Craig-Y-Nos Castle  

My husband and I had passed Craig y Nos Castle on route to Dan Yr Ogof Caves last summer and were impressed by the striking building. As an anniversary present to ourselves, we decided at the last minute to check availability and were delighted when there was an en suite room available. On arriving at the castle (luckily we knew where it was because the sat nav stopped approx 2 miles prior to arrival due to the postal code area) we were greeted by a very happy, friendly receptionist. (We were aware prior to arrival that payment is made on arrival, as is in so many hotels these days). She kindly enquired if we would require an evening meal and advised us of the courses and cost of this, allowing us to make an informed decision as to where to eat, before showing us to our room. The room was situated up some rather old stairs, which just added to the character of the building. Although the room was not huge, it was ample for our requirements and as good as any other 3* hotels we have stayed in. The quirkiness of the building more than made up for the room size. The bathroom was as big as the bedroom and had been very tastefully decorated. The antique furniture just added to the experience. The guest information pack was very interesting and informative, providing as much historical content as possible along with places of interest in the surrounding area. Bar and restaurant staff were very friendly and welcoming. We were not disappointed that we ate in the bar area as there was a roaring log burner in the room. We were free and welcome to look around the large dining area, which I must say ourselves and the other guests eating would have been lost in. The 2 course meal for £15.00 was excellent and as good as we have eaten in 5* hotels and restaurants. We were even offered a glass of wine (of our choice) with our meal, which upon payment, was included in the price. The staff were very attentive without being over-bearing.

The look of the hotel from the outside and the stunning location.

The only good point about this hotel is the surrounding country park beautiful for walking. The hotel is very poor on every level - we have stayed in all types of hotels all over the world from five star in Americn cities to Maldivian beach hotels. We enjoy all types of holidays and have used many U.K. Hotels for dog walking holidays on a similar tariff to Craig y Nos but by far superior - I would never return or recommend.

The hotel is very tired and in need of major work,very short staffed, sounds like all the staff have left and not been replaced- the restaurant was a night mare food and service was a disgrace.Facilities in the room ended with tea and coffee, no T.v or even a radio and bath towels were about as big as a tea towel. To plug in the kettle you had to get on yr hands and knees and crawl up behind the wardrobe and rest the kettle on the floor- when I mentioned at reception they got me an extention lead!whether 3* or 5* not acceptable.All that said and done we up and left after our first night- didn't even ask for a refund but can see why you have to settle your bill on arrival rather than at check out!

Magnificent setting

1. Being chargerd extra for attending a wedding??????????????? 2. Room not serviced after first night.

We enjoyed that ambience and that our grandchild was welcome in the resturant and that we could bring the family dog with us. The grounds are great and we all came away feeling relaxed.

That it was not made clear at the onset that other than breakfast that our dinner was included in the price,

location is fantastic if you want to get away from it all. The food we had as part of wedding breakfast was lovely. Our room was clean, if a little small.

Our room was very small and had basic facilities, which for £138 a night is below expectations. The only other little niggle would be that the shower didn't have any where to put shampoo etc, small point but little things make a difference!!

Having to pay on arrival. The room was small and creaking floors fairly clean bathroom good size room cold when first arrived bed not very comfy and breakfast not good staff not very attentive