Hay-on-Wye Hotels | Places to Stay in Hay-on-Wye

August 8, 2022 Trinity Boughner

More than thirty bookstores, many specializing in out of print or hard to locate titles, lure literary lovers to this market town of 2000, known as the Town of Books. Snugly nestled in the County of Powys at the English border, Hay-on-Wye is most popular during the annual Guardian Hay Festival during the last few weeks of May, when 80,000 visitors descend for readings and seminars. Hay-on-Wye, or Y Gelli as it is in Welsh, also has two Norman castles, a plethora of pubs and a pleasant stream.
Things to do in Hay-on-Wye

1. Old Black Lion

26 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AD Wales
Excellent
59%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 405 reviews

Old Black Lion

Nestled within the market town of Hay-on-Wye, this colourful 17th Century Inn exudes historical charm and atmosphere offering quality home-cooked food, luxury accommodation and free Wi-Fi and parking. With parts of the original building dating as far back as the 1300’s, the Hotel subtly blends the elegance and whimsy of the past with the comfort and convenience of the present. Indeed, it is even reputed that Oliver Cromwell once stayed at the inn whilst the Roundheads besieged Hay Castle, which was then a loyalist stronghold. Sympathetically refurbished, exposed timber beams and roaring log fires help to cultivate a homely environment and a famously warm welcome.The Inn features 10 high quality en-suite bedrooms, all of which are individually and tastefully decorated in a style reminiscent of the buildings historic past. All rooms include free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, direct dial telephone and tea & coffee making facilities. They offer a choice of Single, Double, Twin and Superior room options.The Old Black Lion is renowned for the quality of its food and has received a host of rewards and accolades including a coveted AA Rosette. The menus, which are changed frequently, use only the best of British produce wherever possible including locally reared meat, fresh seafood from Cornwall and seasonal vegetables. The oak timbered bar with its scrubbed pine tables and comfy arm chairs is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the fantastic selection of local ales (including their own namesake ‘The Old Black Lion’).The Hotel is located in the heart of the Welsh market town of Hay-on-Wye just a short drive from the A438, it also offers free on-site parking for guests. The city of Hereford is roughly 35 minutes away and offers excellent transport links to the rest of the country. For those flying in, Cardiff International Airport is about a 95 minute journey from the Hotel.The Old Black Lion is situated just a three minute walk from the centre of Hay-on-Wye. Renowned internationally as a Mecca for bibliophiles the town offers over 30 bookshops, many selling specialist and second-hand books. It is also home to the annual Hay Festival, Europe’s premier literature and arts festival. The town lies on the east bank of the River Wye and is within the Brecon Beacons National Park, just north of the Black Mountains. Offering some of the most breathtaking scenery in Wales, the surrounding area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with both the Offas Dyke Path and Wye Valley Walk passing through the town.

A jewel in the Hay

Reviewed By Steve E

This was a real surprise: a 17th century inn that Oliver Cromwell slept in, with modern facilities respecting the original features, low ceilings, wood panelling, sloping floors, a real authentic experience. Match this with a stunningly warm welcome, charming staff, brilliant food and wine at a reasonable price. It was a joy to stay here. This is a real jewel in the Hay.

2. The Swan at Hay

Church Street, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5DQ Wales
Excellent
44%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
9%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 709 reviews

The Swan at Hay

The Swan at Hay is a glorious Georgian building housing 19 bedrooms. The hotel was relaunched in February 2017 following a million pound refurbishment. All 19 bedrooms and bathrooms were refurbished, as were all the public areas. Set in the heart of the world-renowned 'Town of Books,' Hay-on-Wye, it is an ideal base to explore the Brecon Beacons and surrounding countryside. With a choice of 3 dining areas, visitors can choose to dine in the beautiful Garden Room restaurant, the snug or the more informal bar.

A wonderful afternoon spend at The Swan

Reviewed By jenny s

We had a brilliant lunch here at the Swan after attending a talk at the Hay Festival. The food was perfectly cooked, I had steak pie and vegetables, no separate pie dish, with startilingly good pastry and hot gravy, and perfectly cooked tenderstem broccoli and new potatoes (freshly boiled, not microwaved). In a classic dining room, plush and comfortable, with huge windows, framed by a beautifully flowering yellow shrub. We then spend the afternoon relaxing in the garden with friends, having ice cream and tea! Of course the weather helped, but the service was immaculate and we felt treated as honoured guests for the whole time we were there. Booking the table took an email but I was delighted to receive a personal email and friendly response by the manager, Adrian Wilson, who couldn't have been more helpful.

3. Seven Stars B&B

11 Broad Street, Hay-on-Wye OX1 3AP Wales
Excellent
63%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 403 reviews

Seven Stars B&B

Finding an ideal romantic bed and breakfast in Hay-on-Wye does not have to be difficult. Welcome to Seven Stars B&B, a nice option for travelers like you. For those interested in checking out Hay, Ross on Wye, Wales (0.2 mi) while visiting Hay-on-Wye, Seven Stars B&B is a short distance away. Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat screen TV, and guests can go online with free wifi offered by the bed and breakfast. Seven Stars B&B features baggage storage, to help make your stay more enjoyable. The property also boasts a pool and free breakfast. If you are driving to Seven Stars B&B, free parking is available. While staying in Hay-on-Wye, you can check out a popular Thai restaurant like Yak-Y-Da, which is serving up some great dishes. Should time allow, Hay Castle and Brook Street Pottery & Gallery are some popular attractions that are within walking distance. Seven Stars B&B looks forward to welcoming you on your visit to Hay-on-Wye.

Lovely place to stay in Hay-on-Wye

Reviewed By 338lext

We stayed here the week before the book festival and Hay was gearing up for that event. While we didn't use the pool the opportunity was there. We arrived late on a Sunday afternoon and booked in easily, we were given information on places to eat (- The Indian restaurant nearby was very good) and chatted about the building. We had a lazy mooch around, had our meal and returned to the BandB. We were met by a friendly member of staff and we talked with them until we went to our room. The room overlooked the main road, but the secondary glazing kept out any noise. The room was cosy, had plenty of room to move around and had a bathroom. We had a very good nights' sleep in the bed.... better than in the previous hotels we had been in at Tewksbury. The breakfast was also the best of the 3 hotels we had been in over our extended break to go to a wedding. My partner had poached haddock for breakfast and I had a very 'full english'. I explained my gluten allergy and was offered GF bread, I declined but when the breakfast came I wad glad I had as the breakfast was so large and very tasty. I noticed that on other tables there were vegans and vegetarians were being catered for. A very mixed bag of people for that breakfast. Loved the parking as Hay can be a bit of a nightmare for parking, we asked if we could still use the car park after our checkout to enable us to look around Hay, to which the proprietor said that it was fine. Everyone at the B&B were very friendly and eager to make our stay enjoyable, would I stay there again, very much yes!

4. The Baskerville Arms Hotel

Clyro, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5RZ Wales
Excellent
43%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 602 reviews

The Baskerville Arms Hotel

Once a Georgian coaching inn, The Baskerville Arms Hotel has changed course a few times over its lifetime. In recent years it was a village pub and restaurant. After an ambitious refurbishment programme during 2020 and 2021, we now operate as a boutique guest house, with a few twists. In the process of renaming as Baskerville House, we have eleven, tastefully furnished en-suite bedrooms. Substantial breakfasts are taken communally around a large, eighteen seat dining table or in our private bar if preferred and we have several options for guest dining or events if arranged in advance. Using us as a base, you can spend a day ambling round the bookshops and cafes in Hay, kayaking or fishing on the Wye, just a walk away. There's motor cycling, biking and pony trekking across wonderful countryside on the doorstep. Or how about stunning Hereford Cathedral and its Mappa Mundi, the beautiful Elan Valley and the majestic Welsh countryside beyond?

Delightful place to stay

Reviewed By Bluebird2011Bury

I booked the Baskerville arms as it was near the Hay on Wye festival. there was a park and ride bus that swept me down to the festival only a pretty 5 minute walk away. I have to say that this has to be the loveliest place I have stayed at. Stephen and Rebecca were the nicest hosts and made me feel so welcome and happy, nothing was too much trouble for them. The house was beautifully decorated and very clean and comfortable and the surroundings peaceful. My room was lovely with a pretty view a comfortable bed and a modern bathroom. There is a cosy bar with comfy chairs and a beautiful dining room with a gorgeous long table you can share or smaller side tables if you want to sit alone and wake up. The breakfast was delicious Rebecca's absolutely delicious granola, fresh fruit and breads or a great cooked breakfast, It was truly a feast. Without hesitation I would recommend staying here to friends and already have. Thank you as well Stephen for helping me decide my route to Bishops castle, The Journey went incredibly smoothly. Best wishes to you both x

5. Kilverts Hotel

Bull Ring, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5AG Wales
Excellent
28%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
11%
Terrible
20%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 310 reviews

Kilverts Hotel

A large Georgian town house converted to a 12 bedroom inn, with a large public restaurant and bar and exceptional gardens.

It’s a Men’s toilet!!

Reviewed By mtx7x

A friend and I visited the Hay festival and whilst there popped into this pub for a spot of lunch and a pint. I went to use the toilet when I opened the door to go into the toilets the stench was horrendous when I went back to the bar to collect my pint I said to the person serving behind the bar that the smell was terrible in the toilets he just looked at me and said it’s a men’s toilet. We were about to order some food but cancelled it I can’t believe the attitude

6. The Baskerville Arms Hotel

Clyro, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5RZ Wales
Excellent
43%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
5%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 602 reviews

The Baskerville Arms Hotel

Once a Georgian coaching inn, The Baskerville Arms Hotel has changed course a few times over its lifetime. In recent years it was a village pub and restaurant. After an ambitious refurbishment programme during 2020 and 2021, we now operate as a boutique guest house, with a few twists. In the process of renaming as Baskerville House, we have eleven, tastefully furnished en-suite bedrooms. Substantial breakfasts are taken communally around a large, eighteen seat dining table or in our private bar if preferred and we have several options for guest dining or events if arranged in advance. Using us as a base, you can spend a day ambling round the bookshops and cafes in Hay, kayaking or fishing on the Wye, just a walk away. There's motor cycling, biking and pony trekking across wonderful countryside on the doorstep. Or how about stunning Hereford Cathedral and its Mappa Mundi, the beautiful Elan Valley and the majestic Welsh countryside beyond?

Delightful place to stay

Reviewed By Bluebird2011Bury

I booked the Baskerville arms as it was near the Hay on Wye festival. there was a park and ride bus that swept me down to the festival only a pretty 5 minute walk away. I have to say that this has to be the loveliest place I have stayed at. Stephen and Rebecca were the nicest hosts and made me feel so welcome and happy, nothing was too much trouble for them. The house was beautifully decorated and very clean and comfortable and the surroundings peaceful. My room was lovely with a pretty view a comfortable bed and a modern bathroom. There is a cosy bar with comfy chairs and a beautiful dining room with a gorgeous long table you can share or smaller side tables if you want to sit alone and wake up. The breakfast was delicious Rebecca's absolutely delicious granola, fresh fruit and breads or a great cooked breakfast, It was truly a feast. Without hesitation I would recommend staying here to friends and already have. Thank you as well Stephen for helping me decide my route to Bishops castle, The Journey went incredibly smoothly. Best wishes to you both x

7. Wye Glamping At Hay Festival

Gypsy Castle Lane, Hay-on-Wye HR3 5PW Wales
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 1 reviews

Wye Glamping At Hay Festival

Exclusive pop up luxury Glamping village at Hay Literature Festival. Each of our quality canvas bell tents contains fitted flooring, comfortable beds, 100% cotton bedlinen and towels, bedside tables, battery lantern, fairy lights and of course bunting! We have a number of layout options, so whether you are a couple, group of friends or family, we have a tent for you! Continental Breakfast included. 24 hr Tea and Coffee facilities. Cosy communal marquee with bar and sofas. Good quality showers and flushing loos. Pamper parlour with hairdryers and mirrors. JUST 3-5 mins WALK from Hay Festival gates.

First class site

Reviewed By piedwarbler

Fantastic camping for the Hay Festival. We have been back three times to Diane’s site. The facilities are great, tents comfy and cosy and the breakfasts are excellent. I can recommend the pastries. Lovely shower block, clean loos. It’s a bit further away from the site this year - about a ten minute walk, but you can’t get much closer. I would highly recommend this site.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.