This is a fabulous place to stay, whether you want a hotel experience or your own self-catered apartment. The location could not be better for a coast lover – Beachcliff is situated right on the seafront in the charming Welsh coastal resort of Penarth.
You are just a ten-minute drive from the outskirts of Cardiff, meaning you are handy for the bright lights of the big city. And yet the truth is you may not wish to leave Penarth. It is a wonderful example of a historic resort which has been attracting tourists for years and yet has managed to modernise in order to keep both visitors and locals flocking to the area.
And much of this must be down to the Beachcliff. In pole position just yards from Penarth’s striking pier, the hotel offers something for everyone. Its modernisation in recent times has been handled with care and sensitivity, meaning a landmark building has been upgraded in style and is a wonderful place to base yourself and explore the area.
The Beachcliff team are on hand to help with advice on all the activities and local information you might need for your visit. During our stay we enjoyed an amazing sail into the Bristol Channel from nearby Penarth Marina and also ventured into the city for a visit to the utterly charming and fascinating St Fagans National Museum of History (museum.wales/stfagans/).
WHAT ARE THE ROOMS LIKE? That fabulous sea view comes ‘fitted as standard’ for most of the rooms, but what makes them extra special is the careful thought which has been given to design and décor to truly make your stay an enjoyable experience. All rooms are designed individually and make the most of the space with careful placement of furniture and fittings. Whether you are at work, rest or play, you’ll find a room just to your liking.
And how many hotels facing the sea have we all visited who regard the inner-facing rooms as something of an afterthought? Not at the Beachcliff. At the rear of the building is a wonderful courtyard space, with a real Italian garden feel to it, meaning if you find yourself without a sea view you still have a wonderful aspect to enjoy.
BEST SEA VIEW? All the Seaview rooms gaze out over the waters of the channel but our light, bright and spacious apartment completely maxed out on the view. Big picture windows in both the living room area and the bedroom were a proper ‘wow’ factor, complemented by the fact there was access to the balcony, allowing you to get out into the fresh air and watch the world go by. A superbly-appointed kitchen added to the luxe feel of the place. A stunning space in which to stay.
HOW ABOUT THE FOOD? The hotel does not have its own dining space per se but it is affiliated to a superb range of eateries based on the ground floor below the first and second floor bedrooms.
Take your pick from Amici Ditalia for authentic and tasty Italian food, a bright and funky Veuve Clicquot-themed bar, Beachcliff fish and chip shop or an ‘on the go’ coffee bar. Truly something for everyone.
WHAT WILL IT COST? Courtyard rooms start from £85 per night; Seaview rooms from £100 and apartments from £130 per night.
HOW DO I BOOK? Visit beachcliff.co.uk, email [email protected] or telephone 0333 0124074.
