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NosDa Hostel & Bar

53-59 Despenser Street Riverside, Cardiff CF11 6AG Wales
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Traveller (111)
Room & Suite (51)
Dining (15)

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About

#2 of 9 hostels in Cardiff
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value

NosDa has the best location for a hostel in the Welsh capital. On the River Taff, NosDa is opposite Wales’ most iconic building, the Millennium Stadium (Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Central Station are just a stone's throw away).

NosDa means 'good night' in Welsh and that is exactly what we are promising. We are the only hostel on the River Taff with a licensed bar and not only that, NosDa is an established live music venue too. What better place to stay than a typically Welsh hostel with local bands, Welsh food & drinks, and local artists bringing you closer to the Welsh culture. We regularly organise beer festivals and Open Mic nights, and all Rugby World Cup and 6 Nations games are featured on our big screen. On a match day you can hear the crowd going wild at the Millennium Stadium, that's how close we are!

Even though NosDa is one of the largest hostels in Cardiff, it is proud to have the reputation of being friendly and personal with well-travelled international and local staff on hand 24/7. We are also proud to be a member of Europe's Famous Hostels, which stands for quality and great customer service for an unbeatable price.

We welcome international backpackers as well as Stag & Hen parties, rugby teams and school groups. NosDa is experienced in group accommodation and offers a variety of room types to suit all needs. We have a great communal kitchen and plenty of common space to chill out, watch TV, read a book or catch up on emails. Meet your fellow travellers whilst tasting some of our local ales and ciders!

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Property amenities
Paid private parking on-site
Free internet
Bar / lounge
Bicycle rental
Billiards
Books, DVDs, music for children
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Secured parking
Internet
Snack bar
Vending machine
Evening entertainment
Board games / puzzles
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge / TV area
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
2.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish, Dutch and 2 more
315Reviews3Q+A42Room tips
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Jax wrote a review Mar 2020
1 contribution1 helpful vote
Absolutely wicked hostel! Great night vibes and all of the staff are super lovely, chatty and helpful. Breakfast was a treat. Special shout out to Sophie for going above and beyond to show us all the best things to do/see in Cardiff! Gave us a detailed list of some good bars and pubs to go to and mapped out some stuff for us to do during the day, we even left with a list of some festivals coming up that she recommended we see, definitely helped make our first experience in Cardiff a great one :) Would recommend this hostel to anyone and will definitely be coming back soon! And the £12 jugs of Fosters, bargain.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from NosDa Cardiff, General Manager at NosDa Hostel & Bar
Responded Apr 24, 2020
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us such an amazing review- we really appreciate your great feedback, especially in these current tough times! :) We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us and that you're planning to come back and visit again. It's so lovely to hear that our staff made such a good impression and went above and beyond to make your NosDa experience so much fun. Our staff are really passionate about Cardiff and giving our guests the best hostel and city wide experience during their stay. We'll pass on your special thanks to Sophie too! We're really pleased to hear you enjoyed the live music on offer at the weekend and loved the night time atmosphere in the bar area. We hope our bar area offers guests the chance to meet our locals and it's the perfect base for the start of a great night out in Cardiff! We're glad you got to make the most of the guests' drinks deals, and hope you weren't feeling too rough the next day after your night out! :) Thanks so much again for leaving us such a lovely review and we look forward to seeing you again once the Covid-19 crisis is over. Remember to book on our website to get free breakfast with the booking too ;) Take care and stay safe! Lots of love, The NosDa Crew
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Sallymally wrote a review Mar 2020
United Kingdom3 contributions6 helpful votes
Considering the back drop of this hotel is the princapality stadium I think this place needs an outside update looks horrendous when walking past dark blue painted chipped paint I think you need an update guys as flying welsh flags your letting the side down
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from NosDa Cardiff, General Manager at NosDa Hostel & Bar
Responded Mar 3, 2020
Hi Sally, Whilst we admit NosDa is not perfect and indeed the outside of the building could do with a bit of an update, it's a shame that this is the only thing you have commented on in your review. We feel that this portrays us in quite a negative light when in fact NosDa offers so much to the local community as well as our guests. We are a welcoming and friendly international backpacking hostel as well as a lively bar and offer the following to our guests and locals alike: Weekly live music events (Band Jam, Open mic, DJs, live bands on Saturdays) Monthly comedy, spoken word and vinyl nights Monthly car less car boot event Well stocked bar offering local Welsh beers and ciders Food menu offering a 25% discount to our guests Studio spaces (creative workshops and even a tattoo parlour) Multilingual staff and ability to cater for large group bookings (stag and hen parties) Lively, safe and welcoming atmosphere (particularly on Match days) We do hope that if you decide to visit again you will have the opportunity to experience some of the above and realise that we are in fact not letting the Welsh side down. All the best, NosDa Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Peter A wrote a review Feb 2020
Umeå, Sweden68 contributions49 helpful votes
I was there for 4 nights in february! The location is very good, in a quiet street which was awesome. The staff is helpful and professional. They contacted me about switching rooms because of smoke, so they take that in consideration. This might be small pickings, but the pillows and bed isn´t really comfortable (for my taste) and the breakfast was just basic. Otherwise It´s was fine, and would probably come here again.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Cleanliness
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from NosDa Cardiff, General Manager at NosDa Hostel & Bar
Responded Apr 24, 2020
Thanks for taking the time to leave us a review! We really appreciate your kind comments regarding our staff and that you liked our super central location. We are sorry that another guest in your room caused a disturbance which meant you had to move rooms but we're glad you appreciated our staff helping with this matter. We are hoping to replace some of our mattresses as part of a general improvement project at NosDa so we hope the next time you stay with us your bed will be more comfy :) Thanks again, and we hope to see you again in the future! All the best, NosDa Crew
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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GGS wrote a review Feb 2020
Dublin, Ireland37 contributions44 helpful votes
Nice hostel that is central and very close to the stadium. We stayed in a private room for 3 which was clean and on the top floor. I didn't notice a lift/elevator so I don't think there was one which was fine for us but might be a problem for some people. Staff were very nice and the bar is cheap (try the toffee vodka!). There is a really cute outdoor market that operates on Sunday's just down from the hostel along the canal - great for breakfast or lunch with lots of vegan and vegetarian options and lovely people.
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Date of stay: January 2020
Cleanliness
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from NosDa Cardiff, General Manager at NosDa Hostel & Bar
Responded Apr 24, 2020
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review! We're glad to hear you enjoyed your stay with us and it would be a pleasure to host you again in the future. It's great to hear you found our staff to be so friendly and you liked our bar area. We hope that our guest drinks deals make NosDa an affordable option for the start of a night out in Cardiff and our bar is well stocked with local Welsh beers and ciders. We're glad you liked the toffee vodka! :) We'll pass on your positive feedback to the riverside market traders too! Thanks again, and we hope to see you again in the future! All the best, NosDa Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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megxfoster wrote a review Feb 2020
Exmouth, United Kingdom1 contribution2 helpful votes
Me and a small group decided to stay here for the weekend for a trip away. After checking in we made our way to the room. The room was tiny with 4 bunk beds that had been duct taped together which clearly was not safe. The bathroom was terrible, one door even had no lock. For £270 for two nights I would expect better for this price !!! The door of the room would also not shut properly & therefore, we were rudely awoken by a man entering our room. When we checked out the lady at reception was EXTREMELY rude. I came to the desk to ask to check out and she rudely looked at me and told me to leave the keys on the side and just walked away. She asked nothing about our stay and didn’t even thank us for our visit. We will not be staying here again!!
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Date of stay: February 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from NosDaCardiff, General Manager at NosDa Hostel & Bar
Responded Feb 14, 2020
Hi Meg. We were anticipating this review because of the attitude you displayed to staff upon leaving the hostel as well as reports from other guests in the neighbouring room of you bashing on the walls during the night and generally being rowdy. You had reported to the night staff that you did not like the guests in the room next door but this was the only complaint you made. This complaint was relayed to the morning staff but they were unaware that you were the group that raised this issue. Our staff member went to the reception desk when she saw you come over in the morning to check out and twice enquired if she could help you. You all ignored her offers, hence why she walked away to continue with her work. You then proceeded to leave the building shouting sarcastic comments at her and out of perceived ear shot, but you were overheard by her as well as other guests in the bar area. Whilst we appreciate you were upset by the incident that occurred the previous night, you made little or no attempt to communicate this or any other complaints (regarding the condition of the room, broken lock etc) to her while she was making herself available to you at the desk. With regards to your comments about the cost of the room, the price was higher than usual for that weekend as there was a major event on in the city centre (Wales vs Italy Six Nations match). Prices everywhere in the city centre would have been elevated and the other hostels would have charged comparable prices for this particular weekend. Whilst we accept that NosDa is not perfect, we pride ourselves on our excellent customer service which is reflected and recognised by the many positive reviews left on TripAdvisor and other websites by previous and returning guests. Our staff member was fully prepared to address and resolve any issues raised but she wasn't given the chance by your group, and was left feeling frustrated and bewildered by your attitude.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Barry W wrote a review Dec 2019
7 contributions
Came home for christmas and needed somewhere to stay for the night so i booked a private room for the night, absolutely lovely fresh bed tidy room and good service ont he way in from a young girl called sophie and best part was it was £19 that's all I payed, plus the shower was amazing very hot and very powerful!!
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from NosDaCardiff, Public Relations Manager at NosDa Hostel & Bar
Responded Feb 14, 2020
Thanks so much for your great review! We're really pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay with us and it would be a pleasure to host you again. We are grateful for your kind comments regarding our staff- they're one of our best assets here at NosDa and work hard to ensure our guests have the best time during their stay. We're glad the showers impressed too! :) Hope you had a great Christmas and we hope to see you again in the future! Kind regards, NosDa Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Ali wrote a review Aug 2019
Jaraiz de la Vera, Spain11 contributions2 helpful votes
We where there for four days and we had a private room with private bathroom, which was the best option IMHO. The staff were always nice and kind, the location is really good if you want to be near the centre of the city, is a 5 min walk to the Castle and the arcades, 10 to the museums, etc. The only problem we had was that the corridor's light on our floor wasn't working at night so we had to use a flashlight to get to our room and other guests were partying at the terrace at night on saturday and sunday night and sleeping with the noise wasn't so easy. Besides that, our stay was pleasant and I for one would totally go back there for another trip. Also, price is really affordable.
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Date of stay: August 2019
Value
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Room Tip: Choose a room with private bathroom, it'll be worth it.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from NosDaCardiff, Public Relations Manager at NosDa Hostel & Bar
Responded Oct 2, 2019
Thanks so much for your lovely review Alicia! We're really pleased to hear you enjoyed your staff with us and we really appreciate your kind comments regarding our lovely staff. They're one of our best assets here at NosDa! Our super central location means you never have to walk more than 10 or 15 minutes to visit everything in the city centre. We do apologise that the landing light wasn't working when you were staying. Our maintenance team fixed this the following week. We do hope you will stay with us again in the future- and remember to book on our website to get breakfast for free! All the best, NosDa Team :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Thetravelercode wrote a review Jul 2019
Southampton, United Kingdom43 contributions428 helpful votes
Stayed here a few nights. It was nice to have a communal area and kitchen to meet new people. The staff spoke in a nice and friendly way to me all the time. I felt like i was part of the family. If you want to be left alone this can be a good place to relax or if you want to be sociable there is that option also. Laid back and easy going. Would recommend.
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Date of stay: July 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
25 Helpful votes1 Repost
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Response from NosDaCardiff, Guest Relations Manager at NosDa Hostel & Bar
Responded Oct 3, 2019
Thanks so much for your lovely review! We are really pleased to hear that you were made to feel so welcome by our staff. We hope that NosDa offers a family atmosphere so that guests can feel at home during their stay. We do hope you will visit us again in the future! :) All the best, NosDa Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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ChrispyCurls wrote a review Jun 2019
Llantwit Major, United Kingdom57 contributions20 helpful votes
Lovely hostel. Staff friendly and helpful. Very good location, less than ten minute walk to central station. Great to put your head down after a long night in Cardiff. Communal rooms are a little tired looking, but the kitchen is clean and tidy. Book direct and the breakfast is free! Decent beer selection in the tavern. Will use it again.
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Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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ChrisFromWales wrote a review May 2019
Cardiff, United Kingdom15 contributions7 helpful votes
Upon entering, we were apprehended by a member of staff who said "where do you think you are going?" in a very rude and direct manner, when we only came in for a quiet drink after work. Definitely won't be going back again. Terrible customer service.
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Date of stay: May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2 Helpful votes
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Response from NosDaCardiff, General Manager at NosDa Hostel & Bar
Responded May 23, 2019
Thank you for your comment, we appreciate your view on this matter (as was explained in the reply to the email you sent yesterday). The staff member in question actually said 'can I help you' and then later apologised to you because she could see that you were unhappy with her question, she also explained to you to you the reason for this query. I am sorry & surprised that you felt the need to take this matter public despite an apology from both the General Manager & the staff member that was involved.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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LOCATION
United KingdomWalesSouth WalesCardiff
NUMBER OF ROOMS
29
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NosDa Hostel & Bar - Reviews & Photos (Cardiff, Wales) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about NosDa Hostel & Bar
Which popular attractions are close to NosDa Hostel & Bar?
Nearby attractions include Escape Rooms Cardiff (0.4 km), The Bootlegger (0.3 km), and Principality Stadium (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at NosDa Hostel & Bar?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a lounge, laundry service, and free internet access.
What food & drink options are available at NosDa Hostel & Bar?
Guests can enjoy a lounge and a snack bar during their stay.
Is parking available at NosDa Hostel & Bar?
Yes, paid private parking on-site and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to NosDa Hostel & Bar?
Conveniently located restaurants include Corner Coffee, Pasture Cardiff, and Revolution Cardiff.
Is NosDa Hostel & Bar located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.1 km away from the centre of Cardiff.
Are any cleaning services offered at NosDa Hostel & Bar?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at NosDa Hostel & Bar?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Dutch.
Are there any historical sites close to NosDa Hostel & Bar?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Insole Court (3.1 km), St Lythans Burial Chamber (6.3 km), and Mansion House (1.3 km).