Due to its buzzing student population and impressive waterfront developments, Wales’s second largest city is emerging as a major fixture on the UK’s tourist itinerary.
Grand Hotel, Swansea (Photo: Booking.com)
Positioned on the south coast of Wales, Swansea has gradually transformed its grey post- war guise into something more notable. Its award-winning Maritime Quarter which includes the vibrant Swansea Marina, the Mumbles (featured in The Times newspaper’s “best places to live in the UK, 2018”) and the thriving Swansea City FC and their swanky stadium have given the city a much-needed boost. Here’s our pick of the 5 best cheap hotel options in Swansea.
The Grand Hotel
A proud Swansea city-centre landmark since the 1930s, and located minutes from the Swansea.com Stadium and Swansea University, the Grand Hotel cuts a regal figure on Swansea’s visual geography. Rooms are spacious, and have a striking vintage-cum-modern design. All bathrooms come fitted with power showers (a few with jacuzzies), flatscreen TVs and free WiFi. The hotel has a cozy guest lounge, informal dining day or night in the Bistro Bar, and a Sports Bar serving up locally brewed beers. Couples rate this hotel highly. Rooms from £55.
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Norton House Hotel, Swansea (Photo: Booking.com)
The quaint Georgian manor house setting of the Norton House Hotel in Mumbles offers guests optimal sea views of Swansea Bay. Its range of charming and sophisticated suites have a modern and homely feel with stylish furnishings, making a stay at the hotel a relaxing and replenishing experience. A 3-minute walk from the promenade and town centre, the hotel is also in close proximity to glorious unspoiled scenery along the numerous Gower peninsula coastal paths. The breakfast menu offers a number of options such as a full Welsh breakfast or a vegetarian breakfast, as well as a continental selection with pastries, cold meats, cheeses and fresh fruit. Rooms from £81.
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Dolphin SA1
As its name suggests, Dolphin SA1 is lodged in the beating heart of Swansea city centre. With shops, bars and clubs on its doorstep, and within easy reach of the Grand Theatre, Swansea Beach and Swansea Marina, the hotel couldn’t be better placed to savour the city’s sights and sounds. Rooms are immaculately clean and fresh, and the contemporary décor stimulates a light and airy atmosphere. Continental breakfast is served daily in the breakfast area. The bar offers a variety of spirits, soft drinks and snacks throughout the day. Rooms from £40.
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The Mumbles Carlton Hotel
The Carlton Hotel Mumbles, Swansea (Photo: Booking.com)
The Carlton Hotel Mumbles is located at the summit of Mumbles Village and commands spectacular views of Swansea Bay’s huge skies and tranquil waters. Its Victorian era building houses a multitude of attractively designed rooms and suites – many with sea views. For guests there is an in-house restaurant, a bar and a lounge. The pier is within walking distance, and along the way there are many tantalising options to eat, drink and shop. Rooms from £85.
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Ibis Swansea
Situated near Swansea’s classy new waterfront, ibis Swansea offers a contemporary hotel experience with pared down prices. For a two-star hotel, it’s got quite some style. The clean and modern décor throughout the reception area, and the tasteful and colourful furniture in the bar area (pool table included), give it a unique character. En-suite rooms are clean, bright and comfortable, and free WiFi is available throughout. Its restaurant whips up tasty international cuisine throughout the day and night, and is a big hit with guests. Staff are extremely helpful and friendly. Rooms from £36.
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