kpilling

I need some opinions from fellow travelers that have been to Northern Wales. As of now we have one night in Bets-Y-Coed at a hotel and are considering three nightS in Llandulas in a cottage with a fireplace etc.. Would a hotel be better than a cottage? Does anyone have any suggestions and for what area to stay in?

Thanks

Karen

julia_t

Have you considered Portneirion?

It's an Italianate village designed by the architect William Clough-Ellis, and delightful. There is a hotel there and also little cottages. It's where the 60's TV show The Prisoner was set and filmed.

www.portmeirion-village.com
www.virtualportmeirion.com

ET

On our trip to North Wales, we stayed at Tan Y Foel Guest House (http://tyfhotel.co.uk/) near Betws y Coed and loved the place. In addition, because of Betws y Coed's central location, we easily made day trips all over North Wales. While you're there, make sure you don't miss Bodnant Gardens, Portmeirion, Snowdonia, Conwy and Llaudano (sp). Have a great trip.

janis

"Would a hotel be better than a cottage?"

For me, no -- but for you, who can say. What concerns you about a cottage? Maybe if we know what is putting you off, we can give you better advice.

As for me - I can't remember the last time I stayed in a hotel when out in the countryside. I either rent cottages, or stay in B&Bs if in the area only 2 or 3 days.

I MUCH prefer a cottage in a village, but a lot of folks want full service hotels . . . . .

kpilling

Janis,

Just thinking that in a cottage there is not interaction with people other than the one you are with (not that there is anything wrong with that). This is my first trip to Wales or Europe at all and did not want to isolate myself from people experiences.

Thank you

Karen

janis

kpilling: That is one way to look at it. But I actually think you can have more interaction w/ locals in the village when you rent a cottage.

In a hotel you do see other travelers - often many from your own country, but relatively few local folks. But when you have a cottage you are more likely to meet neighbors, the milk man, the green grocer, the post man, butcher, etc.

Of course some of the best places to meet people is in the pubs and you can go there whether you stay in hotels, B&Bs or cottages. So just go w/ whichever feels more to your liking . . . . .

kpilling

Janis,

Thanks for the advise - cottage it is.

What is your favorite pub in Bets-Y-Coed or any other pub in Northern Wales. I plan to hit as many as humanly possible.

Thanks

Karen