New House Country Hotel

Visitors turn off the main road and into a well-maintained private drive that leads to the picturesque and charming scene of an ivy-clad country mansion and ornamental fountain overlooking pretty gardens and sweeping verdant panorama. The protected heritage building was constructed in the 1730s by the Lewis family -- wealthy landowners who could trace their lineage back to the Welsh royalty. Since then more modern architectural add-ons include a guest-room block completed in the 1990s and a large suite for events (which are almost exclusively weddings). Inside the ambiance is more traditional and homey than grand, with antique-styled furnishings and a wash of patterned wallpaper, carpets, and drapery -- as well as plump floral couches and wingback armchairs. While during the week the mood is relaxed and rural, with little but peaceful views and chirruping birdlife, during the weekends the hotel often becomes a hive of activity with wedding preparations and celebrations that go on into the night. 

The hotel is nestled on a hillside overlooking the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan and the city of Cardiff to the south. The surrounding area is a patchwork of rolling hills, fields, and woodland with little within walking distance besides the pretty countryside itself. Cardiff city center is around a 20 minutes drive from the property, while the M4 motorway is about 10 minutes by car and connects to Swansea in under an hour. 

The hotel has 37 spacious rooms, most of which are a blend of traditional decor with chain-hotel styling, and a mixture of modern and old-fashioned furnishings; some look more tired than others. However, some more recently renovated rooms have pretty patterned wallpaper, more contemporary touches, and a fresher feel. Standard in-room amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and flat-screen TVs, as well as hairdryers, irons, and ironing boards. While most bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, a few are lagging behind and could use renovating. Rooms close to the wedding suite area are prone to noise when evening festivities are taking place. Most rooms, however, have lovely views over the gardens and countryside beyond. 

A cooked-to-order and buffet breakfast (not included in the standard rates) is offered in the hotel's pleasant restaurant, with some tables giving views over the garden and beyond -- though the room is small and can get crowded. The Sequoias Restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner, and provides excellent set and a al carte menus; it's also popular with the locals (meaning making a reservation is sometimes necessary). Food in the hotel's bar and lounge are also good quality with a decent range of drinks. The hotel being licensed to perform civil ceremonies means it's particularly popular as a one-stop-shop for weddings and receptions, with a dedicated marquee and marriage suite. There's also a small but solid fitness room with a good selection of up-to-date exercise machines.