A hotel in Wales has been rated the best for summer in the UK. Palé Hall in Llandderfel, near Bala, in Gwynedd, is the only venue to score 10/10 in the new Telegraph guide on the top 50 best hotels for a break this season, scoring higher than the likes of Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa in Devon and Penally Abbey in Tenby.
This comes after the hotel was named among the best in the world and claimed the title of Wales' Leading Hotel in the World Travel Awards in October of last year. The Snowdonia hotel was included in the Welsh section of the European winners alongside Ffynnon House Hotel in nearby Dolgellau and Voco St David's in Cardiff.
On top of this, the hotel's restaurant was awarded a Green Michelin Star in January, 2021, making it the first venue in Wales to achieve the accolade. According to The Telegraph reviewer Tom Mulvihill, the Victorian mansion has "exquisite rooms" and recommends that guests try out its "languorous signature tasting menu".
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A review in the new Telegraph guide states: "This fantasy Victorian mansion – seemingly immune to time and trends – is situated in its own 50-acre estate on the fringes of the Berwyn Mountains and Snowdonia National Park.
"Facilities are deliberately low-key and in keeping with a country manor of this calibre: walk the wooded grounds to a sunken garden, visit the resident donkey and Shetland ponies, go fishing, or curl up with a book.
"The concierge team can point you in the direction of some memorable walks or, should you wish, they can hook you up with a local e-bike provider – the extra oomph is handy for negotiating these hills. Pale Hall was awarded Wales’ first Michelin Green Star, so finish the day with a languorous signature tasting menu before heading up to one of the exquisite rooms."
In response to the review, Palé Hall Hotel shared their joy about the news on Monday. On Twitter, they said: "So proud of this. The 50 best hotels for a summer break in the UK. Palé Hall is the ONLY one to score 10/10."
As mentioned, Penally Abbey in Tenby, Pembrokeshire was also included in the list and was rated 9/10. The reviewer noted that it had a "peaceful, elevated position" and was "perfect" for families as it was "rather like living inside an Enid Blyton book".
"It’s a real pleasure to dine in the restaurant, with its candlelight and white linen tablecloths," the reviewer added. "The food is enjoyable and the menu might include dishes such as steamed clams or seared salmon fillet."
The renowned Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms in Eglwys Fach, Machynlleth was also rated 9/10. It was noted that you could only book a room if you were having dinner at the venue, which Tom Mulvihill said would be suitable for "die hard foodies" and added: "But Ynyshir’s location is pretty special, too.
"The undulating grounds, stippled with rhododendrons and eucalyptus trees, are as peaceful as can be, and lead to the RSPB Ynyshir Nature Reserve saltmarsh and lowland wet grasslands at the head of the Dyfi estuary. Just across the water is Aberdyfi and its broad sweep of dune-backed beach which is pleasantly packed in summer with children playing in the golden sand."
Fforest Farm in Cardigan was awarded with a rating of 9/10 as well. The review read: "Glamping is taken up a notch at this hip hybrid of Welsh farm and Japanese forest retreat: domes have solid wood floors and wood burners, king-sized beds are covered with thick duvets and welsh blankets, and outdoor kitchens are fully equipped."
Bodysgallen Halll and Spa in Llandudno was ranked 8/10 and was complimented for its beautiful garden. In the Telegraph review, Mulvihill wrote: "The grounds are a riot of fragrance and colour in the summer, and lovely to wander at leisure. There's a box-hedge parterre, walled rose and herb gardens, and a croquet lawn. One walk leads through sun-dappled woods to an obelisk atop Bryn Pydew, which opens up the view spectacularly. Tours with head gardener Robert Owen are offered, too."
