Conwy is a tiny county in North Wales, centred around a market town with the same name, and spreading a little along the coastline to Penmaenmawr in one direction, and Colywn Bay and Abergele in the other; across the river mouth to Llandudno Junction, and south to Llanrwst and Llanfairfechan, and the Gwydir Forest Park. The location is both picturesque and ideal for exploring the North Welsh Coastline, the Isle of Anglesey, and Snowdonia. The best places to stay in Conwy are a very varied mix of pubs-with-rooms, charming B&Bs, grand hotels with a view, and seaside spa hotels.

Some of our favourite hotels are actually in Conwy, which is a fantastic choice for families, or anyone who likes a serving of history with their beach break. The town's medieval walls are World Heritage Listed, and surround the 13th century Conwy Castle. Conwy also has a ruined abbey, a suspension bridge built to look like a part of the castle, a 14th century merchant’s house, an Elizabethan house, and the smallest house in Great Britain — just 3.05 x 1.8metres.There's also a great collection of pubs.

Outside of Conwy Town, some of the best places to stay in Conwy include Victorian seaside darling Llandudno, often referred to as “Wales’ preeminent seaside resort”, complete with a blue flag beach and elegant villas; Llanrwst, another market town just over a kilometre from Snowdonia National Park; and Betws-y-Coed, which is also close to Snowdonia (often referred to as the “Gateway to Snowdonia”) and also known for its charming collection of places to eat, drink and browse.

The Best Places to Stay in Conwy

For a Country House Hotel

• Bodysgallen Hall & Spa is a 13th century hall, set in beautiful formal gardens. Accommodation is in the main house, and 16 pretty cottage suites arranged around the grounds. The 15 bedrooms and suites in the main house are decorated in smart country house fashion, compete with original antiques that belong with the hall, while the cottages offer more contemporary luxury. The hotel has a spa, and a gym, and an impressive restaurant.

For Historic Charm

• Castle Hotel is a 300 year old coaching inn with fantastic views of Conway castle. As well as an ornate Gothic facade, you can expect 28 individually designed rooms and suites, a restaurant championing local Welsh produce and a spa. The decor is opulent, and classical, but with all the mod cons.
• The Empire Hotel is an historic hotel, complete with a pillared entrance, opening onto a hugereception, and grand living space. This is a sizeable hotel, with 54 rooms and suites all decorated with classical details like chandeliers, marble bathrooms, heavy drapes and a good collection of antiques. The restaurant serves modern British fare, and the bar is friendly. We love the views, the spa and indoor pool. Many of the rooms can be configured for families.

For a Sea Views

• Obsorne House Hotel is a six-room hotel converted from a Victorian townhouse right on the seafront at Llandudno. The suites have the best views, and are spaciously arranged, with separate living space. The hotel has plenty of communal living space: grand sitting rooms with huge fireplaces, and chandelier-lit lounges. Expect art and antiques all around.
• The Quay Hotel & Spa is a popular waterfront spa hotel, close to Llandudno Junction, with views across the river mouth to Conwy Castle. Its 74 rooms and suites have a nautical flavour; our favourites have sea views from large windows, and private balconies. There’s a very good restaurant, and a terrace on the water’s edge, plus a pool and spa. This is a great choice for families, they offer designated kids’ swimming time slots, a great kids’ menu, and pull-out beds in many rooms.

For Walkers

• Coed Mawr Hall’s spectacular views of the Welsh mountains are an inspiration. Inside are just four guest rooms, plus a charming breakfast room and elegant sitting room. The grandest of the bedrooms has a four-poster bed, but they all offer plenty of charm, plus nice antiques. Breakfast will set walkers up for the day well, and there are some excellent local pubs within strolling distance for evening meals.
• Tan y Foel is a charming stone cottage turned six room B&B, set in mature gardens and with views that soar across the valleys to Snowdonia on a clear day. The decor is surprisingly contemporary with feature wallpapers and a modern colour scheme. The location is ideal for walkers. Adults only.

Best B&Bs

• Escape Boutique B&B is an eclectically decorated nine room B&B, in nearby Llandudno. It’s been converted from a large Victorian villa, but while some of the rooms have retained their original detailing and historic feel, some have been totally made over to contemporary standards. All of the rooms have high end features including Bose iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and high thread count Egyptian linen.
• Llandudno’s Bryn Goleu Bed and Breakfast is a charming, owner-run B&B with sea views and a large garden. In fact the cottage is only 750m from Llandudno’s North Shore Beach. All of the guest rooms are done in simple classic style and have contemporary styled bathrooms. There's also a living room with open fireplace, and sun terrace with incredible views. The homemade breakfasts feature local Welsh produce and delicacies.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Conway’s closest airports are Manchester Airport and Liverpool Airport. Manchester Airport is about an hour and a quarter away from Llandudno Junction Station by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours by train. Liverpool is about an hour and ten minutes drive to the same spot, or about three hours by train. If you’re coming from the direction of London it’s definitely worth catching the train rather than flying, because it’s only three hours from London Euston.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Conwy is a town with a beach, but it’s not a hot and sunny seaside town. Even in the summer months the average high hovers around 20°C. The coastal position keeps things mild, but the pay off is the humidity, and the regular rain and showers. The summer is drier, but there’s still enough rain to keep the landscape looking lush and green. Summer is the busiest time for visitors, with lots of families enjoying school holidays here. We like Conwy in late spring, when the wildflowers are blooming, and the daylight is lengthening. Expect maximum temperatures of around 16°C in May

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in Gwynedd which is just to the south
• Consider some of Conwy’s neighbours — Llandudno, possibly Bangor, Isle of Anglesey or even the best hotels in Snowdonia National Park
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.