The hype
Travelers love the wallet-friendly rates and central location but consistently groan about the rock-hard beds and thin walls.
easyHotel
$35-65/ night
Book this if You need a cheap, clean crash pad in Cardiff city center and plan to spend zero time in your room.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable price for the location
- 5-minute walk to Queen Street Station
- Surprisingly powerful showers
Quick Take: It’s an orange-branded sleeping pod that charges you for everything except the oxygen.
Reviewed by @Shelleylovestotravel: I stayed here for just £35 a night and honestly, it’s a total bargain. It’s cozy, clean, and only a 10-minute walk from the clubs. It was the perfect base for my solo trip to explore my grandad's heritage. Definitely coming back next time I'm in Cardiff!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will hear your neighbors in the hallway, and if you didn't pay for a window, you will lose all sense of time.
- You are a solo traveler on a tight budget
- You are in town for a gig at the Motorpoint Arena (8 min walk)
- You view a hotel room solely as a place to be unconscious
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Minimalist. Rooms are cleaned before arrival, but no daily service unless you pay £15.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally sparkling upon arrival, though some guests report 'brown stains' or 'sticky floors' in rare cases.
- Maintenance: Modern and functional, but wear and tear is visible on mattresses and walls.
- Linens & towels: Fresh white linens provided on arrival; one towel per person. Extra towels may cost extra or require a trip to reception.
- Odors & scents: Usually neutral/fresh, but windowless rooms can get stuffy/musty if AC isn't run.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hallway traffic and doors slamming
- Neighbors talking through thin walls
- Street noise in windowed rooms facing Fitzalan Place
Before you book
Good to know
- Reception is 24/7 but often busy
- WiFi is now free and generally fast (verified)
- No on-site parking; discount available for NCP Dumfries Place nearby
What to pack
- Travel kettle or thermos (no hot water in room)
- Earplugs (thin walls)
- Hairdryer (not provided in room)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Double Room with Window (worth the extra £5-10 for natural light)
- Accessible Double (often slightly larger layout)
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Double Without Window (unless you truly don't care about daylight)
- Rooms near the elevator/stairwell (high foot traffic noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room away from the elevators and stairwells to minimize hallway noise. If available, a top-floor room would be preferred.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really no window?
Yes, 'Windowless' rooms have zero natural light. They are cheaper but can feel like a bunker.
Do I have to pay for WiFi?
No, 'Super-fast free Wi-Fi' is now included in all rooms.
Is there a fee for early check-in?
Yes, £20 to check in from 11:00 AM (standard is 3:00 PM).
Can I store my bags there?
Yes, but it costs £5 per item for up to 12 hours.
Is there AC?
Yes, all rooms have air conditioning and heating.
How often is the room cleaned?
Free cleaning is only every 6th day. Extra cleaning costs £15 per visit.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Join the easyHotel club online before booking for a potential 10% discount.
- ✨
The 'window' rooms have windows that are sealed shut—don't expect a breeze.
- ✨
Vending machines in the lobby sell coffee, but it's cheaper and better to walk 5 mins to Queen Street.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'cleaning fee' isn't hidden, but the fact that you get ZERO housekeeping for stays under 6 nights surprises many.
💡The mattress is firm to the point of being polarizing—some call it a 'slab'.
💡You have to pay a deposit or ask reception for the TV remote in some cases (though this policy varies).
💡The bathroom floor can get soaked because the shower area is compact.
💡There is absolutely no phone in the room to call reception.
Local Playbook
Map
See where easyHotel is located and what's nearby.