The story behind a name

On December 15, 1939, shortly after the onset of World War II, a three-month-old baby girl was found wrapped in blankets on the doorstep of the Royal Hotel. Despite extensive efforts by the hotel and public appeals, her parents could not be traced. Named Pat Fitzgerald, she was never able to uncover her heritage. In 2010, the hotel hosted a VIP event to commemorate the anniversary and launch an appeal for information. In her honor, the hotel’s bar was named “Fitz’s Bar.”
 

Bee-lieving in the future

Since its inception, the Royal Hotel has continually evolved, embracing modernization and sustainability. In 2013, a beehive was established on the 6th floor, affectionately called “6B,” housing thousands of bees that produce honey for guests to enjoy. The hotel also supports local business ‘Natures Little Helpers’ from Llanishen by offering their honey-based products, including candles, balms, and soaps. To further environmental efforts, the hotel introduced ‘BeeKind’ eco-friendly, cruelty-free toiletries in its bedrooms, with a portion of proceeds supporting bee conservation projects.

A journey never forgotten

On June 15, 1910, before departing on the Terra Nova for his Antarctic expedition, Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his team were honoured with a farewell dinner by the Cardiff Chamber of Commerce. Held in what was then the ‘Alexandra Room,’ now renamed the ‘Captain Scott Room,’ the event featured a lavish thirteen-course meal. The room now hosts an annual commemorative celebration for Captain Scott and serves as the daily breakfast venue, as well as a space for private hire.
 

The changing face of the Royal Hotel

Established in 1866, the Royal Hotel Cardiff has undergone significant transformations while remaining a proud landmark in the heart of Cardiff. Originally built with 70 bedrooms, an extension added 50 more guest rooms and staff quarters. A century later, new management repurposed the ground floor into two public bars, relocating the hotel and bedrooms to the upper floors. The original entrance and iconic staircase were lost, becoming part of what is now Slug and Lettuce. Following extensive renovations, the hotel reopened in 2006 with 60 bedrooms across five floors, welcoming over 30,000 guests annually.

Photo by Unseen Histories on Unsplash