Review of Big Sleep Hotel, by Barb Sligl

The Big Sleep Hotel’s logo has an “e” that’s sideways, as if prone, or – wink, wink – asleep. It’s a sign that something here is askew. The hotel – inside and out – is undeniably a 1960s-era office building. Once home to British Gas in Cardiff, it retains office traits you might expect: narrow corridors, utilitarian stairwell and workhorse lifts. But it also has contemporary charm.

The walls are tangerine, baby blue, bubblegum pink, and there are images of Hollywood actor John Malkovich everywhere (he’s a stakeholder). This may be a converted office, but it hums with a creative vibe. The brainchild of Cosmo Fry (of the Fry’s Chocolate family) and fashion journalist Lulu Anderson, The Big Sleep is a designer budget hotel.

The lobby is cheery with blooms – real and graphic. The groovy bar has a custom-made pink floral Formica design and there’s bold wallpaper (think Orla Kiely’s Floral Blossom pattern). Vintage furniture is reupholstered in vinyl and nubby fabrics, and throw cushions with hearts and “peace” motifs add to the retro vibe. An affable staff services the 24-hour reception. This isn’t the ambience of a typical budget hotel. Sit on a Bombo stool at the lobby bar with a bottle of beer (for a reasonable three quid) and chill out.

The funky look is continued in the dining room with a blown-up photo from an old Burberry shoot (from Fry’s personal stash). It makes for a bright start to the day, along with the multi-hued dishware for the complimentary continental breakfast. This is where you’ll most likely mingle with other guests – young Welsh couples and mates, refuelling after a late night in the pubs, a rugby match at Millennium Stadium or a show at Cardiff International Arena. Other clientèle in the mix are shoppers and business types; The Big Sleep’s location in the city centre is steps from Cardiff Central Station, the Café Quarter and St David’s shopping arcade (including Jamie Oliver’s Italian restaurant).

With so much at The Big Sleep’s doorstep, spending time in the room isn’t the point. It’s somewhere to “sleep” rather than lounge (as per the name of the hotel, of course). Or scope out the city; a positive relic of the 81 guest rooms’ office genesis is the massive windows and unrivalled views of Cardiff and the Welsh countryside far beyond. And here’s where the “big” comes in to the name – the rooms are huge by European standards.

Beds are low, platform-style, and there’s Formica throughout. The décor is simple and sparse. No fuss or frills here (there are tea-making facilities, small flatscreen TVs, and Wi-Fi access for a fee but no fancy toiletries, hair-dryers or trouser presses). Industrial carpet and ceiling tiles are offset by touches of classic design, like an Eames-style Eiffel desk chair. The Big Sleep has just enough panache for hip budget travellers or weekenders – this basic bolthole manages to mix plenty of wit with economy.