Bodysgallen Hall and Spa
Between the manicured gardens, the views over Snowdonia and the traditional and sumptuous interiors, Bodysgallen Hall and Spa is a Grade I listed 17th century mansion. Run by Matthew Johnson for Historic House Hotels, who run it for the National Trust, public rooms have a sense of warmth with oak paneling, open fireplaces and fresh flowers peppering the space. Bedrooms are delightfully chintzy and the spa facilities are an excellent accompaniment to the whole experience.
Plas Dinas Country House
Standing in 15 acres of grounds and brimming with history, Plas Dinas Country House combines vintage style and modern furnishings. Rooms are sumptuously decorated with antiques and memorabilia, in the winter you have your drinks in front of a log fire, and in summer they're on the terrace when the sun shines. The experience is one of charm and warm welcomes, making you feel as though you're visiting into a rather fancy family home - after all, that's exactly what it once was.
St Brides Spa Hotel
High above Carmarthen Bay, St Brides Spa Hotel is modern, relaxed and sits on the coastal path with spectacular views of the harbour. The location really is awe-inspiring, highlighting just how delightful the Welsh coast is for a mini-break, and enhanced by the added luxury of the spa experience. The hotel has a gallery of contemporary Welsh art to explore and design is light and airy, carrying a sense of the beautiful outside in.
The Grove
You arrive at The Grove via a tree-lined drive that introduces you to spectacular views of the surrounding Preseli hills. From there, the 18th-century mansion provides an experience that's all about first class service and refinement. The landscaped gardens are a joy to behold, arts and crafts features pepper the interiors alongside Victorian furniture, and there is a sense of the traditional alongside a warm welcome and extremely high standards.
Fairyhill
The name itself denotes a sense of enchantment at this beautiful hotel surrounded by woodland, orchards and an ornamental lake. An 18th century Georgian mansion, Fairyhill is a wonderful place to relax, greeted by friendly staff with home made Welsh cakes. The grounds are particularly beautiful and are a wonderful opportunity to look out for goldcrests, woodpeckers, grey wagtails and wrens.
The Bell at Skenfrith
Overlooking the River Monnow, The Bell at Skenfrith is charmingly located, surrounded by fields and watched over by grazing cattle. The refurbished 17th-century coaching inn is like something out of a movie set with its flagstone floors and traditional features heralding a time gone by. Care and attention is paid to the details, with traditional Welsh wool blankets provided, a seasonal menu, and vegetables, herbs and fruit from the garden incorporated into meals. The whole experience is beautiful in itself, alongside the aesthetic of the place.
Osborne House, Llandudno
On a beautiful promenade laced with palm trees and close to the beach, Osborne House dates back to the 1850s and is a lavish experience filled with marble fireplaces, fluted pillars, candelabras, gilded mirrors, porcelain, paintings, antiques and drapes. The beauty of this place however lies in the juxtaposing grand design of the hotel itself alongside views of Llandudno bay and cliffs from the upper rooms.
Trefeddian Hotel, Gwynedd
With glorious views of Cardigan Bay, Trefeddian Hotel is a family run hotel where the standards have been upheld for more than 40 years. Looking out onto the sea as well as the hills and Snowdonia, the hotel welcomes the whole family and has facilities including a pool, snooker and a children's room to keep them entertained when they're not exploring the great outdoors. It's as beautiful in its service as it is in its location and is a joy to visit.
Penbontbren, Glynarthen
A happy B&B that was once a 19th century livestock barn, Penbontbren is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is owned by fabulous hosts Richard and Huw. Time has clearly been taken with the gardens where free range hens roam, and the suites themselves have been converted from other farm buildings including a former stable, a granary, an old mill and a threshing barn. Everything here is spotless from the crisp bed linen to the organic breakfast produce.
Castle Hotel, Conwy
Once two hostelries, parts of Castle Hotel date back to the 1400s and it takes its name from Conwy Castle, a World Heritage Site that's a mere five minutes away. An old coaching inn, the hotel stands on the site of a Cistercian abbey and is brimming with characterful nooks and creaky floors which all add to its charm. Public rooms are filled with antiques and paintings, interiors are opulent, and the restaurant specializes in Welsh produce from artisan suppliers and local seafood.
Caemorgan Mansion, Cardigan
In a peaceful location just outside the nearest town, this stately home has been transformed into a modern guesthouse with spacious bedrooms, superb linens and a high level of integrity when it comes to being green. Caemorgan Mansion does water recycling, has eco-friendly toiletries, a biomass boiler for hot water and heating, and solar photovoltaic panels to support electricity usage. It is surrounded by two acres of grounds and offer bicycle storage for those who wish to bring them. The beaches are nearby and the afternoon tea is nothing short of decadent!
This selection is taken from the Good Hotel Guide's Hotels in Wales.