A major hotel in Cardiff has ceased operations without warning, prompting concern among residents, visitors, and those in the hospitality sector. The Park Inn by Radisson, a well-known establishment situated directly opposite the Utilita Arena and St David’s shopping centre, abruptly closed its doors on Wednesday, 16 July 2025. The sudden nature of the closure has left both guests and local businesses seeking answers.
The hotel’s management has described the closure as a “temporary” measure, but with no clear timeline for reopening, the uncertainty persists. In a statement released through signage at the hotel’s entrance and official communication, the chain attributed the shutdown to reasons “beyond the control” of the Radisson Hotel Group. While the details remain unspecified, the company assured the public that the measure was a necessary step taken to address safety and security concerns.
“The safety and security of our guests and employees are always our highest priority,” stated Radisson Hotel Group. The group further expressed regret to all those affected by the sudden closure and urged guests with existing reservations to contact the hotel directly for updates and assistance.
The Park Inn by Radisson, which dates back to 1990 and underwent its last significant refurbishment in 2016, offers 146 rooms and has long been a mainstay for tourists, conference-goers, and events held at nearby venues. Its closure has dealt a significant blow to Cardiff’s accommodation offerings, particularly during what is traditionally a busy period for tourism and city-centre events.
Further scrutiny has arisen regarding the hotel’s building safety record. In the aftermath of the deeply traumatic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which claimed 71 lives, the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service undertook comprehensive cladding safety checks across Cardiff. Their investigation revealed that the Park Inn was among a dozen buildings in the Welsh capital that failed to meet the necessary standards for cladding combustibility, raising renewed questions about long-term remediation and safety measures implemented since that time.
While the Radisson Hotel Group also manages the Radisson Blu in central Cardiff, that property remains open and has given no indication of being affected by similar issues. Nevertheless, the temporary departure of the Park Inn represents a substantial change for the city’s hospitality landscape, not least because of the hotel’s strategic location and large capacity.
Employees and future guests now face an uncertain wait. Many local enterprises that rely on visiting guests have voiced concern over the broader impact, whilst city officials and tourism promoters hope for a swift resolution that allows the Park Inn to return to operation following necessary improvements and reviews.
Repeated requests for further details from Belfcard Ltd, the hotel’s owners, have so far gone unanswered. Public interest remains high, as Cardiff continues to expand its appeal as a conference and leisure destination within Wales and beyond.
In the meantime, guests with existing bookings are being encouraged to seek alternative accommodation. The hope is that the closure will be temporary and that robust safety standards will be restored to reassure both visitors and staff when the Park Inn resumes business.
This incident underscores the ongoing importance of building safety in the hospitality sector, especially in the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster. The situation in Cardiff will be closely watched as stakeholders await further updates on the hotel’s future, and as city authorities seek reassurance that the well-being of guests and workers remains paramount.