Castle of Brecon

The Castle of Brecon Hotel is a 40-room historic hotel built in 1809 next to an 11th-century Norman castle. It was one of the first modern hotels in Wales. From the outside, it looks very Georgian, with its stark-white exterior and large sash windows set in a grid-like pattern. The hotel entrance is topped with Georgian fanlights and is surrounded by flower boxes overhead and topiary planters on either side of the doors. Inside, the small lobby has black-and-white-checkered tile, a wrought-iron staircase, and large gilded mirror on the far wall. An adjacent lounge area is furnished with attractive chairs and tables set around a fireplace and trompe l'oeil wallpaper that looks like shelves of library books. The restaurant manages to provide an elegant, yet charming feel with wood floors, dove-grey chairs, white tablecloths, large windows, a fireplace, and stained-glass peacock. Unfortunately, the Castle Bar isn't quite as inviting, outfitted in noticeably worn and dated furniture; it does have a brick wall and knight in shining armor to add some period-themed decor. The large grassy terrace topped with tables and chairs is a pleasant spot, overlooking the surrounding town and lush hillsides. Though there are business meeting rooms here, this hotel is best suited for a romantic weekend away, or for families who want to explore the nearby Brecon Beacons mountain range. Wedding parties are also popular here.

This property is in the town of Brecon in South Wales, set apart from the rest of the town on a small hillside overlooking the River Hoddu and River Usk which flow below it. Brecon Castle, located right next door to the hotel, is open for visitors to explore. The small but beautiful Brecon Cathedral is a four-minute walk away, while the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh is a bit farther (a 12-minute walk), but it is a terrific military museum, with artifacts spanning the last 300 years of the Welsh infantry. For guests here with access to a car, there is much to do in Brecon Beacons National Park, including lots of hiking, horseback riding, bike tours, and spelunking tours. Unfortunately, most of the attractions in the park are too far away to reach by foot.

There's no uniform style or pattern in place across the 40 rooms, which gives them a homey feel but also makes it somewhat difficult to choose a room from title alone. Every room is decorated slightly differently, though most have light-colored walls, carpet, and white bedding to open up the space. Pleasant details such as patterned wallpaper, blue-and-white porcelain lamps, and framed artwork can also be found. Many rooms have windows looking out onto the Brecon Beacons mountain range. All rooms have LCD flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free cookies, hairdryers, and safes. Bathrooms similarly vary, either equipped with showers, shower/tub combos, or even clawfoot tubs; all come with toiletries.The Four Poster Rooms with beautiful wooden canopy beds, cottages, and family rooms are also available. Note that there have been complaints of noise reaching rooms and top-floor rooms feeling cramped due to sloping ceilings.

Located on the first floor, the Beacons View is an upscale restaurant with locally sourced food and a two-course carvery lunch served on Sundays. Its sash windows in the restaurant look out onto the gardens and local town. The Castle Bar and Bistro is close by, which offers a more casual setting for lunch or an early dinner. Unfortunately, the bar isn't very well-kept and looks outdated, with a stained beige carpet and old leather armchairs. The hotel has a grassy terrace dotted with picnic tables that looks out onto the Brecon Beacons mountain range and the Honddu River. The view is particularly stunning at sunset. Interesting little wooden walkways have been constructed that skirt the old walls and lead down to the banks of the Honddu. There is also a red-carpeted ballroom with gold chandeliers and large pieces of artwork available for events. These features make it a popular pick for weddings. The hotel also offers room service, free Wi-Fi throughout, and free parking, but no gym.