I've always been fascinated by the hotel. My dad lives just over the Severn Bridge so maybe it's because I've spent so many hours driving past it on the M4.
I've also stayed there just the once. It was on my 30th birthday five years ago, and my twin girls had been born three months early. They were still very tiny on my birthday and unable to come home from the special care baby unit in Newport.
My mum, not knowing what gift she could possibly get me, decided that booking an overnight stay in a suite near the hospital might cheer me up. She was right and we ate in the hotel's fine dining restaurant. Naturally when it came to starting the research I made a beeline for there!
Carrie Smith and Paul Hawkins in their chef whites
My husband, his parents and brother-in-law all went to the Ryder Cup four years ago. They managed to attend on the driest day and they were on such a high when they came home, having seen their golfing heroes from all over the world play in Wales.
These occasions represent special memories to me and my family. I would imagine that many people living in south Wales and beyond will hold similar ones. Filming the series gave me the chance to delve a bit deeper, to find out how the hotel operates and to get to know the staff.
Gaynor Lugg is the executive housekeeper. She's worked there since day one and actually gave birth to her daughter in the old manor house, which was once a maternity hospital. There's no doubt that the place holds special memories for her.
During the research and filming period, the whole team came across many people who had chosen to spend their birthdays and anniversaries there. We captured one happy couple, Zara and Adam, as they celebrated their wedding. They said the hotel was the first place they visited and they didn’t consider getting married anywhere else.
Zara and Adam's wedding at the hotel
The series also features many celebrities who use the hotel. Ex-EastEnder Dean Gaffney was in for some cocktails, former Wales captain Craig Bellamy was on the golf course and even a famous American rapper checked in. Snoop Dogg was so excited about his stay that he even posted pictures of his room and the views outside on his social media accounts.
The main thing I've learned about the hotel is how hard they all work. So much time and effort goes into making these significant events in people's lives special. In episode two, events manager Michelle Jenkins looks after a US company's first UK charity event. She goes to great lengths to make it perfect. We filmed her as she kicked off her heels, running up and down the stairs with hot plates of food, because the service lift had broken down.
Carrie Smith and cameraman Paul Hawkins with Craig Bellamy on the golf course
I spent several months researching at the hotel before the seven days of filming. During that time I spoke to so many staff. Lots of them are local but it's a diverse business with a work-force from all over the world. They’re all cogs in the wheel that make the hotel run so well.
I think they are truly defined by the successful NATO summit that just took place there. This must have created many lasting and incredible memories for the staff. By securing and delivering a global conference, the hotel has helped to create history for Wales.
Carrie Smith is the producer for Hotel 24/7.
Hotel 24/7 is on Monday 15 September at 7.30pm, BBC One Wales.
