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What are the best places to stay in Snowdonia?

Updated: Nov 4, 2022

With its towering mountains, stunning valleys, rural villages, world-class coastline and UNESCO world heritage slate mines, there is a seemingly endless choice of places to stay in Snowdonia National Park.


The best thing about visiting Snowdonia is the variety of places to stay. From tents pitched on idyllic campsites, cosy cottages in sleepy villages to grand country houses with mountain views and everything in between. The range of award-winning accommodation could not be better.


Stone bridge over river in village
Beddgelert Bridge

Can you stay in Snowdonia National Park?

Absolutely! There are lots of accommodation options inside Snowdonia. From a luxury spa hotel room to apartments with mountain views, making it is the perfect place to stay during your visit.


Best places to stay in Snowdonia National park

The villages of Beddgelert and Betws y coed are our favourites because of their timeless beauty. They are both nestled in forested valleys with meandering rivers flowing right through them. Crossing these beautiful rivers are quaint old stone bridges such as the Pont y Pair bridge in Betws y coed. These villages capture the essence of Snowdonia like nowhere else.


Our recommendation in Beddgelert is the Saracens Head Hotel. It has a fantastic choice of real ales and good food. Just down the road is the Prince Llywelyn Hotel which is a great pub serving a hearty breakfast with a friendly welcome.


Betws y coed is a little bigger than Beddgelert with slightly more shops, restaurants and places to get breakfast and coffee. Its Pont y Pair bridge is a stone's throw from the Fairy Glen and just down the road from Swallow Falls waterfall. The Royal Oak Hotel has our favourite rooms in town and even if you don't stay here the restaurant is well worth a visit.


A hiker in Snowdonia
Snowdon Ranger Path

Where is the best place to stay for Snowdon?

Snowdon (Mount Snowdon) is the highest peak in Wales and there are six main footpaths to the summit starting on different sides of the mountain.


Take a look at our guide to all of the routes up Snowdon.


Beddgelert is well situated to the south of Snowdon so is a good location for the Rhyd Ddu Path, Watkin Path, South Ridge and Ranger Path.


Llanberis is situated to the north of the mountain and is base camp for many of its climbers. It is the start of the Llanberis Path, the easiest footpath up. It is also well connected by bus up the Llanberis Pass to Pen y pass where the PYG & Miners Track start. There are lots of accommodation choices and outdoor shops in the village. At the foot of the Llanberis Path is the Royal Victoria Hotel which we recommend for our Snowdon Sunset Walks and customers who are doing the Llanberis Path with us.


If you are using public transport the towns of Bangor and Caernarfon have National Rail Train stations and are all well connected to Snowdon by the Sherpa Bus.


For more information on how to get to Snowdon, please read our article.


castle with mountains in the background
Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis


Types of accommodation in Snowdonia

From Luxury Spa Hotels to lakeside campsites, self-catering cottages with a hot tub to grand rural houses, glamping yurts with a sun terrace to cosy rural inns serving delicious breakfast, the range of award-winning accommodation for guests in and around Snowdonia could not be better.


Bed and breakfasts Snowdonia

Conwy, Llandudno and Barmouth are home to seven of the ten best local B&Bs. At the time of writing this article, The Epperstone in Llandudno has the highest rating on Booking.com.


Camping in Snowdonia

There are a range of campsites in the area.


On the shore of the stunning lake, Llyn Gwynant is the Llyn Gwynant campsite. It has a pizzeria, allows small fires and is dog friendly (all essential requirements of a campsite in our humble opinion).


Closest to Snowdon is the Hafod y Llan campsite which is situated right at the bottom of the Watkin Path.


Are there luxury hotels in Snowdonia?

With a plethora of country houses, hotel spas, villas and chateaux this is a great destination for those looking for a touch of opulence whilst enjoying the very best of nature.


Palé Hall is a grand Victorian mansion set in an idyllic woodland garden with individually styled bedrooms and a Michelin Green Star fine dining restaurant. This grand Jacobean hall impressed Queen Victoria so much she decided to stay much longer than originally planned. Maybe you will too.


Areas to stay in North Wales

Many people come here to visit Snowdonia. If you have your own transport then staying in any of its wonderful villages will be a great base for exploring further.


The towns of Bangor, Caernarfon, Porthmadog and Betwys y coed are perfect for people using public transport as they are the major transport hubs and are well connected to explore the area.


The coastal towns are also popular...


Coastal towns in North Wales

The Llyn Peninsula, Cardigan Bay and Anglesey have world class beaches and tasteful seaside towns such as Abersoch and Beaumaris. Llandudno is known as the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts” as it is the largest seaside resort in the country. Because of this, it has a range of accommodation.


Situated in Cardigan Bay, lying on the estuary of the Afon Mwaddach, Barmouth is a beautiful coastal town popular for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities.


Just upriver of Barmouth, situated on the edge of the Afon Mwaddach river, is the George III Hotel. With a choice of Estuary View room or Mountain View room, the worst thing about your visit to the George III Hotel will be choosing what to look at when you open the curtains. This is a good hotel if you plan to walk up Cadir Idris.


Conwy, Harlech and Portmeirion are also lovely seaside towns and have a great choice of apartments and rooms on the edge of the beach.


Flowers and trees in Italian style village
Portmeirion

FAQs


How many days should I spend in Snowdonia?

One day is needed to climb Snowdon. Getting a feel for the area takes a few more days. To really explore the area you want to spend at least a week here. Many people return again and again over many years.


What town is close to Snowdonia?

Blaenau Festiniog is unique in being surrounded by Snowdonia. Once a slate mining centre, it is now home to the Llechwedd Slate Caverns and Ffestiniog Railway.


Conclusion

The choice of accommodation is seemingly endless. You won't want to end your trip and you are likely to come back again and again.


If you have any questions or queries then please don't hesitate to contact us at Walk Snowdonia.

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