Eryri National Park (also known as Snowdonia in English) is Wales' largest national park dominating a large area of North Wales. It can take over two hours to drive from one corner of the park to the other so choosing a good place to base yourself is essential to make the most of your trip.
As a Welshman, I've taken countless trips to Snowdonia and have stayed in most areas of the national park. I've put together this handy guide to help you find the best area to stay and some hotel recommendations too.
Quick Answer: Where To Stay in Snowdonia?
Most of the top things to do in Snowdonia can be found in the northern half of the national park so basing yourself here is a good idea.
If it's your first time visiting Snowdonia, I recommend staying in (or near) Llanberis. There are plenty of attractions in the village itself and it's well-located for exploring the rest of North Wales.
A good all-round hotel in Llanberis is The Royal Victoria, just a few minutes walk from the centre of the village. It has its own stunning gardens, comfortable rooms, and is relatively affordable.
If you're looking for a campsite, Llys Derwen (just north of Llanberis) is a great option for both tents and caravans. It's 4-star rated by Visit Wales and has won awards as one of the top campsites in Snowdonia.
You could also consider a cosy getaway in a holiday cottage (book one with a hot tub for that added touch!).
I usually book through Holiday Cottages as they have the biggest selection to choose from in Wales. I've noticed Booking.com also has an increasing range of self-catered properties in the area.
If it's uber luxury you're after, consider Palé Hall, a beautiful 5-star Victorian manor house near Bala. It's not the most ideal location, but what you forfeit in convenience, it more than makes up for in aesthetic and service.
Map
This map shows all the areas I recommend staying in with quick links to find accommodation. Below, I'll explain the pros and cons of each destination and share my favourite hotels.
Best Places To Stay in Snowdonia
1. Llanberis
Why Stay Here
- Largest village in northern Snowdonia - more choices for accommodation and dining.
- Plenty of things to do in the village itself
- Good access to the rest of North Wales
Llanberis is the largest village in northern Snowdonia. It sits on the shore of Llyn Padarn lake on the northern edge of the national park which is why it's sometimes known as the gateway to Snowdonia.
There are lots of things to do in the village itself with the most popular route up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) starting in the village. Although I'd recommend one of the other routes to avoid crowds. There's also a good selection of places to eat and drink in Llanberis. I recommend Peak restaurant for evening meals.
Llyn Padarn
Blade of Giants, Llanberis
If I'm looking to explore the national park and take day trips to the rest of North Wales, I'll usually stay here as it's well located for both. You can reach Anglesey in just 20 minutes from Llanberis!
There's a good range of accommodation with several good hotels and guesthouses in the village and a plentiful supply of holiday cottages in the surrounding area (Holiday Cottages has the most choice in Wales).
Popular Attractions Near Llanberis
- Llanberis Lake Railway - Take a steam train along the edge of Llyn Padarn, stop at the far end for a picnic.
- Dolwyddelan Castle - A small castle ruin, walkable from the centre of Llanberis.
- National Slate Museum - A free museum in the former slate quarry.
- Llyn Padarn - The lake beside Llanberis is great for kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) - The main path up Wales' largest mountain begins in Llanberis or you can take the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the summit.
Also Read: Things To Do in Llanberis
Day Trips From Llanberis
- Betws-y-Coed (30 minutes)
- Beddgelert (30 minutes)
- Greenwood Family Park (15 minutes)
- Caernarfon (20 minutes)
- Conwy/Llandudno (35 minutes)
- Anglesey (20 minutes)
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. It's a great all-round hotel that's relatively affordable. It has its own stunning gardens and woodland, with two bars and two restaurants onsite.
Llys Derwen - This campsite just north of Llanberis is a great option for both tents and caravans. It's 4-star rated by Visit Wales and has won awards as one of the top campsites in Snowdonia.
Also Read: Best Hotels in Llanberis
Also Read: Best Holiday Cottages in Llanberis
2. Betws-y-Coed
Why Stay Here
- Well connected by public transport - best option without a car
- Slightly more scenic than Llanberis
- Lots of hikes begin right in the village
- Also lots of accommodation and dining options
Betws-y-Coed is a charming village that straddles the border of Gwydir Forest Par. The village itself is full of charming stone buildings and it has a good selection of cafes and restaurants for dining (I always eat at Olif where you can get Spanish-style Tapas with a Welsh twist!).
If you're travelling without a car, I recommend staying here. There's a train station and it's well connected via the Sherpa'r Wyddfa (Snowdon Sherpa) bus.
There's also an abundance of walks that start right in the village ranging from family-friendly loops to full-day hikes. There's also orienteering, a lake walk and two nearby waterfalls you can cycle to.
Llanrwst
Zip World Fforest
Betws-y-Coed is close to Zip World Fforest where you can find their alpine coaster, a ziplining obstacle course, and treetop nets (like trampolines in the trees). Nearby Llanrwst is another historic village, best known for Tu Hwnt I'r Bont, an iconic foliage-covered tea room that looks incredible in Autumn.
Being on the eastern border of the national park means you have opportunities for day trips to Conwy/Llandudno and Llangollen.
The main downside to staying in Betws-y-Coed is that it can be difficult to find parking without paying so I recommend finding accommodation with parking included.
Popular Attractions Near Betws-y-Coed
- The Fairy Glen - A magical gorge in a secluded area with scenic woodland trail
- Swallow Falls - An iconic waterfall that appeared in Wonder Woman 1984.
- Zip World Fforest - Home to an alpine roller coaster.
- Go Below - Undergound caving adventures.
- Gwydir Forest Park - Some hiking routes begin right in the village.
- Dolwyddelan Castle - Castle ruins on top of a hill with panoramic views
- Llanrwst - Where you'll find the iconic foliage-covered tea room that looks great in Autumn
Also Read: Best Things To Do in Betws-y-Coed
Day Trips from Betws-y-Coed
- Llanberis (30 mins)
- Conwy/Llandudno (30 mins)
- Beddgelert (30 mins)
- Llangollen (1 hour)
Where To Stay in Betws-y-Coed?
The Royal Oak (£££) - This is a cute 3-star hotel in a former coaching inn. The building itself is adorable with period features and a welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are huge with beautiful views from the window. I recommend opting for the deluxe room to get a 4-poster bed just like a fairytale.
The Gwydyr Hotel (££) - If you want something a little more affordable, the Gwydyr Hotel offers great value for money and has THE BEST location right in the heart of the village.
Also Read: Best Hotels in Betws-y-Coed
Also Read: Best Holiday Cottages in Betws-y-Coed
3. Beddgelert
Why Stay Here
- Quaint little village - like a fairytale with cute stone cottages
- A handful of cosy traditional pubs
- Less than 30 minutes to reach the coastline
Beddgelert is the most charming village in Snowdonia, like something out of a fairytale with stone cottages and a handful of traditional pubs.
It’s a good place to stay if you want to be out in nature very quickly with several great walks nearby including the legendary Dinas Emrys Trail.
You can easily take trips around the northern parts of Snowdonia and you can be at the coastline or the Llyn Peninsular in just 30 minutes.
Being a small and highly desirable place, the accommodations here generally attract a higher price.
Popular Attractions Near Beddgelert
- Gelert's Grave - A 'historical' landmark at the centre of the village with an interesting story.
- Sygun Copper Mine - Take a self-guided walking tour into the old mines
- Ffestiniog Railway - The vintage steam railway stops in Beddgelert.
Day Trips from Beddgelert
- Llanberis (30 minutes)
- Betws-y-Coed (30 minutes)
- Portmeirion (25 minutes)
Where To Stay in Beddgelert?
Ty Afon - River House - Just a 5-minute walk from the centre of Beddgelert. This boutique country house has just 12 bedrooms, all of which are elegantly decorated. The breakfast buffet is a must!
Llyn Gwynant Campsite - This is one of the most highly-rated campsites in Snowdonia (tents only). It's centrally located and occupies a beautiful spot alongside Llyn Gwynant lake. They also offer paddleboard and kayak hire for paddling around the lake.
Also Read: Best Hotels in Beddgelert
Also Read: Best Holiday Cottages in Beddgelert
4. Portmeirion
Why Stay Here
- Something a bit different - colourful Italian-style village
Designed to look like an Italian village, Portmeirion is an essential addition to any North Wales itinerary.
The village was designed by Welsh architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis after he visited Portofino on the Italian Riviera. It's now a popular tourist destination and has featured in several films and TV shows, most famously The Prisoner in the 1960s.
You can easily visit Portmeirion on a day trip. But if you're thinking of staying somewhere a bit more unique, It's possible to stay in the village at one of the accommodations as detailed below.
Where To Stay at Portmeirion?
Here are the different places to stay at Portmeirion. All include free entry to the village and access to the facilities and heated pool at the main hotel.
Portmeirion Hotel - This is the flagship hotel in Portmeirion. It's a 4-star hotel right on the bank of the estuary with coastal views. The interior has retained much of the original decor with grand features such as fireplaces and oak staircases. Choose 'hotel double room' on Booking.com.
Castell Deudraeth - On the outskirts of Portmeirion is Castell Deudraeth, a Victorian manor house that was built in the style of a castle. Today, it's been transformed into a 4-star hotel. The rooms are more like mini apartments, each with its own kitchen and living area. Choose 'castle suite' or 'castle double room' on Booking.com.
Village Rooms - Hidden away in the colourful buildings around the village are over 30 rooms and suites you can stay in. Each one is uniquely decorated and have views over the village or the estuary. Choose 'village double room' or 'village suite' on Booking.com.
5. Bala
Why Stay Here
- Best destination for watersports
The town of Bala is situated alongside Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), the largest natural lake in Wales. The town is best known for its watersports, from paddle sports and boat hire on Llyn Tegid to white water rafting along the Tryweryn River and canyoning through the areas gorges.
The town has also had a little bit of fame. It was the place that 15-year-old Mary Jones walked barefoot 25 miles from to buy a Bible in 1800 and was the birthplace of Betsi Cadwaladr, who worked with Florence Nightingale.
Popular Attractions Nearby
- Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) - For canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and more.
- National White Water Rafting Centre - One of the best places for white water rafting in Wales. Great water levels year round and activities for all abilities.
- Bala Lake Railway - Take a steam train alongside Bala Lake.
Where To Stay in Bala?
Also Read: Best Hotels in Bala
Also Read: Best Holiday Cottages in Bala
6. Dolgellau
Cadair Idris
Why Stay Here
- Large market town with lots of accommodation and dining choices
- Good location for exploring southern Snowdonia
Dolgellau is one of the largest market towns within the borders of Snowdonia. There aren't many tourist attractions in the town itself, but it's well located for exploring the soiuthern half of Snowdonia.
To the north of Dolgellau is Coed Y Brenin Forest park which is home to walking and mountain biking trails. To the south is Cadair Idris, one of the more popular hikes in the park. And to the west, you can reach Barmouth Beach in less than 20 minutes.
Popular Attractions Near Dollgellau
- Mawddach Trail
- Cymer Abbey
Day Trips from Dollgellau
- Machynlleth
- Coed Y Brenin
- Barmouth
- Dinas Mawddwy
- Harlech
- Cadair Idris
Where To Stay in Dolgellau?
Also Read: Best Hotels in Dolgellau
7. Aberdyfi
Aberdyfi Beach
Why Stay Here
- Great beach destination
Right at the southern tip of the national park is Aberdyfi, one of my favourite beach destinations in Wales. Unlike Barmouth or Tywyn (arguably more popular destinations), Aberdyfi has a more low-key and relaxing vibe.
Day Trips from Aberdyfi
- Machynlleth
- Tywyn
Where To Stay in Aberdyfi
Also Read: Best Hotels in Aberdyfi
Related Questions
Can You Stay in Snowdonia?
There are a huge variety of options to stay in Snowdonia. On top of the options listed in our article, there are many other choices from camping sites to luxurious hotels. There really is something to suit all tastes, group sizes, and budgets.
Published: 24 October 2022 · Last updated: 17 January 2024