Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa

205 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

5/5

Review type

Accommodation

Date of travel

April, 2016

Product name

Product country

Product city

Travelled with

On your own

Reasons for trip

Health / Spa

This was a 2 night indulgent stay just for me, with good intentions not to drink alcohol, to use the pool and gym, and basically get myself back into my exercise routine. Did it work? Well, I actually think it did.

I considered the extra Spa facilities and packages, but I don’t like any massage as it sets my teeth on edge! So I treated myself to self-inflicted foot and hand treatments and a facial, using up lots of odd little half bottles of lotions. I am that slick, I am in danger of sliding out of bed! Although the intention is to cut down on food, the focus is on less carbs so the challenge for the hotel restaurant was to prepare simple, light dishes with no bread (or chorizo which I loathe ) with minimal sauces.

The waitress was very helpful explaining the menu as well as what they could prepare. Basically, the chefs will endeavour to serve what you want. So, the bowl of pea and mint soup was presented beautifully on a slate plate with an artistic swirl of fresh peas and mint (normally served with warm bread of course). They prepared sea bass with salad, tasty fish cooked perfectly with a mixed salad including olives and artichokes. It all went together beautifully although I probably would have the salad dressing served separately next time.

I didn’t quite make the gym or pool, but did my exercise routine every morning and evening and walked 7 miles one day. As a special treat, I choose the full facial treatment at the Spa – £60 for 55 minutes but 20% off for hotel guests. I have never been into spa treatments so this was a first for me. It was a lovely relaxing treatment in lots of stages to cleanse, moisturise and buff me up – well worth the time and indeed the full price. It was very professional, soothing and their Relaxation room afterwards is wonderful. Definitely recommended for an indulgent treat, with treatments on offer for men and women, this 5* hotel is ideal and just a 5 minute walk into the centre of Cardiff city.

Jacqueline

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