The Coal Exchange Hotel
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Summary of reviewsThe Coal Exchange Hotel in Cardiff Bay is widely praised for its exceptional location and unique charm. Located within easy walking distance of key attractions such as the Millennium Centre, Mermaid Quay and various bars, cafes and restaurants, the hotel's historic building blends old-world charm with modern conveniences. Guests frequently highlight the friendly and professional staff, from the receptionists to the breakfast team, who go above and beyond to ensure a warm and welcoming experience. This exceptional service significantly enhances the overall stay with staff often remembered for their personal touches and attentive care.
Dining at The Coal Exchange Hotel is consistently well-regarded, particularly the breakfast, which offers a wide variety of delicious and fresh options. The on-site restaurant, Culley's, also receives accolades for its well-prepared meals and enjoyable atmosphere with guests enjoying everything from high tea to evening meals. Although there are occasional mentions of service hiccups and limited vegetarian options, the overall dining experience remains a standout feature.
The spacious and uniquely decorated rooms are another highlight, often featuring luxurious amenities like jacuzzis and high ceilings. Guests find the beds to be particularly comfortable, contributing to a restful stay. However, some reviews note minor maintenance issues and inconsistencies in cleanliness, such as dusty areas and outdated furniture. Despite these occasional concerns, the historical character and grand architecture of the hotel leave a positive impression.
For families, the hotel is a popular choice, offering spacious accommodations and special touches that enhance the experience for both parents and children. Although some noise from the lively nightlife in Cardiff Bay and occasional safety concerns are mentioned, the hotel's central location remains a key advantage for those looking to explore the area.
Overall, The Coal Exchange Hotel offers a memorable stay with its blend of historic charm, prime location and exceptional service. While there are minor areas for improvement, particularly in terms of Wi-Fi reliability and occasional maintenance issues, the positive aspects far outweigh these concerns, making it a recommended destination for visitors to Cardiff Bay.
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Dining at The Coal Exchange Hotel is consistently well-regarded, particularly the breakfast, which offers a wide variety of delicious and fresh options. The on-site restaurant, Culley's, also receives accolades for its well-prepared meals and enjoyable atmosphere with guests enjoying everything from high tea to evening meals. Although there are occasional mentions of service hiccups and limited vegetarian options, the overall dining experience remains a standout feature.
The spacious and uniquely decorated rooms are another highlight, often featuring luxurious amenities like jacuzzis and high ceilings. Guests find the beds to be particularly comfortable, contributing to a restful stay. However, some reviews note minor maintenance issues and inconsistencies in cleanliness, such as dusty areas and outdated furniture. Despite these occasional concerns, the historical character and grand architecture of the hotel leave a positive impression.
For families, the hotel is a popular choice, offering spacious accommodations and special touches that enhance the experience for both parents and children. Although some noise from the lively nightlife in Cardiff Bay and occasional safety concerns are mentioned, the hotel's central location remains a key advantage for those looking to explore the area.
Overall, The Coal Exchange Hotel offers a memorable stay with its blend of historic charm, prime location and exceptional service. While there are minor areas for improvement, particularly in terms of Wi-Fi reliability and occasional maintenance issues, the positive aspects far outweigh these concerns, making it a recommended destination for visitors to Cardiff Bay.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Coal Exchange Hotel in Cardiff Bay receives high praise for its exceptional location, making it a top choice for those visiting the area. Positioned within easy walking distance of the Millennium Centre, Mermaid Quay and numerous bars, cafes and restaurants, it offers guests convenience and accessibility. The hotel's historic building also garners admiration, blending old-world charm with modern amenities.
Guests frequently highlight the short stroll to Cardiff Bay's attractions and the proximity to transport links, including trains and water taxis, which provide easy access to the city center and other parts of Cardiff. In addition to its prime location, the hotel is noted for its friendly staff and cleanliness.
The breakfast at The Coal Exchange Hotel receives consistent acclaim with a wide variety of options that guests find delicious and plentiful. Although some reviews mention minor inconveniences like bins without liners or noise from nearby streets, these are generally overshadowed by the positive aspects.
The hotel's large, well-appointment rooms, some featuring luxury touches like jet baths and jacuzzis, contribute to a comfortable stay. Overall, The Coal Exchange Hotel's strategic positioning and rich history make it an ideal choice for exploring Cardiff Bay and its vibrant surroundings.
The Coal Exchange Hotel is frequently praised for its exceptional breakfast offerings. Guests consistently describe breakfast as amazing, superb and brilliant. The buffet-style setup receives high marks for its quality, variety and freshness with many noting the abundance of choice available, including traditional full English and a variety of continental options.
The food quality with fresh and hot items, is often highlighted as being particularly good. Diners appreciate the well-cooked dishes and the fact that everything is regularly replenished. The breakfast venue itself, described as spectacular, also enhances the dining experience, offering a pleasant and stylish atmosphere for the morning meal.
Helpful and attentive breakfast staff add to the positive experience, ensuring that guests feel well-cared-for. Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are occasional mentions of areas for improvement such as limited vegetarian options and some items not being up to expectations.
Overall, guests seem to thoroughly enjoy their breakfast at the hotel, highlighting it as a standout feature of their stay.
The dining experiences at The Coal Exchange Hotel are a highlight for many guests with numerous reviews praising the quality and taste of the food. The on-site restaurant, Culley's, receives frequent commendations for its delicious and well-prepared meals, from breakfast to dinner. Guests particularly enjoyed the high tea, bottomless brunch and specific menu items like the fish and chips, bara brith bread, butter pudding bon bons and various evening meals.
The breakfast service is consistently described as excellent, offering good value and a satisfying start to the day. Guests found the dining area's ambiance to be pleasant and the staff accommodating and attentive, contributing to an overall positive dining experience.
However, a few guests mentioned some downsides, such as the restaurant closing earlier than expected, occasional slow service and some disappointing dishes. Despite these minor setbacks, the majority of reviews reflect satisfaction with the dining options, emphasizing the high standard of the food and the enjoyable atmosphere of the restaurant and bar facilities.
Overall, dining at The Coal Exchange Hotel is generally well-regarded, making it a recommended experience when staying at this historic venue.
Nestled within a historic building, The Coal Exchange Hotel offers rooms that primarily impress with their spaciousness and unique charm. Guests frequently noted the ample size of the rooms, many of which come with the bonus of a luxurious jacuzzi bath. The decor of the rooms ranges from quirky to beautiful, featuring stylish and unique aesthetics that stand out from typical hotel offerings. High ceilings, large windows and tasteful furnishings add to the rooms' appeal, making for a visually pleasing and comfortable stay.
Despite the positive remarks about room size and decor, some maintenance issues were raised, such as dusty areas, worn furniture and occasional musty smells. A few guests felt the rooms were too dark and some mentioned that more attention to cleanliness is needed. The building's grand architecture and historical character were highlighted as significant plus points, contributing to a memorable lodging experience.
Comfort is another common theme in the reviews with many guests praising the large, comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. The addition of features such as whirlpool baths and rainfall showers enhances the overall appeal. However, issues like inconsistent room quality and the need for better upkeep were mentioned with some guests experiencing problems such as non-working TVs, musty smells and inadequate lighting.
Overall, The Coal Exchange Hotel seems to strike a balance between impressive historical charm and needing a touch of modern TLC. For those seeking a unique stay with ample space and quirky decor, this hotel offers a compelling choice, but potential guests should note minor issues with cleanliness and maintenance.
The Coal Exchange Hotel garners mixed reviews regarding the comfort and size of their beds with a clear tilt towards positive experiences. Guests frequently describe the beds as very comfortable with some even noting extremes like "super comfortable beds" and "the most comfortable beds." Multiple reviews highlight the presence of large, king-size beds that provide great comfort. Many found the beds to be incredibly cozy, offering a restful night's sleep and praising the ample availability of pillows.
However, there are recurring mentions of smaller bed sizes, particularly double beds, which some guests found inadequate for two people. While the comfort level of the mattresses generally received praise, the size and firmness were often points of contention. A few isolated comments pointed out issues like dirty linens, stains or a bed appearing smelly, which detracted from the overall comfort for some.
In summary, while the comfort of the beds at The Coal Exchange Hotel is frequently commended, the size of the beds, particularly the smaller doubles, is a notable downside for some guests.
The Coal Exchange Hotel offers a mix of experiences regarding cleanliness, revealing both commendable and less satisfactory insights. The spacious rooms are frequently praised for being clean and highlighting features like comfortable beds and Jacuzzi baths, elevating the guest experience. Many reviewers found their accommodations to be clean with tidy, well-maintained interiors and spotless communal areas.
However, there are notable concerns mentioned by guests that point to inconsistency in the hotel's housekeeping standards. Numerous reviews mention areas that were dusty, such as bedside tables, headboards, carpets and even bathrooms. There were recurring reports of stained carpets, dirty mirrors and moldy bathroom tiles that detracted from the overall ambiance. Instances of rooms not being cleaned properly before guests' arrival were also highlighted with some guests discovering remnants from previous occupants such as hair or dirty marks.
While some visitors praised the hotel's overall aesthetic and cleanliness, others found faults like marks on bathroom fixtures, musty smells and evidence of poor maintenance. Given the mix, prospective guests might find their stay at The Coal Exchange Hotel a gamble between clean, spacious rooms and potentially encountering lapses in cleanliness that could affect their comfort.
The overwhelming consensus from guest reviews of The Coal Exchange Hotel highlights the exceptional quality of the staff. Visitors repeatedly emphasize the friendliness and eagerness of the staff to please, which significantly enhances the guest experience. Receptionists, bar staff and breakfast staff alike are frequently described as welcoming, helpful and professional. Their readiness to address specific guest needs, such as special anniversary requests and accommodating dietary requirements, is highly praised.
Guests particularly appreciate the attentive and personal touches, such as being addressed by first name and receiving birthday cards, which contribute to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Despite occasional mentions of minor service hiccups, like the occasional inattentive night staff, the general sentiment is highly positive. Guests are quick to commend the efficiency and knowledgeability of the staff, along with their ability to make each stay memorable.
Additionally, the staff’s pride in the hotel's rich history and their polite demeanor stand out. Whether it’s the reception manager listening to feedback professionally or housekeeping maintaining high standards, the staff’s commitment to exceptional service is apparent. The favorable interactions leave many guests eager to return with several noting that the staff alone make the hotel worth recommending.
Overall, the staff at The Coal Exchange Hotel play a pivotal role in delivering an excellent customer experience, characterized by their warm hospitality, responsiveness and consistent professionalism.
The WiFi experience at The Coal Exchange Hotel has been a mixed bag, predominantly highlighting areas for improvement. Numerous reviews point to issues such as weak signals, inconsistent connectivity and trouble getting the WiFi to work effectively in the rooms. Some guests reported that the WiFi didn't reach their rooms at all, while others mentioned slow or intermittent connections which made it challenging to stay online. However, amidst these criticisms, a few positive notes emerged about the WiFi working fine in central areas of the hotel and occasionally in some rooms. Although some found the WiFi adequate for basic tasks, the general consensus suggests that The Coal Exchange Hotel needs to make significant improvements to provide a more reliable internet experience for its guests.
The Coal Exchange Hotel in Cardiff stands out as a popular choice for families, offering a variety of amenities that cater to both parents and children. Reviews highlight the hotel's spacious family rooms, which are perfect for active kids and larger families, including those with two adults and multiple children. One particularly notable feature is the huge jacuzzi bath, which children seemed to adore.
Guests often celebrate special occasions like birthdays at the hotel with the ambiance and special touches, such as spa baths and party bags for children, enhancing the experience. Staff receive praise for being accommodating and helpful with family-specific queries, contributing to a pleasant stay.
Despite a few critiques, such as noise from outside trucks and occasional issues with room views, the overall sentiment is that the hotel provides a comfortable and family-friendly environment. It's noted as an ideal spot for family gatherings with amenities like a pool adding to the enjoyment. The location is also appreciated, making it a convenient choice for family stays in the city.
In conclusion, The Coal Exchange Hotel offers a welcoming and enjoyable experience for families, contributing to memorable stays with its spacious rooms, attentive staff and family-oriented facilities.
The Coal Exchange Hotel is ideally situated for those looking for a vibrant nightlife experience in Cardiff Bay. Its prime location places guests within easy walking distance of numerous bars, pubs and restaurants. The historic buildings and overall character of the area add a unique charm to nights out.
However, potential guests should note the lively atmosphere may come with some downsides. Noise from nearby pubs, live bands and corporate events can extend into the early hours, which could be disturbing for those seeking a quieter stay. Safety concerns have been raised by some about the neighborhood, particularly when walking back late at night, so caution is advised. Additionally, the lack of soundproofing in rooms may amplify the noise from ongoing activities inside and outside the hotel.
Despite these concerns, the hotel's proximity to nightlife venues makes it a convenient choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in the vibrant scene of Cardiff Bay. Whether it's for a couple of drinks or enjoying the overall buzzing atmosphere, The Coal Exchange Hotel remains a great spot for a night out in the Bay.
The Coal Exchange Hotel offers an intriguing stay with its architecturally amazing and classically interesting building. This three-star hotel stands out due to its genuinely amazing staff, who contribute significantly to the overall positive experience. Guests appreciate the comfortable rooms, which are consistently described as lovely, clean and well-maintained. The breakfast receives praise for its quality and value, making mornings at the hotel pleasant and satisfying.
Despite the positive aspects, some areas could use improvement. WiFi speed is universally noted as slow and better lighting and larger rooms are often requested. The public areas are described as a little drab and the hotel itself is considered a bit worn and in need of some tender loving care. Noise from corridors and external sources also occasionally disturbs the otherwise comfortable ambiance.
Although the hotel lacks its own parking facilities, a discount at a nearby car park is available. Some guests experienced a few service hitches like undisclosed bar and restaurant closures and insufficient bathroom amenities. Minor cleanliness issues such as dust and stains were noted but did not overwhelmingly detract from the overall value.
In conclusion, The Coal Exchange Hotel provides excellent value for money within its price category, delivering satisfactory three-star service that aligns well with expectations. Guests leave with mostly positive sentiments, thanks to the wonderful staff, good breakfast and the overall charm of the historic building.
The Coal Exchange Hotel emerges as an exceptional destination for honeymooners and special occasions with frequent mentions in guest reviews highlighting its suitability for romantic stays. The hotel consistently receives high praises for its beautiful atmosphere and romantic ambiance. An amazing honeymoon location, many guests appreciated their perfect honeymoon stay and noted the atmosphere as ideal for a relaxed and affectionate escape.
Guests frequently mention the delightful in-room amenities that elevate the experience, such as the spacious rooms, enormous and comfortable king-size beds and especially the Jacuzzi baths, which are praised multiples times for being perfect for romantic escapes. Additionally, the Bridal Suite, when upgraded, added an excellent touch to the guests' stay with its luxurious features like the spa bath and the discreet addition of a bottle of prosecco for celebrations.
Although there were minor mentions of noise from outside, the good heavy curtains across secondary glazed sash windows helped keep out the light, extending the enjoyable honeymoon nights for guests. Overall, the reviews suggest that whether for a quick trip, a family gathering or a special honeymoon escape, The Coal Exchange Hotel stands out as a wonderful choice, leaving guests with a wish they could have stayed longer.
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Location
Guests frequently highlight the short stroll to Cardiff Bay's attractions and the proximity to transport links, including trains and water taxis, which provide easy access to the city center and other parts of Cardiff. In addition to its prime location, the hotel is noted for its friendly staff and cleanliness.
The breakfast at The Coal Exchange Hotel receives consistent acclaim with a wide variety of options that guests find delicious and plentiful. Although some reviews mention minor inconveniences like bins without liners or noise from nearby streets, these are generally overshadowed by the positive aspects.
The hotel's large, well-appointment rooms, some featuring luxury touches like jet baths and jacuzzis, contribute to a comfortable stay. Overall, The Coal Exchange Hotel's strategic positioning and rich history make it an ideal choice for exploring Cardiff Bay and its vibrant surroundings.
Breakfast
The food quality with fresh and hot items, is often highlighted as being particularly good. Diners appreciate the well-cooked dishes and the fact that everything is regularly replenished. The breakfast venue itself, described as spectacular, also enhances the dining experience, offering a pleasant and stylish atmosphere for the morning meal.
Helpful and attentive breakfast staff add to the positive experience, ensuring that guests feel well-cared-for. Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, there are occasional mentions of areas for improvement such as limited vegetarian options and some items not being up to expectations.
Overall, guests seem to thoroughly enjoy their breakfast at the hotel, highlighting it as a standout feature of their stay.
Dinner
The breakfast service is consistently described as excellent, offering good value and a satisfying start to the day. Guests found the dining area's ambiance to be pleasant and the staff accommodating and attentive, contributing to an overall positive dining experience.
However, a few guests mentioned some downsides, such as the restaurant closing earlier than expected, occasional slow service and some disappointing dishes. Despite these minor setbacks, the majority of reviews reflect satisfaction with the dining options, emphasizing the high standard of the food and the enjoyable atmosphere of the restaurant and bar facilities.
Overall, dining at The Coal Exchange Hotel is generally well-regarded, making it a recommended experience when staying at this historic venue.
Rooms
Despite the positive remarks about room size and decor, some maintenance issues were raised, such as dusty areas, worn furniture and occasional musty smells. A few guests felt the rooms were too dark and some mentioned that more attention to cleanliness is needed. The building's grand architecture and historical character were highlighted as significant plus points, contributing to a memorable lodging experience.
Comfort is another common theme in the reviews with many guests praising the large, comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. The addition of features such as whirlpool baths and rainfall showers enhances the overall appeal. However, issues like inconsistent room quality and the need for better upkeep were mentioned with some guests experiencing problems such as non-working TVs, musty smells and inadequate lighting.
Overall, The Coal Exchange Hotel seems to strike a balance between impressive historical charm and needing a touch of modern TLC. For those seeking a unique stay with ample space and quirky decor, this hotel offers a compelling choice, but potential guests should note minor issues with cleanliness and maintenance.
Beds
However, there are recurring mentions of smaller bed sizes, particularly double beds, which some guests found inadequate for two people. While the comfort level of the mattresses generally received praise, the size and firmness were often points of contention. A few isolated comments pointed out issues like dirty linens, stains or a bed appearing smelly, which detracted from the overall comfort for some.
In summary, while the comfort of the beds at The Coal Exchange Hotel is frequently commended, the size of the beds, particularly the smaller doubles, is a notable downside for some guests.
Cleanliness
However, there are notable concerns mentioned by guests that point to inconsistency in the hotel's housekeeping standards. Numerous reviews mention areas that were dusty, such as bedside tables, headboards, carpets and even bathrooms. There were recurring reports of stained carpets, dirty mirrors and moldy bathroom tiles that detracted from the overall ambiance. Instances of rooms not being cleaned properly before guests' arrival were also highlighted with some guests discovering remnants from previous occupants such as hair or dirty marks.
While some visitors praised the hotel's overall aesthetic and cleanliness, others found faults like marks on bathroom fixtures, musty smells and evidence of poor maintenance. Given the mix, prospective guests might find their stay at The Coal Exchange Hotel a gamble between clean, spacious rooms and potentially encountering lapses in cleanliness that could affect their comfort.
Staff
Guests particularly appreciate the attentive and personal touches, such as being addressed by first name and receiving birthday cards, which contribute to creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Despite occasional mentions of minor service hiccups, like the occasional inattentive night staff, the general sentiment is highly positive. Guests are quick to commend the efficiency and knowledgeability of the staff, along with their ability to make each stay memorable.
Additionally, the staff’s pride in the hotel's rich history and their polite demeanor stand out. Whether it’s the reception manager listening to feedback professionally or housekeeping maintaining high standards, the staff’s commitment to exceptional service is apparent. The favorable interactions leave many guests eager to return with several noting that the staff alone make the hotel worth recommending.
Overall, the staff at The Coal Exchange Hotel play a pivotal role in delivering an excellent customer experience, characterized by their warm hospitality, responsiveness and consistent professionalism.
Wi-Fi
Family
Guests often celebrate special occasions like birthdays at the hotel with the ambiance and special touches, such as spa baths and party bags for children, enhancing the experience. Staff receive praise for being accommodating and helpful with family-specific queries, contributing to a pleasant stay.
Despite a few critiques, such as noise from outside trucks and occasional issues with room views, the overall sentiment is that the hotel provides a comfortable and family-friendly environment. It's noted as an ideal spot for family gatherings with amenities like a pool adding to the enjoyment. The location is also appreciated, making it a convenient choice for family stays in the city.
In conclusion, The Coal Exchange Hotel offers a welcoming and enjoyable experience for families, contributing to memorable stays with its spacious rooms, attentive staff and family-oriented facilities.
Nightlife
However, potential guests should note the lively atmosphere may come with some downsides. Noise from nearby pubs, live bands and corporate events can extend into the early hours, which could be disturbing for those seeking a quieter stay. Safety concerns have been raised by some about the neighborhood, particularly when walking back late at night, so caution is advised. Additionally, the lack of soundproofing in rooms may amplify the noise from ongoing activities inside and outside the hotel.
Despite these concerns, the hotel's proximity to nightlife venues makes it a convenient choice for those wanting to immerse themselves in the vibrant scene of Cardiff Bay. Whether it's for a couple of drinks or enjoying the overall buzzing atmosphere, The Coal Exchange Hotel remains a great spot for a night out in the Bay.
3 Star
Despite the positive aspects, some areas could use improvement. WiFi speed is universally noted as slow and better lighting and larger rooms are often requested. The public areas are described as a little drab and the hotel itself is considered a bit worn and in need of some tender loving care. Noise from corridors and external sources also occasionally disturbs the otherwise comfortable ambiance.
Although the hotel lacks its own parking facilities, a discount at a nearby car park is available. Some guests experienced a few service hitches like undisclosed bar and restaurant closures and insufficient bathroom amenities. Minor cleanliness issues such as dust and stains were noted but did not overwhelmingly detract from the overall value.
In conclusion, The Coal Exchange Hotel provides excellent value for money within its price category, delivering satisfactory three-star service that aligns well with expectations. Guests leave with mostly positive sentiments, thanks to the wonderful staff, good breakfast and the overall charm of the historic building.
Honeymoon
Guests frequently mention the delightful in-room amenities that elevate the experience, such as the spacious rooms, enormous and comfortable king-size beds and especially the Jacuzzi baths, which are praised multiples times for being perfect for romantic escapes. Additionally, the Bridal Suite, when upgraded, added an excellent touch to the guests' stay with its luxurious features like the spa bath and the discreet addition of a bottle of prosecco for celebrations.
Although there were minor mentions of noise from outside, the good heavy curtains across secondary glazed sash windows helped keep out the light, extending the enjoyable honeymoon nights for guests. Overall, the reviews suggest that whether for a quick trip, a family gathering or a special honeymoon escape, The Coal Exchange Hotel stands out as a wonderful choice, leaving guests with a wish they could have stayed longer.
No, The Coal Exchange Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Coal Exchange Hotel.
No, The Coal Exchange Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Coal Exchange Hotel.
No, The Coal Exchange Hotel doesn't have a gym.
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