Cardiff’s city centre has been buzzing with unexpected news this week as the Park Inn by Radisson hotel suddenly closed its doors. This prominent landmark, familiar to many of us and located directly opposite the Utilita Arena, ceased operations without a clear reopening date, citing “safety and security concerns.”
The closure, which occurred on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, has left many wondering about the future of the hotel and its impact on the city. While the hotel group has stated the closure is temporary, the specific reasons behind it shed light on a broader issue.
It has been revealed that the Park Inn was among 12 buildings in Cardiff found to have failed required standards for cladding combustibility. These safety tests were conducted by the South Wales Fire & Rescue Service in the wake of the tragic Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017.
The hotel, owned by Belfcard Ltd, has apologised to guests with existing bookings and advised them to contact the hotel directly for more information. For now, signs on the hotel doors reiterate that the safety and security of guests and employees are the highest priority.
The Park Inn, built in 1990 and last renovated in 2016, boasts 146 rooms. While this particular Radisson-operated hotel is closed, the Radisson Hotel Group’s other Cardiff property, the Radisson Blu, remains open.
This developing story certainly impacts our vibrant city centre, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation, bringing you updates as soon as they become available.