Gwynedd is one of the most spectacular regions in Wales, with most visitors drawn by its highest peak, Mt. Snowdon, or the magical scenery of Snowdonia National Park. But as well as the famously sky-scraping mountains, Gwynedd has a dramatic coastline which alternates between sandy scooping beaches and rocky headlands. The Llŷn Peninsula is especially known for its scenery and the county has an impressive number of lakes and rivers. Our list of the best places to stay in Gwynedd includes several recommendations within the boundaries of Snowdonia National Park, and a couple of options well known by mountaineers from across the decades. We’ve also picked out converted country manors, pubs-with-rooms, hotels with water views, and peaceful rural retreats — in short something for all tastes and budgets!

Gwynedd is a wonderful place to learn about Welsh cuisine and crafts, it’s a region known for its hospitality and strong Welsh identity — around 65% of the population speak Welsh. It also boasts a good range of historic sites — most of Gwynedd’s castles date from the 12th and 13th centuries when the Welsh resisted the rule of King John and Edward I, and it has a charming collection of National Trust properties too.

It's also worth remembering that this is a great destination for a seaside getaway. The largest beach is Worth Neigwl, between Abersoch and Aberdaron, but Llanbedrog and Nefyn also have good sandy beaches. And there are numerous smaller ones just waiting to be discovered.

As you'd expect, the best places to stay in Gwynedd are extremely busy in the peak summer months with everyone wanting to make the most of the good weather. So if you plan to visit in July or August, do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Gwynedd

Country House Hotels

• Palé Hall is a Victorian manor house, just outside Snowdonia National Park. The sloping lawns, and large windows offer incredible views, and the grand interiors include four-poster beds, chandeliers and plenty of period features. The cosy library is perfect for rainy days, and the restaurant is a gourmet experience. Definitely one of the most luxurious places to stay in Gwynedd.
• Penmaenuchaf Hall Hotel is an elegant, grey-stone manor house set amid lovely mature gardens and scenic views. Inside are 14 guest rooms, and an excellent restaurant. The decor is contemporary-country chic, with open fireplaces and wood panelled walls adding a feeling of genteel history. The hall is close to Snowdonia National Park, and the trout and salmon fishing of the nearby River Wnion.
• Plas Dinas is a charming country house in 15 acres of grounds between Snowdonia and the Irish Sea. Now converted into a hotel, Plas Dinas has ten sumptuously decorated, individually designed guest rooms. The Gunroom restaurant is Michelin recommended and offers montly changing gourmet menus.

For Sea Views

• In a spectacular spot, with the beach as an extension of the front garden, the Hotel Portmeirion & Castell Deudraeth was built to prove a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. Just behind the Hotel Portmeirion is a wooded hill, with the Castell Deudraeth sitting above. Between them, there are 55 rooms and suites, with plenty of variety when it comes to size, shape and atmosphere. There are two restaurants, and both properties share the Castell’s luxurious, all-organic spa. Quirky and memorable for all the right reasons, with idyllic views.
• The Penhelig Arms on the Dyfi Estuary is a 15 room inn in a fabulous spot, right across the road from the seafront in Aberdovey. The restaurant has especially good sea views, and is known for its locally sourced produce turned into delicious menus. There are 15 rooms and suites, some in the hotel building, some in an annex above the hotel, and there’s also a cosy cottage. The pub is popular with guests and locals alike and offers a friendly, laid back dining and drinking option.

For Snowdonia National Park

• Right a the foot of Mount Snowdon, Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel is an historic mountaineers’ base (popular with walkers too), with 16 simple bedrooms (some with shared bathrooms). Hearty dinners are either three or five courses, and the breakfasts are designed to set you up for a good climb. The hotel is the definition of homely with with simple, old-fashioned style and a cosy bar for swapping stories.
• Y Meirionnydd is a smart, five room restaurant-with-rooms converted from the former country gaol in Dolgellau. Each of the rooms is light and spacious (surprising considering this was a prison!) and all feature lovely bathrooms — some with roll-top tubs. The restaurant is loved for its hearty food and intimate atmosphere, and there’s a cosy bar too. Adults only. Perfect to come back to after a day's walking.

On the Llŷn Peninsula

• The Porth Tocyn Hotel is in a stunning spot, surrounded by gardens and overlooking the sea. It has just 17 rooms and suites, simply decorated in a homely, rural/seaside style. You'll also find a games room, swimming pool, tennis court, and a little bar. The restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes.

For Exploring Gwynedd

• Ty'n Rhos is a charming small hotel just outside Caernarfon, within striking distance of Snowdonia National Park and Bangor too — ideal for exploring further afield. There's a lovely large mature garden, sink-into beds and plump sofas. Plus a fine-dining restaurant, that spills out onto the terrace when the weather allows.

For Walkers

• Dolffanog Fawr is a rural house turned luxury guesthouse, picturesquely set in a lush valley as green as they come and with endless walking possibilities right from the door. It has just four guest rooms, each with rustic features, simply decorated in neutral tones, with Welsh wool rugs. There’s also a cosy lounge and dining room, and a sunny terrace, all welcoming places to sit and relax after a days explorations. Quiet.

For a Countryside Escape

• Plas Tan-yr-Allt is a luxurious, country house B&B with picturesque views from its three bedrooms, breakfast room, and garden. You’re within striking distance of Snowdonia National Park and close to some beautiful beaches too. No kids or pets, but lots of peace, and beautiful antiques.
• Cross Foxes has a fantastic location at the foot of Calder Idris mountain. This six room hotel is small, but each of the rooms has been individually styled to make the most of the space available, and the results are all very successful. The bar and restaurant have plenty of atmosphere, and a hearty menu, with a good collection of ales.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Saracens Head is a stylish country pub in the picturesque village of Beddgelert. Its 11 rooms are simply decorated in contemporary classic style and the cosy bar and restaurant serve traditional pub fare.

For Great Value

• Ty Castell is a charming restaurant-with-rooms in the historic heart of Caernarfon. The restaurant and menu are the main event, but the fours rooms won't disappoint: two doubles and two twins, carefully styled, with plenty of natural light, and neutral colour schemes livened up by Welsh wool rugs and cushions. Ideally located for sightseeing, and eating well and extremely competitve rates.

Best B&Bs

• Within the boundaries of Snowdonia National Park, but just back from Cardigan Bay, Ael y Bryn is a quiet, nine room B&B, perfect for walkers, or for a peaceful weekend away. Surrounded by mature gardens and expansive views, Ael y Bryn’s rooms benefit from large windows and unfussy decor in pastel shades. Meals (dinner on request) are served in a cosy dining room, and there’s also a library and a conservatory to relax in. Royal St David's Golf Course is just a short distance away.

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

• Cardiff Airport is the nearest major airport, but Gwynedd is also quite close to Manchester Airport and Liverpool Airport — both are just across the border. Alternatively, Gwynedd has good rail links to many Welsh destinations and the rest of the UK, and you can cross to and from Ireland on the ferry, which takes under two hours from Dublin.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Spring is beautiful in Gwynedd; it is mild and dry ideal for outdoor explorations. Summer is also appealing, what with the golden beaches for family seaside fun. Autumn is great for walkers, with the colours adding to Gwynedd’s dramatic views and welcoming pub lunches to come in for. In winter you might need to walk more briskly to keep you warm, but there’s always a welcoming fire burning somewhere and plenty of colourful Christmassy events to keep you in good cheer.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Refine your search to one of Gwynedd’s centres: the best places to stay in Caernarfon, Porthmadog or Dolgellau
• Refine your search to the best hotels in the Snowdonia National Park
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.