unimaginably different to what I was used to. Laying back in my armchair with the option of pastries and desserts brought to the door, I felt like I could happily spend my days exploring the chambers of the hotel – if only I could summon the intent to leave the room.
The rules of day-to-day life seem to disappear upon entrance to the hotel – think mid-morning cocktails in the luxury lounge and casual dips to the Hammam. Arise greeted by charming staff serving breakfast sourced from local farmers, located less than five minutes away from the main shopping district. Easy city links surpass the hotel, with the calm pace of Welsh life awaiting the front door step.
Everyone knows that I’m inexplicably in love with Wales, and so it’s no question that the capital is one of my favourite places to venture to. The bustle of city life intertwines with the laid-back nature of the country, and comes together in a mix of welcoming locals, endless places to explore, and Welsh cakes. The hotel is located within easy travel distance to Cardiff Castle, the Wales Millennium Centre, and Cardiff Bay – and for any Gavin and Stacey lovers out there, a trip to Barry Island is not off the table.
The hotel restaurant is an expert in “bistronomy” – French fine dining with an unpretentious twist. The casual atmosphere and waiters with a genuine interest in their guests renders a dining experience that is worth more than just food – and with luxe decor and design, every aspect of taste is catered to.
I would arise each morning swathed in pristine bedsheets with the sun falling on me through the silky blinds, opening my eyes to the Victorian architecture and early-risers bustling outside. How would I begin each day – a trip to the spa, a dip in the pool, a French breakfast brought to the dining area of my room?
Starting with the base rate of £97 per night, the Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa makes a luxe stay affordable. The spacious rooms, Jacuzzis, and opulent room service are features I have missed out on during so many trips away, but my opinion has now definitely been altered.
Now, over to you guys – what’s your mindset on hotels? Do you think you could ever be swayed? Let me know in the comments below!
To find out more about some of the best ways to spend a weekend in Cardiff, check out my friend Amber’s post on her recent trip to the city!
Dang, that’s only a little higher than normal hotel room prices in the U.S (unless one-bed rooms are a lot cheaper than two-bed rooms). Judging by your descriptions, I think the standards might be higher over here for room quality (though I haven’t stayed in too many motels, mainly hotels and the like). That sounds like a pretty cool deal, the stay and the location. That boeuf and haricots verts look really good. Or are those asparagus spears? I don’t know the French word for asparagus, haha.
It looks great and luxorious! I’d love to stay in this kind of hotel at least once in my life haha
Ahhh this looks amazing! Definitely would love to do a getaway like this!
Also, you commented on my blog asking how I edit my photos and I used Lightroom! Definitely makes such a huge difference!
The Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa looks and sounds like my kind of hotel. I did the hostel thing when traveling during my college days and it was fun. Nowadays when my husband and I travel we definitely book luxe accommodations for both comfort and ease of mind. We also like lots of amenities ;p
Oh this sounds and looks so luxurious and you are right $127 is very affordable. Surprisingly so for such a high end hotel. Love your snaps too! Just lovely.
meraviglioso hotel *_*
This Mercure Holland House Hotel and Spa does look like so glam and lux! The views are amazing. That view from the widow….wow, what a panorama. The widows are huge! I love to gaze through windows, I adore the bird perspective view, so I know I would just love this hotel. The decor is stunning. I’m sure it is such a beautiful and lux place to stay in. The food looks yummy….I understand your dilemma about how to start your day upon waking up there, with so many fab possibilities, I would feel that way as well. The price is really really affordable. I worked in a hotel, and this is a great price for such a high end hotel and the excellent service offered. You look lovely btw. Great shots.
Thank you Ivana 🙂 The windows were honestly the best bit of it for me, coming back to university accommodation with my small windows has delivered quite the contrast :’)
this hotel looks very very exclusive and nice
Hello Amy, hope you’re having a nice week!
Love to see that your blog is a mix of many things and experiences but all related with travel issues, it is like a magazine 😀 All the photos makes me wanna book a few nights in Mercure Holland House, can’t believe the cost… 127 bucks for one night actually is very affordable for all the attentions and details you had.
All the best, dear!
Pablo, I always love your comments! Thank you so much haha, one day 😉
It looks really gorgeous there! I love the view, and the food looks really good.
What a fabulous hotel!!! Looks like you had the best time <3
xo, Allie
¡¡Hola Amy!! Siempre que viajamos lo hacemos por lo menos en un hotel de tres estrellas, para intentar garantizar unos mínimos de higiene y que el desayuno sea decente. Aunque me adaptaría perfectamente a un hotel de peor calidad, siempre y cuando tuviera un cuarto de baño propio y no tener que compartir con el resto de habitaciones, eso si que no. Pero, a lo que me adaptaría sin duda, es a un buen hotel, ja, ja, sin problemas. A lo bueno nos adaptamos siempre mucho mejor que a lo malo. No me importarían que me mimaran todo lo que quisieran. Besitos.
Everything look so nice in this hotel 🙂
This looks incredible. I would love to stay here!
That hotel looks lovely and the food divine! Amazing view!
xx Simone
That place sounds lovely 🙂
I love luxe hotels and this sounds amazing!!!
I think it depends on why I travel. If I travel for exploring and adventure, I don’t mind the quality, but for city trips or to unwind I am easily swayed by the promise of spas and luxury.
Its look amazing! Happy you❤
This hotel looks stunning and WOW does that food look delicious! Gorgeous photos, you captured it so beautifully!