The hotel itself was lovely despite a few issues on check in - namely that the room wasnt ready. When we were told that we could check in, I discovered that I had been given the incorrect room. The hotel reception staff were helpful and eventually found the room I had originally booked and we moved without much fuss. The one disappointing element of the stay was regarding having to pay £10 per adult to swim - granted I did not have to pay for my son but after paying near enough £150 already I was not best impressed at this additional and unexpected charge.
Location was excellent. Right in the city centre. Don't be confused though, there are two Travelodges and we went to the wrong one first which was conveniently close to the train station. A short taxi ride took us to the correct one. Reception is unusually on the 3rd floor, but friendly staff. Your pass key will only unlock your floor which also has safety doors. Be careful not to put it near your phone as it desensitised it and it won't unlock anything - like mine, but a visit to the Reception fixed that. Felt very safe there as the automatic doors from street level lock at night, so no one could wander in off the street. A bar and cafe located on same 3rd floor as Reception was convenient for a drink and snack. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Cardiff has a large pedestrian area, so it was easy to walk to major shops, restaurants and pubs (recommend the Owain Glyndwr) and attractions such as Bute Park and Cardiff Castle were easy to walk to. The Christmas markets and Winter Wonderland were also close by and beautiful to view at night. Foreign money exchange was a short walk from hotel at the Queen Street shopping arcade entrance.