"CELTIC COMFORT...AT A PRICE!" Top 5 Page for this destination Hotel Portmeirion Tip by themajor

The first question to ask when you book is...am I actually staying at this hotel? No, it doesn't specialise in philosophy midweek specials or metaphysical long weekends but it has 14 rooms in the main building and 26 rooms and suites outside in the village (which is uninhabited other than by guests). Some are designed for self catering but others use the facilities, restaurant/breakfast room of the Portmeirion Hotel.

Being familiar with the TV series we chose to live 'on the set' and stay in a village property. It was delightful, light and airy though it's worth noting that they do vary in size shape and character. One couple in a property a stone's throw from ours had a bedroom whose french windows directly overlooked the bay giving them the possibility of greeting the dawn from the comfort of their own bed. Very romantic - allowing for the Welsh weather - but of course, the whole village is superlatively romantic.

Sadly the hotel does make a considerable additional charge for breakfast but it's an exceptionally good one. Those with children should note that a child's breakfast can be ordered at half the price. We did this for of our two boys - much to their initial annoyance! - and the only difference? A single bacon rasher! Dinners can be taken in the restaurant here (something we resisted as the cuisine was most definitely the hautest of haute and very very expensive) or in the delightful but slightly less formal sister Castell Deudraeth restaurant but a 5 minute walk through the woods. Our meals here were simply superb...not for trenchermen perhaps but superb nevertheless!

All in all a great place to stay albeit with one proviso! Although Portmeirion village closes to tourists in the evening it is a popular place for wedding receptions and the like. During our stay the Portmeirion restaurant had been completely taken over by a wedding party - just as well we wanted to dine at the Castell then! So, if you want total peace and quiet enquire when booking, go off-season and avoid weekends. You'll love it!

Unique Qualities: Frankly, it's unique quality is that it's...'er...unique!
Where else can you get an entire village to yourself in the evening?

Address: Portmeirion Village, Gwynedd, Cymru/Wales
Comparison: most expensive
Phone: 01766 770228
Price: US$180 and up
Theme: Hotel
Website: http://www.portmeirion-village.com