ZIP by Premier Inn Cardiff

Reviews

• ZY

  z Katie York

  5 days ago
  3.0
  It is exactly what it sells itself as - a budget Premier Inn. The room was 'cosy' like a ship cabin, but most importantly it was clean and had its own toilet and shower. I did miss not having a kettle, but I knew that would be the case. Staff were all friendly and helpful and the location was ideal, with oodles of parking available! Just don't forget the code to get out of it when you leave!! Will look to stay again next time I'm in Cardiff, but will request a room with a window, and a double bed!
• BB

  Billy Baker

  Aug 31, 2026
  5.0
  Honestly, couldn't fault it! The concept is fantastic and despite it stating "basic", it provides better services than the basic hotels/hostels, especially for the pricing! Clean rooms, clean bedding, clean bathroom - a room to get your head down, what more do you actually need? More of these need to pop up. Plenty of parking, there is a little confusion as you come into the hotel as it feels like you're driving into a gym car park but follow it round and you see the hotel. There is plenty of parking there too. Will 100% be back! The staff are also very polite, helpful and enthusiastic - thank you for a great stay!
• TP

  Tommy P

  Aug 17, 2026
  3.0
  We stayed here while coming to Cardiff for the football at the Principality Stadium. Overall, we were fairly happy with our stay and, based on the price we paid compared with other city-centre hotels that weekend, we felt it represented good value. The rooms are small, but that’s to be expected for the price. The best way I can describe them is somewhere between a caravan holiday and a university dorm — basic, compact and really just somewhere to rest your head. There’s no dressing table or some of the usual extras you’d find in a standard Premier Inn, and there’s no kettle. There is an ironing room, although we didn’t use it. The pillows are also tiny — honestly, like postage stamps! If you want an extra pillow, you have to request one from reception and there’s a £3 charge. I found this a bit excessive, especially for something as basic as an extra pillow. After the first night, we woke up to a leak from the toilet, which we reported to reception. The leak itself was fixed, but unfortunately the smell that remained afterwards was somewhat unbearable and really affected our experience for the rest of the stay. This was definitely the biggest negative for us and something that needs addressing. Another small annoyance was the bathroom lighting. The light is very bright and lights up the room due to glass doors, so if one of you gets up to use the toilet during the night, you’re almost certainly going to wake the other person up! The hotel has a bar with a small selection of snacks, including pizza. We didn’t use it ourselves, but it’s a handy option if you don’t fancy heading back out after a day in the city. Location-wise, it’s reasonably convenient. There’s a large retail park nearby with the usual fast-food outlets and chain restaurants, all within around a 10–15 minute walk. There was also ample parking. We travelled from Manchester by train, and the station is a short bus ride away. Alternatively, it’s around £10 in a taxi if you don’t fancy the walk to the bus stop. Overall, we were fairly happy with our stay and would consider staying again for a couple of nights, particularly if the price was right. However, the lingering smell from the toilet was a significant issue and would make me think twice. For a short stay, it does the job, but if you’re staying for a week or longer, I’d probably choose somewhere with more space and facilities.
• LE

  Linda Esper

  Aug 15, 2026
  5.0
  What a great find, as I usually stay at Premier Inn in Cardiff Central or Queen St. This is a budget hotel so a great price, it is a few miles out from the centre. If you don’t drive there is a bus stop 8 mins from the hotel which is serviced by about 7 different buses like, C1, 44, 45, 49, 50 & so on. I was seeing a concert in Cardiff castle & was able to get a bus there & back to hotel. Of course it’s all clean & comfy beds & everything is just perfect for the one night. The staff are amazing, happy & so helpful, feels like you are staying with family. I had a drink in the bar after the show & the girl on the bar, can’t remember her name made you feel like you were in your local. As I travel solo it’s so nice to have this kind of welcome. I would definitely stay there again. So have booked again in May when go to another concert. Oh & the breakfast is great value for sausage or bacon roll & a hot or cold drink for £4.50. Can’t recommend this place enough.
• HS

  Hanan Wadood Sheikh

  Aug 11, 2026
  4.0
  Zip by Premier Inn offers competitive rates with no-frills rooms, but there are a couple of small tweaks that would make the stay even better. While there are no kettles in the rooms, free hot water is available in the restaurant area. However, it would be a great touch if they provided complimentary tea bags and instant coffee sachets alongside it. Charging for basic tea feels unnecessary when all that is needed is a tea bag and hot water. I would still happily buy a proper latte or cappuccino and the latte I ordered with breakfast was actually very nice but a basic self-serve option should be available. On the practical side, the location is convenient for local amenities, and the ample parking is a definite bonus. However, management should ensure room prep matches booking details more carefully. I had to go to the reception to get an extra set of bedding because the room was only made up for one guest instead of two. Note for future guests: the rooms are compact, and the double bed is formed by sliding two singles together, so it is best to travel light. Overall, it offers good value for money.

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