The Best Boutique Hotels in Wales

This place was the winner of the Best Boutique Hotel award at the Welsh Hospitality Awards 2016, and it’s not hard to see why, with its location at the foot of Cader Idris mountain in the stunning Snowdonia National Park, its remarkable views and five-star luxury rooms. You’ll have all the home comforts such as a big Welsh breakfast in the morning, and extras such as an outdoor hot tub and a well-stocked library; it’s the kind of place you won’t want to leave. Cardigan Bay is just a short drive away, and you can also take walks in the surrounding forests and of course, hike up Cader Idris.

Glangwili Mansion has a certificate of excellence on Tripadvisor and is in a great place to see some of Wales’s best attractions, such as beaches, countryside, coast and castles. It’s found beside Brechfa Forest and not far from the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Laugharne – a town with links to Welsh writer Dylan Thomas. Friendly owners Linda and George have excellent hosting skills and will be sure to make your stay a pleasant one.

Another place with a slew of awards is the Plough Rhosmaen, situated in the Towy Valley among castles in the beautiful Welsh countryside. The hotel is particularly sought after for its beauty treatments and facilities such as a sauna and gym, which ensure you’ll soon be feeling tip-top from head to toe. The hotel is also well known for its food, with people going just to visit its restaurant. The menu is a blend of modern and traditional cuisine, with produce locally sourced where possible. Nearby attractions include the National Botanical Garden of Wales and Aberglasney House.

This harbourside hotel and Grade II-listed building is stylish and contemporary, forming part of a row of brightly coloured Georgian buildings on Aberaeron’s coast. It’s a real gem, with stupendous views and bright, modern bedrooms with a Welsh maritime theme. and on offer. The food is fresh Welsh seafood fare and includes dishes such as Cardigan Bay crab linguine with garlic and chilli, and whole sea bass with roasted cauliflower and salsa verde.

This former coaching inn has eight rooms and a renowned restaurant. The cosy yet fresh decor is what you notice first: it’s all wooden furnishings, slate, seagrass and Welsh blankets. The food is the real star, however, with seafood, locally produced vegetables and meat, and even a wood-fired oven for fresh pizza. Breakfast isn’t scrimped on either, with smoked haddock, poached eggs and pancakes on the menu. The hotel is in the stunning Pembrokeshire National Park, so you have world-famous beaches and scenery within easy reach.

The Hand at Llanarmon has carefully designed and attractive rooms, some with design touches such as free-standing baths, and pretty much everything you could need, from toiletries to tea making facilities. It’s a cosy place, with exposed beams, fires, real ales and hearty food. There’s even a spa with bespoke treatments to restore and relax you. As for the locale, there are scenic country walks and activities such as horse riding and fishing right on your doorstep.

Found at the top of Cardiff’s Cathedral Road, Jolyons is about as near to the city centre as you can get while still being in a fairly residential area. So it’s perfectly located for a trip to the Welsh capital, especially if you want to go to a match at the nearby stadium, or sample the delights of the city centre, while staying in luxurious surroundings. Each room is individually decorated and plush touches such as soft sheets, chunky towels and good-quality coffee and tea abound.