Wales has more than 1,600 miles of coastline which is packed with rugged cliffs, picturesque beaches, and stunning coastal views, so you won’t be surprised that we have our fair share of hotels by the sea too.
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront B&B, a clifftop spa resort, or a 5-star hotel by the coast, there’s something for everyone as I’ll share in this guide to the best hotels in Wales near the sea.
Map of Hotels Near the Sea
1. Trearddur Bay Hotel, Anglesey
- A blue-flag beach right on your doorstep
- Great location on the Isle of Anglesey
- Seaview rooms have a sizeable balcony too
- Pool has a 'no lone swimmer' policy
Trearddur Bay is a short drive from Holyhead on the isle of Anglesey and makes a much nicer alternative to the busy town. Just a few steps from the Blue Flag Beach is the 4-star beach hotel, the Trearddur Bay Hotel which is one of the most scenic hotels in Wales.
Rooms are bright and stylish with the option of a two-person double/twin room or a family room for up to five people. If you choose a sea view room, you’ll not only get stunning views across the coast, but you’ll also get your own private balcony complete with a table and chairs for enjoying the view.
When you are fed up with the sea, there’s also an indoor swimming pool in a separate building from the rooms. However, keep in mind that they have a bizarre rule that you can’t swim alone, you need at least two adults.
The hotel has two places to eat, The Inn which serves up pub classics and The Bay restaurant which offers more of a gourmet dining experience. They also have a beer garden which is a beautiful spot to enjoy a drink on a summer's night.
2. Delta Hotels by Marriot Swansea
- Brilliant location in the heart of Swansea Maritime Quarter
- Excellent views of the marina
- Swansea Beach just a few metres away
- Extra charge for car parking
- No leisure facilities such as pool or gym
Delta Hotels by Marriot Swansea is found in the Maritime Quarter which is my favourite area of Swansea to stay in. The hotel is right next to Swansea Beach and all of the town’s top museums and attractions can be reached within 10 minutes walk.
Although the rooms don't look directly onto the beach, you do get an excellent waterfront view of the marina and the beach is just a stone's throw away.
The hotel has large rooms with huge windows and comfortable beds. I also love that check-out time is midday which is quite late for hotels in Wales. There is an onsite restaurant which serves up a great breakfast (not included).
For some reason, the hotel is listed as 4-star on Booking.com, however, the hotel has no official star rating. Given that there are no leisure facilities such as a pool or gym, it would say it’s an excellent 3-star hotel.
Of course, being in Swansea, you can easily reach the stunning beaches and scenery of the Gower peninsular for some epic day trips. However, if you’re travelling by car, keep in mind that there is a £5 daily charge for parking.
3. Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdyfi
- Option for a balcony sea view room
- Well located right next to the beach and within easy reach of Eryri
- Lots of indoor and outdoor activities including a pool and putting green
- Minimum stay of 2 nights
- One of the most expensive beach hotels in Wales
Trefeddian Hotel is a 4-star hotel near the beach of Aberdyfi, a small seaside town straddling the border of Mid-Wales and North Wales. The location has the best of both worlds, just a short walk to the beach in one direction but perched on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Within a 30-minute drive, you can visit the towns of Dolgellau and Machynlleth with many family-friendly attractions or you can reach several great hikes such as Cadiar Idris or Coed Nant Gwernol woodland.
As for the hotel itself, the décor is pleasant and the facilities are exceptional. You can choose a sea-view room and there’s also the option for a balcony at no extra cost, providing they are still available when you book.
It has a large indoor pool and hot tub, a tennis court, putting green, outdoor play area, and a beautiful sun terrace which is a great spot to watch the sunset.
For those rainy days, and trust me these happen in Wales, there is a games room with pool tables, table tennis, and children's play equipment.
Being a family-run hotel, the level of service here is exceptional in both the hotel and restaurant. The restaurant offers a hearty breakfast and the option of a five-course meal in the evenings. If you want something more relaxed, the hotel also serves up light bites which you can enjoy on the terrace.
Rooms are generally between £300-£350 per night for two people. Keep in mind that there is a minimum 2-night stay in effect year-round.
4. Voco St Davids, Cardiff
- Excellent pool and spa facilities
- Five-star hotel with excellent concierge to help plan your trip
- Prices are fair given its prime location along the waterfront
- No beach nearby
The only 5-star hotel on this list is Voco St David’s which is located in Cardiff Bay, right on the water’s edge with stunning views across the bay. However, if you're hoping for a beach on your doorstep, this isn't the one.
The hotel is in an iconic building with its roof shaped like a seabird. Inside, the luxury continues with modern rooms which all have floor-to-ceiling windows. The standard double rooms have a city view (which is still incredible), whilst all other rooms have bay views and many have a balcony too.
Hotel facilities include a gym, a spa, and the onsite Tir a Môr restaurant serving up local produce.
Voco St David's came high on my list of the best spa hotels in Wales thanks to its 15m indoor exercise pool (not heated) in a room with large glass windows offering views across Cardiff Bay. There’s also a sauna, hot tub, and they offer spa treatments. Being a 5-star hotel, expect all of the little extras such as concierge and premium bedding too.
Despite being a 5-star hotel and one of the best places to stay in Cardiff, the prices aren’t too unreasonable if you stay mid-week. Expect to pay around £150 for a double room during the week, however, this can double on the weekends.
5. St Brides Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot
- Heated outdoor infinity pool and spa facilities
- Overlooks Saundersfoot Beach
- Does not have a full-size pool for swimming
St Brides Spa Hotel is a modern 4 star hotel in Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire. The hotel is located on a clifftop just above Saundersfoot Beach with a restaurant and several luxury and superior rooms that offer sea views.
St Brides has its own spa facilities with the highlight being the heated outdoor infinity pool which overlooks the beach and harbour. However, keep in mind that this is only a small pool and not big enough to swim in.
Other spa facilities include a sauna, steam room, and ice fountain, plus they offer a range of spa treatments including massages, facials, and wraps.
Rooms cost in the region of £200-£300 per night for two people. Expect to pay nearer the top of this bracket for sea facing rooms.
6. The Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn
- Direct access from the hotel onto the beach
- Pool and sauna free for guests
- Excellent value for a 4-star hotel
- Difficult to enjoy the sea view through the small windows
The Beaches Hotel is a hotel by the sea in Prestatyn that looks out across the North Wales coast. The 4-star hotel has direct access to Barkby Beach which has a long stretch of sand backed by dunes and a long promenade.
The hotel is a bit of a hidden gem since many people don’t consider visiting Prestatyn and instead opt for the more popular seaside towns of Llandudno or Rhyl.
Rooms are in the region of £100-£145 per night based on two people sharing which is a steal for a 4-star hotel. You can pay extra for a sea view room that looks out across the beach, however, the windows in the rooms are quite small so it's difficult to fully appreciate the view.
Instead, I recommend that you enjoy the picturesque coastline from The Promenade Bistro Bar which has an outside patio with a decking area. This is an excellent spot any time of day, but is even more spectacular at sunset.
After a day at the beach or exploring the town, The Beaches Hotel has it's own indoor pool, jacuzzi, and sauna which are free for guests to use.
7. The Cliff Hotel & Spa, Cardigan
- Large, modern bedrooms
- Includes breakfast in the restaurant with coastal views
- Free access to pool, sauna, and steam room. Golf course available for extra fee.
- Prices vary a lot and can be expensive on weekends
The Cliff is a 3-star hotel near Cardigan which quite literally sits on a cliff overlooking Cardigan Bay. This is very much a ‘middle of the road’ hotel, with average prices and decent facilities.
It has its own spa with an indoor spa pool underneath a sparkling roof so you feel like you’re under the stars. There’s also a poolside sauna and steam room, all of which are complimentary for one hour each day.
You can book a dedicated sea view room with views across Cardigan Bay and you can opt to have a balcony too. If you’re feeling extra boujee, the suite even comes with its own hot tub. Although not a full-blown golf resort, the hotel does have a 9-hole golf course which you can use for an extra fee.
All rooms are large and modern, with buffet breakfast included at the onsite Carreg Bar & Restaurant. They also offer dining throughout the day including afternoon tea and dinner. Taking advantage of the hotel’s location by the sea, the restaurant also has floor-to-ceiling windows with picturesque views.
The price is typically between £110-£240 per night for a double. At the lower end, this is reasonable for a 3-star hotel, but the prices can be higher on busier weekends.
8. The Park Hotel, Tenby
- Direct path down to Tenby North Beach and clifftop terrace overlooking it
- Large, modern rooms with classical decoration
- Pool isn't open year-round
On the cliff above Tenby’s North Beach, you’ll find The Park Hotel, a 3-star hotel in one of Wales’ best beach towns. The hotel has it’s own path directly down to the beach and is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, although keep in mind the return journey back tot he hotel is uphill.
Whilst some rooms have a partial view across the coast, if you want the best view, you’ll need to ensure you book the dedicated ‘superior rooms with sea views’ which featured a king-size bed (or twin beds) and a bay window overlooking the beach and harbour.
They also have an outdoor swimming pool (only open during summer) and a clifftop terrace with sun loungers overlooking the beach which are free to use for guests.
A new chic Garden Bar now adjoins the terrace, serving drinks until 11pm. There’s also a restaurant which serves up breakfast (not included) and dinner.
9. The Quay Hotel & Spa, Conwy
- Floor-to-ceiling windows over the Conwy Estuary
- Large pool and spa facilities
- Two onsite restaurants
- Room prices can vary greatly
The Quay Hotel & Spa is a 4-star hotel in an excellent location in Deganwy, right alongside the Conwy Estuary. It’s right in the middle of Conwy and Llandudno, with both accessible by car in less than 8 minutes and good public transport between them too.
When booking your room, you can choose between a courtyard view or a sea view, with the latter being a little more expensive but worth it for the stunning view over the Conwy estuary through floor-to-ceiling windows. Even the courtyard view rooms are great as they have Juliette balconies to enjoy too.
The hotel has a spa with a swimming pool, spa pool, sauna and steam room. They also offer spa treatments and have a juice bar to quench your thirst afterwards.
The hotel has two restaurants, both of which offer excellent food. The Cove Bar has a slightly more relaxed setting offering a range of meals and lighter bites whilst the Ebb & Flow Restaurant is an award-winning restaurant with a gourmet menu that’s slightly more expensive.
The price of a room at this hotel can vary greatly and be anywhere between £140 and £220 depending on the time of year. Still, even at the top end of this price bracket, it’s a good price given the location and quality on offer.
10. St Georges Hotel, Llandudno
- Large comfy beds and some rooms have sea view balconies
- Occupies a grand Victorian building overlooking the Bay of Llandudno
- Decor of the hotel is a little dated
St Georges is a huge 4-star hotel in Llandudno that’s one of the oldest in the town, having opened back in 1854. The hotel is in a prime location, right along the Promenade overlooking the Bay of Llandudno and with the pier less than 10 minutes walk away.
The rooms are very large with big comfy beds although the décor is slightly dated as you’d expect from such an old hotel. The staff are very welcoming and pay great attention to detail.
You can opt for a room with a sea view or a city view, plus they have some rooftop rooms with balconies too, although these sell out quickly (see image above).
You can also enjoy the view from the Terrace restaurant which overlooks the beach. Talking of food, if you love a full English, people speak very highly of the breakfast so be sure to give it a go (not included).
11. Hotel Portmeirion, North Wales
- Direct access to the beach in front of the hotel during low tide
- Complimentary access to Portmeirion Village
- All rooms have a great view of either the estuary or the village
- Difficult to guarantee a waterfront view (details below)
- Pool only available during summer
Portmeirion is a small village in North Wales that was built on the site of the former Aber La estate in the 20th century. Its unique Baroque style is meant to mimic an Italian village. Portmeirion is a popular tourist attraction in North Wales, full of unique architecture, beautiful gardens, shops, restaurants, and more.
There are also several places to stay inside the village itself including the flagship Hotel Portmeirion which is built in the old mansion that sat at the centre of the estate. The 4-star hotel sits right along the coast of the Dwyryd Estuary and when the tide is out, there is a great sandy beach right outside the hotel.
The hotel retains many of its original Victorian features but also has some newer additions such as the heated outdoor pool (only open during summer) and an award-winning restaurant in the art-deco-styled dining hall. For more relaxed dining, you can also visit the hotel bar which has a terrace when the weather is good.
You cannot select a specific room when booking and will be allocated a random room, however, if you specifically want a waterfront view, add a note of this when booking and they will try to accommodate you with an estuary view. The rooms without estuary view still have a great view out onto the village so it’s win-win.
Portmeirion is a paid attraction, however, hotel guests receive complimentary tickets to the village.
12. The Glengower, Aberystwyth
- Excellent location right along Aberystwyth Promenade
- Reasonably priced with free cooked breakfast included
- Best restaurant in town on the ground floor
- Small hotel with no leisure facilities
- Front desk only open until 11pm
The Glengower is one of my favourite hotels in Aberystwyth and the only one on this list in Mid-Wales. The hotel is right across the road from Aberystwyth North Beach, one of the town’s two main beaches. Although, there are several much nicer beaches just outside of the town too.
On the ground floor is the pub and restaurant (which serves up some of the best food in the town) and the rooms are upstairs. Compared to the other hotels on this list, The Glengower is a small family-run hotel with just 16 rooms, so there's no pool or leisure facilities like the other hotels featured here.
However, you can expect clean, modern rooms and an excellent and friendly service. You can also opt for a sea view room which has a large bay window that looks out onto the promenade and beach.
Rooms are between £110-£120 per night for a double, this includes the sea view rooms, and all rooms come with a free cooked breakfast in the restaurant.
13. The Music Fable Hotel, Swansea
- All rooms are individually decorated along the music theme
- Comes with your own butler
- High-quality music system in each room
- Very expensive
- No leisure facilities or restaurant
The Music Fable Hotel is a boutique hotel in Swansea where each room has been individually designed with a different musical theme, from the Beethoven Room to the Bach Suite. The public areas have also been thoughtfully decorated and, of course, there is plenty of music throughout the building.
Each room has a bespoke sound system and the hotel keeps a collection of over 10,000 music records that you can choose from. This beach hotel really has been designed for music lovers.
The beachfront hotel looks out onto Swansea Bay with its enormous 7-mile-long beach running from the city around to the village of Mumbles at the far end. Make sure to book one of the rooms with a sea view to guarantee views across the bay.
The hotel is the most expensive on this list with rooms starting at more than £650 for a double room, plus, you’ll have to pay even more for the guaranteed sea view.
Despite the high price tag, the hotel does not have any leisure facilities or a restaurant, however, you do get your own butler who can help with all your needs and promises to be better than any chain hotel.
Published: 21 August 2023 · Last updated: 30 August 2023