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What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
#1 of 75 hotels in Cardiff
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Value
Travellers' Choice
The Coal Exchange Hotel is a historic, luxury hotel situated 450 yards from Cardiff Bay. The Grade II* listed heritage building stands tall today as an integral piece of Cardiff’s history. Renowned for helping to shape the city into the cosmopolitan Welsh capital, the building is treasured by locals and a must-see for those visiting the city. While its walls were once filled with the ambition and passion from local trade negotiators, its role as a shipping industry hub was left in the past, and the building was left to deteriorate. Bringing a breath of fresh air to Cardiff Bay and assigning the building a lasting role in the city, the Coal Exchange was born, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. Rooms at the Coal Exchange are stylish and contemporary with a touch of elegance and tradition. Our spacious rooms feature everything from large flat-screen TVs to whirlpool baths and free WiFi.
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Property amenities
Paid public parking nearby
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Bar / lounge
Highchairs available
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
24-hour security
Street parking
Wifi
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Happy hour
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids' meals
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Meeting rooms
Baggage storage
Concierge
Non-smoking hotel
Doorperson
First aid kit
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Desk
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Safe
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
VIP room facilities
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Electric kettle
Whirlpool bathtub
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Czech and 1 more
Hotel links
Location
94Great for walkers
Grade: 94 out of 100
49Restaurantswithin 0.5 km
23Attractionswithin 0.5 km
Contact
4-5 Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FQ Wales
Getting there
Car HireSee all Cardiff car hire
1379Reviews15Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
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The Coal Exchange is listed as a 3 star "luxury" hotel and there are elements of the experience which are true - the bathroom is huge with the biggest jacuzzi tub I've ever seen. The decor is old world elegant, and the building is beautiful. That's about it. Everything else is amateurish - there is no bell hop. In order to get our luggage to the second floor room, we wheeled the luggage to one end of the building to the lift, up to the second floor and then walked through endless corridors and closed fire doors (a treat going through closed doors with luggage) to our room. The wifi simply doesn't work. Our phones stayed connected for 2 - 3 minutes and then disconnected. Our laptops wouldn't connect at all. The front desk told us the wifi was terrible. There isn't real heat - we had a space heater, which worked but a "luxury" hotel that uses space heaters? The bed was very comfortable and the towels are nice. But then the ultimate - we were at an event Saturday night, expecting to return to the hotel and breakfast the next day. We gat a text that the hot water broke (?) and they had to evacuate the hotel. They said we didn't have to leave the event early so at 12:30 am when we returned, we had to pack up and go to another hotel. The Coal Exchange covered all the costs (cabs and hotel) but the front desk people apparently hadn't been authrized to ell us that our entire pre-paid charge for the night would be refunded. I refused to leave until the front desk manager appeared and he confirmed we would be getting the refund. I write this 2 days after the evacuation, and no refund yet. Stay here to use the jacuzzi, and then leave.…
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear 826Traveler, Thank you ever so much for your feedback. While I can understand your disappointment with the events that lead to us having to evacuate you and the many other guests staying with us on Saturday night. I do not appreciate your frankly unhelpful, destructive assessment of our hotel and staff. In truth you have received service that went way and above the standards of any 3-star hotel dealing with such events. Luxury as a word is subjective, we all have different ideas of luxury. Big bathrooms, spacious bedrooms with comfortable beds and nice towels set in a historic building with beautiful original features certainly counts as luxurious for lots of people. We do not actually have any official star rating, but may I suggest that you book 4- or 5-star hotels if you expect Bell top services. Whereas we do not have a Bell Top/Porter service I am sure one of our reception staff would have assisted you upon request. The long winding corridors are a feature of The Coal Exchange, they have not altered in layout for over a century and as the building is protected, they are not likely to change in future. The fire doors are there for the safety of all using the building and must remain closed by law. Again, if you were struggling you could have asked reception to assist. I am sorry that the internet was playing up, sometimes the signal weakens when large numbers of guests are using it at the same time. We do not have central heating; the site never has in all 140 years of its existence. So, to the "ultimate" . Yes, I guess someone might have said the water broke. One of the main hot water pipes on the top floor burst sending countless gallons of hot water pouring down the west stairwell causing damage to ceilings along the way. We quickly realised that the situation was critical and proceeded to evacuate the building. Like you and your party a lot or our guests were a long way from home. As a hotel we were only obliged to ensure that everyone was safely out of the building, but we set about arranging alternative accommodation for all that needed it. Perhaps you would have preferred us to call you away from the event you were attending? I personally would not have liked to have been disrupted to change hotels. We thought you would appreciate us leaving you with the time to enjoy your evening. We did as you say arrange and pay for your alternative rooms, breakfast and taxis as required. Had you have been left to make your own arrangements I am certain you would have been left both out of pocket and settled into a new venue a lot later than you were - that's not to mention the added stress you would have had to face during an already difficult situation. You were just one of hundreds of people who have now been disrupted by the closure of the hotel. I am sorry for the delay, but I believe you have now been contacted. We all have the right to a public opinion, but I feel that under the circumstances your patients and gratitude for the efforts our team went through would have been more constructive and better appreciated.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hotel's Favourite
Family stay with 7 year old daughter in a luxurious tripple room after a show at Millenum Centre. David and his reception team were friendly, helpful and their happiness was infectious. We couldn't help but smile and relax. They also helped my shy little daughter really come out of her shell ❤ We used to stay at St David's but the Coal Exchange knocked spots off them !! We ate in Culley's and the warm atmosphere and outstanding service continued, food and cocktails were delicious. Breakfast was perfect catering to every taste and nothing was too much trouble. The hotel is beautifully renovated and we enjoyed the history. But what made our trip extra special was the staff who were so happy in their work. It was really joyful and a breath of fresh air. Well done Coal exchange ! This is now our favourite hotel and one that will set a precedence for us! Can't wait to come back and breathe in the warm, friendly, relaxing atmosphere !…
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
3 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 29 Aug 2022
Dear Ceri, there is only one thing to say after a wonderful review like your: On behalf of all the staff at The Coal Exchange Hotel THANK YOU, DIOLCH, MERCI !
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
The best hotel I’ve stayed in, in a very long time from start to finish! We came and stayed for 1 night with a bubbles brunch. We arrived a bit earlier and our room was ready. Rooms are clean and spacious we went for the king room. The spa bath was amazing and so relaxing felt like we had a spa day. The bubbles brunch was amazing. The food was stunning. Prosecco was lovely and our waiter Julie made sure our glasses wasn’t empty. She was really lovely and friendly. This is what I loved about this brunch, I’ve been to many where you don’t get much drink for your money but this definitely wasn’t a problem here. They had some live singers which was nice and much better than just music. Also included was breakfast which shocked me, again been to lots of continental breakfast places but this had so much more than I expected not to mention how amazing everything tasted. Everything exceeded my expectations and way more. I was just thankful for a night away. I really can’t wait to come back. All the staff were really lovely and friendly. I don’t have anything negative to say at all. Thanks for a wonderful stay. I have been telling everyone how wonderful it was and will be visiting again soon!…
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Zara, Thank you ever so much for your lovely review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us, the staff here really do go the extra mile to make everyone feel welcome. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Coal Exchange in the near future. Kind regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What a great place to stay. The building itself is awesome. Work in progress, yes, but it was a real privilege to stay somewhere with so much history. The kids were in awe of the scale of the main hall and reception areas and our room was perfect for our needs. The customer service we received from our initial enquiry through to check out, and everything in between was first class. We enjoyed breakfast and a tasty dinner in Culley's. We loved the large family room- 3 Queen size beds and a gigantic bath room. Not easy to find accommodation for a family of five in such a great location but the Exchange had it all. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel. The kids have already asked if we can go back. We have all concluded that we would be delighted to return.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Mrs G, Thank you ever so much for your lovely review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us, the staff here really do go the extra mile to make everyone feel welcome. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Coal Exchange in the near future. Kind regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What more can you say about staying here, everytime we have stayed here it has been 100% plus excellence with the staff caring for your every need that you might ask for Would highly recommend a stay at the Coal Exchange and we looking forward to our next stay at the end of next month :) :) Keep up the awesome service Thanks Darren
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Y2883LMdarrenm Thank you ever so much for your feedback, it was a pleasure to see you again. We are looking forward to your next visit next month. Kind regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We loved our stay at the coal exchange. The spa bath in the room is a must, and the breakfast was delicious. This is our 2nd stay at this hotel and we love it can’t wait to go back. The building is very old and it’s like going back in time but we loved everything about it
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 16 Feb 2023
Dear Jackie, Thank you ever so much for your lovely review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us, the staff here really do go the extra mile to make everyone feel welcome. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Coal Exchange in the near future. Kind regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Got to the hotel 5mins before check in and was told our room was not ready and we had to wait in the bar for over 30mins, then when we got to the room the room was not complete with what I ordered it was just the 2 of us package with 50 birthday balloons, the balloons arrived after us which was for my wife's 50th birthday surprise so not the start I was hoping for and then we had to leave the room once again as there was brown water on the bathroom floor so they could clean up, as you could imagine we were not happy at this point and went down the bay for a drink, one good thing at this point was Paul Knight who could not apologise enough for the dreadful start we had to our stay and looked after us superbly for the rest of our stay making sure everything was OK and provided complementary drinks with our meal as an apology so my rating is 3 star for the hotel and room and 5 star to Paul, we used the restaurant in the hotel and it was fantastic we had 3 course meals and every single one was really good the short rib beef pasta dish was my favourite absolutely delicious would definitely recommend eating here if you staying in the hotel.…
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 16 Feb 2023
Dear Neil, thank you very much for your true and honest review. It is very constructive and will help us to improve the quality of our service. I am also very happy to see that Paul (Guest Relations Manager) did everything it could to make sure you enjoy the rest of your stay. We are looking forward to seeing you soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We have been coming to Cardiff for years and only just discovered the amazing Jewel. Steeped in history, full of the classical features of was once the “centre of the world”. Still in refurbishment but that didn’t impact our stay. To be surrounded by so much history, exceptional customer service both in the bar/ restaurant and reception, we will definitely be returning!! This will become a starring hotel in Cardiff, where it belongs!
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Just plan your parking!!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 12 Feb 2023
Dear Stephen, Thank you ever so much for your lovely review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us, the staff here really do go the extra mile to make everyone feel welcome. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Coal Exchange in the near future. Kind regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Really enjoyed my stay and would again, but there are some small improvements that would have made the experience even better. The little touches, a soap dish in the bathroom, better bed side table lamps and the lightening overall in the room was much dimmer then expected. Full length mirror would also have been nice. Beautiful period building which has been carefully integrated with the contemporary.
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Second floor rooms where lovely and quiet
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 7 Feb 2023
Dear Freckle_Eye, Thank you ever so much for your lovely review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us, the staff here really do go the extra mile to make everyone feel welcome. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Coal Exchange in the near future. Kind regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Stayed here on a Sunday night. The price was a bargain (around £70) the building was lovely and full history. The rooms were a decent size and in fitting with the rest of the building. There was a fair bit of noise from the corridor and other rooms but nothing l that disturbed my stay. I also used the jacuzzi bath that was ample sized. All in all a nice place, I will 100% come again
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Date of stay: February 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Helpful
Response from David Lecoq, Guest Services / Front Office at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Responded 6 Feb 2023
Dear jakej4k3, Thank you ever so much for your lovely review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us, the staff here really do go the extra mile to make everyone feel welcome. We look forward to welcoming you back to The Coal Exchange in the near future. Kind regards.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$98 - US$204 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomWalesSouth WalesCardiff
NUMBER OF ROOMS
82
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Claim Your ListingTHE COAL EXCHANGE HOTEL CARDIFF: UPDATED 2023 Reviews, Price Comparison and 1,326 Photos (Wales) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff
Which popular attractions are close to The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff?
Nearby attractions include Wales Millennium Centre (0.3 km), Cardiff Bay (0.4 km), and Mermaid Quay (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
Which room amenities are available at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff?
Top room amenities include a flat screen TV, blackout curtains, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff?
Yes, paid public parking nearby and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff?
Conveniently located restaurants include Culley's Kitchen & Bar, Yakitori1, and Las Iguanas - Mermaid Quay.
Does The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, Polish, and Czech.
Are there any historical sites close to The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Insole Court (4.9 km), St Lythans Burial Chamber (7.2 km), and Mansion House (2.3 km).
Is The Coal Exchange Hotel Cardiff accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.