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Holm House sits in prime position on Marine Parade in this quiet and affluent area just ten minutes from Cardiff city centre. The footprint and DNA of the original property has been transformed into something with contemporary chic and flair. Behind it’s handsome façade lies a hotel of residential elegance befitting its heritage and the 20th century expectations of sophisticated travellers. We invite you to experience the genuine warmth and intelligence of our service, as well as the luxury and attention to detail you’ll find throughout the property. Holm House is designed to ensure you relax, unwind, enjoy the seaside location, and feel completely at home.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Modern
Trendy
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Holm House Marine Parade, Penarth CF64 3BG Wales
Holm House
637 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
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My wife’s 50th birthday was yesterday and I have been planning this stay for 15 people throughout the Covid lockdown. The hotel have been extremely helpful during that time, updating me when they could with any developments. When hotels could finally reopen, Holm House opted to open on weekends only for the restaurant and bar. Our visit was for a Tuesday night and the hotel were fantastic in allowing us to continue with my booking of 6 rooms, at a discount of 15% for a large booking. They also ensured the restaurant, bar and garden was exclusively for us, due to COVID restrictions, which was wonderful. Customer service has been great before and during our stay, particularly from Dan, Klaudia and the bar staff. The drinks were lovely, great lager and cider on draught, wonderful cocktails, all enjoyed in beautiful weather on the lovely gardens overlooking the sea. The meal was stunning, as always. Bedrooms are lovely, plush, modern and very clean. A massive thank you to everyone at Holm House for your part in making my wife’s birthday so memorable.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Booked the midweek breakfast and spa package for my partner and I, for a day off treat!
When we arrived we were greeted by a friendly member of staff who showed us straight into the breakfast area which was lovely and bright and perfect for breakfast!
The great service continued and we had a lovely breakfast! Plenty of fresh food and coffee!
We then made our way to the spa facility ready for our treatment. I have to say considering the establishment; the spa left a lot to be desired. No one was there to greet us, and on first impressions the smell of damp and mould along with scruffy paint work was not great!
Not being a negative person I decided to look past it. When someone arrived they then showed us to the changing rooms, which meant we had to walk through the pool area which wasn’t great! Luckily no one was using it as this would of spoilt their relaxing experience of people traipsing through with their bags and shoes on!!!
The whole area was soaking wet and smelt of damp! The ceiling was falling apart due to the damp, and the lights weren’t working and some were being held on by tape! I was genuinely quite shocked at the state of it.
I carried on to the changing rooms to find that it was one tiny room with one toilet one little dressing table one hairdryer but yet 4/5 lockers. Luckily it was only me there, but leaving the spa there were another 3 ladies so I decided not to shower and rushed to get changed as I knew there would be no room for us all, as I found it a struggle with just me in there anyways. We used the pool after our treatment which wasn’t great; and the steam room again smelt like Damp was wasn’t even hot! When we went to collect our stuff from the lounger in the pool it was soaking due to the ceiling dripping. There was no way you could enjoy sitting down on a wet bed, and don’t even think about bringing a book etc as it would get ruined. I know you are to expect some condensation in a pool area but this was a lot. As you can see photos below! The relaxation room where you can wait for treatment was a little better but having to drink out of paper cups and the room being heated by a plug in electric heater on the floor, didn’t feel like a 5* spa experience.
I have to say the saving grace of the experience was Scot, the gentleman who gave us our treatment. This was hands down the best treatment I have had in a long time! So knowledgable and amazing at what he does! He is the only reason I left thinking I’m glad I booked it.
It’s such a shame as I would return in a heartbeat because of the breakfast and treatment but wouldn’t bother with the facilities next time, as it was such an unpleasant experience.
The three stars are one for breakfast, one for the service and one for the treatment!
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Date of stay: February 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Visited as part of a group of ten for afternoon tea to celebrate two birthdays. Unfortunately left bitterly disappointed by a number of events but the poor customer service topped it off.
Tea brought out but had to wait another ten minutes (and two requests) for milk and teaspoons.
Two cups had to be sent back as they were dirty.
Only tea and coffee offered for 11 year old. Was told that hot chocolate could be purchased as an extra. No childrens afternoon tea offered either even though when booking I was asked how many children would be visiting. Ended up paying £18.50 for an adults version that was pretty much untouched.
Dietary requirement of no butter/margarine on sandwiches for one adult ignored even though when the food was being brought out the waitress was asked which sandwiches didn't have butter on and the response was that they were the ones still in the kitchen (of which there were two servings)... which ultimately arrived with spread of some description on.
All of this would probably have just been dismissed if it wasn't for the poor customer service when asking why all sandwiches had butter on them. Initially told that no dietary requirements had been specified and that the kitchen were unable to remake the sandwiches as they are made 24 hours in advance!! Following the booking confirmation being shown, was then told by a manager that it wasn't butter on the sandwiches but vegan spread. Manager stood at the table for a good few minutes arguing that it was my fault as I had not stated on the booking 'no vegan spread' and that they interpret no butter/margarine as meaning no dairy...yet they still served cheese sandwiches with the vegan spread! When asked if all the sandwiches contained vegan spread was told that no, the rest had butter... yet nobody had pointed out when the food was being brought out which sandwiches had the vegan spread on.
An email was sent the following morning to say about the disappointing visit and not even an acknowledgment was received and two weeks have now passed.
The customer service really let them down. The food was actually very nice once they got the order right! So disappointing. First and last visit for me!
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I booked a last minute stay at Holm House yesterday and really don’t think it should be part of Welsh Rarebits. They are my go to group for a short stay and this hotel was nowhere near the experience I expect. I understand the restrictions at the moment and was reluctant to stay away, but after so many months at home felt a short break would be a tonic. The hotel certainly did not meet my expectations fromWelsh Rarebits. The booking had not been processed and although I had booked a room with outdoor space and sun beds and views of the Bristol Channel, the person that checked me in was quite happy to pass me off with an ordinary double room for the same price until I questioned it and then was told of would be upgraded, even though I had paid for the superior room as if as was granted a favour. The views of the Bristol Channel could be seen whilst looking over a wall on tipi toes.
The room was horrendous. The ceiling was sloping and as my husband is 6 foot tall, was totally inappropriate. There was no vanity area, just a hairdryer in the bottom of the wardrobe. There was one bathrobe and one set of slippers and only one hand towel and one bath towel. The sink tap was loose and totally inappropriately placed and the bathroom mirror placed so high I could not see the top of my head. The plumbing under the bath was visible, which I found incredible. There was plaster coming off the walls and there were black marks all over the paint work. The shower too hot and uncontrollable. Given most establishments have taken the closure to upgrade their premises, this was Just unforgivable. The restrictions placed a continental breakfast in the room, but was totally pathetic. 2 cups of coffee, toast cereal and croissant. No fresh fruit, meats or cheese and a total letdown. I think they have taken advantage of the situation to totally take advantage of the guests. We did see a gentleman on our way out to the town, but instead of asking was the room satisfactory, he kindly told us to enjoy the rest of our day.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Don’t stay
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I booked an afternoon spa for 2 which cos £220 so it wasn’t cheap. We had a lovely meal although the steak was over cooked however the service in the restaurant was fab and the restaurant was spotless and nicely decorated. We arrived at the spa and greeted by friendly staff. Showed the facilities and taken to a changing room which was more of a shower and toilet ( no private changing room facility ) so you have to get dressed in the toilet if you wish to dress in private. I’ve been to another 5 star spa in Cardiff and it knocks spots of holm house I’m afraid so won’t be returning. The facilities were basic, small pool which didn’t even have the waterfall facility switched on, lightbulbs in every room (pool, steam and relaxation) not working, toilet roll had run out in the toilet, no slippers to wear, no shower gel or shampoo as they had run out. I had asked for these to be filled up prior to treatment and 1.5 hours later still not done so had to shower again when I got home. The relaxation room had cardboard cups which was unpleasant to drink from, no magazines to read. The treatment was lovely and the only saving grace to the day however I felt very disappointed and wish I spent my money at a different hotel. Whilst blow drying my hair the hairdryer cut out after 3 minutes so I had to pack up and use the other changing room so they have a faulty dryer too. To be honest, I would not rate the spa as 5 star at all. At best it’s 3 star. They seriously need to improve their facilities and upkeep of the spa I’m afraid. I won’t be returning here again
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Holm House was once probably a fine hotel. It may be trying to retain that status, but is failing due to the lack of care to guests across all levels. Management is particularly to blame for being utterly useless. If you want to feel a valued guest, don’t stay here.
Upon checking out I raised an issue with reception. It was regarding an incident in the restaurant the previous lunchtime where the waitress had the misfortune to accidentally spill a glass of red wine at our table. We don't hold her to blame because accidents happen. At the time, we were asked if we were alright because the glass had smashed and were relocated at another table.
No further enquiry was made as to whether everything was ok, which I would expect to happen and especially so as red wine was involved. My wife escaped being caught by the spill as it was all in my direction and I had red wine all around my left shirt cuff and sleeve and down my trousers. Apart from dabbing with a napkin, not much more could be done at the time. I had to wash my shirt sleeve in our room, but could not set to and wash a pair of trousers.
On mentioning all this at checkout I was told that a duty manager would call me. Nobody contacted me so after six days I emailed the general manager. No response. So I sent correspondence by recorded delivery post. Five weeks on from our stay and nobody from the hotel has bothered to make contact. That is completely unacceptable and compounds the initial lack of care.
Other annoyances that happened during our stay that I did not speak about at checkout but did raise in my email were that we asked if we may be seated at a particular table for dinner as we departed lunch. We were told that would be fine but, come the evening, we were seated at another table. When we were shown to our room it was cold. I did what one would expect to do and turned up the room thermostat that was set at 10. It appeared that doesn't work in that room and I had to establish that two radiator thermostatic valves had to be operated; though these seemed to be either on or off and not really controllable for a comfortable temperature. And the towel rail in the bathroom was useless; one had to scrabble behind it to find two switches for electric heat bars. We had no idea the spa had a sauna because nobody bothered to tell us whilst there, or give us a short tour. It was only when the friends who had recommended the hotel to us spoke with us that we learned of this facility.
All in all, a pretty poor state of affairs and not a hotel I would go to again, nor recommend anyone else to.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a lovely afternoon in a beautiful setting. On a clear day you can see across the Bristol Channel, unfortunately today the weather did not cooperate, but the lightning was spectator. The array of finger sandwiches and cakes looked and tasted delicious, and the endless supply of tea. The dining room is very light and airy with a terrace through glass doors. Afternoon tea is served between 3pm-5pm Monday to Saturday. Will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Went here with family with high expectations, lovely surroundings but that’s unfortunately the only decent about this place. We were seated promptly and ordered our drinks which was fine, we ordered prawn and avocado starters, with NO avocado when I questioned the waiter he didn’t offer any explanation or any apology. We had our roast lamb which I had to chew endlessly, it wasn’t cooked properly vegetables, gravy, and roast potatoes were nicely cooked, we had to ask for salt and pepper which waiter brought a couple of sachets, we noticed other tables had proper salt and pepper shakers. We on several occasions had to get our waiter’s attention for water and extra drinks we also had to wait ages for coffee . Staff although polite seem very inexperienced, totally not impressed with service and food very below average. Hence I won’t be going back and definitely wouldn’t recommend.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where to begin? We have recently stayed at Holm House. From the moment we have checked in, we were stunned by the friendliness of the staff. The receptionist welcomed us with warm & friendly smile, showed us around the public areas and to our room. What great customer service! When we entered our room we have discovered it had just been refurbished. Fresh paint, stylish new furniture, very comfortable bed, all accompanied with a gorgeous view over the Bristol Channel. Our room had a mini fridge with complimentary fresh milk & water and a nice selection of drinks (very reasonably priced). We decided to have dinner at the restaurant and we were very happy we did. I had the best steak in my life! Restaurant staff, especially the manager, were very professional & elegant. Service was very attentive. Unfortunately we were unable to use the pool due to their repair work, but this just gives us an excuse to come back once it opens again! Absolutely cannot wait to come back in the summer and make the most of this beautiful garden. Well done Holm House! Keep it up!
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Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Book a room with a sea view, it is well worth it
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I booked a very last minute spa break with my daughter in a channel view room at £155 per night. I booked directly with the hotel not via a third party agent. On arrival, the receptionist was very welcoming and friendly and I have no complaints whatsoever with any of the staff throughout our stay. They were all very professional and personable. I was shown to the Min a Dor room which had a large front facing view overlooking the channel and freestanding bath. The room was light with cream furniture and furnishings. However, their attempt at a French shabby chic theme soon became glaringly obvious as erring towards downright shabby. Scuffed and broken furniture, chipped and gouged paintwork plus stained carpets and soft furnishings. The fixings and grouting around the bath were cracked and coming away and the shutters stiff and poorly fitting. Nowhere near 5 star standards. SEE PHOTOGRAPHS. I contacted the management to discuss my concerns directly rather than post on social media but they have chosen repeatedly not to respond to my feedback. Very disappointing and unprofessional which is such a shame as this hotel really could be very good.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
There are more places to choose from in the Penarth area.
LOCATION
United KingdomWalesSouth WalesVale of GlamorganPenarth
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
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