Welcome to Cardiff
In 2005, Cardiff has had two reasons to celebrate - its centenary as a city and 50 years as the capital of Wales. Over recent years it has transformed itself, from a port exporting coal to the far flung corners of empire, to become one of the most exciting cities in Europe.
As a result, more and more people are discovering that Cardiff has everything for the business and leisure visitor. All within a stones throw of the city's commercial centre.
We stayed at the recently opened Park Plaza Hotel. Converted from an office block into an excellent four star accommodation, its ultra modern spa facility with stainless steel swimming pool will shortly enhance its splendid facilities.
Within ten minutes walking distance are the main shopping areas, excellent restaurants and the impressive Cardiff Castle.
On the first night, a themed dinner in the former wine cellar at the castle, proved an inspirational choice.
Not only were we greeted liked long lost friends, and plied with copious quantities of Welsh mead but we were also treated to a gastronomic tour of excellent Welsh cuisine.
Our hosts introduced the waiters and waitresses and invited them to seranade us between courses. This proved to be an uplifting experience as they were all students at Royal Welsh School of Music.
For the conference organiser, Cardiff offers a range of facilities unsurpassed by any other city in the UK. These range from the ultra modern Wales Millennium Centre in the Cardiff bay area and the impressive Millennium Stadium to the English Renaissance style of the City Hall.
This was opened in 1906, a year after Cardiff was granted its city status. The magnificent
exterior is carved from Portland Stone. Inside the elegant rooms include the spacious Assembly Room that can accommodate up to 500 people for a formal dinner. Accessed by a grand Victorian staircase and splendid Marble Hall, it offers the setting for many major national and international events.
Nearby the Cardiff International Arena caters for large events, concerts and exhibitions.
Central Cardiff boasts a number of excellent hotels including the five star Hilton and the four star Macdonald Holland House.
Cardiff Bay, until recent times a run down shell, is now one of the most stunning marina areas in Europe and the café culture flourishes with many fine restaurants and bars. Right on the waterfront is the excellent five star St. David's Hotel and Spa.
With its thriving year round events calendar, Cardiff caters for all tastes. Europe's youngest capital extends a welcome to visitors form all over the world.
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