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Perched high above the Mawddach estuary at the foot of the rugged Cadair Idris, you’ll find the stone fronted Penmaenuchaf. Inspired by the dramatic ancient landscape of Snowdonia National Park this grand old house has its own beautiful history and each room with unique and characterful appeal. Adventure abounds in this land of longing, rich in stories of Welsh myth and legend as fantastical as the scenery in front of you. Escape to our mountain hideaway and leave the everyday behind to relax in extraordinary North Wales. You'll be welcomed with warm smiles as you step into our country house overlooking the stunning Mawddach Estuary. Embrace the tranquility of this most scenic location and experience our unbuttoned approach to exceptional hospitality. Our Head Chef, Owen Vaughan, and his talented kitchen brigade are focused on creating menus with high-quality, delicious ingredients, that are as local as possible. Join us in our restaurant for lunch and dinner daily, and enjoy great British cooking with an true emphasis on big flavours. Our beautiful garden room restaurant has been named 'Llugad yr Haul' which is Welsh for 'eye of the sun'. Owners Zoe & Neil Kedward and their Seren family of Welsh hospitality businesses which includes the renowned 5 star Grove of Narberth Hotel and Michelin starred Beach House Restaurant in Oxwich, purchased Penmaenuchaf Hotel in June 2022. A new story for this old house has now began and we're now on a journey to continue to restore, rejuvenate and evolve every aspect at this beautiful house. We'd love for you to join us on this adventure. Our bedroom, restaurant, bar and lounge spaces will all gently evolve over the years to come and we're looking forward to sharing those changes with you. You can be rest assured that we will be retaining all the beautiful historic character of the property inside and out whilst building on its sense of place in this remarkable Snowdonia mountain landscape.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to VisitWales.
HOTEL STYLE
Quiet
Business
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Penmaenpool, Snowdonia-Eryri National Park, Dolgellau LL40 1YB Wales
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Nestled in a picturesque setting, Penmaenuchaf Hotel & Gardens is renowned for its stunning location and beautiful gardens that captivate many visitors. Guests consistently commend the amenities, particularly the cozy rooms, pet-friendly options, and unique offerings such as private dining. The service at the hotel earns rave reviews for its warm welcome and personalized attention.
While the value is generally appreciated, especially the food quality, some guests feel it could be improved. The atmosphere is celebrated for its luxury and comfort, and the hotel's cleanliness is impeccable, with travelers continuously impressed by the meticulous upkeep.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Welcoming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Satisfactory
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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Today I visited Penmaenuchaf for Sunday lunch - we were a group of 4 friends. The experience was truly excellent and I have nothing but the highest of praise for all the personnel. We. were welcomed by a lovely, friendly young woman, Georgia and she and another delightful employee, Albena, ensured that the service provided was impeccable. The food was scrumptious, cooked to perfection and my request for beef "no blood, not pink" was respected. ( I know I am old-fashioned! ) Top marks go to the chef and his team for a first class, wonderfully tasty meal. Tom, the young sommelier, has a lovely, warm personality and made us all feel valued. Penmaenuchaf very recently changed hands and exciting, new plans are in the pipeline. Good wishes to the new owners and their wonderful, youthful employees.
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Date of stay: September 2022
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I were looking for a comfortable hotel in the Dolgellau area. Penmaenuchaf is one of few dog-friendly options in the area. The location is very peaceful, with superb views over the Mawddach estuary. We stayed for two nights and the staff were very friendly and attentive. The facilities are traditional and stylish - giving the impression of a small stately home. The evening meal was a real event with an interesting menu and peerless service, breakfast was also delicious (vegetarian and traditional).
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Spent the most divine and tranquil two night stay at the beautiful Penmaenuchaf Hall Hotel … the sister hotel to The Grove in Narberth , where we have enjoyed several special experiences. Nestled in the Snowdonia National Park , a few miles from Dolgellau, Penmaenuchaf is a delight, on the approach to the estate you are confronted with perfectly manicured lawns , shrubs , trees, with hydrangeas of every colour lining your arrival at the traditional forecourt . Greeted by Louise , we were shown to our second floor room overlooking the Cader Idris mountain range . Our room was spotlessly clean , but dare I say a tad old fashioned , which only added to the character and charm of this imposing country retreat.. After a guided tour of the expansive rooms ,we were offered complimentary Prosecco and sat in very comfortable surroundings. We opted to visit the George the 3rd pub , for our first night dinner, within walking distance through the garden but be warned it’s a steep climb back and very dark … torch recommended. After a very comfortable nights sleep , breakfast was superb , with many choices , fresh fruit , baked croissants , yoghurt and granola , porridge as well as pancakes, traditional cooked , eggs Benedict or indeed curried kedgeree with haddock and poached egg. The staff were so kind and helpful , pleasant and informative…. nothing was too much trouble . Dinner that evening was outstanding with a varied mouth watering menu to suit anyone . Service was excellent , the staff seamlessly ensuring your dinner was a special experience . We loved every moment of our stay and wouldn’t hesitate to return . Thank you to everyone involved at Penmaenuchaf. We will return!!
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
From our first impressions as we came up the drive we were delighted with our choice of this hotel. The grounds are beautiful and we enjoyed exploring. There were many seats in the grounds for peaceful contemplation of the views. Our room was beautiful and we were especially pleased to find a deep bath, one true luxury of a holiday and something which is often 'updated' in preference for a shower. The glazed dining room is beautiful and we enjoyed an exceptionally good meal in the evening. Breakfast the following morning was also first class. We were only sorry we weren't staying more than one night, and will be back one day for sure!
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Date of stay: July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Could have been warmer hotel is very cold unless you sit in front of fire in main lounge. Food for breakfast was extremely poor. Food was cold and not very tasty
Rooms were cold and towels were not changed daily so that was not good
Drinks very expensive and the menu never changes not in the lounge or dining room
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victorian County House hotel in a lovely, if a little isolated, location in Snowdonia. Grounds appear to have been neglected for a while as they are full of weeds and the pond was in a poor state. Grass has been kept tidy. Disappointing room which, although a good size, was dark with grey and black paint. Overlooked by the overgrown kitchen garden with benches which are used from time to time. Also near to the large kitchen extractor fan so there was some noise and cooking smell during breakfast and dinner service. Overpriced at £286 per nigh for 2 people B & B. Also the only evening food option was the 3 course set dinner which was also over priced at £56 each. £400 per night (+ drinks) for 2 people inc dinner. DInner was ok, but small portions and unimaginative simple options. Seems to have little, if any, local produce. Food appears to be sourced from cash and carry rather than local suppliers. Breakfast service was slow (around an hour) despite having 3 serving staff for around 15 customers. Welsh breakfast was good but disappointed not to have smoked fish and kipper options considering the prices. The hotel has recently been taken over by new owners so will be interesting to see if they can bring it back to its former standards
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Date of stay: July 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife, Ruby (our dog) and I had a 2 night stay as a get away from life. What a choice we made. In every way, this hotel and its staff are a long stride ahead of anywhere else we have chosen to stay. Ruby is my assistance dog and was greeted as a member of the family and treated as such throughout. The positive attitude towards her and my needs made me feel so very comfortable from the off.
On arrival we were met with genuine warmth from the staff and welcomed with a pot of tea in the main lounge of the hotel. The room oozed old school decadence but with a welcoming and comfortable overtone. There was a lovely smell of 'age' in the reception rooms. Some meld of old books, leather and polish give the aroma I remember from my grandmother's house back when she was around.
After a short tour of the establishment we were shown to our junior suite and what a wonderful and relaxing suite it was. Every detail had been addressed and checked. Exceptionally clean and neat with a renovation that had taken every expectation of a visitor into consideration. The layout and quality of the furniture and fittings was incredible and the whole package was topped with a dog bed, bowl and treats for Ruby, which we were unaware was provided.
To the dinning room that evening and we were so grateful the staff had set up our table in its own room, so in effect we had private dinning. I suffer from PTSD following military service and this touch meant more to us than the staff will ever know.
Our choice was the tasting menu and what a menu it was. The quality and taste of the courses far outshone a very reasonable price tag. I can't really explain in full just how good the food was but rest assured it was something else. Food is nothing without service and the waiting staff, who felt more like old friends, treated us exceptionally well throughout the evening. I beg you to try the tasting menu if you are a foodie of any standing. The wine list carried great depth in both taste and cost and my wife very much enjoyed the crisp white I ordered for her.
After a sound sleep in a very comfortable bed we surfaced for breakfast and again had private dining; I know it may sound 'drippy' but this touch helped me enjoy my experience with minimal impost from the effects pf PTSD. The selection for breakfast was presented over two course and it was wonderful. Classic options and a Welsh fried breakfast of the highest quality prepared us for the day ahead.
The stay was over too soon but the memories of the building, the food and especially our friends the staff will stay with us for many moons to come.
I can't rate Penmaenuchaf Hotel highly enough and should you chose to stay you will not regret your choice.
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Stay as long as you are able!
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Christie Hayes, General Manager at Penmaenuchaf Hotel & Gardens
Responded 11 May 2024
Good afternoon, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was a pleasure meeting yourself, your wife and of course lovely Ruby. It was genuinely heart warming reading your review and I am delighted that we had the opportunity to make you feel at home in our home. We hope to welcome you all back soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is truly an exquisite property and definitely one to treat yourself. From the moment you enter the grand drive you know you are in for a special treat. Up the top of the hill and overlooking the nearby river and forest there are wonderful and beautifully maintained gardens and walking ways. The Hall is full of nooks and crannies, large living spaces and cosy reading spaces (I can imagine how beautiful it would be with a raging fire going in winter).
We were on the top floor twin room with a living space, real coffee machine, comfortable beds and lounges, wonderful view out to the river. The bathroom is very spacious with a walk in shower (yeah!), excellent toiletries made on the property and luxurious towels.
The bar is well stocked with international and local spirits (treat yourself to a local gin). The dining room and dinner menu is excellent - served in a “summer room” (a sort of conservatory). Our meals were excellent and the staff were lovely. Whilst it might be a little dearer than some, I think it’s absolutely worth at least one night and perhaps more if you have the time.
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Drive slowly so you don’t miss the entrance
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is a sister of the Grove Hotel in Narberth, Pembrokeshire. To bring it up to that standard is still work in progress. Our bedroom was adequate, but apart from the soft furnishings, the furniture was old and tired. However, it was a superb bathroom despite the fact that we could not turn down the boiling hot towel rail when it was 30° outside. The rooms are also in dire need of air-conditioning. Dinner was perfectly acceptable although the service was slow and the portions minimal. There seemed a distinct lack of atmosphere in the dining room and most guests had left by 9 pm. Breakfast was rather an odd affair with very inexperienced but charming waitresses. They took nearly 15 minutes to bring out a bowl of compote and granola, some toast (which was of the flabby variety) and two croissants. The grounds were beautiful with amazing views and the management of the hotel was friendly and helpful. It was very pleasant to be offered a glass of Prosecco on arrival. If I return, I would expect to find a higher standard of furnishing in the bedrooms and a shake up of the dinner service.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I walked into the restaurant and met a very well known popstar, whom I have worked with, of course she will remain nameless, but we agreed on what a fabulous find Penmaenuchaf was! A rambling country house smelling of warm scent and fires, immediately comfortable with a charming greeting from a member of staff, Georgia, who showed us to a sofa by the fire and offered us drinks whilst our bags were taken to our room. The room my husband and I stayed on was newly decorated, again deliciously warm, spacious with a large comfortable bed. Bathroom was well appointed with a bath and shower and nice scented products from Wales called Goodwash. Dinner was delicious and I talked to some guests who had enjoyed a Sunday lunch. We had a great couple of days with fab waitress Suzanne steering us to fun days out and experiences. We can't wait to go back!
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Bring some outdoor shoes for a walk round the grounds.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Christie Hayes, General Manager at Penmaenuchaf Hotel & Gardens
Responded 11 May 2024
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed your stay and I am sure that we will welcome you back to the hotel soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Penmaenpool area.
PRICE RANGE
$340 - $708 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
penmaenuchaf hall penmaenpool, penmaenuchaf hall hotel penmaenpool
LOCATION
United KingdomWalesNorth WalesSnowdonia-Eryri National ParkDolgellauPenmaenpool
NUMBER OF ROOMS
14
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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