The Clayton Hotel first caught our attention with its so far outstanding contribution to travel sustainability. When we looked a little closer, we saw that it also wields the Travel Proud scheme. The hotels associated with this badge proudly welcome LGBTQIA+ members. That’s like having two gold medals before we even looked at the building.

This 4-star hotel in Cardiff is on St Mary Street. It has a lovely colour scheme which combines rick coppers with deep blues and reddish browns. Each room comes with both a day curtain and a night curtain for blocking out the light. That’s a third excellent touch.

The building itself is multi-storey and striking even from other areas of the city. You can enjoy floor to ceiling windows and wide beds. Your ensuite will have a bath in it and you are likely to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

The hotel has its own bar and restaurant and is only five minutes’ walk away from Cardiff Castle. It has its own gym, comes with a great breakfast, and other reviewers say it is fantastic value for money. They also praised the breakfasts and the location as top favourite things about their stay.