Glendale Hotel

Never again

Liked: The old tradition of the hotel was different with the multiple keys for entrance to the hotel and room.
Disliked: Where do I begin? Noting that it is a 2 star hotel it is never going to have air con but given it was a low 30s weekend in Cardiff they could have at least had a fan in the room as a standalone fan. When I booked the room I did not know it wasn't going to be a private room but a separate bathroom for my private use which you know again with the tradition I didn't mind the idea at first but then the quirkiness of it all wore pretty thin once you walked on the tiles which felt like they could give way at any stage and then you had the taps for the shower which were almost impossible to work to get consistent hot water. Also even with the heat the bed was incredibly uncomfortable to sleep on and again for a 2 star hotel (which does have a good rating on Booking.com) you expect better.

Poor

Disliked: There was no mattress or pillow protectors which isn’t very pleasant.

Exceptional

Disappointing Stay with Multiple Safety...

Liked: Late Check-in
Disliked: Where to begin? Unfortunately, our experience with this hotel was far from satisfactory.The first room we stayed in was extremely hot, with no proper ventilation apart from a window that opened directly above the property’s HVAC system — which emitted hot air and only made the room more uncomfortable. One of the bedside lamps wasn’t functioning due to a blown bulb. Additionally, the room had visible marks and stains on the walls, floors, and furniture, giving a generally unclean impression.The bathroom presented a clear safety hazard: it required stepping over a high-sided bathtub with no grab rail to assist entry or exit — a significant concern, particularly for those with mobility issues. The Wi-Fi signal was weak at best, and the television signal was so poor and erratic that relaxing in the room became impossible.After raising our concerns with the manager on the first night, we were given a fan and offered the option of relocating to a family room at the back of the property, which we would all have to share.Unfortunately, the new room had its own issues. There were visible stains on the walls and ceiling, exposed wiring on the bathroom light, and a motion sensor light that turned off every 10 seconds — making it virtually impossible to bathe or use the bathroom comfortably. The manual switch was placed so high that my wife and daughter couldn’t reach it. There was also a clear trip hazard at the entrance to the bathroom, where the floor was raised about an inch higher than the bedroom floor, posing a danger in low lighting.Despite the multiple issues across both rooms, no compensation or refund was offered for the inconvenience and discomfort we experienced.While the staff did attempt to assist us, the overall condition of the property, safety risks, and lack of follow-through in addressing guest concerns made for a very disappointing stay. This hotel is in urgent need of maintenance and a review of its guest service policies.

Disappointing

Exceptional

Liked: Great stay here stayed for a golf tournament. Considering where it was in town no issue with noise. Food was Italian style cooked fantastic and catered for my dietary requirements. Staff were great always checking if everything was ok and too standard. Will 100% recommend and hopefully be back in the future.

Very good

Liked: The rooms were lovely. Beds comfortable and everything was clean
Disliked: The breakfast, sorry. Bacon wasn't crispy at all, and the beans were disgusting

Great stay at the Glendale...

Liked: Excellent location, a 5 min walk from Penarth station with regular train service to Cardiff taking approx 12 mins.It is a large late Victorian property with many original features including a stunning Minton tiled floor in the entrance hall. I was met by the owner on my arrival who was very friendly and helpful.By the side of the hotel is a pathway that leads to the seafront through a wooded area. A walk along the pier and front I would recommend !
Disliked: The shower curtain around the bath ...but everything else was excellent and great value for money !

Exceptional