About Swansea

Swansea is a sprawling capital of Welsh culture, and the second-largest city in Wales. Dylan Thomas, who was born here, and whose childhood home has been turned into a museum, described it as an “ugly, lovely town”. This description might have been influenced by the damage done to Swansea during WWII, when it was an industrial powerhouse and targeted by bombers as such. There’s not a lot left of Swansea’s old town, just a jumble of post-war tower blocks, but the suburbs closer to the marina and seafront have elegant rows of Georgian and Victorian houses — some of which have now been turned into guesthouses. Our pick of the best places to stay in Swansea is a stylish hotel right in the heart of the city.

Despite feeling a world away, Swansea’s beach is only around ten minutes from the centre of town, and the city is right beside the beautiful wildness of the Gower Peninsula. Swansea’s man-made charms include a Grade One listed castle, now in ruins, but still extremely atmospheric; the Victorian-era pier in the seaside suburb of Mumbles; the National Waterfront Museum, which is close to both the children’s lido and the marina; and a whole Dylan Thomas Centre. Plenty of reasons to plan a family visit, booked into one of the best places to stay in Swansea!

The Best Places to Stay in Swansea

For a city break

  • Morgans Hotel is a stylish choice: a collection of 42 individually designed rooms and suites, in an elegant, historic, red-brick building. If you want a four-poster bed and a champagne bar you'll find it here, but it’s also for you if you prefer a spacious, contemporary option, with solid, square furnishings, good lighting, and access to a bacon buttie! Staff are friendly, and the bar serves cocktails and afternoon tea.

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 closest airport, if you need to travel by plane, and is about an hour away by car or taxi. Alternatively, Bristol Airport is about an hour and a half away by car or taxi. If you’re travelling via London, you can leave from Paddington, and get a direct train, which will take you just under three hours.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • Swansea hosts a week-long St. David’s Day Festival at the beginning of March, and several festivals celebrating the life and work of Dylan Thomas. The most popular time of year to visit Swansea is during the summer when the majority of arts and music festivals are held, the Gower Peninsula is at its most inviting, and many people in the United Kingdom take a holiday. Swansea is a city break destination, though, and there’s plenty to do year round.

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The best hotels in Swansea

Morgans Hotel

Swansea

Boutique chic comes to rejuvenated Swansea. Individually styled rooms perfectly mix traditional and contemporary styles. Some feature heavy four poster beds. Modern light and airy bathrooms. Swansea's only Champagne Bar and an excellent restaurant make this a stylish choice.

  • Value chic - An upmarket boutique option, with fourposter beds, balconies and orginal wooden flooring- at a very reasonable price.
  • Surfing - Beaches at Gower Peninsular have excellent surf conditions, plus the hotel provides packed lunches!
  • Sights nearby - Just 13 miles away is Gower Peninsular, Britain's first named Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • Great walks - Stroll around Clyde Gardens and admire the exotic plants, a lovely way to pass the afternoon.
from €103 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia