By Jade Braham
With national parks like the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia, plus 45 award-winning beaches, Wales should be on your bucket list to visit at least once in your life.
Famed for its miles of beautiful coastline, bucolic hillsides and distinctive mountains, Wales is fast gaining a reputation as an adventure travel destination.
It is home to Penrhyn Quarry, the fastest zipline in the world. Adventure Park Snowdonia has the world’s first surf park lagoon or ride the longest toboggan in Wales at the Llandudno Snowsports Centre. You will also find world-class stargazing spots here, which are even more beautiful in winter when the nights are longer.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Wales, we’ve got some chic suggestions, whatever kind of holiday you’re after.
From Michelin star restaurants with rooms and coastal hotels with infinity pools to adults-only glamping and quirky holiday homes, here’s where to stay in Wales.
We may earn a small commission if you click on some of the links in this article, but we don’t allow this to influence our recommendations.
BEST HOTELS IN WALES
Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, Machynlleth
Located near the Snowdonia National Park, Ynyshir is a Michelin-star restaurant with rooms which is definitely one for foodies. Its interior has a contemporary, Scandinavian style and there are six bedrooms in the main house and an additional three in the garden. Alternatively, unwind in one of the three handcrafted tipis overlooking the Cambrian mountains which feature a private hot tub and cooking facilities. When it comes to food, eat in the Ffwrnais Kitchen for over-the-counter dining or watch your food being prepared at the Pass Bench table.
Prices start from £420pp for dinner and B&B
Book a stay at Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms here
Plas Weunydd, Snowdonia
Plas Weunydd recently won The Times Hotel of the Year Award – and for good reason. Situated in Snowdonia and on the site of the award-winning Zip World Llechwedd, it has everything you need for a staycation in North Wales. Its 24 rooms range from single to interconnected family suites. For a truly unique experience, opt for their five-star safari tents which have en-suite facilities and overlook the UNESCO World Heritage slate site. There is also a cosy bar and lounge to relax in.
Prices start from £ 105 a night
Book a stay at Plas Weunydd here
The Royston, Powys
For a luxury country escape book one of the seven guests rooms at The Royston, which has previously been named the best place to stay in Wales. Expect electric styling, Egyptian cotton bedding, memory foam mattresses, king-sized beds and stunning views of the Cambrian Mountains. Two rooms are uncarpeted to accommodate dogs. The lounge’s woodburning stove and honesty bar are ideal for cosy afternoons spent behind a book.
Prices start from £ 145 a night
Book a stay at The Royston here
The Grove of Narberth, Pembrokeshire
As a privately-owned hotel in Pembrokeshire, The Grove of Narberth promises a tranquil getaway in the Welsh countryside. There are 14 rooms and suites in the house, all of which feature original furniture and offer in-room spa treatments. While the Bailiff, Poyer and Herb cottages are set within the estate and offer spacious suites and living areas. Make sure to dine in the 3-AA-Rosettes restaurant – it’s considered one of the best dining experiences in Wales – or try their new Artisan rooms, where the menu is inspired by Welsh ingredients.
Prices start from £280 a night
Book a room at The Grove of Narbeth here
St Brides Spa Hotel, Pembrokeshire
Overlooking the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, St Brides’ 34 bedrooms have the perfect sea views to make you feel like you’re abroad. You can even watch the waves lap against the shore from the infinity pool. Spend the afternoon in the St Brides Spa, where the coastal dual treatment room is ideal for couples and friends who want to indulge at the same time. There are also several dining options which all proudly serve locally-caught fish and Pembrokeshire produce.
Prices start from £205 a night including breakfast
Book a stay at St Brides Spa Hotel here
Harbourmaster, Aberaeron
The Harbourmaster is an independent hotel, bar and restaurant overlooking the picturesque Aberaeron harbour. The rooms span three historic buildings, seven of which are situated in the former harbourmaster’s residence. You can also stay in one of the four converted warehouse rooms, which each has a stylish bathroom. With tables inside and out, you can watch the sunset and boats bobbing by as you dine in the restaurant. The menu showcases Cardigan Bay shellfish, Welsh beef and lamb and locally grown organic vegetables.
Prices start from £160 a night including breakfast
Book a stay at Harbourmaster here
Hotel Indigo Cardiff
Like Cardiff city, Hotel Indigo is a vibrant place to stay with rooms boasting themes like ‘Welsh Industry’, ‘Made in Wales’, and ‘Music’. Clean lines, patterned carpets and bold wall colours and tiles are as stylish as the rainfall showers. For health conscious travellers, Hotel Indigo’s state-of-the art fitness suite is designed to help you recharge, destress and stay in shape. But the hotel’s best feature is the rooftop Marco Pierre White Steakhouse where you can enjoy private dining or sunset meals.
Prices start from £88 a night
Book a stay at Hotel Indigo Cardiff here
The Bull Beaumaris, Anglesey
The island of Anglesey is one not to be missed and The Bull is one of our favourite places to stay there. Just a minute’s walk from the beach, guests have the choice between booking the Townhouse, a boutique hotel, or The Bull, an old coaching inn. Whichever you decide, all the bedrooms have Hypnos mattresses, Egyptian cotton bedding, down pillows and an in-room breakfast service. The restaurant, aptly named Coach, serves an informal menu. Here, the inside feels ancient, like it has many stories to tell. While the neighbouring courtyard is like a rustic oasis, even though it’s close to the town’s shops and galleries.
Prices start from £125 a night
Book a stay at The Bull Beaumaris here
Penally Abbey, Tenby
Tenby is known for being one of the UK’s prettiest villages with its array of colourful houses. Penally Abbey makes the most of this fabulous location with its sea view rooms. There are 12 bedrooms, some within the main house which feature classic amenities like TV, complimentary toiletries and an espresso machine. Other rooms within the converted Coach House are larger twin or double rooms and can only be accessed via a private staircase. While at Penally Abbey, make sure to dine in their candlelit restaurant, named Rhosyn, and indulge with an afternoon tea set next to a roaring fire.
Prices start from £150 a night including breakfast
Book a stay at Penally Abbey here
Sandy Mount House, Anglesey
Another Anglesey gem, Sandy Mount House is a charming hotel, but the best thing about it is that they’re crazy about dogs. Their dog-friendly rooms mean you won’t have to worry about your furry friends being left behind. Dogs are also allowed in the bar and front terrace. This laid-back attitude towards animals is continued throughout the hotel with a focus on making the property feel like you’re inside a beach house. Expect to find wicker chairs, weathered tables, rope pendants, locally-sourced cuisine and spacious rooms with sandy and blue tones.
Prices start from £150 a night including breakfast
Book a stay at Sandy Mount House here
Palé Hall Hotel, Gwynedd
This is the hotel you’ll want to stay at if you’re looking for the wow factor. As a privately-owned Victorian country house, the exterior looks a cross between a mini castle and opulent palace. Its AA Five Red Star, Relais & Chateaux status adds to its luxurious appeal. With woodland trails on its doorstep, Palé Hall is the ultimate rural retreat. Four sumptuous suites look out onto the garden. Other rooms feature quirky vintage baths next to the beds. Be sure to dine in their three-AA-rosette, Michelin star restaurant.
Prices start from £279 a night including breakfast
Book a stay at Palé Hall Hotel here
BEST HOLIDAY HOMES IN WALES
The Laundry Retreat, Denbigh
This might be one of the dreamiest places to stay in Wales. These two eco roundhouses have views of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, private verandas to breakfast on, plus there is a secret three-acre secret garden to explore. These adults-only retreats come with king-sized beds, silky linen sheets, underfloor heating and kitchenettes. The bathrooms also feature walk-in showers. This place is so idyllic, you might not want to leave.
Prices start from £145 a night | Sleeps 2
Book a stay at The Laundry Retreat here
Fforest Farm, Cardigan
Fforest Farm call themselves ‘a hip hybrid of Welsh farm and Japanese forest retreat’, and with its emphasis on outdoor living and a cedar barrel sauna in the woods you can see why. There are multiple accommodation options, including an Onsen Dome which has woodburning stoves, wood flooring and an outdoor Japanese-style bath house. Those wanting less of a glamping stay can book one of the cottages. The farm even has its very own pub, called the Bwthyn, and 200 acres of land to explore. Make sure to spend time at the lodge, where everyone meets for breakfast and singing.
Prices start from £110 a night for glamping
The Little Retreat, Pembrokeshire
The Little Retreat in Pembrokeshire is comprised of luxury domes and tents with stargazing roofs. Each of the domes have their own garden, private wood fired hot tub and are insulated for year-round use. The Stargazers tents have similar features, but boast transparent panels with 360-degree views of the stars. Beyond the stars, guests can hop on a boat, paddleboard or kayak down The Cleddau and discover the Pembrokeshire coastline. Make sure to try the new restaurant, Annwn, for a sensational tasting menu you wouldn’t expect on a glamping site. You can even forage with the chefs beforehand.
Prices start from £160 a night| Sleeps 2-4
Book a stay at The Little Retreat here
Squirrel’s Nest Treehouse Retreats, Powys
There’s something so romantic and surreal about staying in a luxury treehouse and Squirrel’s Nest, with their freestanding baths, cosy hammocks and outdoor hot tubs on the private decking, do it perfectly. They even have places to toast marshmallows under the starry sky. Set within a 130-acre family farm, each of the three treehouses feature a lounge, fully-equipped kitchen, smart TV, sustainable designs and complimentary teas, coffee, muesli and olive oil. You can even get married here if you are looking for a unique wedding destination. For a romantic escape for two book Cadwollens, while bigger groups should book the newest treehouse, Prince Llywelyn.
Prices start from £300 a night | Sleeps 2-7
Book a stay at Squirrels Nest here
Chimney Corner, Anglesey
If you crave a seaside retreat big enough for family togethers, look no further than Chimney Corner on the island of Anglesey. This Grade II listed landmark in Beaumaris sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and enjoys spectacular views across the Snowdonia mountain range. It can accommodate up to 16 people with its eight bedrooms and four bathrooms. The house also features a conservatory, sauna, BBQ and snooker table – excellent for a games night. While the garden terrace is a fantastic place to look out over the water. You might just spot a dolphin or two.
Prices start from £1,900 for a week | Sleeps 16
Book a stay at Chimney Corner here
Trelan Farm, Cilcain
Trelan Farm in North Wales is made up of two unique retreats, both of which are sustainable and feature showstopping outdoor baths which overlook a whimsical wildflower meadow. You might spot the resident shetland pony, Alma, if you’re lucky. Choose to stay in the Cargo Cabin, which was originally a shipping container. While The Wonder Wagon is a converted trailer. Both have their own private decking and sit in the midst of the beautiful Clwydian mountain range.
Prices start from £117 a night | Sleeps 2
Book a stay at Trelan Farm here
Hush Hush Glamping, Powys
If you’re looking for a quirky, adults-only glamping spot, then Hush Hush is the place for you. Its two luxury pods are situated in the middle of a 90-acre farm with its own sheep and alpacas. It’s ideal for reconnecting with nature as it has views of Powys, Shropshire and Herefordshire counties. The curved cedarwood pod, Hare’s Form, sleeps two adults. And the brand new Huacaya’s Cush sleeps four adults and has two double beds and a large living area. Both are fantastic for stargazing.
Prices start from £120 a night | Sleeps 2-4
Book a stay at Hush Hush Glamping here
The Burrow, Knighton
Lord of the Rings fans will want to rent this property, as the rounded grass roof surrounded by undulating mountains looks like a modern-day hobbit hideaway. Unlike Tolkien’s abodes, however, The Burrow is bright, airy, and ruled by nature. The kitchen is handmade, the bedrooms incorporate greenery and earthy tones and the baths – most of them – are outside on a private deck. There’s also a private hot tub if the double side by side baths on the top terrace aren’t enough.
Prices start from £185 a night | Sleeps 4
Book a stay at The Burrow here
The Stables, Cardigan
Wales meets Scandinavia at this glorious retreat for six near nestled in the hills between Cardigan Bay and Pembrokeshire. Set in an elevated position over a valley, the views are glorious here, particularly at sunset. Downstairs, the open plan living, dining and kitchen area covers most of the ground floor. All of the three bedrooms come with ensuites, so get there first to bag the one with a roll top bath.
Prices start from £823 for a long weekend | Sleeps 6 + cot
Book a stay at The Stables here
The Piglet Pod, New Quay
Located near the west coast, The Piglet Pod is a brand new stay in Wales which combines woody accents and earthy tones with clean lines and elegant finishes. The smart TV is next to the floor-to-ceiling doors, meaning you can enjoy a movie night while seeing a magnificent star display. The king-sized bed, compact kitchen and outdoor sunken hot tub make lazy mornings very easy to accomplish. Don’t forget to say hello to the roaming alpacas on site.
Prices start from £145 a night | Sleeps 2
Book a stay at The Piglet Pod here
Llanthony Court Castaway, Abergavenny
For a unique stay in Wales, Llanthony Court Castaway is a renovated railway carriage designed to bring guests up close and personal with the Brecon Beacons. Even before you arrive at the property, guests begin to distance themselves from the digital world by driving up a farm track, over a wooden bridge and ending up at their very own parking space. There are even opportunities for wild swimming. Inside, a country lifestyle is apparent with free-range eggs, bread, teas, and other essentials available, while the fragranced bathroom amenities add a bit of luxury. The king-sized bed and plaid blankets are equally charming. Although it appears remote, it’s still only a 10-minute walk to the local pub.
Prices start from £95 a night | Sleeps 2
Book a stay at Llanthony Court Castaway here
Twr Mynach B&B, Barmouth
The North Wales seaside town of Barmouth is ideally situated for those who like the beach and the mountains. If you’re planning a trip here, book a stay at the castle-like Twr Mynach guesthouse. Rooms are quirky – there is a choice of the Monk Tower or Llyn View to stay in. Both have panoramic sea views and their own terraces. Green travellers will appreciate the 100% green energy rating, plus environmentally friendly toiletries and sustainably sourced organic bedding and towels, and there isn’t a whiff of single use plastics here. Admire views of nearby Snowdonia National Park as you eat breakfast. Cardigan Bay is also close by.
Prices start from £130 a night | Sleeps 2
Book a stay at Twr Mynach here
Woodcock Cabin, Aberystwyth
Experience a truly off-grid getaway at Woodcock Cabin. Like any isolated hideaway, Woodcock Cabin doesn’t have running hot water or electricity. However, there is cold water on tap, the lighting is solar-powered and the wood burner is excellent for cosy nights in before retiring to the hayloft double bed. If going off-grid scares you, have no fear as there’s a functioning compostable loo, hot alfresco shower and wood-fired hot tub to soak in. Guests can also relax in the handmade swing chair or hammock and watch the world go by. Those wanting a more active stay can attempt the nearby Hafod Estate walks.
Prices start rom £140 a night | Sleeps 2
Book a stay at Woodcock Cabin here
Dragon’s Eye, Aberaeron
For a totally unique stay in West Wales, book this award-winning glamping pod in Aberaeron, which was recently rated one of the top places to staycation in the UK. Built from natural materials like reclaimed slate, cedar and Douglas fir, the pod is rotund with towering glass windows, giving the appearance of a dragon’s eye, hence its name. Inside, there’s a rotating, circular bed created to give you an all-access view of the surrounding rural landscape. A wood-burner, en-suite shower and compost toilet also ensure your stay is comfortable. Head to the communal area for a night of fun with the pizza oven, games room, hot tub and boats.
Prices start from £73 a night
Book a stay at Dragon’s Eye here
The Bunkhouse Chapel, Hay-on-Wye
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stay in a converted chapel with dorm-style luxury bunkbeds (as well as regular beds) and a slide for those who tire of stairs? The five-star Bunkhouse Chapel has all this and more. Stay here for beautiful arched windows, high ceilings, a wood-burning stove and outdoor terrace. The fully equipped kitchen means you won’t have to go without a homecooked meal, while the nearby Hay-on-Wye town makes ordering in or eating out easy. Extras include table tennis, canoeing and you can even hire a Vespa to get about. Rooms are available from single occupancy to a contemporary bunk house which sleeps up to 14, plus four in the River Room next door.
Prices start from £1,900 a night | Sleeps up to 18
Book a stay at The Bunkhouse Chapel here
Eirlys, Southgate
Eirlys means snowdrops in Welsh and everything about this chic property near the breathtaking Three Cliffs Bay and Gower Penisula is light and airy, just like spring. There is space for four guests in the two chic bedrooms, plus a fully equipped kitchen. Outside, admire the coastal views from the balcony which comes with its own hanging chair, cook up a storm on the BBQ or take a dip in the bubbling hot tub on the decking.
Prices start from £99 a night | Sleeps 2-4
Black Barn, Powys
This brand new holiday home straddling the English-Welsh border was once a threshing barn, but has been given a sleek makeover. Looking more like a celebrity pad than a rental, Black Barn delights the senses with its sloped ceilings and moody nooks. The mid-century furniture and floating cedar-wood stairs have been lovingly put together by the owner, who happens to be a woodwork designer. The sunken brass-tapped bath is an added bonus. You can even book the cabin across the courtyard for family and friends. Glorious walks on the doorstep include Stanner Rocks and Offa’s Dyke Path. Don’t forget to visit The Harp at Old Radnor, a 15-minute walk away, which won pub of the year in 2020.
Prices start from £150 | Sleeps 2 + 2 children
Book a stay at Black Barn, Powys here
Brecon Beacons Hideaway
Everything about the cottages on this private 70-acre farm are delightfully eclectic and cosy at the same time. The exteriors are traditional 19th century white-washed stone. Inside you’ll find stained-glass windows as well as exposed wooden beams and roll top baths with a ledge for wine glasses. Sleeping two, the best way to arrive is by car, but the owners will collect you from the nearest train station, Llandovery, should you wish. Welcome goodies and breakfast hampers can also be arranged. Further afield, hike up the farm’s hill to find a hidden valley of waterfalls, take a wild dip in the River Towy or soak up the scenery of Brecon Beacons National Park just three miles away.
Prices start from £104 a night | Sleeps 2
Book a stay at Brecon Beacons Hideaway here
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