The Parkgate Hotel and Spa

A grand Cardiff city-centre spa retreat set inside a beautifully restored former post office, where personalised treatments and rooftop-level thermal suite with rugby ground views come as standard.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Housed in a converted former post office, The Parkgate Hotel sits on Westgate Street in the heart of Cardiff, a five-minute walk from the main shopping district and ten minutes from the train station. There's no parking on site, though the nearby NCP on Westgate Street is a short walk away and well signposted for guests.

Step through the door where a double-height vaulted ceiling in blue, white pillars and a statement central chandelier set the scene, with a few steps up to reception on one side and the concierge desk on the other; a mini lift is on hand for anyone with mobility needs. Dark oak panelling, oversized flower displays and gentle background music add warmth to the grandeur. The Sorting Room restaurant opens off the main reception, where breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are served.

The spa itself is tucked away on the sixth floor, with panoramic views over the city skyline and the Principality Stadium beyond.

WHAT'S ON OFFER?

Take the lift to the top floor to find the spa. Deep sage walls, cream seating and natural fabrics that give the space a polished, cosy feel. Plants and a leaf-silhouette sculpture sit on the windowsill behind the light wooden reception desk. Sam greeted us with a warm smile, gave us a tour and led us straight through to the facilities.

The changing rooms are compact, clean and well kept - there are no private cubicles, though the toilets are roomy enough to double as one. Twenty half-height, code-locked lockers line the walls, each holding a crisp white waffle robe, slippers and a mini-Temple Spa gift of facial scrub and night cream, with a card explaining how to use them. Two spacious showers stocked with Temple Spa shampoo, conditioner and body wash sit beneath grey-veined tiles with a blue accent wall. Two vanity stations offer GHD hairdryers and straighteners, cotton pads and buds, hand lotion and a calming skin balm. Towels are rolled and ready to take through to the thermal suite.

The thermal suite has floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views over the rugby ground and Cardiff's historic rooftops - a lovely spot to properly switch off. Ten heated white marble seats are well spaced and never felt crowded during our visit. Help yourself to water infused with cucumber and lemon; there’s a bowl of apples for snacking.

The Finnish sauna easily seats six to eight across two levels and runs at a comfortable 74 degrees; the steam room is more intense, with long benches for four. At the far end, the hydrotherapy pool is the highlight: powerful swan-neck jets work tired shoulders like a massage, with a long jet bench offering space for five or six more, all beneath those same striking city views.

The relaxation room is a cocoon of a space, with three fully reclined velvet loungers, curtained for privacy, each with its own reading light and a fluffy blanket. We tried the Mixed Berry tea from the complimentary menu and a Turmeric Shot, from the extended menu of juices, bubbles and cocktails.

A Fitness Suite on the first floor, accessed via room key, is well equipped with Technogym cardio and weights kit and a good free-weight selection.

TELL US ABOUT THE TREATMENTS

We tried the My Kinda Skin facial (50 minutes, £96).

Our therapist, Em, talked us through the consultation card in detail before adapting her product choices to suit my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. The facial began with a double cleanse, followed by exfoliation which was left on during a warming hand and arm massage. Em was confident and thorough throughout, checking in on comfort and explaining each step.

Next up, a facial massage with lymphatic drainage that was relaxing enough to send me off to sleep during the mask that followed. Warmed hot mitts on the hands and shoulders were a particularly lovely touch, and Em's pressure shifted noticeably between the delicate eye area and the jawline.

The result? Skin was left plumped, hydrated and glowing for hours afterwards.

Our partner tried a full-body massage with therapist Bridie (also 50 minutes) using firm pressure throughout with arms, elbows and palms; he fell asleep and emerged thoroughly relaxed. The bed comfortably supported his six-foot frame.

FOOD FACTS

We enjoyed both afternoon tea and dinner in The Sorting Room with its warm timber panelling, deep-blue leather booths and rows of brass wall lights.

Afternoon tea arrived on a wooden tray with a choice from ten teas - we chose Spiced Chai and Lemon & Ginger, both aromatic, with unlimited refills. Coffee and hot chocolate are also optins. An amuse-bouche of a cheese ball with sweet pickle sauce arrived first, followed by three tiers: finger sandwiches including a delicately caper-flavoured salmon; fresh cucumber; and a dense, filling ham and egg; scones with thick clotted cream and chunky strawberry jam; and four pastries each, from light choc éclairs to rich Mont Batten cake and tangy raspberry and strawberry tarts. It was a generous, filling spread, beautifully presented on an art deco stand.

Dinner back in the two-Rosette Sorting Room was equally impressive; the menu leaning into local Welsh produce, with generous portion sizes throughout. we ordered Monkfish and a Beef Wellington with a side of broccoli, the latter meltingly tender and faultless on flavour, texture and presentation. Service was attentive, chatty and professional. When it's open, the adjoining Sorting Room Bar serves cocktails with a playful nod to the building's postal history - worth a visit if you're staying over.

SWEET STAY?

We stayed in room 511, a spacious Deluxe King dressed with pristine white bedding and an easy digital control for temperature and lighting. A welcome gift of Champagne on ice and six flavoured macaroons awaited on arrival.

The bathroom is generously sized with a large walk-in shower stocked with full-size Temple Spa shampoo, conditioner and body wash; towels were clean and fluffy on our visit.

WE LOVED

The rugby-ground views: the hydrotherapy pool's outlook over the stadium and the city's historic rooftops made for a proper escape, with extra resonance for anyone with a soft spot for rugby.

The personalised treatment: Em's thorough consultation and careful adaptation of products for sensitive skin left us feeling well looked after and glowing for hours afterwards.

Dinner at The Sorting Room: the Beef Wellington was a standout dish, cooked and presented to a high standard; the afternoon tea – with its generous proportions and beautiful placement – was also a highlight.

WHAT BUBBLE RATING DID YOU AWARD THIS SPA?

We awarded The Parkgate Hotel a Good Spa Guide Bubble Rating of 5 Bubbles for its striking thermal suite views, personalised treatments and excellent dining.