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VOCO ST DAVID’S Cardiff


ORIGINALLY A ROCCO FORTE HOTEL and later a Principal, it has now moved under InterContinental Hotels Group’s newly launched brand Voco, which debuted in Australia’s Gold Coast in November and has since expanded to Dubai and Solihull. Properties are signed in Bangkok, Cairo, Oxford and Melbourne, with more planned, so it is an upmarket brand to watch. By Jenni Reid


WHAT’S IT LIKE? After two decades in operation, St David’s has a sense of history (just ask doorman John, who has been there since its inception). But from the signature-scented reception with its seven-storey windows, up to the redecorated bedrooms featuring splashes of bold yellow and petrol blue, down to the Admiral restaurant and bar with views across Cardiff Bay, it could be a new build. The ground-floor Marine Spa and event spaces give away its age a little more, though the former is scheduled for a refurb later this year. WHERE IS IT? Waterfront development Cardiff Bay, a five- minute drive or ten-minute train ride from the central station. The hotel is set back a little, and its curvature means rooms look out onto a nature reserve and the picturesque town of Penarth, or the terracotta Pierhead building and the quaint Lutheran church where the children’s author Roald Dahl was baptised. ROOMS All rooms have had a total revamp, with a new colour


scheme, carpets, curtains, large desks, smart TVs and bathrooms. There were a couple of teething problems – my TV kept turning on to ask me to connect a device, and one of the automatic bathroom lights only stayed on for about 20 seconds, but generally the rooms are impressive. Rooms come in four tiers, all 34 sqm and with the same amenities but with different decor and furnishings. BUSINESS Eight meeting spaces cater for events and conferences (up to 400 people). Some of the rooms look a little dated, but as a popular local spot for meetings and events, the staff are experienced. A business centre can also provide printing, courier and other services. VERDICT Voco is not a business traveller-oriented brand, but St David’s is an excellent hotel for business travellers. It has easy access to the city centre, and the professional staff will happily cater to any additional needs. Rooms are spacious with large desks for working, while the spa is a good place to unwind.


Rooms at Voco St David’s have had a total revamp


High quality, modern rooms at Lincoln Plaza London


CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON Lincoln Plaza London


THE HILTON GROUP has a Hilton Hotels-branded property in Canary Wharf, about a minute’s walk from Lincoln Plaza London. However, Lincoln Plaza is part of Curio Collection, its smaller, upscale brand. By Jenni Reid


WHERE IS IT? Millwall on the Isle of Dogs, just south of Canary Wharf. The hotel is a ten-minute walk from Canary Wharf tube station. Alternatively, it is an easy five-minute walk from South Quay station on the DLR. WHAT’S IT LIKE? Curio Collection’s selling point is that it inhabits buildings that reflect the surrounding neighbourhood. This being Canary Wharf, that translates to a towering new-build with a 3D Tetris-block effect on the exterior. Inside it means ‘industrial’ design with a nautical theme in a nod to the Docklands location. There are large factory- style windows and an open-plan ground floor with a bar serving “navy-strength” cocktails. ROOMS There are seven tiers of rooms, with twins, queens and doubles within the categories Bargemaster, Keeler, Lighterman and Tillerman. All are furnished with 46-inch TVs, a minibar, a hot drink station and a large wardrobe with a hairdryer, iron, robes and slippers. I stayed in a Tillerman twin, one of the smallest, which wasn’t at all cramped. The furnishings felt high-


quality, with soft carpeting and a white marble bathroom with a rainfall shower. There isn’t a desk, but there are armchairs and a large coffee table. The bed was comfy, with crisp cotton bedding.


buyingbusinesstravel.com


AMENITIES The Food Store Restaurant is a casual all-day dining space. The dinner menu features meat dishes, pizza and pasta. Breakfast is an optional cost with your room which gets you unlimited food and drink ordered a la carte. Alternatively, you can pay by dish on the day. The main restaurant is Mr


Todiwala’s Kitchen offering an extensive menu of Indian dishes. The high ceilings, large windows and brightly coloured walls give it a relaxed atmosphere, but it’s smart enough for a business meal. Upstairs is Jack Speak bar,


styled after a nineteenth century British navy officer’s wardroom. The bartender was friendly and very knowledgeable. BUSINESS The hotel has made good use of subterranean space, with a gym, a sauna and a pool. There is a warren of event space spread across 465 sqm, with a central lounge area providing access to seven meeting rooms. All are nicely decorated but can’t avoid a bit of a bunker feel. VERDICT This would be a good base for short or long stays, with the on-site deli and pool particular draws. The property feels new, spacious and welcoming, and the staff are very friendly. Best for business travellers spending an extended period in or around Canary Wharf.


2019 MAY/JUNE 141


HOTEL


HOTEL


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