As a Welshman, I might be biased when I say that Wales has it all, but whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in the countryside or an exciting city break, there are plenty of options to make your trip truly memorable.
From luxury hotels to quirky place to stay, we've got accommodation options to suit all tastes, and in this guide, I'll share my favourite places to base yourself as you explore this vast nation along with the top hotels, guest houses, and even camping sites.
Where To Stay in Wales?
Wales might have a small population, but it’s a large country so exploring it all in one go is difficult. I recommend staying in one of these main areas (listed with my favourites first).
- Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
- Anglesey
- The North Wales Coast
- Pembrokeshire
- Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (the Brecon Beacons)
- Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
- The Llyn Peninsular
- Swansea and the Gower
Keep reading to learn more about what makes these destinations worth staying in some of my favourite accommodation choices in each.
Best Places To Stay in Wales
1. Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
Snowdonia is Wales' largest national park and the best place to stay for walking, outdoor activities and inland watersports. It’s famously the home to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in England and Wales which is a must-do activity (don’t worry, there’s a train to the top if you don’t want to walk).
There is a long list of things to do in Snowdonia, including Llanberis Lake Railway, walking trails at Gwydir Forest Park and Beddgelert, the Blade of Giants, several castles, waterfalls, kayaking, the National Slate Museum, ziplining, underground golf and trampolining at Zip World, and caving at Go Below.
I recommend staying at the northern end of Eryri (Snowdonia) as this is where you'll find most of the activities. Here are a few villages I like to stay in or nearby to:
- Llanberis
A small village in Snowdonia that sits on the banks of Lake Padarn (a great kayaking spot) and right at the foot of Snowdon with the main route up the mountain starting in the centre of the village. Other activities include the lake railway, the National Slate Museum, the Blade of Giants, and Dolbadarn Castle.
Where To Stay in Llanberis
Royal Victoria Hotel (££) - The Royal Victoria Hotel is in a great spot just a few minutes walk from the centre of Llanberis where you can access the lake and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). It is set within its own stunning gardens and woodland, with two bars and two restaurants onsite.
- Betws-Y-Coed
This cute village is known for the two waterfalls that sit nearby. It’s also a good place to base yourself for walking routes in Gwydir Forest Park, with many of the routes starting right in the village itself, and of course, you have to visit the Fairy Glen, a magical gorge just outside of the village.
In Betws-y-Coed, there are also lots of great places to eat and drink (my favourite being Olif for Welsh-inspired tapas), plus there are lots of independent shops to browse.
Where To Stay in Betws-y-Coed
The Royal Oak (£££) - This is a magnificent 3-star hotel in a former coaching inn that has still retained some of the period features. Expect large rooms with super comfortable four-poster beds and service to match.
The Gwydyr Hotel (££) - The Gwydyr Hotel is a family-friendly hotel with modern rooms and an affordable price given its location in the heart of Betws-Y-Coed.
See my full guide on where to stay in Snowdonia for other good spots.
2. Anglesey
Anglesey is the island at the very top of Wales connected via two land bridges. Being an island, you'll find lots of great coastal hikes as well as some historic lighthouses to visit.
It’s also the best place in Wales to spot the rare red squirrel and you can learn about the key role the island once played in the UK's copper industry.
Anglesey isn’t too big so you can stay anywhere and still reach the attractions across the island in a decent time. However, here are my favourite places to stay in Anglesey:
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- Beaumaris
My favourite area of Anglesey to stay is the coastal town of Beaumaris. There are plenty of attractions in the town including an impressive castle and several museums, but it's not as overwhelming and built-up as Holyhead.
It's also the part of Anglesey where you'll find some of the nicest hotels and places to eat in the town and nearby.
Where To Stay in Beaumaris
The Bulls Head Inn (£££) - A 4-star hotel within walking distance of Beaumaris Castle and waterfront. The building is full of character but the rooms are modern and cosy.
The Bulkeley Hotel (££) - This hotel has been welcoming guests since 1832. Some rooms have a sea view, plus there's a terrace overlooking the Menai Strait. It's reasonably affordable too.
- Trearddur Bay
Situated at the northern end of Anglesey on Holy Island, Trearddur Bay is a small seaside village which is home to one of Anglesey's best beaches.
It will take you a little longer to reach from the mainland, but it will make exploring the northern part of Anglesey much easier with landmarks such as South Stack Lighthouse and Newborough Forest nearby.
Where To Stay in Trearddur Bay
Trearddur Bay Hotel (££) - Overlooking the sea and less than 5-minute walk to the famous beach, this hotel with an on-site restaurant is perfect for a relaxing stay on Anglesey.
See my full guide on where to stay in Anglesey for other good spots.
3. The North Wales Coast
My next recommended area to stay in Wales is along the North Wales coast, where you'll find a series of charming towns.
These towns have the best of both worlds, with Anglesey easily accessible in one direction and Eryri (Snowdonia) in the other.
- Caernarfon
First of all is Caernarfon, a large Royal Town in Gwynedd, North Wales, with a very rich history. It sits on the shore of the Menai Strait, and is home to Caernarfon Castle which is where the Prince of Wales is crowned.
There are a lot of other things to see in the area, from the steam trains of the Welsh Highland Railway, to a boat cruise on the Menai Strait. Plus, you can easily visit Snowdonia on day trips.
Where To Stay in Caernarfon
Plas Dinas Country House (£££) - Located about 10 minutes outside of Caernarfon by car, this is a 5-star hotel with elegant interiors that compliment the 17th-century building. It's surrounded by 15 acres of grounds and woodland.
The Celtic Royal Hotel (££) - This is an iconic hotel and leisure club within walking distance of Caernarfon town centre. It has a heated swimming pool and fitness suite with sauna and steam room.
- Conwy
Conwy is one of my favourite towns to base yourself in whilst exploring the North Wales coast because the town itself is very charming with lots to do, plus you have easy access to Llandudno and Adventure Parc Snowdonia which is just 15 minutes drive away.
Conwy itself has an iconic castle and some of the best-preserved medieval town walls anywhere in Wales. It also has lots of great options for food and the hotels are pleasant.
Where To Stay in Conwy
The Erskine Arms - Set inside a former Georgian coaching inn right in the heart of Conwy, this 4-star hotel is the perfect place for exploring the medieval town.
Hilton Garden Inn - Located about 15 minutes south of Conwy by car, Hilton Garden Inn is a large, modern hotel on the site of Adventure Parc Snowdonia. It has a fitness centre, fully aircon rooms, and views across the unique inland surf lagoon.
- Llandudno
My final recommendation along the North Wales coast isn't actually too far from Conwy. Llandudno is a family-friendly seaside town, known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and its elegant promenade.
Llandudno has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you're looking for high-end hotels, cosy bed and breakfasts, or self-catering cottages, there's something for everyone.
Where To Stay in Llandudno
St George's Hotel (££) - This 4-star hotel is one of the best in Llandudno, sitting right on the promenade overlooking the beach and within walking distance of the pier. It has a Victorian-esque feel but with reasonably modern rooms and a very enticing price.
4. Pembrokeshire
My fourth recommended place to stay in Wales is Pembrokeshire over in West Wales. This is where you’ll find the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the UK’s only national park along a coast.
I especially love the area known as the limestone coast of Wales where you’ll find landmarks such as the Green Bridge of Wales, Stack Rocks, and St Govan’s Chapel which is built into the cliffs. If you love the outdoors but aren't quite ready for the Welsh weather, Pembrokeshire is home to some of the best glamping sites in Wales too.
Pembrokeshire is quite large so I would recommend taking staying in a few different places to fully experience it. Some of my top picks are:
- Cardigan
Cardigan is a great place to stay for exploring the west coast of Wales. You can explore Cardigan Bay which is home to dolphins and seals, and it’s well placed to take trips to Fishguard and St David’s too.
Where To Stay in Cardigan
The Teifi Waterside Hotel (£££) - An incredible location, just a 2-minute drive from Poppit Sands Beach and 10 minutes to Cardigan. The rooms are modern and some have balconies overlooking the Teifi estuary.
The Cliff Hotel & Spa (££) - A 3-star hotel perched on a cliff with views across Cardigan Bay. It has an onsite restaurant as well as a gym, health spa, and access to the local golf course.
- Pembroke
This town is home to the imposing Pembroke Castle which is my favourite castle in West Wales. It’s also in great proximity for exploring the limestone coast and other landmarks such as Carew Castle. The hotels here tend to be very traditional and slightly dated, but you are mainly staying here for the location.
Where To Stay in Pembroke
Portclew House (££) - This Georgian mansion-turned-guesthouse is about 10 minutes from Pembroke in an idyllic location within walking distance of the beach. Next door is Portclew Cottages, where you'll find 7 cute self-catered cottages.
- Tenby
Tenby is Wales’ most popular seaside resort and is a big hit with families because it's home to several holiday resorts and kid-friendly attractions such as the dinosaur park and Manor wildlife park.
Where To Stay in Tenby
The Park Hotel - My top pick in Tenby is the Park Hotel, offering spectacular views across Tenby Bay, it's finished to a high standard, including an onsite swimming pool. Candlelit dinners are also available in the restaurant, perfect for a romantic break.
5. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (aka the Brecon Beacons)
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (previously known by its English name the Brecon Beacons) is Wales’ second largest national park, straddling the area between Mid-Wales and South Wales. There are tons of cute villages where you can stay while you explore the national park.
An area of the park is known as Waterfall Country due to having a high concentration of waterfalls as several rivers run through the deep gorges. It’s great for canyoning and waterfall trails.
Whilst here, climbing Pen-Y-Fan (the largest mountain) is a must as well as enjoying the villages. You can also ride canals, go kayaking, explore caves, and more. My favourite places to stay in this area of Wales include:
- Brecon
This is centrally located so it’s great for exploring the rest of the national park. I like the variety of places to stay and eat in Brecon, plus you can ride the canal and explore the town’s various museums including two of my favourites, the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum and Brecknock museum.
Where To Stay in Brecon
The Castle of Brecon Hotel (££) – One of many castles in Wales you can stay in, the Brecon Hotel also claims to be the ‘oldest Hotel in Wales’ and offers wonderful mountain views from a great location.
- Hay-on-Wye
This quaint little village is best known for its independent shops, including an unusually large number of bookshops. Each year, it's home to Hay Festival, one of the most famous literature festivals in the world.
Nearby outdoor activities include canoeing, horse riding, and hiking. However, it’s quite a distance from the waterfalls in the south of the national park so keep this in mind.
Where To Stay in Hay-on-Wye
The Swan at Hay (££) - Located within about a 5-minute walk of all the restaurants, cafes, and bookshops in Hay, the Swan has an excellent location, elegantly designed rooms, and its own garden which is a beautiful place to spend time on a sunny day.
See my full guide on where to stay in the Brecon Beacons for other good spots.
6. Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan
Cardiff is the capital of Wales and our largest city. Having lived here myself for many years, I can vouch that it's a great place to base yourself for exploring South Wales.
The city itself has many great attractions to suit all interests, including Cardiff Bay (shown above), Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, several great museums, white water rafting, and more.
If you love to dine out or want to experience some of Wales' nightlife, this is the place with a near-infinite number of places to eat, drink and party in the city centre. However, being the capital city, it is more expensive than other places in this guide and parking can be difficult if you're travelling by car.
- Cardiff Bay
In my opinion, Cardiff Bay is the best area to stay in Cardiff. It's the most modern and safe part of the city and is home to several up-market hotels that tend to be better value than the hotels in the city centre.
Where To Stay in Cardiff Bay
Voco St. David's Cardiff (£££) - Set within an iconic building of Cardiff, Voco St. David's offers a top-class stay, with on-site amenities such as a pool, spa, and fitness room overlooking the Cardiff skyline.
- The Vale of Glamorgan
On the outskirts of Cardiff, you'll find the Vale of Glamorgan which is home to beautiful scenery and some great resorts that offer luxury without the price tag of the city centre.
Where To Stay in the Vale of Glamorgan
The Vale Resort (£££) - The Vale resort is a 4-star golf and leisure complex with a gym, spa, and swimming pool, all nestled with 650 acres of Welsh countryside about 20 minutes drive from Cardiff.
Llanerch Vinyard Hotel (££) One of Wales' oldest Vineyards now has a luxury hotel with beautiful views across the Vineyard and an award-winning restaurant on-site. Some packages also include a Vineyard tour and tasting. Just 20-minutes from Cardiff by car.
See my full guide on where to stay in Cardiff for the best areas.
7. The Llyn Peninsula
The Llyn Peninsula is a relaxed place to visit in Wales with some of the country's best beaches and excellent surfing spots such as Hell's Mouth. Some of my favourite stretches of the Wales coastal path can be found here.
The peninsula is renowned for its delicious seafood, making it a paradise for foodies. I definitely recommend that you check out Ty Coch, a pub on the beach which has been named one of the best in the world.
Most of the peninsula is rural or made up of small towns and villages such as Abersoch, Pwllheli, and Criccieth. If you prefer a bigger town, you could also stay in Porthmadog which sits along the border of Eryri (Snowdonia) and the peninsula.
8. Swansea and the Gower Peninsular
Swansea is Wales' second largest city, also located in the south about an hour from Cardiff. It's one of my favourite cities to visit with a vast number of museums and experiences where you can uncover the city's history at the heart of the global copper industry.
It's also where the iconic Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas, was born. You can visit his birthplace and learn about him at the Dylan Thomas Centre.
As well as the attractions in the city itself, Swansea is a stone's throw from the sprawling coastline of the Gower Peninsula which has beautiful beaches and some of South Wales' best hiking routes.
- Swansea Martime Quarter
By staying in Swansea, you can enjoy all of the city's attractions from museums to walking tours. There's also a large range of bars, restaurants, and nightlife for some fun-filled evenings. By staying in Swansea, you'll still be well-placed to explore the villages and beaches along the Gower peninsular.
Where To Stay in Swansea Maritime Quarter
Delta by Marriot Swansea (££) - This modern hotel in the Maritime Quarter offers panoramic views across the marina and sea. It's clean and modern with excellent service, meeting rooms, an onsite restaurant, and also a free car park if you're driving.
The Music Fable Hotel (£££) - Swansea's five-star boutique hotel is located just north of the Maritime Quarter (technically in Sandfields) where the elegant Victorian-style rooms are modelled after famous musicians. You'll even be greeted with a glass of bubbly.
Morgans Hotel (££) - Set within a grade-II listed building, the hotel has kept its original charm but the rooms have been individually decorated in a contemporary style.
- The Gower Peninsula
If the draw of the city isn't for you, then perhaps you'll consider staying on The Gower itself. There are many small villages across the peninsular, some with great hotel options. However, this is more of a holiday home location with some stunning rural cottages to choose from.
Where To Stay on the Gower Peninsula
Parc-Le-Broes (£££) - Located around halfway down the peninsula, near the iconic Three Cliffs Bay, Parc-Le-Bores is a luxurious 4-star hotel in a former Victorian hunting lodge surrounded by woodland.
The King's Head Inn - Right at the tip of the peninsula, near Rhosilli Bay, The Kings Head Inn is a 4-star country inn housed in a converted 17th-century building. It has contemporary rooms with underfloor heating and an on-site restaurant.
See my full guide on where to stay in Swansea for the best areas.
Related Questions
What is the Prettiest Place to Stay in Wales?
The prettiest places to stay in Wales are the quaint little villages that can be found in the national parks, such as Betws-Y-Coed and Beddgelert in Snowdonia, or Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons.
What’s Better, North or South Wales?
North Wales is better to visit if you like the outdoors because it's home to the largest National Park in the country and some very impressive castles. Meanwhile, South Wales is home to the two largest cities in Wales with lots of attractions right on your doorstep. However, there can be no real winner as both north and south have plenty to offer so I'd highly advise visiting both.
Published: 24 August 2022 · Last updated: 7 November 2023