The Coal Exchange Hotel
Hotel in Cardiff
3-Star Hotel
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Includes essentialsInternet / Wifi, TV, Hot tub or spa and more
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
About this hotel
Situated 1.9 km from Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, The Coal Exchange Hotel offers 3-star accommodation in Cardiff and has a shared lounge, a restaurant and a bar.
Amenities
Internet / Wifi
Smoking allowed
Hot tub or spa
TV
Wheelchair accessible
Family friendly
Map of Cardiff
Available Rooms
Double Room
1 Double • 290 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
Triple Room - Disability Access
1 Double • 419 ft²
Sleeps 3
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
Quadruple Room
2 King • 419 ft²
Sleeps 4
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
Presidential Suite
1 King • 807 ft²
Sleeps 2
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
Family Room
3 King • 645 ft²
Sleeps 6
+
You'll be directed to Booking.com for availability & pricing
££££
Reviews
100% verified reviews
5.0
Location
Noisy rooms
No cold water for the bath
10.0
Beautiful historic building.
Being on the ground floor, I could hear every movement of the patrons in the room above us. Would definitely stay again, but I would request a room on the top floor.
8.0
Loved the old building and features inside especially the ball room where we had breakfast this morning.
The room was a lovely size and decor but the bed was too small in proportion and of poor quality.
7.0
Interesting old building , Victorian decor, spacious rooms , quirky interior designed rooms, dramatic and different to the usual generic hotel room fittings, bathroom fitted with large spa bath and big shower attachment…huge illuminated information board about aunurin Bevin on the ceiling directly above the bed!
Long corridors to rooms, no clear directions to room locations and lifts out of order, my room was so hot I had to keep the electric fan on most of my stay…main bar and restaurant was closed for refurbishment, not notified about this when I booked. I found the staff to be brusque and oblivious to the fact that one could get lost if you’ve never been at this hotel before…
7.0
Lovely building and the main breakfast room was brilliant. The room was large and the spa bath was lovely.
They were renovating the restaurant, so evening meal was in the main 'hall' which was too big and lacked any atmosphere. Also the exterior of the building was very messy - clearly some ongoing works could easily have been tidier (and therefore more appealing). We stayed at a room in the front of the hotel and there is a bar around the corner which was very loud in the evenings.
9.0
Frühstück sehr gut und vielseitig, das Ambiente im gesamten Haus war zum Gebäude passend und sehr angenehm.
Toll ausgestattete Hotelbar in der Lobby jedoch nicht in Betrieb. An der Rezeption zu bestellende Getränke mussten im Eingangsbereich genossen werden.
10.0
The rooms were spacious with beautiful furnishings. Large, comfortable bed, plenty of power sockets, great views, amazing history and large unsuited bathroom.
Smoking area directly beneath our window so smoke wafted in when we had the window open.
4.0
This is a beautiful and historical building. I’ve stayed multiple times and each one I am impressed by the story of this hotel, and its grandeur. The fancy feeling proceeds from the front of the building through to the lobby and even with nice touches in the rooms, like the historical figure information printed on the ceiling and the different names of the rooms.
The room size is very spacious, and each bath is large, allowing an extremely comfortable bathing experience.
The staff are largely very good, polite and kind especially those that have worked in the kitchen and bar. The most recent manager, Iain, also seems to have his head screwed on as he addressed many of the issues we had on our latest visit.
Unfortunately, the property, likely due to the size and history does have some flaws if you look beyond the immediate surface.
I’ve had a few issues with the plumbing in the toilet, but nothing deal breaking (perhaps a toilet brush or plunger could come in handy for these issues).
There are 2 lifts for the large property, but on my recent visit, only 1 worked. There are stairs which are large, but not ideal for those with mobility issues. However, there’s never been a huge wait for the lifts and there are rooms on the ground floor which are accessible.
If you look closely, some of the fancy features become less impressive due to them being broken, worn, or dirty.
For example, in the bathroom, the wooden panelling in the bathroom is coming up in places and the shower tap was loose and fell off multiple times (usable, but not acceptable).
In the bedroom, the bed sheets feel cheaper than competitors of a similar price eg. Premier inn. They are also a bit worn with loose threads. The headboard, which goes from ceiling to floor had what appeared to be a large coffee stain. Sometimes the carpet or paint/wallpaper is worn and could do with a bit of refreshing to bring the life back into what would be a glorious space.
Facilities are pretty average - a kettle with tea, coffee, sugar and in our case, broken biscuits. Furniture included a vanity desk with mirror, chair, bedside tables and wardrobe which contained and iron, ironing board and safe. There’s also a small TV with quite a few channels. In the bathroom, you get a few small toiletries like body wash. This is exactly what you need, but compared to the grandeur of the property (and the marketing around this), it’s nothing wowing. There’s no AC, but there were good quality fans provided in the rooms.
9.0
The ambiance . They had kept most of original features which was really interesting to look at/ read about.
N/a
10.0
A beautiful and interesting hotel. The staff were great. They popped our bikes into storage and were more than helpful throughout.
The rooms were fabulous, with a great jacuzzi bath and decor. Lovely view.
The breakfast was very nice.
The price was very reasonable.
10.0
Breakfast was lovely. As I have coeliac disease I asked if I could have mine cooked freshly so as not to tske it from the buffet incase of any cross contamination. It was no problem at all
It was a shame thst the nearby streets looked quite run down. Obviously that is out of your control
9.0
Lovely hotel, the decor was lovely and to learn the history of the hotel
9.0
Locatie is super, vlakbij Cardiff bay
Mooi oud pand met prachtige ontbijtzaal.
Lekker bed en fijne douche.
Vriendelijk personeel.
Het was erg warm in de kamer en de airco werkte niet
6.0
The architecture and room size
The aircon didn’t work at all
10.0
The hotel is simply spectacular, not in a flashy modern way, but more like a time capsule. Old oak interiors on the ground floor are superb, the rooms are rather modern, but also with an old time touch, and each is named after a coal trading or shipping company
The sound insulation with the corridor could be better
1.0
Nothing, really !
Well, this was my 5th or 6th stay.
I had sworn after the last time I stayed, that I wouldn’t stay again. But I heard it had changed hands since last time, so I’d give it one more chance.
(By the way, they reply to your feedback here and say that they will contact you about negative experiences : that’s not true, and I never heard from them about my last visit)
Anyway, the water was unbearably hot. I found out at my 5 year olds bedtime, so sent him to bed without a bath. I didn’t notify reception because there’s nothing that can be done at bedtime- my disabled son had a hospital procedure the next day, so having someone come in the room to fix the bath or moving rooms would have been too much of an upheaval.
In the morning, we tried to have showers, but it was too hot even for adults.
By this time it was too late - we were checking out. When I asked the reception for a discount considering we weren’t able to wash, I was told it was their policy to try and fix a problem and we hadn’t given them the chance. I explained my situation, but they didn’t want to know. I shan’t be coming back, and I’ll be telling anyone I know to do the same.
10.0
Hotel is well situated a short train ride from the city shops,and walking distance to the bay and the Senedd.The staff are really friendly and helpful,room was comfortable and clean with added bonus of a jacuzzi bath,which wevtook full advantage of,breakfast was excellent
Just the area outside the hotel grounds could do with cleaning up
8.0
Die Lage und das Personal. Auch das Frühstuck war gut.
Die Dusche im Dreibettzimmer ohne eine Abtrennung war nicht gut. Betten in einigen Doppelzimmern waren zu klein von der Breite, 160
10.0
We came here for our anniversary and they put rose petals all over the bed for us and we had a complimentary drink at the bar. Staff were lovely. The breakfast was lovely also! I love the history of the whole building !
I did find the bed a little uncomfy but that’s only due to it being 2 singles stuck together ! I wish there was more options for breakfast!! Possibly add more to there food menu for meals in the bar. Fridge needed in all rooms!!
6.0
The building is lovely as were jacuzzi baths.
Good location.
The breakfast staff were excellent as was the east European gentleman on reception-unlike the other 2 on reception when we checked in who were horrendous.
Our bed was small & there were cobwebs in windows.
2 awful reception staff on check in - a young blond girl and a portly older man - very argumentative - not customer focussed.
We are regulars but they weren’t bothered with customers.
9.0
Gut gelegen sowohl für den Hafen als auch die Innenstadt. Parkhaus in der Nähe. Umfangreiches leckeres Frühstücksbuffet.
8.0
Always a pleasure to stay here due to the outstanding beauty and history of this historic building
Has just been taken over by new owners but just like the last owners not willing to put any good money into repairs. Some repairs have been done but not very professionally. And lots still needs doing. Cleanliness of rooms are poor due to bad cleaning hairs all around sink and in spa bath. Had to move rooms because tv not working something as basic as that with the cleanliness is what will keep people coming back
9.0
Unique, lots of history
Got lost a bit
6.0
Fascinating old building full of history
No tvs working as WiFi was not working whirlpool bath had brown coming from jets so unable to use
7.0
Loved the spa bath and the design of the rooms. excellent breakfast too
very uncomfortable bed and terribly noisy squeaky doors and floors
1.0
The architecture was its only redeeming quality. You could see glimpses of its former glory.
The exterior was in disrepair and some sections of the building were falling apart and the area surrounding the hotel was dirty and run down.
The hotel is dimly lit in an effort to hide the stained carpet, and tarnished walls.
The room was dirty. There was visible dirt built up inside the fabric that lined one of the walls, stains on the curtains and the bathroom had not been properly cleaned.
The WiFi did not work during my stay.
8.0
Very close to attractions in Cardiff Bay and particularly the Millennium Centre
A few maintenance issues in our room, nearest available overnight car parking was Havannah St and cost £24
7.0
The bathroom and room was lovely. The hotel in general is great: friendly staff, very clean and good location. Breakfast was also great.
The size of the bed could be improved from a normal double to a king-size as it was a bit snug compared to what we are used to. Also, I know this is a personal preference, the mattress was too soft for both of us. I'd say most people would have preferred it to be a little firmer.
8.0
Spacious comfortable rooms, excellent helpful and friendly staff, good shower
Single glazed windows allow in noise, only option for eggs was scrambled, location area very good for the mermaid quay and WMC but a bit run down ,no air con
8.0
The stylish property has very large comfortable rooms and excellent restaurant facilities .
The main bar was closed in the evening and the small lobby bar was open .
9.0
Breakfast was great. Nicola had a wonderful attitude to guests. She is a great asset to your team.
6.0
Great location in the bay. Fabulous historic building. Staff are excellent. Great breakfast.
Smell of drains. Internet not working. Our second stay here, rooms failed to be serviced on both occasions. Customer facing staff trying their very best but one feels that the hotel has still some way to go.
10.0
We booked 3 king size rooms for our family stay. Nice clean big size rooms and bathrooms were spacious and nice and clean rooms and very peaceful atmosphere and Breakfast is 10/10 absolutely amazing and staff very very helpful and overall stay was very comfortable 5 stars we would go give. Far better than what we expected. Each room has iron and iron board so very impressive.
Slightly darker rooms as lights need to be improved.
Windows were very stiff in opening or closing, can be improved by regularly Servicing. Bathroom has no clothes hanging hooks and also shower head dripping water regularly. Probably required regular checks.
8.0
Historical, close to Millennium Theater.
Area surrounding is VERY depressed. Our companions had never visited Cardiff before. They did not get a good impression
10.0
Old and awesome
Nothing
10.0
Everything
Nothing
10.0
Central location, very clean.
Staff very friendly
Nothing
7.0
The location was perfect for our purposes.
Disappointed with the breakfast as I would have preferred table service, rather than help yourself buffet. Found the choice of breakfast limited. Also, no vegetarian, vegan options, so I left still feeling hungry. Expected more from the salubrious facade.
10.0
Property lovely bedroom was big and so was bed
We were in room 151 and paint work could be doing with a touch up and windows wouldn’t stay open but didn’t affect our stay
8.0
beautiful decor
outside the entrance was a bit messy
FAQs
How much does this hotel cost compared to others in Cardiff?
The average price for a rental in Cardiff is £93 per night. This rental is £2 above the average.
Is parking included with this hotel?
Parking is not specified as an available amenity at The Coal Exchange Hotel. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this hotel?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this hotel. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is The Coal Exchange Hotel pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this hotel is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at The Coal Exchange Hotel?
We found 6 amenities for this rental. This includes internet / wifi, smoking allowed, hot tub or spa, tv, and wheelchair accessible.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Cardiff
Explore all rentals in CardiffCardiff travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Best East Coast Beaches and Getaway Locations You Can’t Miss
Budget Travel
7 Most Affordable Snowbird Destinations for 2025
Guides
Top Activities to Try in Panama City Beach, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Adventure and Fun Await
Local Culture
Exploring Miami’s Wynwood District: Street Art, Food, and More
Guides
Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Local Culture
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Dining in Orlando, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu