Upscale city centre hotel, Hilton Cardiff, has recently announced the completion of the £2m refurbishment of its 197 guest rooms, after four months of extensive renovation works.The room refurbishment is part of a wider improvements project, which will see further announcements before the end of the year. It was carried out in phases to ensure the hotel was still able to meet the high demand of visitors to the Welsh capital.
The project coincides with the 15th anniversary of Hilton Cardiff, which first opened its doors on August 1 1999. An important landmark in the city centre for over 60 years, the building was originally built by the Prudential Assurance Company and was officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Cardiff in 1952.
The refurbishment sees the hotel’s bedrooms redecorated and furnished in a muted palette of whites and creams with bright cobalt feature elements and metallic fittings. The designs were put together by The Hickson Design Partnership, a Turin and London based architecture and interior design practice. This international partnership brings together some of the most diverse British and Italian talents to deliver bespoke designs for prestigious and luxury clients.
Marie Fagan, general manager of Hilton Cardiff, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Hilton Cardiff and we are very pleased to welcome the first guests to our new and improved rooms.
“As a leader in the Welsh tourism sector and part of an internationally recognised brand, it is important for us to be constantly bettering guest experience. The room refurbishment represents not only a significant investment but a commitment to our customers to always deliver the highest quality in both comfort and style.”
Until the late sixteenth century the land on which Hilton Cardiff stands was part of a Franciscan friary known as Grey Friars. In the mid-1540s it was purchased by Sir George Herbert of Swansea, whose grandson, Sir William, built the imposing house known as The Friars. The site remained as parkland until its sale to Cardiff Corporation in the early part of the twentieth century before being purchased by The Prudential Assurance Company.
This prime location means that Hilton Cardiff has views over the medieval castle and the famously handsome Edwardian civic centre at the heart of the city. The hotel is now favoured by internationally renowned actors and musicians visiting the city and has a long sporting heritage, having welcomed teams from all over the world.
Marie Fagan continued: “The strength of the Hilton brand and our history in the city centre combined with the constant evolution of our offering means we are able to present clients with the perfect combination of heritage and innovation. We’re thrilled to welcome guests to the next chapter of Hilton Cardiff.”
