Outstanding is a word that I like to use for this Hotel - it sets a great benchmark to all other Hotels in it's class as 4 Star establishment.

I live in Cardiff and it was my 30th Birthday weekend. I booked the hotel over 4 months in advance of my stay. This hotel like so many other hotels in the UK sell their rooms off cheap if you book in advance, i.e. the first 10 rooms at £80 the next 20 rooms at £95 it's simple supply and demand sales and marketing. So, in a nut shell I got 15 rooms for my guests at £79 per room incl. vat and breakfast. As I was taking 15 rooms I got a great discount - this is something that you ought to try if staying in the Hotel and booking in advance.

I decided to stay with my guests at the hotel and was very suprised by the accomadation. It was modern, fantastically designed and in a great location, centrally located to all the bars and clubs but far enough away that your not too affected.

My guest and I made full use of the Spa facilities at the hotel, which were small but comfortable. The staff were friendly, accomadating and more importantly knew what they were doing. The pool was small, more a pool to splash around in than do laps and some serious exercise. The gym was adequate, not a great array of equipment but then I was not there to work out just relax. Business travellers might find it lacking although the facilities may have improved since I stayed.

The drinks are not cheap they are about what I would expect to pay in a facility such as this but the service was outstanding. The bar is great and a fantastic place to meet before you go out and hit the town, but we could have quite happily stayed there all night. My friends and I generally have a cocktail or too before we go out and we have created our own from Vodka and Lemon Sorbet. The Staff were most accomadating an made us our own personal cocktail despite it not being listed and just charged us a nominal amount based on the listed cocktail price.

Breakfast was nothing special, but more than adequate. It's a buffet arrangement with the option to have something made to order if you desire. Breakfast on a Sunday morning is a busy affair so be warned - as you might have to wait a while.

I'm a business traveller and have stayed at 5 Star hotels that are not a scratch on this one. I think that the hotel is modestly rated and suspect that this is a result of there being no car park. You have the option to park your car in the local NCP at a discounted rate, but for a weekend expect to pay £20 and this is pretty much the only downside of this hotel. Check out and check in could have been a little faster with more staff based on the numbers atthe hotel that weekend but overall I was very, very impressed as were my guests.

I would stay here again.

Nice hotel spoilt by noisy street facing rooms. We booked-in prior to hosting an event in one of Civic suite meeting rooms. Unfortunately, the reservations team put us in a street (front) facing rooms opposite Lloyds bar - which even on a Monday night was raving until 4am - making our event all the more challenging with only 3 hours sleep. When we complained we were told to complete a customer satisfaction questionnaire as the hotel was petitioning the council to stop the bar opening all night - so always ask for a room at the back if you want a good night's sleep.

Spacious room and feeling of space in the public areas, both room and public areas elegant modern and pleasing decor, spotless and well maintained. Staff warm courteous and helpful. Perfectly placed for centre of the city. Had a rear room which was quiet in itself (so I cannot comment on the front rooms which give on to a street which will be busy late in the evening). Dinner and lunch each well above average in food, nice wine list at manageable prices, simple modern stylish decor, really willing staff. Bar busy but gives a buzz. The only blemish a rogue fire alarm at 12 midnight repeated on 2 occasions but staff assured me it was a one-off.

My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at this ultra modern hotel, towards the stormy end of January 2008.
It doesn't look much from outside, but it is fantastic inside.
The lobby has a collection of comfortable seats and an unusual and very long fireplace along its length.
The fires were lit and it was a very cosy retreat.
Our room was an executive one on the 4th floor.
It overlooked the rear of the hotel with the magnificent museum building within sight.
(It is worth having a rear room, as the front of the hotel can get a bit noisy due to its proximity to late night bars opposite)
The bed was large enough for 4 people and the room itself was modern and clean.
It had a flat screen TV and a well stocked mini bar.
( Beware - the mini bar is computer controlled and if you move an item out of a tray to look at it, it will register as a purchase)
There was also a two seater setee and a couple of easy chairs.
The ensuite was large with a deep bath and seperate shower.
We were provided with robes and slippers, which all added to that executive feel.
The leisure facilities were great, with a large well equipt gym and treatment area.
The pool is big and finished in metal, a bit odd but well worth using.
We ate in the hotel restaurant on our first night and I can thoroughly recommend the slow cooked lamb shank.
The only drawback with the hotel is that the bar is open to anyone and tends to get full of 'non guests' who appear to try and drink themselves silly before going home from working in the city.
This in itself did not bother us, but it something to consider.
The breakfast was magnificent with lots of choices between 'cooked' and continental. It was also eat as much as you wanted.
Due to the proximity of Cardiff city centre, there are plenty (and I do mean plenty) of other places to eat and drink, within easy walking distance.
(There is a good selection along St Mary's st)
The staff were very friendly and helpful, with information on local sights and transport.
There are a number of bus stops opposite the hotel which allows for cheap transport to Cardiff Bay itself and the Red Dragon Centre.The number 6 is the best bus to take as it has fewer stops.
The buses are clean, safe and have computer displays at some of the bus stops telling you how long you will wait for the next one. (we waited no more than 10 mins)
The Red Dragon Centre is a must for families, with family friendly places to eat, bowling and a cinema.
It also houses the Dr Who exibition.
In conclusion, the Plaza hotel is great (not really for young children though)
Its location and standard of accomodation is perfect for a few days away relaxing.
I would recommend this lovely hotel to couples and groups who want to spend a bit more money to have luxurios surroundings, within easy reach of shops, restaurants, bars and theatres and those that enjoy the freedom to do want they want.
We will certainly be returning as soon as we can.