Ascension

The decor of this suite deserves lots of special attention – antiques, books, and knick-knacks are all souvenirs of your hosts' travels all over the world, meant to immerse you into a feeling of wanderlust as you explore the city of Cardiff from the comfort of a Victorian villa. Staying on Cathedral Road is about as close to centre as you can get while still staying somewhere with a tranquil atmosphere, putting you close to great restaurants, museums, and famous sights. But let's focus on the studio for a moment. Not only is every piece of furniture a statement, you'll also find that the smaller details deserve plenty of praise. Luxurious bedding, a Nespresso coffee machine, a huge four-poster bed with a pillow menu to match your preference, and high-end toiletries, all testify to the hosts' desire to make sure you have a fantastic stay.

Home truths:
* The house rules are quite strict — no noise is allowed after ten and no smoking
* Late check out will incur an hourly fee
* The living and sleeping area are in the same space — this home is much more akin to a studio arrangement than a structured one-bedroom flat
*There's no oven or stove in the kitchen