The hotel is steeped in maritime history and the building was formerly used by the Associated British Ports.

The hotel has 42 rooms, 20 in the main building and 22 in the Regency-style townhouse next door.

The decorative Baroque exterior is clad in red brick and white stone and topped by a Greek statue-clad clock cupola.

The interior features stained glass with compasses, exploration and maritime themes.

A mural by Cardiff-born artist Robert Morton Nance (1873–1959) depicting tall masted ships on the River Tawe, overlooked by Swansea Castle, decorates the boardroom .