Since Jonny Wilkinson won England the 2003 Rugby World Cup
with an impressive dropkick in the final minutes, I’ve been hooked on the
sport.
So, when The Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff, managed by The Celtic Collection, invited me to the Principality Stadium to watch Wales play South
Africa in the Vodaphone Summer Series, I booked my train ticket immediately.
Photo Credit: Ryan WickReaching Cardiff Central is just a two-hour train journey
from London Paddington with scenic views of the meandering English and Welsh countryside provided along the way. Travelling to Wales by train had a
definite positive knock-on effect as I arrived feeling relaxed and immediately ready
to experience everything The Parkgate Hotel had planned for me.
The Parkgate Hotel, a five-star property, is a mere seven-minute
walk from Cardiff Central station, and just a stone’s throw from the Principality
Stadium where the match took place.
Photo Credit: Ryan WickThe hotel’s central location, easily reachable by public
transport from anywhere in the UK, makes it an ideal meeting and event venue
for planners considering the Welsh capital.
Set in the heart of Cardiff, The Parkgate Hotel celebrates
the two historic buildings that form the property. The 20th century former post office and the city’s old county court, offer guests a snippet of history in a luxurious
setting. Today, the Postmaster Suite can be used for meetings and social events
for up to 360 guests and The Telegraph Room offers an aintimate private dining
room for up to 50 people.
Pre or post meetings, The Spa at The Parkgate Hotel, located
on the sixth floor, offers guests a chance relax and unwind while taking in the
spectacular views of Cardiff, given its top-of-the-hotel location.
Photo Credit: SuppliedPrincipality Stadium
For larger groups, the impressive Principality Stadium, just
a four-minute walk from Cardiff Central Train Station, offers unrivalled spaces
and access to some fantastic sporting events.
The Principality Stadium Photo Credit: SuppliedThe Principality Stadium Experience Conferences, the
meetings and events side of the Principality Stadium, can host your meeting,
exhibition, conference, or incentive. With six large lounges and 113
hospitality suites, Principality Stadium provides a unique experience and
setting for all occasions.
When the final whistle blew at Principality Stadium, Wales found
themselves defeated by the reigning men’s world rugby champions, South Africa.
But the score didn’t matter much, I was just happy to be there, ‘amsugno'r
awyrgylch’ (soaking up the atmosphere).
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
