IT’S always the little things you remember about a special hotel stay.

Things like squidgy beds, lovely staff, great views and a colourful cocktail or two…

Recently my other half and I headed to Cardiff, my favourite city in the whole of the UK.

We were staying at Novotel in Cardiff Bay, which is just a short walk from the bustling city centre.

While I checked in, said other half discovered a platter of complimentary Welsh cakes.

In the short period of time it took me to get our room key, a staggering four Welsh cakes had been wolfed down and another two were clasped in his sweaty palm.

Okay, I admit they were delicious. Little mouthfuls of Welsh wonderfulness.

But it is those little, thoughtful, generous things that mark a hotel out from others.

We were booked into a fifth-floor room with a terrace overlooking the city. And, amazingly, the sun was shining on that Saturday afternoon.

Hubbie soon regretted his Welsh cake greed, because in our room we found three little meringue chicks waiting for us to enjoy with coffee from the Nespresso machine!

We had such a relaxing stay, but it was the friendliness of the staff which stood out. Nothing was too much trouble, from check-in to the bar to breakfast.

While we were on a romantic break, the 138-bedroom hotel is also a great place for a family getaway.

There’s an indoor heated pool with sauna and jacuzzi to unwind; there’s also a fitness centre, if you want to work off those Welsh cakes.

The Goods Shed brasserie and drinks lounge is quirky. Great drinks menu, but I would steer clear of the chilli nuts – lethal!

There’s so much to do in Cardiff.

It was proclaimed the nation’s capital in 1955 and the iconic Cardiff Bay is home to the Wales Millennium Centre and Mermaid Quay, with its shops, bars and restaurants. And the strikingly modern Senedd building houses with Welsh Assembly.

In the city centre, Cardiff Castle reigns supreme, with its Roman walls, a Norman keep and a Victorian mansion that was decorated by the Marquess of Bute, once dubbed the richest man in the world after earning a fortune from coal export at the docks.

This capital city is a dichotomy. Thoroughly modern but also distinctively Welsh.

One of the highlights for me is the network of unique Victorian and Edwardian arcades, but you will find all the national chain stores you could want too.

Definitely don’t miss the chance to breathe in all the fishy flavours at Cardiff Market. Pickings galore.

If it’s nightlife you are after, and a large number of visitors to Cardiff are there for just that, the main pub or cocktail action is in the vicinity of St Mary’s Street.

And Cardiff boasts a huge selection of gastronomic delights – from Spanish tapas to great British and Welsh food, burger bars and Michelin-starred dining.

It’s all in the detail: Hotel Novotel Cardiff Centre is at Schooner Way, Cardiff CF10 4RT. Prices from £65 per night.

There’s 35 per cent off some bookings until 9 April with a special spring/summer discount.