St Tudno Hotel

Review

'Excellent: food, service and accommodation all first rate.' This 'small, friendly' hotel on the promenade of this popular seaside resort continues to attract praise from Guide readers. 'One of our favourites. High standards of service are maintained even in the quieter periods,' say returning visitors. The owner, Martin Bland, 'is often about, and makes a point of talking to his guests'. His staff are 'well trained, helpful and professional'. Once frequented by Alice Liddell who inspired Lewis Carroll (it has an Alice in Wonderland suite), the Grade II listed building is opposite the Victorian pier and gardens, and the beach. Public rooms have patterned wallpaper, swagged drapery, potted plants. The Terrace restaurant is Italianate (murals of Lake Como, stone fountains, tented ceiling, and chandeliers). Ian Watson has returned as chef: his 'classic modern British' dishes (eg, asparagus and winter truffle soup; slow-roasted shoulder of Welsh lamb with minted red wine jus) are 'excellent, imaginative'. 'Good wines at reasonable prices.' Bedrooms have colourful wallpaper and furnishings. 'Our small second-floor room had sea view; comfortable bed; delicious shortbread and fresh milk with the tea tray.' A rear room was 'cramped,' with a poor outlook. There is a 'lovely little' indoor swimming pool. Car parking space is limited. (Keith Robinson, Stephen and Pauline Glover, Richard Creed, and others)

This hotel accepts discount vouchers which entitle readers to a 25% discount off their normal B&B rate. Each printed copy of the Guide contains six vouchers worth in total about £150. BUY THE GUIDE