I don't recommend the Best Western (Parkway Hotel) which is a pitty as
it's literally a 5 minute walk from the college and supposed to be a 4 Star, I
wouldn't give it 2! Would be very handy if things there have improved.
I think you've been a bit harsh there
Andy Mayes. I stayed there on my APS course, and while yes, there are probably better places in the world to stay, its certainly not a 2 star. Secondly for those of us that were sponsered we could have certainly stayed somewhere a lot worse. Just make sure you have a laptop and/or DVD's, and if you have any problems tell the lovely Francis and she will go out of her way to try and sort it out for you.
The Holiday Inn (The Coldra) and The Holiday Inn Express (Lakeside Drive) are both adequate although they are Holiday Inn's so don't expect much, with the latter guests used to get free membership to a nearby gym I don't know if that still happens, the former has it's own (small) gym. I understand that the Lakeside Drive hotel is the one where most sponsored students stay, dinner is taken at The Dragon Fly pub next door (food is not bad but gets a bit boring after a week).
Second review of the day here!! I spent probable the best 4 months of my life living at the Express Holiday Inn and eating in the Dragonfly... You are correct that we did get Gym membership but not sure if you still do. The staff at both the Hotel and Pub are amazing and you get an awful lot for what it costs per night.
If you get chance visit Cardiff Bay and the forest drive(although walking it is better!) as the social side of the course is a lot of fun..
At the end of the day though you are there to learn, and learn you will.
Enjoy the courses and make the most of it!! And any problems or questions feel free to post on here...