This Spanish-themed hotel in Cardiff is the latest opening by three of the most fêted restaurateurs in Wales

Siblings Owen, Tom and Natalie are behind this luxury Spanish-themed hotel in central Cardiff. It’s inspired by Spain’s castle hotels and is on the site of an ancient pub, the Model Inn — according to local legend, members of Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army were billeted here during the English Civil War. Expect Mediterranean elegance inside: white walls, rustic wicker, lots of dark wood. And don’t miss the honesty bar on the first floor, stocked with moreish Spanish snacks, drinks and cocktail recipes.

Overall score 8/10 Rooms and suites Score 8/10

Since 1928, paradors — buildings of historical character, former castles, manor houses or palaces, monasteries or convents — have formed a state-run network of hotels in Spain. Luxury is key to their concept and the rooms at Parador 44 are no exception. All nine are named after different parts of the sherry-making process and are soundproofed to ensure that you won’t be disturbed by the noise of the restaurant below. Much of the furnishing and decor has been sourced from markets and auctions in Spain — ornate tiles, majestic headboards, and shutters leading to the bathrooms (one with a his-and-hers shower).

Food and drink, Score 8/10

Sensational. Opened in 2017, Asador 44 is large, dark and buzzy, populated by young foodies. The middle section is the place to be, with views of the open kitchen in front of you and a glass-fronted room dedicated entirely to cheese behind. The menu focuses on charcoal-cooked meats and fish, and beef from former dairy cows who have been given a few extra years to chew the cud. Its most popular dishes are the smoked leek with vinaigrette starter and red prawn bisque croqueta with charcoal mayonnaise. If you’re only there for the breakfasts, you won’t be disappointed — the Spanish-style eggs baked in tomato with chorizo were among the best I have ever eaten. And if you’re inspired enough to want to recreate some of the Spanish dishes yourself, pick up the brothers’ recipe book, Bar 44 Tapas y Copas, to take home with you.

The terrace at Parador 44 (Owen Mathias Photography)

What else is there? Score 3/10

There is an Andalusian-style terrace on the first floor, decked out with cream wicker sofas, outdoor rugs and leafy plants. The noise from the back end of the air-conditioning units can interrupt the relaxation somewhat, but you’ll find any mild annoyance fades after a few glasses of rioja.

Cardiff Castle and Bute Park are five minutes’ walk from Parador 44

Where is it? Score 8/10

It’s right in the centre of town, close to the busy shopping thoroughfare of Westgate Street and right by the Principality Stadium. This area is not where you might expect to find an upmarket boutique hotel, sandwiched between a multistorey car park and the main thoroughfare for weekend drinkers and stag and hen parties. But the location means that you can walk easily to many attractions, including Cardiff Castle and the pretty Bute Park, both of which are under five minutes’ walk away. You can reach the nearest beach, at Penarth, in the car in 20 minutes. Cardiff Bay and the Wales Millennium Centre — the national arts centre — are another short drive on from that.

Price B&B doubles from £175
Restaurant Mains from £14
Family-friendly N
Dog-friendly N
Accessible N