Top-Rated Hotels in Wales: Unveiling the Winners of the Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023

The Travellers’ Choice Awards 2023 by TripAdvisor are one of the ultimate accolades in the travel industry. Chosen by genuine travellers who leave reviews and ratings, these awards signify the one of highest levels of excellence in hospitality, with fewer than 1% of TripAdvisor's 8 million listings gaining this prestigious honour. This blog is a toast to the shining winners of these awards in Wales, revealing their unique allure, luxurious comfort, and exceptional service that led them to this distinguished recognition.

The Grove, Narberth

As the 'Best Small Hotel' winner, The Grove is the epitome of luxury, nestled within 300 acres of stunning Hertfordshire countryside. It emanates an aristocratic charm, previously being home to the Earls of Clarendon. With an award-winning spa and championship golf course, it's a retreat of indulgence. The rooms, whether you choose the opulent Mansion rooms or contemporary West Wing, encapsulate comfort and style.

Dining is a theatrical affair at The Grove. The Glasshouse Restaurant welcomes you to a sensory experience, featuring live food stations and the freshest international cuisine. Enjoy the quintessentially British classics at The Stables, all sourced sustainably and locally. For a taste of Sardinian cuisine, make sure you visit their summer pop-up Restaurant, Verde Kitchen, serving the freshest pasta and pizza in a charming setting.

The Tynedale Hotel, Llandudno

Recognised as one of the highest-rated Hotels in Wales, The Tynedale Hotel is a classic gem in Llandudno's iconic Victorian promenade. The seafront Hotel sits only 20 metres from the beach, offering convenient access to the high street and the iconic pier. The characterful rooms reflect the architectural richness of the Victorian era, designed to deliver ultimate comfort and tranquillity.

A gastronomic delight awaits at the Hotel's Restaurant, where the experienced Chefs bring a personal touch to themed nights. Or, for a more casual dining experience, the modern Café Bar offers a range of delightful dishes and drinks, best enjoyed from their outdoor terrace.

The Elm Tree, Llandudno

Awarded the 7th best small Hotel in the UK, The Elm Tree is an embodiment of the highest standards in hospitality. The Hotel overlooks the picturesque Llandudno Bay, offering well-appointed rooms with breathtaking views. Whether you unwind in the elegantly decorated private lounge, enjoy the landscaped terrace garden, or socialise at the open bar, every aspect of The Elm Tree is curated to delight.

Breakfast at The Elm Tree is an event to look forward to. Served in the dining room with views of Llandudno Bay, the 'signature' breakfast is a smorgasbord of locally sourced, freshly cooked delights, complemented by a cold buffet.

Caerwylan Hotel, Criccieth

In the serene town of Criccieth lies the 4-star Caerwylan Hotel. This iconic Victorian landmark has been thoughtfully transformed to offer 24 individually designed en-suite bedrooms and new public areas, all boasting southward-facing views. The Hotel occupies an enviable location with breathtaking panoramas over the main beach, Tremadog Bay, and the ruins of Criccieth Castle. From the comfort of the Executive Sea Facing Bedroom, Superior Sea Facing Bedroom, or the spacious standard rooms, guests can indulge in what are arguably the best seaside views on the Llyn Peninsula.

The Tonnau Restaurant & Bar is a gastronomic delight within the Caerwylan Hotel. Here, a talented team of chefs meticulously craft high-quality dishes that are sure to entice you to return for more. The menu ranges from succulent steaks off the grill to innovative culinary surprises that challenge the norms. The bar complements the dining experience with a carefully curated wine list, a selection of local and international beers and ciders, a range of spirits, and an impressive array of 25 different gins. The emphasis at Tonnau is on serving tantalising dishes created with locally sourced ingredients, prepared with passion, and served with a warm smile in a laid-back and inviting setting.

Twr y Felin Hotel, St. Davids

A unique transformation of a former windmill into Wales' first contemporary art Hotel, takes pride of place in Britain's smallest city, St. Davids. Claiming the number one spot among 7 Hotels in this quaint village, this remarkable Hotel promises an indulgent stay amidst an extensive collection of over 100 pieces of specially commissioned art. Every single of the 41 luxury bedrooms resonates with contemporary design, featuring handcrafted furniture, luxurious textiles, and unique artwork, with most rooms offering sweeping views of the Pembrokeshire landscape, coastline, and the city of St Davids.

The Hotel doesn't just stop at physical comfort; it extends into the realm of holistic well-being. Here, the guests can rejuvenate their senses with a range of natural treatments in the calming atmosphere of the treatment room, with options ranging from Aromatherapy to Therapeutic Body massage, Indian Head massage, Reflexology, or even complementary therapy experiences like Qi Gong Meditation or a Reiki Holistic Experience. Enhancing the sensory experience is Blas Restaurant, an elegant space echoing the historical charm of the former windmill, offering a menu that narrates a story of Wales and its produce.

Hotel Portmeirion, Snowdonia

Perched on the sandy beaches of the Dwyryd Estuary in Snowdonia, North Wales, is a beacon of luxury with its 4-star status. Housing 14 stylish bedrooms, some with lift access, this Hotel offers an array of facilities including a fine-dining Restaurant, a bar and terrace, and numerous lounges for relaxation. Opened in 1926, the Hotel acts as a focal point for an ideal village envisioned by Clough Williams-Ellis. It carefully preserves the charm of the Victorian era with its intricate Italian fireplace, the grand Mirror Room, library carvings from the Great Exhibition of 1851, and a grand eighteenth-century oak staircase.

The bar and dining room, restyled in 2005 by Sir Terence Conran, exude the ambience of Clough's art deco walnut panelled rooms. Maintaining high standards of cuisine and service, this magical setting invites guests to enjoy an open-air swim in the pool on the estuary lawn, open from 10 am to 5 pm daily until 28th September.

The Coal Exchange Hotel, Cardiff

A beacon of opulence nestled in the heart of Cardiff is a perfect exemplification of modern Welsh luxury. Bagging the top spot among 75 Hotels in Cardiff, the Coal Exchange has become a synonym for extraordinary hospitality. One cannot help but be drawn to the appeal of the spacious, comfortable rooms – be it the Standard King Room, the bright and colourful King Rooms, or the indulgently spacious Presidential Suite. A standout feature is the Quad Rooms, ideal for groups desiring an exquisite getaway; they boast two king-size beds and an indulgent whirlpool bath for an elevated relaxation experience. An unforgettable culinary journey awaits at Culley’s Kitchen & Bar, an independent establishment within the Hotel that outshines any other offer in Cardiff Bay.

A breakfast buffet jump-starts the day, while the dinner menu, with its plethora of sharing options, ensures an evening of convivial dining. From the weekly-changing lunch menu reflecting the seasons to the Sunday Roast that pleases all family members and the celebratory bottomless brunch, Culley's serves as the beating culinary heart of the Hotel. The Bar, with its extensive wine list, creative cocktail menu, and an array of offerings from the best Welsh suppliers, compliments the Restaurant's commitment to taste, quality, and local sourcing.

As we conclude this voyage through the incredible hospitality experiences Wales has to offer, it becomes clear that these distinctive Hotels are not just accommodation options but unique destinations unto themselves. From the exquisite opulence of the Coal Exchange in Cardiff to the tranquil charm of Twr y Felin Hotel in St. Davids, the grandeur of Hotel Portmeirion, and the coastal allure of Caerwylan Hotel, each one offers a unique blend of comfort, luxury, and unforgettable experiences. These Hotels have surpassed expectations with their exceptional attention to detail, commitment to local sourcing, and the integration of art and nature into their designs and offerings. Congratulations to the dedicated teams behind these winning establishments for raising the bar of Welsh hospitality. Your hard work, innovation, and passion truly shine through, and these awards are a testament to your extraordinary efforts. Here's to continued excellence and the remarkable journey ahead.