Best Luxury Hotels in Wales

Six months after opening, The Royston was declared the best hotel in Wales by The Sunday Times. It has just seven rooms and welcomes both pets, and children over the age of 12. The grounds yield a breakfast bounty with its own orchard, egg-laying hens and polytunnels. The kitchen serves hearty homemade meals – but you’ll need to book in advance – and the homely ambience extends to the well-stocked honesty bar. Enjoy an alfresco beverage, drinking in both the majestic scenery and your tipple.

Looking down on Carmarthen Bay, the hotel’s proximity to sandy beaches makes it ideal for an upscale UK break. The spa here is considered to be one of the finest in Wales, with its thermal suite, herbal rock sauna, seaweed wraps, algae facials and the pièce de résistance – a hydrotherapy infinity pool with ocean views. St Brides is decorated to echo the palette of its coastal locale and in addition to standard rooms, guests can book self-catering apartments. And of course, seafood is the speciality at St Brides’ sophisticated Cliff Restaurant.

Spend your Welsh break in a romantic fairytale castle overlooking the Menai Strait. The magnificent 30 bedroomed, six-storey stately home is situated on the island of Anglesey and has received a five-star rating from Visit Wales. It was built as a gift for Lady Sarah Hay Williams – based on a series of chateaux in the Loire Valley – and contains immense period intricacy both inside and out. A more recent facelift has retained its character but added modern comforts. Guests can take a RIB ride from the hotel’s private slipway, soak under the stars in a hot tub or cosy up by the fireside with a nightcap.

Opt for an inland stay at the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. This graceful country house hotel sits close to a multitude of hiking and bike trails, as well as proffering opportunities to fish, golf and climb. Many of the Georgian rooms have mountain views, with contemporary furnishings complementing the period features. Meals at Peterstone Court are simple and sustainable, with much of the meat coming from the local farm. And be sure to head down to the cellar where you’ll find a beautiful gym, jacuzzi and blissful spa with organic products.

Four cottages and a 15th-century longhouse make up the Grove of Narbeth. Here, the old world meets the new with interiors designed by Martin Hulbert. Furniture, pottery and lace come from local artists and makers, along with a few exotic textiles from far-flung lands. The Fernery restaurant operates a low mileage policy on produce and has it’s own veg and herb gardens under the direction of executive chef Allister Barsby. It’s an all-round eco-friendly staycation choice, with electric car charging points courtesy of Tesla, solar panels and recycled water. There’s also a casual dining area, The Artisan Rooms, and 26 plush bedrooms in bold and autumnal classic shades.

This stunning 18th-century mansion is perched on the banks of the Dau-Cleddau River, in the Pembrokeshire National Park. It’s a grand building but contains just 15 bedrooms, creating a boutique indoor atmosphere. Surrounded by 700 acres of countryside, the area is home to ospreys, birds of prey, badgers and otters. The decor is evocative of an old country estate and the two AA Rosette restaurant has an elegant, timeless feel. Much of the produce comes from the hotel’s vintage kitchen garden, along with Welsh specialities from slightly further afield.

Enjoy a bayside city break at voco. Rooms come with Antipodes toiletries and are dog-friendly for those travelling with a pooch in tow, while higher-grade suites offer one (or two) bay view balconies and comfy seating areas. Kids are made welcome too, with larger rooms to suit and menus for younger diners. The Admiral is the hotel’s all-day dining venue, serving exquisite courses such as Welsh rarebit crumpets, torched mackerel with pickled kohlrabi salad and kabocha pumpkin massaman curry. Those preferring something a little simpler can order a burger, sandwich or salad. A spa and pool area includes swan-neck fountains, a bubbling water bed and a hot tub.

Said to be Cardiff’s finest new luxury hotel, the Parkgate Hotel exudes elegance and glamour. Located near to the Principality Stadium, Wales national sports and events stadium and just a short walk from the central railway station makes it a convenient base from which to enjoy all that Cardiff offers. As part of the exclusive Celtic Collection, the hotel offers guests a refined experience. Each bedroom and suite is individually designed seamlessly combine a chic blend of classic-meets- contemporary luxury whilst respecting the hotel’s historic architecture. What was once the old Post Office now sits The Sorting Room, the hotel’s refined restaurant. With twinkling chandeliers, plush furniture, this grand and glamorous space is the social spot to enjoy delicious dining, creative cocktails, Afternoon Tea or champagne at any o’clock.  The spa and wellness centre is the ultimate place to unwind and the fitness centre comprises state of the art-equipment with exclusive use for hotel guests. If grandeur and glamour are on your wish-list this is the place for you.