The TripAdvisor 2013 Travellers Choice Awards has named the Lauriston Court Hotel in Llandudno the best hotel in the world for customer service. Placing Llandudno firmly on the map as a travel destination. The hotel, which has 11 double and family rooms at affordable prices, was also 6th in TripAdvisor’s world Top 10 Bargain Hotels category, and number 1 in the UK.
Now in its 11th year, the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards pick the best hotels across a range of categories, which includes service, luxury, bargains, top hotels, small hotels and B&Bs. The winners are based on millions of reviews from travellers worldwide, collected in a single year.
But while this is a great achievement for Lauriston Court, it wasn’t the only Llandudno hotel to do well this year. In fact, Llandudno was represented at the awards by an impressive 5 hotels, covering 3 different categories.
The Clontarf Hotel achieved an impressive 8th in the UK for customer service, and was also the 7th Best Small Hotel in the UK. The Can-y-Bae Hotel reached number 11 in the UK for customer service, and was also voted the 4th Best Small Hotel in the UK. Also in Llandudno, the Wellington Hotel is the 24th best hotel for customer service in the UK, and the Swn-y-Mor Hotel also got the 24th spot in the UK Bargain Hotel category.
What’s more, within a couple of miles of LLandudno are another two award winning hotels. The Castlebank Hotel in Conwy reached number 5 in the UK’s Best Bargain Hotel category, and number 25 in the UK Customer Service category, whilst Tir y Coed Hotel, near Conwy, got 11th in the Top 25 Luxury Hotels in the UK category.
A final win for Wales was the Myrtle House Hotel, Tenby, which achieved number 16 in the Top 25 Bargain Hotels category.
Discover out more about Llandudno and Conwy in our city breaks guide, or find out about short breaks in Wales.
Watson is a Cardiff-born freelance writer who has written for everyone from The Times and the Independent Traveller to the South Wales Echo and Western Mail. Career highlight: going in search of (and finding) the Northern Lights in Norway.
St Dwynwen’s Day, the Welsh patron saint of love, is celebrated on January 25th. From the snow-clad mountains of Snowdonia to the wilds of the Brecon Beacons, there are countless ways to celebrate the most romantic date in the Welsh calendar.
Explore the Isle of Anglesey
Anglesey
Perhaps the single most romantic location in Wales, the island of Anglesey might just be the perfect spot to pop the big question. How about wandering through the ruins of Llanddwyn church (the church of St Dwynwen) before cosying up with your loved one and watching the sun set over a deserted beach? Follow that up with a meal at one of the island’s fantastic seafood restaurants – the likes of lobster, crab, scallops and mussels are delivered daily.
Escape to a traditional Welsh Croglofft
Ty’r Gof
If you’re looking for a little alone time together there can be few accommodations better suited than Ty’r Gof, a traditional Welsh ‘Croglofft’ cottage just a short drive from some of the best beaches Wales has to offer. The simple and rustic interior, mixed with a few added extras (Egyptian cotton sheets, 2 acres of your own private woodland), makes it ideal for romantic breaks for two.
Admire the true beauty of nature
A perfect setting if you’re hoping to breathe new life into a relationship. Once ravaged and scarred by the Industrial Revolution, the World Heritage Centre of Blaenavon has since blossomed. Today, the hillsides and valleys offer up a rich tapestry of geological features, wildlife habitats and industrial relics that are testament to the fact that, like love, nature will always triumph in the face of adversity.
Rev up the romance in Ruthin
Just a short trip from the northern coast and St Dwynwen’s island home, Ruthin is home to one of two manorhaus hotels, both of which are offering a great two-night St Dwynwen’s Day package that includes a romantic dinner and cocktail on your first night and B&B for all remaining nights.
Splash out on a trip to Preseli
Preseli Venture Coasteering
At first glance it might not seem like your typical romantic getaway, but there’s no better bonding experience than jumping, hand in hand, into the ocean along Pembrokeshire’s famed coastline. Best of all, you can finish off the day by huddling together in front of the fire with a hard-earned glass of red in hand before bedding down in eco-lodge luxury.
Find a quiet dune in Gower
Often overlooked in favour of the blue flags of Pembrokeshire, Gower Peninsula boasts plenty of its own beautiful beaches (it was the first place in wales to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), many of which are sure to be quieter than their counterparts in the west. Why not wrap up warm, find your own private sand dune and get better acquainted with the night sky, and each other…
Take yourselves ‘off-grid’
Love means not interrupting a romantic night in with a phone call, and Bach Cottage in Mid Wales will leave you delightfully devoid of mobile reception. Sleeping just two, this cosy barn conversion commands a lofty position in the Upper Wye Valley with great options for exploring the stunning Elan Valley. There’s also good scope for hiking and biking if that takes your fancy.
Treat her to a stay at The Grove
The Grove
Where better to whisk your lover for a romantic weekend than one of Wales’ top small boutique hotels? The hotel is offering an exclusive St Dwynwen’s Day package – think Welsh lovespoon, champagne, chocolates, and a dozen red roses waiting for you on arrival, as well as a romantic cocktail and delicious dinner menu courtesy of head chef Duncan Barham.
Visit Cardiff’s beautiful bay
The Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Take a step back from the capital’s bustling centre and explore the Bay, home not only to the cultural hub that is the Wales Millennium Centre but also numerous bars, cafés and restaurants. If you really want to earn some brownie points, head over to ‘craft in the bay’ and pick out some of the best contemporary Welsh jewellery. There’s also the chance to explore national and international exhibitions of contemporary artists’ works.
Enjoy a Romantic Champagne Break
Llangoed Hall
Llangoed Hall has been welcoming lovers of all ages ever since it opened way back in 1632. Their two night ‘Romantic Champagne Break’ really is as good as it sounds; a pair of sumptuous four-course evening meals, Welsh cream tea for two on arrival and a bottle of champagne waiting for you in your room. For a little extra you can even add flowers and chocolates into the bargain, and you know she’d love that…
Cadw is the Welsh Government’s historic environment service working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.
It’s the beginning of a New Year and time to set resolutions for the 12 months ahead. The most common resolutions include getting fit and exercising more. Why not combine this with something different this year and learn about Wales’s history while exploring the great outdoors?
Take in the sea air along parts of the Wales Coast Path, soak up the culture at World Heritage Sites and connect with nature in National Parks. They are all part of Wales’s rich historical tapestry, and provide the perfect opportunity to explore some of the country’s grandest stately homes, captivating castles and enchanting abbeys.
We share our top heritage walks to exercise your body and your brain.
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle
A brute of a fortress on the banks of the River Seiont, Caernarfon stands proud as what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. So much so, that the castle and its town walls were given World Heritage status in 1986. With its eerie passages and great open runs, no visit to Caernarfon Castle is complete without walking a circuit of the walls and climbing The Eagle Tower, with its three turrets.
Improving on nature’s handiwork is easier said than done but Dolwyddelan Castle blends beautifully with its craggy home in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. The once magnificent keep now lies in ruins atop a rocky knoll surrounded by unique and spectacular landscape. Snowdonia is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, and a trip to Dolwyddelan Castle is the perfect opportunity to take in its stunning mountain ranges, green valleys, gorges and waterfalls.
Beaumaris Castle
One of the most technically perfect castles in Britain, Beaumaris has classic proportions and perfect symmetry. Situated on the eastern side of The Isle of Anglesey, the location provides the perfect opportunity to explore picturesque beaches and world class geology dotted along the magnificent coastline. Climb to the top wall-walk for magnificent views of Snowdonia - the heartlands of the princes of Gwynedd.
Oxwich Castle
Gower is a marvel. Heritage buffs and beach bums alike love this beautiful peninsula. In years gone by, the wealthy built wherever the view suited. The Mansel family chose a lovely spot on a wooded headland above Oxwich Bay to build Oxwich Castle. Take full advantage of the panoramic sea views across the headland before exploring farmland, woodland and miles of coastal paths at your leisure.
Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle
Built for show rather than with battle in mind, Raglan Castle still held off Oliver Cromwell’s forces for 13 weeks during the Civil War. From the great tower to the great gatehouse, everything is impressive about Raglan Castle. Situated in the heart of Monmouthshire, there are a series of circular walks in the area boasting spectacular views of the castle and glimpses of the Black Mountains.
Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey
Surrounded by an area of outstanding beauty, Tintern Abbey is the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales, despite the shell of this grand structure being open to the skies. Situated next to the River Wye, there are a number of footpaths to explore heading off in different directions from the abbey into Wales and England. If you’re feeling energetic, take a strenuous uphill walk to the ‘Devil’s Pulpit’ for a wonderful bird’s eye view of the abbey.
Watson is a Cardiff-born freelance writer who has written for everyone from The Times and the Independent Traveller to the South Wales Echo and Western Mail. Career highlight: going in search of (and finding) the Northern Lights in Norway.
It’s time to dust off your party hat and re-learn the words to Auld Lang Syne – the year 2013 is almost upon us. We list ten top ways to enjoy the New Year in Narberth.
One of Wales’ top luxury boutique hotels is offering the chance to welcome in the New Year with style. The Grove’s three-night New Year Break involves mulled wine, roaring log fires, champagne and canapés, a six-course dinner, live music and a midnight firework display – we’ve heard there are still a few rooms available.
Since opening its doors in 2009, artisan chocolatier Emily Wright has been combining the highest quality chocolate with various fillings and drawing in ever larger audiences. If you’re planning a night in front of the television, the least you can do is make sure you’re tucking into the finest chocolates possible.
A fresh start means fresher produce
If you’re cooking up a New Year feast you’re going to want to use the very finest, freshest produce. Head to Narberth and you’ll soon discover that the bustling stalls of Narberth’s Country Market are home to everything from the freshest shellfish to local breads and cheeses.
Bed down in a quirky accommodation
Don’t let a bog-standard B&B ruin your New Year getaway. Narberth is home to a range of quirky accommodations including Under The Thatch’s Tin Bungalow, a restored 1920′s corrugated iron gem that sleeps 4, is bursting with character, and which makes for an ideal romantic hideaway.
Bosherton lily pond walk
Make sure your start to 2013 is a scenic one with this popular local walk. You’ll head past the iconic lily ponds on your way to Broad Haven beach and the famous Pembrokeshire coastline. Before long you’ll be wandering the golden sands of Barafundle Beach, ready to tackle the New Year head on.
Take a break from leftover turkey
Sick and tired of Christmas leftovers? Why not welcome in the New Year with some of the best tapas in Wales. Located on the high street, Narberth’s Ultracomida has become famous for dishes such as ‘chorizo cooked with Welsh cider’ and ‘roasted balsamic beetroot, caws ffetys and watercress salad’.
Alcoholic sorbet, anyone?
The only time you’re likely to come across a shop specialising in both ice cream and local liquors, Fire and Ice is a great place to stock up for a New Year party. Their delicious alcoholic sorbet selections include spiced rum and mandarin, Scrumpy cider and ultimate raspberry prosecco.
Go in search of an antique
If you’re still wondering what to buy with your Christmas money, head to one of Narberth’s many antique stores in search of a bargain. In particular, the Malthouse is Wales’ largest antique centre and, with twenty-two showrooms in total, you’re bound to find something for you.
Wander Narberth’s boutique shops
Even if antiques aren’t your thing, you’ll still find a host of specialist and boutique shops around town. From organic toiletries and kids’ gifts at Golden Sheaf to local produce and the latest fashions courtesy of The Welsh Farmhouse Company, there’s nothing like a little retail therapy to beat the winter blues.
Family fun at Bluestone resort
If you’ve got kids, there’s no fear of running out of New Year activities at Bluestone this year. The resort is planning to host everything from a New Year’s Eve party (with fireworks, of course) to a 1930s Blue Lagoon New Year’s Day pool party as a fun way to recover from the night before.
