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Summary of reviewsMaenan Abbey Hotel, nestled in the beautiful Conwy Valley, offers a visually stunning and serene location perfect for exploring North Wales. Renowned for its historic charm and picturesque setting, the hotel provides easy access to landmarks such as Bodnant Gardens and Snowdonia. Its grounds are well-maintained, featuring ample parking and lovely gardens that enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Guests also commend the hotel's accessibility and character-filled architecture.
The breakfast experience generally receives high marks for its generous, tasty and well-presented offerings, particularly the delightful Welsh breakfast. Despite some criticisms regarding variety and the quality of certain dishes, the breakfast is largely seen as a delicious and satisfying start to the day. Similarly, the dinner experience is widely praised for its extensive, daily-changing menu featuring high-quality, well-cooked dishes at reasonable prices. The three-course dinner, in particular, stands out for its superb quality and value.
The rooms provide a mixed experience with many guests appreciating the spacious, comfortable and clean accommodations with unique decor and tranquil views. However, there are frequent complaints about rooms being tired, dated and in need of refurbishment. Cleanliness is inconsistent with reports of dusty areas, cobwebs and maintenance issues detracting from the overall experience.
Despite these concerns, the staff at Maenan Abbey Hotel consistently receive high praise for their exceptional kindness, helpfulness and dedication, significantly enhancing guests' stays. The friendly and accommodating nature of the team, including the proprietor David, ensures that guests feel welcome and well-cared-for.
The beds also garner mixed feedback with many guests finding them comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep, while others report issues with old, lumpy and squeaky mattresses.
The historic charm of the hotel is a major draw with its majestic 19th-century architecture and characterful decor evoking a sense of stepping back in time. The property's rich history and unique ambiance are appreciated by guests, adding to its appeal.
For pet owners, Maenan Abbey Hotel is particularly welcoming, providing a friendly and accommodating environment where dogs are warmly received and allowed to roam freely. This dog-friendly approach is a notable highlight for many guests.
Overall, while Maenan Abbey Hotel excels in its stunning location, historic charm, excellent food and superb staff, it faces challenges in terms of cleanliness and room maintenance. A stronger focus on updating and housekeeping would further enhance the guest experience and justify its value. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Country House with Rooms With Jacuzzi / Hot-tub
Historic Country House
Country House for Honeymoon
Dog Friendly Country House
Small Country House
3-Star Country House
Room Types
Double RoomA stylishly designed room that features a TV, a radio, a seating area and an en suite bathroom.
All Double or Twin Rooms are individually designed and vary in style, size and layout.
Single RoomAn elegantly designed room that features a TV, a radio, a seating area and an en suite bathroom.
Family SuiteThis 2 bedcroom suite has a TV with a DVD player and a Wii, along with tea and coffee making facilities.
Executive Double Room with JacuzziFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with streaming services. The unit has 1 bed.
Classic Double Room with ShowerProviding free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with streaming services. The unit offers 1 bed.
King Room with WhirlpoolOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room offers a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor as well as garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Classic Double Room with ShowerThis large room has a super king-size bed that can also be converted into 2 single beds. The bathroom contains a walk in shower. This room has hypo allergenic bedding.
Pets are not allowed in this room.
Classic Double Room with BathOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room offers a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor as well as mountain views. The unit has 1 bed.
King Room with WhirlpoolGuests will have a special experience as the double room features a spa bath. Providing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a hairdryer. The double room provides a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a seating area, a wardrobe, an electric kettle as well as mountain views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Classic Double Room with BathFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Classic Double Room with BathThe spacious double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom featuring a bath and a hairdryer. This double room features a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 1 bed.
Family SuiteThis suite has a double bedroom that contains an antique French bed and a second bedroom with 2 single beds. There is a Nintendo Wii installed in this room.
Please note there are limited views from this room as it only has a velux window.
Luxury Suite with Spa BathGuests will have a special experience as this suite offers a spa bath. The spacious suite has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. The suite features parquet floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as a game console. The unit has 5 beds.
Large Twin RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with streaming services. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
Nestled in the scenic Conwy Valley, the Maenan Abbey Hotel boasts a truly beautiful location, making it the perfect base for exploring North Wales. Renowned for its picturesque surroundings and peaceful, idyllic setting, the hotel is ideally situated close to landmarks like Bodnant Gardens and Snowdonia, offering excellent opportunities for sightseeing.
The building itself is a historic gem, steeped in charm and individuality, though some guests noted it could benefit from a bit of TLC. The property’s grounds are highly praised with ample parking and lovely gardens that add to the serene atmosphere. The peaceful ambiance and mountain views enhance the overall sense of tranquility.
Guests frequently commend the hotel's accessibility, noting that it is easy to find and provides a convenient starting point for various trips around North Wales. The stunning architecture and character-filled features of the hotel, combined with its quiet, peaceful surroundings, make it a standout venue.
Moreover, the friendly and welcoming staff receive high marks, contributing to an enjoyable stay. While some reviewers suggest the hotel could use a bit more investment to fully realize its potential, the consensus remains that Maenan Abbey Hotel is a superb location with outstanding historical charm and beautiful scenery.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Maenan Abbey Hotel generally receives high praise from guests. The majority of reviews mention the breakfast as being generous, tasty and well-presented. Many guests enjoyed the lovely Welsh breakfast, noting it as a delightful way to start the day. The breakfast is often described as substantial, delicious and cooked to order with several reviews calling it superb and excellent. The views from the breakfast area and the friendly, attentive staff further enhance the experience.
However, some guests highlighted areas for improvement. A few reviews mentioned minimal and uninspiring breakfast options, particularly for vegetarians. There were also occasional complaints about the quality of certain dishes with some guests finding the smoked haddock tough or the poached eggs uncooked.
Despite these occasional criticisms, the positive feedback outweighs the negative. The breakfast offerings, along with the beautiful location and friendly service, make for a satisfying start to the day at Maenan Abbey Hotel.
Dinner
The dinner experience at Maenan Abbey Hotel receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. Many commend the extensive and varied dinner menu, which impressively changes daily. Exceptional dishes are a recurring theme with diners frequently describing the food as delicious, outstanding and high quality. A number of reviews emphasize the impressive value for money, highlighting the reasonable prices for such superb meals.
Portions are often noted to be generous with perfectly cooked meat and piping hot, well-presented dishes. The three-course dinner in particular is praised for its superb quality. Guests express satisfaction with the friendly and attentive staff, who enhance the dining experience.
While a couple of reviews mention less satisfactory meals, the vast majority rave about the culinary offerings, claiming this is some of the best food they have ever been served in a hotel. Overall, the dinner at Maenan Abbey Hotel is celebrated for its excellent food, great service and pleasant atmosphere, making it a standout feature of the stay.
Rooms
The rooms of the Maenan Abbey Hotel offer a mixed experience. On the positive side, many guests found the rooms to be spacious, comfortably equipped and clean. The decor varied from traditional to modern with some rooms having unique features and attractive decor. Several visitors praised the comfort of the beds and appreciated the tranquil ambiance and well-kept gardens visible from their windows.
However, there were notable complaints about the condition of the rooms. Many described the rooms as "tired," "dated," and "in need of refurbishment." Cleanliness was inconsistent with some guests finding their rooms spotless while others reported dust, dirt and issues like cobwebs. Specific mentions included problems with showers, hard mattresses, squeaky floors and outdated bathrooms. Overall, while the rooms were often described as lovely and comfortable, the need for updating and more stringent cleaning was frequently highlighted.
Beds
The beds at Maenan Abbey Hotel have garnered mixed feedback from guests with a significant number praising the comfort of their sleeping arrangements. Many reviewers described their beds as comfortable with some even calling them superbly comfortable or the softest they have ever slept in. A few guests highlighted the presence of a large, inviting four-poster bed, complimenting its style and comfort.
However, not all guests shared this positive experience. Some criticized the beds for being old, lumpy and squeaky, while others found the mattresses to be thin, hard and uncomfortable. A common issue raised was the need for mattress replacements and updates with several reviews noting sagging, lack of spring and overly soft or hard frames.
Despite the contrasting opinions on bed comfort, it's worth noting that those who had a positive experience seemed particularly impressed, indicating that the comfort of the beds can vary depending on the room. Overall, while some guests had less than ideal experiences, a substantial number found the beds at Maenan Abbey Hotel to be very comfortable and conducive to a good night's sleep.
Cleanliness
Maenan Abbey Hotel, nestled in a charming setting, unfortunately struggles with consistent cleanliness standards. Many guests have highlighted the need for a deeper dusting and a comprehensive cleaning across all areas, from the guest rooms to public spaces. Reports of dusty rooms, cobwebs and dirty floors were common with several visitors pointing out the presence of pet hair on carpets and grime in corners of the bathrooms. The bathrooms themselves often showed signs of neglect with some featuring mould and inadequate maintenance.
The hotel's age is apparent, as many areas appeared dated and in need of significant investment and modernisation. Housekeeping practices were often found lacking with examples of unclean dishes at breakfast and dirty glasses being reported numerous times. Guests also noted musty smells and a general sense of the property being run-down.
However, positive feedback does exist with some visitors appreciating the very clean and well-presented rooms, as well as the stunning venue. Despite these sporadic praises, the consensus leans towards the necessity of a more rigorous cleaning regimen and updates to the decor to meet modern expectations. Overall, while the setting of Maenan Abbey Hotel might be appealing, the cleanliness and upkeep require marked improvement.
Staff
The Maenan Abbey Hotel is highly praised for its outstanding staff, who consistently impress guests with their exceptional kindness and helpfulness. From the warm welcome at check-in to the attentive service throughout the stay, visitors highlight the friendly and accommodating nature of everyone they encounter. The proprietor, David and his team are frequently described as lovely, going above and beyond to ensure guests feel comfortable and well-cared-for. Whether assisting with special requests or simply adding a personal touch, the staff’s dedication does not go unnoticed. Regular feedback indicates that nothing is ever too much trouble with many guests feeling particularly valued and at ease. The superb staff make the stay memorable for visitors and their pets alike, reinforcing the hotel’s reputation for top-notch hospitality.
3 Star
Maenan Abbey Hotel, nestled in a charming historic building, offers good value for money with its excellent quality food that delights many guests. Its strategic location makes it a great base camp for exploring the area. However, the hotel does face several challenges in terms of cleanliness and maintenance, which are reflected in its current three-star rating.
Guests have noted that the property feels dated with some suggesting that its character might contribute to the overall ambiance. Nevertheless, there is a consensus that a thorough renovation and a stronger focus on housekeeping would greatly benefit the hotel and justify its rating. Despite these issues, the food quality provides a compelling reason for some guests to overlook the flaws and enjoy their stay.
Minus points for Maenan Abbey Hotel revolve around inconsistent housekeeping, such as towels not being replaced during a three-night stay and lackluster breakfast offerings that deterred some from dining at the restaurant. While the charm of the historic structure is appreciated, it is clear that significant improvements in maintenance and cleanliness are necessary to meet the expectations set by its price point.
Rooms with Jacuzzi / Hot-Tub
Maenan Abbey Hotel offers rooms equipped with a variety of luxurious bathing options that promise a relaxing experience. Guests frequently highlight the appeal of the jacuzzi baths, whether it's the spacious double jacuzzis or the soothing whirlpool baths that are truly out of this world. Many found the jet bath to be a lovely and relaxing feature of their stay. A hydro bath and spa baths are also among the amenities, providing further options for relaxation. Some rooms, upgraded to include a jacuzzi, add an extra layer of enjoyment to the stay. Overall, the jacuzzi baths are described as a real treat, making the hotel a commendable choice for those seeking a serene and indulgent getaway.
Historic
Maenan Abbey Hotel offers a cool historical atmosphere, presenting a majestic building from the 19th century that feels like stepping back in time. The architectural beauty of the hotel, both inside and out, is absolutely stunning and the location itself adds to its charm. The property has a characterful aura, filled with old glamour and unusual decorations that hark back to the early 1900s. Steeped in history, the hotel is not just a place to stay but a journey through time with its historic features and characteristic charm appealing to anyone fascinated by bygone eras. Despite some areas being a bit dated, it adds to the authenticity and historical significance of a property that dates back to the 13th century. The old-world lounge, filled with quirky and unusual items, perfectly complements the building’s rich history. With friendly staff adding to the overall experience, Maenan Abbey Hotel is a splendid example of a beautiful, historic building full of character and charm.
Dog Friendly
Maenan Abbey Hotel is highly praised for its welcoming attitude towards dogs, offering a very accommodating environment for both pets and their owners. The hotel staff are noted for being friendly and caring, ensuring dogs feel as at home as their human counterparts do. Pets are not only allowed but are warmly received with dogs being able to roam freely, enhancing the stay experience. The establishment is distinguished by its cozy and quirky charm, even if some areas could benefit from renovation.
Dogs are welcomed in various parts of the hotel, including the lounge and bar, which adds to the comfort and convenience for pet owners. Guests have expressed how nice it is to have their pets with them and have found the value for money to be worthwhile. Overall, Maenan Abbey Hotel stands out as a dog-friendly place to stay where dogs are well catered for, making it a popular choice among pet lovers. The positive experiences have left many guests eager to return.
No, Maenan Abbey Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Maenan Abbey Hotel.
Yes, Maenan Abbey Hotel welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Maenan Abbey Hotel.