Craig-Y-Nos Castle is a hotel and popular wedding venue located in a 19th Century neo-Gothic Country House, famous as being the home of Victorian Opera Star Adelina Patti. It is located on the banks of the River Tawe, near Dan-yr-Ogof showcaves, amidst spectacular scenery on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Built between 1841 and 1843, the house passed through two sets of owners before being purchased by Ms Patti. She owned it from 1878 until her death in 1919. She made extensive alterations, most famously adding a miniature Opera House, now a Grade I listed building and the venture for weddings. She gave performances for an extensive circle of society visitors and even caused a railway station to be built nearby, to provide access.
From 1919 until 1988 it was a hospital, and since then has been through a series of owners who have gradually restored it while developing it as a hotel and wedding venue.
The hotel itself is a sprawling building, with impressive public rooms, and accommodation in the wings and outbuildings. I stayed there for a wedding recently; overall the stay was enjoyable.
The location is stunning, the staff very obliging, and the food was very good, (although it's of good pub food standard rather than haute cuisine). The bar has real ales available and prices are very reasonable.
The bedrooms have been modernised with lovely new bathrooms. I stayed in a small two-bedroom apartment: the bed was very comfortable, towels nice and fluffy, and the kitchen and bathroom well equipped (loads of hot water and an excellent shower).
The main downside was that those particular rooms have no wardrobes or drawer units, so storage was limited to hooks on the back of the doors. (The ordinary bedrooms were more conventional). The rooms didn't have phones and mobile phone signals are weak. There's excellent WiFi in the public areas but this was weaker in the bedrooms.
On arrival the rooms were also cold as the radiators were off, but they heated up quickly and kept the rooms cosy thereafter. This was in contrast to some of the corridors and public areas, which were pretty cold.
The public rooms are undeniably impressive, but it's clear that restoration has some way to go. That said, this is reflected in the prices, so value for money is very fair.
The Opera House is as spectacular as expected, but is unheated to preserve the decoration and fittings, so is also a bit chilly in winter. In summer, the grounds must be lovely and it's an excellent area for walking. The hotel is also proudly dog-friendly.
So, a great spot, a fascinating building, and, although it needs further updating, obliging and friendly staff ensured we had a nice stay. read more
