Heading to ICC Wales for a conference, exhibition or show? The new International Convention Centre Wales sits just off the M4 and is designed to wrestle big events into tidy, well-served packages – which also means there are plenty of nearby hotels suited to every kind of traveller: from corporate bookers after reliable business facilities to budget-minded visitors who want clean, convenient beds without a premium price tag. Below I round up four handy options – two commercial/mainstream picks and two budget-friendly hotels – that work especially well for delegates and day visitors to ICC Wales.
Quick snapshot: getting to ICC Wales
ICC Wales is positioned just off Junction 24 of the M4, roughly an easy drive from Bristol and Cardiff airports, and less than 20 minutes from Newport train station – a location chosen to make business travel simple and to provide quick access to the motorway network.
Commercial options (comfort, facilities, business-friendly)
Premier Inn Newport (Coldra / M4, J24) – reliable and fuss-free
If your priority is a no-surprises stay with consistent standards, the Premier Inn at Coldra (often listed as Premier Inn Newport – M4 J24) is a natural pick. It’s a short drive from the ICC and sits by the M4 junction for very straightforward car access, which is ideal for exhibitors or attendees arriving with equipment or on a tight timetable. Rooms are typically modern and practical (good beds, strong showers, reliable Wi-Fi) and many Premier Inns also offer an on-site restaurant or an adjacent Beefeater-style pub-restaurant – a plus when you want one-stop evening meals for a group. The hotel’s motorway location makes it particularly useful for mixed teams who are coming by car from different parts of the UK.
What it’s best for: event organisers and business travellers who value consistency, parking and easy M4 access.
Holiday Inn Express – Lakeside Drive / Celtic Way (business-ready, modern)
The Holiday Inn Express on Lakeside Drive (often associated with the “Celtic Way” area near Newport) brings the familiar business-oriented amenities – a simple, modern breakfast included, meeting-friendly lobby spaces and dependable connectivity. The brand’s Express line focuses on smart essentials: comfortable sleep, work-ready rooms and quick breakfasts to get delegates out the door bright and early. The location is convenient for both accessing ICC Wales and exploring nearby business parks or the Celtic Manor area, so it suits anyone combining conference time with meetings elsewhere in the region.
What it’s best for: delegates who want a modern, efficient stay with included breakfast and straightforward business facilities.
Budget options (save on the bed, spend on the event)
ibis (ibis budget) – Malpas Road: compact, central and wallet-friendly
For delegates who are booking on price but still want a central base, the ibis budget on Malpas Road is a compact, no-frills hotel that is popular with short-stay visitors. It’s located close to central Newport amenities and transit links, which makes it a good choice for people who plan to be mostly at the ICC during the day and out for drinks or dinner in the city in the evening. Rooms tend to be small but clean and efficient; if you’re mainly there to sleep and freshen up, ibis budget will do the job without denting the travel budget.
What it’s best for: solo delegates, students or groups on a tight per-diem who prioritise location and price over hotel frills.
Travelodge Newport Central – simple, central and very walkable
Travelodge’s Newport Central branch, on Bridge Street, is another budget stalwart with a central location. If you want to be in the heart of Newport – close to restaurants, bars, and the River Usk – Travelodge Central puts you within walking distance of the city’s evening life while keeping rates competitive. Its proximity to the city centre is useful if your schedule includes evening networking or cultural stops after a day at ICC Wales; public transport links and taxis are easy to find nearby. Travelodge rooms are straightforward and the brand usually offers family or twin-room options if you’re sharing.
What it’s best for: travellers who want low-cost central accommodation and easy access to Newport’s nightlife and dining.
Choosing between commercial and budget — practical tips
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Distance vs. convenience: If you’re carrying exhibits, promotional material or heavy luggage, the motorway-facing Premier Inn or Holiday Inn Express (both near major roads) will save you time and taxi costs. If you’re travelling light and want to maximise evening options, the Travelodge (city) or ibis (Malpas) puts you closer to restaurants and bars.
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Group bookings and meeting rooms: For corporate groups where a pre-event briefing or debrief is planned, commercial hotels often have small meeting rooms or quieter dining spaces that can be reserved – budget hotels tend to offer fewer or no dedicated meeting rooms, so factor that into your logistics.
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Transport and parking: If your team is split between rail and car, mix-and-match: book some rooms close to the station (Travelodge Central) and keep a couple of motorway-side rooms (Premier Inn or Holiday Inn Express) for drivers or late arrivals. This hybrid approach reduces shuttle time and taxi fares.
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Meals and catering needs: If you need straightforward evening catering for a team, look for hotels with an on-site restaurant or guaranteed nearby eateries. Budget hotels are close to city-centre options, but you may lose the convenience of a single-bill dinner.
Final thoughts
ICC Wales has been designed to host large, modern events – and the local hotel scene complements that with a practical mix: mainstream, comfortable commercial hotels that take care of business needs, and plainly-priced budget hotels that keep costs down for delegates and staff. Whether you prioritise motorway access, in-house facilities or an evening walk to the city centre, the four hotels above (Premier Inn Coldra, Holiday Inn Express on Lakeside/Celtic Way, ibis budget Malpas and Travelodge Newport Central) give you simple paths to plan a logistics-friendly stay around ICC Wales. Use your priorities — parking, meeting space, proximity to nightlife or strict budget – to pick the right balance for your visit.
