Wales has seen an explosion in chic, designer-led places to stay in the last
few years, after the opening of the St David's Hotel & Spa blazed a
trail for cool Cymru in 2001. Here's the best to have opened since then.
1 The Quay Hotel & Spa, Deganwy,
Conwy
Just one year old, this modern and very contemporary hotel manages to blend
high-standard facilities for business travellers with services to appeal to
families. Most of all, it’s known for the fantastic views across to a
floodlit Conwy Castle while eating dinner in the slick Vue Restaurant. The
spa and fitness centre are welcome additions, and a few nice homely touches,
such as free water replenished daily in suites, serve to complete the
overall package.
Doubles from £195 room only with an estuary view
2 Canaston Oaks, Narberth,
Pembrokeshire
Opened Easter 2007, Canaston Oaks is a luxurious B&B base for exploring
one of the most charming regions of Wales. The four-room, all en-suite,
property has been converted from farm buildings and now blends contemporary
fittings with a warm, homely welcome, all set amid the family’s 200 acres of
working farm. It feels close to nature with immaculately manicured grounds
and an abundance of local wildlife. But best of all is the breakfast: a
traditional Welsh dresser groans under the weight of homemade muesli and
fresh fruit each morning.
Doubles from £95 per room on a B&B basis
3 Ffynnon, Dolgellau, Gwynedd
Families often get short shrift at B&Bs, but this brand new, three-room
designer guesthouse in North Wales is about as family friendly as you will
find. That’s not to say it’s all soft toys and bottle warmers – far from it.
With a keen eye for contemporary interior design and a super-friendly
welcome, it feels both homely and stylish at the same time. Nor are guests
imprisoned in their room. The drawing room, in particular, is a sun-soaked
space to relax over coffee and weekend papers.
Doubles from £120 per room on a B&B basis
4 Ynyshir Hall, Machynlleth,
Powys
Winner of the Gold Star – Hotel award at this October’s National Tourism
Awards for Wales, the von Essen hotel group recently acquired the hotel, but
left husband and wife management team, Joan and Rob Reen, to run the
property. Artist Rob designed each of the nine rooms to reflect the
character of the artist after which they are named, while the restaurant,
with Joan as maître d’, has built a strong reputation for excellent-quality
dining.
