The 8 Best Luxury Hotels In Wales
With green valleys, dense woodland, and the UK’s most underrated beaches, Wales is an ideal location for an outdoorsy holiday. From foodie stays to historic halls and lakeside retreats, here are the eight best hotels in Wales.
Ynyshir
The ultimate foodie stay in Wales, Ynyshir was named the best restaurant in the UK by the National Restaurant Awards in 2022 and 2023 and placed fifth in 2024. Run by Chef Patron Gareth Ward, it was the first restaurant in Wales to receive two Michelin stars.
Focusing on seasonality and local produce from the surrounding Snowdonia area, it creates a theatrical dining experience that unfurls over almost five hours where no two days ever have the same menu. For the full experience, guests are recommended to stay the night, with the bonus of getting breakfast the following morning.
where: Eglwys Fach, Machynlleth, SY20 8TA
website: ynyshir.co.uk
Palé Hall
Situated in the stunning Dee Valley this grand, historic, high Victorian mansion has an idyllic woodland garden rolling down to the banks of the river, with Snowdonia National Park on its doorstep.
The hotel features eighteen luxurious, individually styled bedrooms with sumptuous décor, each with a beautifully appointed bathroom. There are also four charming garden suites situated within the estate grounds. On the culinary side, Palé Hall has an acclaimed AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star fine dining restaurant, with a focus on seasonality and sustainability.
where: Palé Estate, Bala LL23 7PS
website: www.palehall.co.uk
Penmaenuchaf
Perched high above the Mawddach estuary at the foot of the Cadair Idris, you’ll find the stone-fronted Penmaenuchaf Hotel, set within a storied old house.
Owners Zoe and Neil Kedward purchased Penmaenuchaf Hotel in June 2022, growing their Seren family business and starting a new story for this old house. Enjoy suites overlooking the gardens, the Mawddach Estuary and the Eryri mountain range.
The restaurant, led by Head Chef Thomas Hine, is focused on creating menus with high-quality, delicious ingredients, that are as local as possible.
where: Penmaenpool, Dolgellau LL40 1YB
website: www.penmaenucaf.co.uk
Penally Abbey
Grove of Narberth
Hidden in the rolling Narberth hills, the warmest of Welsh welcomes awaits you at The Grove of Narberth deep in the Pembrokeshire countryside. This independent country house hotel has a history dating back to the 15th century and was bought by owners Neil and Zoe Kedward in 2007, seeing the potential behind the dereliction.
It has beautiful views of the Preseli hills and sits just a short drive away from the Pembrokeshire coast. This is the perfect place for those who love hiking, a bit of luxury and first-rate hospitality.
where: Grove of, Molleston, Narberth SA67 8BX
website: www.grovenarberth.co.uk
Llangoed Hall
Located just a stone’s throw from the Brecon Beacons, Llangoed Hall is another prime spot to recover each day during a hiking holiday, or just relax in the luxury environs.
The hall’s history dates way back to 560AD, and today the hotel embraces classic country charm with a modern twist. The 23 beautiful guest rooms were uniquely refurbished and decorated by former owners Bernard and Laura Ashley, finished with modern amenities to guarantee a stylish and comfortable stay.
Today the hotel embraces classic country charm with a modern twist
where: Llyswen, Brecon LD3 0YP
website: www.llangoedhall.co.uk
Lake Vyrnwy
Talk about a stunning location – this lakeside hotel gets you deep into nature, surrounded by waterfalls, woodlands and the striking scenery of the Welsh countryside.
Choose from a range of available activities, including their world-class spa offering from a thermal suite to a massage, and outdoor activities like fly fishing and clay shooting.
where: Llanwddyn, Montgomeryshire SY10 0LY
website: www.lakevyrnwy.com
Celtic Manor
Wales is an underrated dream location for golf lovers, and Celtic Manor provides the best hotel-golf course combo around. There are three full courses, including the course that hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup. As well as that, there are eight restaurants, five bars, and tennis courts. For those looking for a bit of R&R, there’s also a spa with 2 pools, plus whirlpools, saunas and steam rooms.
where: Coldra Wood, The Usk Valley, Chepstow Rd, Newport NP18 1HQ
website: www.celtic-collection.com