Budget
The YMCA/YWCA has beds in dormitories for around £10 per night. They are in the centre of town, and have plenty of facilities.
The West End Hotel is written up in the Lonely Planet guide, but don’t expect too much. It’s still a budget hotel – you get what you pay for.
The Central Hotel is right next to train station, and has a wide range of rooms at various prices.
If you want somewhere cheap to stay near the airport, there’s a Travelodge near the M8 motorway junction with the runway approach path. You don’t hear planes taking off at all from inside it, but if you’re outside, then it’s quite noisy.
Middle Price Range
The Argyll Hotel is situated just beside Cowcaddens subway station (the end of the northbound line), and is within easy walking distance of the centre, or a very short taxi ride away. It is owned by an Indian family who are very friendly and helpful and make great breakfasts! The rooms are very clean and comfortable – nothing fancy but good value for money. There is no restaurant as such but they can provide meals on request (you have to let them know in advance).
Today, the town is home to a number of exceptional museums and galleries. The area also boasts one of the country’s finest collections of Georgian architecture, making it a favourite location for film producers. At night, King Street and Queen Street offer a host of pubs and clubs for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a family day out or a sophisticated night on the town, Cardiff has it all.
1. OSAKA, KYOTO AREA
Kyoto International Community House (KICH)
Pierce Memorial Hall, Nanzan University
Kyoto Shimin Kaikan
Ryokan Chosei
Hana Hostel
Tian Tian Guesthouse
Capsule Ryokan Kyoto
Angel Garden Kyoto Youth Hostel
2. TOKYO AREA
Temple Stay Program at Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
Tokyo Terrace House (Gaienmae)
The Japanese Garden
Old Peking Guest House
If you plan to travel extensively around the country, it may be worth buying a China Guidebook and aChina Map. Both are widely available at any bookstore in China including the Xinhua Bookstore. Many hotels also have free tourist maps of the city they are located in.
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