Parc Life comes to Cardiff
A MULTI-MILLION pound investment has transformed one of Cardiff`s oldest hotels.
The Park Thistle Hotel, in the city centre, will reopen as The Parc in May following a £15m overhaul after a devastating fire destroyed the building in 2006.
The 138-bed hotel is being fully restored with added contemporary style and comfort, superb facilities and first class service.
The Parc will also create in the region of 120 jobs.
The Cardiff hotel will be one of Thistle`s flagship establishments, according to area general manager Darren Patt.
“We took the building back to its original shell and we consulted the AA hospitality organisation to get their agreement on a four star deluxe mark for the hotel," he said.
“The old Thistle in Cardiff was a bit tired, we recognise that. But Thistle now has a new company structure and we are changing.
“We are also confident that Cardiff has the capacity for another four star hotel. Outside of London, Cardiff has the highest rooms growth in the UK and we believe The Parc will represent itself as one of the best hotels in the city.”
The Victorian hotel, built in 1883, will open its doors under the new Thistle brand identity and will house a new restaurant aspiring to win an AA three rosette award.
The champagne bar will house the widest selection of wine and champagne in the city, while business guests will have high speed wireless access throughout.
The eight meeting rooms include two large conference facilities that accommodate 300 people theatre-style, all equipped with the latest presentation equipment.
Mr Patt said: “The new-look hotel will feel a lot more contemporary than the old one and the styling will be married to the original architecture and features of the building.
“We will be aiming at the top end of the market for our leisure business and that will be accompanied by a first rate restaurant with one of the best wine selections in the city.
“We have recognised that business people want a great check in and check out experience and want a clean and comfortable bedroom, comfortable bed and a good choice of dining facility.
“In the past 18 months there has been a huge shift in terms of service standards in hotels and the general feeling we are moving towards is a more relaxed, informal and friendly one accompanied by modern facilities.”
Chris Gillett, chief operating officer at Thisltle, said: “The Parc will be a jewel in the portfolio of Thistle Hotels.
“With a new, contemporary look in an unrivalled location, we are giving The Parc back to Cardiff.
“We want to welcome the city back to one of its original hotels. All the signage will be dual language.
“This will be a landmark year for The Parc, culminating in a celebration later in 2008.”
