I stayed at the St David's Hotel for 2 days in March this year. When driving up to the hotel, the first impressions are "Wow!". But once inside it loses that wow factor.

There are weirdly shaped (and not very comfortable) sofas in the atrium that look like they’ve been purchased from Ikea. They look just, well... strange. Nice comfy leather chairs and sofas would be more appealing and welcoming. Although, I may just be showing my age here!

The rooms are very large and mine had an enormous balcony. Unfortunately, there was a Force 10 gale blowing that would have rendered a trip outside extremely hazardous. The bed is huge and very comfy, the room spotlessly clean.

But I had a few disappointments. Despite paying a £100 deposit, the mini bar was totally empty save for two small complimentary bottles of water. These are not replenished the next day, by the way. The TV is a bit dated - no flat screen here - and very small. It’s really just a portable telly.

I wanted a cup of tea, but there was no kettle or tea bags or coffee to be found. No free biscuits... So if you'd like a tea or a coffee, you have to call room service. There was no iron or ironing board - I had to call housekeeping for this. In a 5 star hotel?!?!?!!!

The bathroom was nice enough and very clean but looking a bit dated - a glass shower screen would look better than a shower curtain, surely? There is a bidet in the bathroom and some nice robes and slippers but personally, I'd much prefer to slum it without these and instead have a kettle for some hot drinks, the facility to iron my clothes without harassing a member of staff and a nicely stocked mini bar so I can relax whilst watching my flat screen telly....!

The breakfast was brilliant though - really, really, really good with amazing views of the bay.

And the staff - they are top notch. That's where the 5 star service comes in. Everyone was so professional and polite and nothing was too much trouble.

I'd definitely stay here again but in my humble opinion, the Park Plaza and the Holland House are superior hotels despite a lower star rating

If you want a hotel in Cardiff Bay then this is the place to stay - but it is in desperate need of a good deep clean and refurbishment and I imagine it is only just hanging on to its 5* rating. Also, it is quite expensive, so unless you are going on business and not paying yourself then I'd save the cash and stay somewhere else.

I was lucky enough to be upgraded to a Master Suite - and it was huge. Great views over the bay, nice large windows and a comfy bed, but the kind of room that was probably very fashionable about 5 years ago and is now just a little grotty and a bit worn. As examples, there were red wine stains on the carpet which had not been cleaned up and the curtains were torn and worn where they had been pulled closed. The couches, which were once white, are now rather stained. The balcony's were a bit weathered, but nice that you could go outside.

On the positive side, it is within walking distance of all the restaurants and facilities in Cardiff Bay. I'd recommend getting out of the hotel and down to the Bay for dinner. Breakfast was ok - hot food cooked to order - but nothing to write home about.

A refurbishment is supposedly on its way and if this happens then perhaps St David's will be restored to what clearly used to be a really nice hotel. Until then, stay somewhere in town and catch a cab out to the Bay for the evening.

I reviewed this hotel last year and was not very generous, however after complaining about our stay we were kindly offered another night free of charge, this was for a group of 10.
The second visit was much better, although I still don't believe that it is a 5* Hotel the overall experience was acceptable. The Spa has been given a face lift and was much better and the service at breakfast was impeccable (this had been the major issue). The staff were very polite and attentive and the room very clean. We had a top floor room with a fantastic view across the bay although the television etc could be more modern.
The choice of eating in the bay area is plentiful and of a good standard.
I would be more inclined to recommend the Hotel but still think it is expensive for what you get. Although not if it is free!!

What a great hotel !

Nice modern airy spacious room - overlooking the city.

Fab cocktails in the bar - sipped them outside over looking the bay.

Very nice breakfast - all you could ask for.

Lots of nice restaurants and bars in the bay area - can highly recommend Wagamamas which has just opened - amazing food !

Cardiff is one of the UK's hidden gems - go visit !