Cardiff Christmas Market and Winter Wonderland are highly frequented events during winter, attracting both locals and tourists with its array of handmade crafts, food stalls and seasonal decorations.
Its location in the city centre makes it easily accessible and an integral part of Cardiff’s winter activities.
In this guide, I provide a curated list of hotels near Cardiff Christmas Market, focusing on both the quality of accommodation and the distance to the market.
Hotels near Cardiff Christmas Market
The best area to stay near the Christmas market on Trinity Street is Cardiff City Centre, particularly the area between Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Central Station.
This location puts you within easy walking distance of both the Christmas market and Winter Wonderland while offering various accommodation options. My top recommendation is in this central location.
Top Pick
The Parkgate Hotel
Address: Westgate Street, Cardiff
Neighbourhood: City Centre
Distance to the Christmas market: 4-minute walk (320 metres)
The Parkgate Hotel is well situated near the Christmas market, within the convenient area between Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Central Station. The hotel is known for its good facilities and has been a repeat stay for many due to its combination of comfortable rooms and excellent service. Features such as a very comfortable bed, fabulous shower, and delicious breakfast make it stand out, along with its friendly and attentive staff.
Features:
- Distinctive decor and design.
- Stylish rooms with ample natural light.
- Good selection for breakfast.
- Great location near Cardiff Castle.
Sustainability:
- Most food at the hotel is locally sourced.
- They avoid using single-use plastics.
- Opportunity for artists to display their work in the hotel.
Pros: Well-placed for Christmas market, comfortable, high-quality rooms, excellent service.
Cons: Some rooms face the main road.
Check AvailabilityI will also be sharing recommendations for a couple of other hotels close to the Christmas market.
These suggestions will cater to various preferences such as location, style, budget, and eco-friendliness. Each option has its unique advantages, giving you a broader range of choices.
Next Best
Parador 44
Address: 14-15 Quay Street, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: City Centre
Distance to the Christmas market: 3-minute walk (160 metres)
Parador 44 Hotel is centrally located yet maintains a quiet atmosphere, making it another suitable choice near the Christmas market. The hotel features comfortable rooms with Spanish-themed decor, including natural wood and tiles. Amenities like an honesty bar stocked with snacks and drinks and a high-quality breakfast with a Spanish twist add to the experience.
Boutique Hotel
Hotel Indigo
Address: Dominions Arcade, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: City Centre
Distance to the Christmas market: 4-minute walk (320 metres)
Hotel Indigo provides a comprehensive experience that covers location, breakfast, and staff, among other features. Situated in a central location, it’s hidden down one of Cardiff’s old shopping arcades, providing both convenience and a unique charm. The hotel is especially favourable for train travellers, offering secure baggage facilities before and after check-out. With modern bathrooms and a quirky room style, the hotel also impresses with its professional and friendly staff.
Budget Hotel
Cardiff Sandringham Hotel
Address: 21 St Mary Street, Cardiff, Wales
Neighbourhood: City Centre
Distance to the Christmas market: 3-minute walk (160 metres)
Cardiff Sandringham Hotel provides a budget-friendly option with a central location, just a short walk from key attractions like Cardiff Castle. Its friendly and helpful staff is a standout feature, complemented by spacious and impeccably clean rooms. Thoughtful touches like bottles of water in the room add to the comfort.
Sustainable Hotel
Leonardo Hotel Cardiff
Address: 1 Park Place, Cardiff, United Kingdom
Neighbourhood: City Centre
Distance to the Christmas market: 7-minute walk (480 metres)
Leonardo Hotel Cardiff is strategically located in the heart of the city, providing an excellent base to explore nearby attractions. Guests frequently comment on the cleanliness of the hotel, and you’ll be welcomed by a pleasant aroma in the reception area. Upgrades to larger rooms are occasionally provided at no extra cost, adding value to your stay. The hotel garners praise for its comfortable rooms and friendly staff. Importantly, Leonardo Hotel Cardiff holds third-party sustainability certifications, marking substantial efforts and investments in becoming more eco-friendly.
Luxury Hotel
Voco St. David’s Cardiff
Address: Havannah Street, Cardiff Bay, Wales
Neighbourhood: Cardiff Bay
Distance to the Christmas market: 11-minute drive (4.2 km)
Voco St. David’s Cardiff delivers an elevated guest experience, starting with exceptionally comfortable beds often described as some of the best for sleep quality. The location overlooks Cardiff Bay and provides easy access to its attractions. Rooms are spacious and clean and feature pleasing extras like a coffee machine and a balcony with views. Sustainability is a clear focus here, as evidenced by its third-party certifications. Staff at this luxury hotel consistently earn high marks for their welcoming and professional service.
Apartment Stay
Dray Court
Address: 11 Caroline Street, Cardiff, UK
Neighbourhood: City Centre
Distance to the Christmas market: 4-minute walk (320 metres)
Dray Court stands out for its commitment to cleanliness; guests will find the apartment exceptionally tidy. It benefits from a central location that is within walking distance of shops, cafes, and bars, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors to Cardiff. The apartment is spacious and features modern furnishings that enhance comfort and utility. Notably, the property is powered by 100% renewable electricity, underscoring a commitment to sustainability. This is a great option if you’re looking to stay in an apartment in Cardiff at Christmas.
To get all the essential details like latest confirmed dates and opening times for Cardiff Christmas Market, I recommend you check out my guide.
For insights further afield, my Best Christmas Markets UK guide can help you plan an itinerary.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Cardiff at Christmas, including choosing a sustainable hotel near the Christmas market.
Choose an Eco-Friendly Hotel: Cardiff has several hotels that are committed to sustainability, especially those that run on renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. When booking your stay, look for accommodations that have third-party sustainability certifications. This ensures that your holiday lodging has a less environmental impact.
Reduce Food Waste: Cardiff’s Christmas Market and local eateries offer an array of delicious foods. Be mindful of portion sizes and consider sharing meals to minimise waste. Many places also provide compostable or biodegradable containers, so be sure to dispose of them properly.
Ethical Consumption: While the market stalls and shops around Cardiff offer tempting gifts and souvenirs, try to buy only items you genuinely need or will use. Consider gifts that are made locally, which not only supports local artisans but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping.
Sustainable Transport: Cardiff is a walkable city, especially around the Christmas market area. Opt for public transport like the local buses or trains for longer journeys. Cycling is another great option, as Cardiff offers numerous bike lanes and paths to explore the city sustainably. The choice of transport can also influence where you decide to book your accommodation. Look for places that are conveniently located near public transport hubs to reduce your reliance on taxis or personal vehicles.
Further Information
At Visit Cardiff, you’ll find detailed neighbourhood guides to help you navigate the city like a local. For those planning their trip, I’ve also curated essential tips to make the most of your visit.
If you have questions or want to leave a hotel review, please do so in the comments.
—
Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels in Cardiff, United Kingdom. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
Leave a Reply