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20 Years of Future Inns in Cardiff: 2005-2025
On 13 April 2005 Future Inn Cardiff Opened
April 2005 marked the beginning of something special - Future Inns Cardiff Bay opened its doors, not just as a hotel, but as a part of the city's narrative. We welcomed guests to a city on the rise. Over the past two decades, we've had the privilege of not just witnessing but actively contributing to Cardiff's transformation into a vibrant cultural and sporting powerhouse.
What was happening in April 2005?
In 2005, we were singing along to Feel Good Inc. by Gorillaz, and You're Beautiful by James Blunt. The UK charts were dominated by artists like Coldplay with their album X&Y and The Killers with their debut album Hot Fuss.
The reality TV show Big Brother was a significant part of British pop culture at the time. The UK version of The Apprentice, hosted by Sir Alan Sugar (now Lord Sugar), premiered in April 2005, making it an early reality TV sensation.
The Six Nations Rugby Championship had just concluded. Wales won the Grand Slam, their first since 1978, becoming the first team to win a Grand Slam playing more games away than at home. The English Premier League was also in full swing, with top clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United battling for the top spots. Chelsea, managed by José Mourinho, was on track for their first Premier League title, which they would win in May.
April 2005 saw the build-up to the UK's general election, which took place on 5 May 2005. The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Tony Blair, sought a third consecutive term in power. On 2 April 2005, Pope John Paul II passed away, and this was a major news story across the world. Millions watched his funeral on 8 April.
Future Inn Cardiff officially opened on 13 April 2005.
The Last 20 Years in Cardiff
From world-class sporting events to game-changing developments, here's a look back at the moments that shaped Cardiff - and the milestones we've shared along the way.
2005 – Doctor Who returns, putting Cardiff on the map
After a 16-year break, Doctor Who was relaunched, with Cardiff becoming its production home. The city quickly became a hotspot for fans, with filming locations popping up across Cardiff Bay, Llandaff, and the city centre.
2006 – Wales Millennium Centre cements its place in UK culture
Just two years after opening, the Wales Millennium Centre became one of the UK's top venues for theatre and live performances, hosting everything from Les Misérables to Madama Butterfly.
2007 – Cardiff City Stadium plans announced
Construction officially began on the Cardiff City Stadium, marking a new era for the city's football team and replacing the beloved Ninian Park.
2008 – St. David's 2 shopping centre takes shape
The multi-million-pound expansion of St. David's Shopping Centre was well underway, promising to turn Cardiff into a retail powerhouse in the UK. Shopping in Cardiff is exciting, and since opening, it has been placed in the top 10 shopping destinations in the UK.
2009 – The Ashes come to Cardiff
The SWALEC Stadium (now Sophia Gardens) hosted the first-ever Ashes Test Match in Wales, as England took on Australia in front of a packed-out crowd.
2010 – Cardiff's Winter Wonderland grows
Winter Wonderland expanded with a larger ice rink and a bigger funfair, solidifying itself as one of the city's favourite annual attractions. In 2023 it grew further, taking place inside Cardiff Castle as well as the City Hall lawns.
2011 – Census reveals Cardiff's rapid growth
The Census showed Cardiff's population had grown by 13% in a decade, proving it to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK.
2012 – Olympic Torch arrives in Cardiff
The London 2012 Olympic Torch passed through Cardiff, with huge crowds gathering to see it carried past landmarks like Cardiff Castle and the Principality Stadium. Several Olympic teams stayed at Future Inns during the 2012 London Olympics training camps.
2013 – Doctor Who celebrates 50 years in Cardiff
The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff Bay became the heart of global celebrations for the show's 50th anniversary, attracting thousands of fans from around the world.
2014 – Cardiff crowned one of the UK's best places to live
The Sunday Times named Cardiff one of the best cities to live in the UK, praising its affordability, culture, and green spaces.
2015 – The Principality Stadium is born
After a sponsorship deal, the Millennium Stadium officially became the Principality Stadium, continuing its legacy as the home of Welsh rugby.
2016 – Cardiff named UK's first Music City
Cardiff was officially recognised as a leading UK music hub, with venues like the Utilita Arena (previously Cardiff International Arena), Tramshed, and Clwb Ifor Bach hosting some of the biggest names in music.
2017 – UEFA Champions League Final takes over Cardiff
Cardiff made global headlines by hosting the UEFA Champions League Final, with Real Madrid defeating Juventus. The event brought an estimated £45 million boost to the local economy.
2018 – Record visitors for National Museum Cardiff
The National Museum Cardiff reported its highest-ever visitor numbers, thanks to major exhibitions including Van Gogh and Dinosaur Babies.
2019 – BBC's His Dark Materials filmed in Cardiff
Cardiff was again in the spotlight as BBC's His Dark Materials was filmed across the city, showcasing its versatility as a filming location.
2020 – Cardiff during the pandemic
Like the rest of the world, Cardiff faced lockdowns, but the community came together with support networks, food banks, and a surge in appreciation for local businesses. Future Inn Cardiff was open for essential workers, and our staff worked tirelessly through new and challenging conditions and regulations, demonstrating our commitment to the city and its people.
2021 – The return of live events
Festivals, concerts, and sporting events made a comeback in Cardiff, with the Stereophonics playing a sold-out show at the Principality Stadium.
2022 – Cardiff Central Square transformation completes
The £100m redevelopment of Central Square was finished, modernising the city's transport hub with a brand-new bus station and business district.
2023 – Cardiff's food scene thrives
Cardiff's food scene gained national recognition, with restaurants like Heaneys and The Heathcock entering the Michelin Guide, making headlines for their innovation and quality.
2024 – Cardiff hosts huge WWE event
Following the success of Clash at the Castle, WWE announced plans to return to Cardiff, confirming the city as a prime location for international sporting events.
2025 – Cardiff's skyline continues to evolve
With ongoing developments at Cardiff Bay, including building the Atlantic Wharf Arena, it is expected to open in 2027. This will be on the County Hall and Red Dragon Centre site – opposite our hotel. The city is not just looking but charging towards an exciting future, and we're thrilled to be a part of it.
Celebrating 20 Years of Future Inns in Cardiff
From the grand opening of Future Inns Cardiff Bay in 2005 to the city's transformation into a thriving cultural and sporting destination, the past two decades have been an incredible journey. Cardiff has hosted world-class events, welcomed global icons, and continued to grow as one of the UK's most dynamic cities.
For 20 years, Future Inn Cardiff has been more than just a place to stay - we've been part of the city's story. From hosting international visitors to providing a home away from home for our guests, we're honoured to have played a role in Cardiff's incredible growth. Here are some interesting facts:
Here's to the future of Cardiff, our guests, and the unforgettable moments still to come.
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Hotel in Cardiff
Future Inn Cardiff is a modern and comfortable hotel in the heart of Cardiff Bay, one of the city's most vibrant areas. The hotel is conveniently located near main access roads and public transportation, making it easy to explore the city. This well-appointed hotel offers a range of amenities, ensuring a pleasant and convenient stay. Alongside its excellent location, the hotel boasts spacious and airy bedrooms - all of which sleep up to four guests - that feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a desk and workspace, a laptop safe, a complimentary robe and slippers. Plus, home away from home services like the guest laundry room, ice buckets and wine glasses. There's also electric car charging and free parking, which are rare in such a central location.
Future Club Rewards
For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!
Restaurant in Cardiff Bay
Thomas Restaurant is a vibrant dining venue in the heart of Cardiff Bay that offers a memorable culinary experience.
Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and Welsh dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region.
From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.
Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace.
A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands Brains beers, Penderyn whiskey and vodka, Benjamin Hall gins, and Cariad wines.
Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.
Meetings, Events & Weddings
Future Inn Cardiff offers a versatile and modern setting for meetings, conferences, events, and weddings. Whether you're hosting a business conference, a networking event, or a memorable wedding celebration, the hotel provides flexible spaces to suit every need, making it the ideal choice for corporate gatherings and special occasions.
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