The Parkgate Hotel, located in the heart of Cardiff, has been awarded Hotel of the Year for Wales at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards, solidifying the property’s position as a leading venue for both leisure and business travel, just three years after opening.
Presented at a black-tie gala held at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House, the award celebrates the hotel’s commitment to exceptional service and its growing reputation as a top destination in Wales. The Parkgate has already garnered 4 Silver Stars from the AA for service and accommodation and 2 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence at its signature brasserie, The Sorting Room.
Since its opening in 2021 The Parkgate Hotel, part of The Celtic Collection, has rapidly become a popular choice for conferences and events including the Welsh Sports Association Sports Industry Awards, the International Association of Language Centres Workshop, and the Wales Screen Summit. The hotel benefits from 169 luxurious rooms, two state-of-the-art event spaces, and a stunning rooftop spa with city skyline views. Located a stone’s throw from Principality Stadium, the hotel’s prime location and facilities make it ideal for both international conferences and intimate business gatherings.
The Parkgate Hotel’s General Manager, Damien Martin, said: “Winning Hotel of the Year for Wales from the AA means a huge amount to our team because these awards are so highly respected within the industry. This is a fantastic achievement within three years of opening our doors to welcome the first guests to The Parkgate Hotel.
“The whole team are committed to exceeding guest expectations and delivering exceptional hospitality and being recognised with this award is an amazing endorsement. The Parkgate Hotel is still a relatively new venue, but we have established very high standards which we are always striving to improve upon.”
The hotel’s restaurant, The Sorting Room, has been a key driver in its success, earning praise for its bold flavours and meticulous attention to detail. The restaurant’s achievement of two AA Rosettes highlights its commitment to culinary innovation and quality, further enhancing the overall guest experience.
An anonymous AA Inspector praised The Sorting Room’s “robust flavours and bold presentation,” emphasising the use of quality ingredients to achieve consistently high standards. The restaurant’s success is another testament to The Parkgate Hotel’s commitment to excellence across all facets of its operations.
Reflecting on the accolade Ian Edwards, CEO of The Celtic Collection said: “Being awarded the AA Hotel of the Year for Wales reinforces The Parkgate Hotel’s excellence in both the leisure and events markets. We have created a venue that seamlessly caters to the needs of corporate clients, with state-of-the-art meeting facilities and versatile event spaces, while also offering a premium experience for leisure guests. I am incredibly proud of the entire team for their efforts in delivering exceptional service and ensuring that The Parkgate Hotel is positioned as a key player in Cardiff’s hospitality landscape.”
Beyond its accolades, The Parkgate Hotel, is making strides in social responsibility, forging partnerships with local institutions such as Cardiff and Vale College. The hotel offers supported internships for students with additional learning needs – the first initiative of its kind in Wales within the hospitality sector.
