Cardiff is the New London: Jolyon's Boutique Hotel

February 26, 2008 at 9:46 AM | 1 Comment

We're always a bit dubious about hotels that advertise themselves blatantly as a 'Boutique Hotel', as the Jolyon's Boutique Hotel does. We were a bit dubious about this one as we approached and saw the also-advertised 'beer garden', which was a small backyard area with a saggy sofa in one corner looking out onto a building site.

But we take it back - the tiny 6-room Jolyon's makes the grade in the fledgling Cardiff hotel scene, partly for its ever-present smiley owner, partly for its cute downstairs bar, and partly for its top location by Cardiff Bay.

It's a bit of a stretch to call Jolyon's a 'Boutique Hotel', but we'll let it off. In Cardiff, at the moment at least, it's the closest to boutique you'll get.

A Smile is Worth a Thousand Words
The Jolyon's biggest selling point, as most reviews agree and as we found, is its owner. A tall man with wild black hair and a wide smile, he opened the hotel just over three years ago and is always hanging about the place bantering with guests.

Allegedly he cooks breakfast himself. He definitely serves at the bar himself (and serves himself at the same time).

'Cuddle' Bar
The Cwtch bar ('Cuddle' bar in Welsh) is a tiny downstairs affair, with a fire in one corner and sofas and wooden furniture scattered over the place. The bar staff are trendy but friendly and the drinks are top quality without being top prices.

The place doubles as a breakfast room, and you'll get a proper Welsh breakfast (if you're queasy about meat and fat content, don't ask) cooked to order and included in the rates.

Nightlife
The Cwtch bar is rapidly becoming part of Cardiff's nightlife scene, although they'll have to sort the 'beer garden' out before summer arrives. In any case, the Jolyon's location is superb, right near the bay with all its bars and restaurants and shops, and steps from the Opera House and other attractions.

Rates
Book early to get one of the six rooms, especially if you want one with a whirlpool bath. Rates depend wildly on availability and time of year, so call up the owner and smile down the phone for a discount. Average price is around £100 ($200) for a double for a night including breakfast.

Tags: Cardiff Hotels / Wales Hotels / Boutique Hotels / Monica Guy

by femmefatale

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