Sgwd Gwladys Lodge

I stayed in the Sgwd Gwladys room for one night. It's an economy room, so there's not much space, but the bed is comfortable and sometimes that's all you need. There's a boot locker outside the room to keep muddy hiking boots. The shower is tiny and if you're tall, it can make washing your hair difficult. The provided shampoo smelled nice, but it left my hair feeling dry and difficult to comb, so some conditioner would have been good. There's no dedicated parking spaces except for one disabled bay, just on road. I was fine and got a space quite close, but I imagine at peak seasons it's difficult. The main thing it has going for it is the location. Literally just across the road from the Pontneddfechan start of the Elidir trail, a 7km treck that takes you to four beautiful waterfalls steeped in folklore. The adjoining bistro sells maps for this. I was glad that my room was so close after my walk, it was definitely a relief not to have to hobble too much further! Despite being run by the bistro, breakfast wasn't included in the price. I had the small fry-up, which was pretty much what I expected from a fry up, and a berry smoothie that was quite sharp. It seems guests get a discount if they book lunch, but I had to move on.

We had a lovely meal here in there outside garden, and it’s clear word has got around because the dining room was absolutely packed. Service was pretty fast given the crowd, and the range of meals went beyond the usual burgers, with a fabulous curry. But if you’re tempted to stay here be warned, 3 of the 4 rooms are the tiniest rooms I’ve ever seen, with a shower the size of towel rail. The rooms are clean, modern, quiet and beautifully appointed, but if you do stay here you will need to be travelling very light, or leave your bags in the car. The location can’t be beat for walking to the waterfalls, the track starts right across the street, but if you do want to stay pay extra for the bigger room, which is a decent size and has plenty of space for bags, and in the bathroom. Parking is at an open lot somewhere across the street, which didn’t feel safe, though we had no issues, and right now the entire area behind and alongside the hotel is a building site, which wrecked the ambience. Staff were superb, and food and drink top class, but the rooms are just too small.

We stayed for one night & chose the larger room when we booked so had plenty of space. Loved the decor & ordered the waterfall prints that were in the room when we got home to remind us of the waterfalls. Room did get hot (very warm weather when we stayed) but there was a fan & we probably hadn't got the velux windows open as far as they could go. Booked a table when we booked in & had a very enjoyable evening meal.

The welcome was good. Friendly staff in the restaurant welcomed me. The shower was tiny. Not enough room to move around. If you’re staying for business there is no desk. Breakfast is not available until after 9am and is charged as an extra. Beware!!

Great out of the way Gem, Absolutely Super staff made the stay seam like home ,Food in the restaurant was very well presented and enjoyed it. We had a Curry that was warming and spicey ,

Perfect stay in a lovely area Fantastic accommodation. Spotless and welcoming. Great location