Fodor's Expert Review Glandyfi Castle

This fanciful 19th-century folly 12 miles north of Aberystwyth was built to look like the epitome of a fairy-tale castle, complete with battlements and turrets, and the playful pastiche carries through the luxurious, contemporary guest rooms, which incorporate features such as four-poster beds into the otherwise modern design. The views across the grounds to the Dyfi Estuary are spectacular—one national newspaper recently claimed it had the best view in Britain. Excellent three-course dinners are offered at £35; otherwise it's a drive into Machynlleth or Aberystwyth to find good eats. The hotel is signposted on A287, about 5 miles southwest of Machynlleth.