On St David’s Day - Penally Abbey Hotel in Pembrokeshire has been unveiled as the best place to stay in Wales, according to The Times and Sunday Times’ definitive guide.
The Times and Sunday Times has revealed its definitive list of the 100 ‘Best Places to Stay’ spread throughout the UK.
Penally Abbey, situated on the outskirts of Tenby, has taken the ‘best place to stay in Wales’ according to national publications’s guide, which describes the hotel as “a Welsh weekender of dreams: escapist, wildly romantic yet with interior magazine glamour.”
It’s the latest accolade for the establishment run by husband and wife team Lucas and Melanie Boissevain who have been at the helm the 18th century property since 2014 with their family - after being named Welsh hotel of the year at the AA Hospitality Awards towards the end of 2023.
“Penally Abbey has a great legacy, and its past is routed in hospitality. We are delighted to further develop that legacy,” Lucas told the Observer.
“It is wonderful for the team at the hotel to be recognised both locally and nationally by the press, The Good Hotel Guide, and the AA.
“The elevated seaside position on the hill overlooking Tenby, Carmarthen Bay and Caldey Island make for an outstanding backdrop, but is the warmth of welcome and relaxed atmosphere that makes our reputation,” he added.
Claire Irvin, The Times’ head of travel said: “The rigorous judging process for this year's Best Places To Stay awards has taken place against the backdrop of a difficult period for our readers and the hoteliers who clamour to welcome them.
“Away breaks have almost never been more coveted, with annual leave, time out with friends and family and the cost of living all at a premium; at a time when the hotel industry is facing ever increasing running costs and a recruitment crisis.
“Therefore UK hotels have an even more challenging task than ever before – offering a unique and memorable experience whilst representing relative value for money. The price points of each hotel chosen may differ but they all share the same commitment to consistency and excellence our readers – and their hard earned cash – deserve.”
Susan d’Arcy, the publication’s hotel expert added: “I’ve been pleased to see more places taking a 360 approach to the hotel experience this year, letting their teams have more personality, being more inventive about activities, more adventurous about dining and showcasing local talent. It's definitely more fun for guests.”
The full guide will be available today (Friday, March 1) via the online interactive guide and as a supplement within the newspaper on Sunday, March 3.
With the guide split into nine regions: London, Southeast, Southwest, Central, East, North, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. With writers travelling to bustling boroughs and inns hidden away in the deep countryside, there’s something for every taste, budget and location.
There are also winners in ten different categories: Beach, Boutique, Cheap and Chic, City, Countryside, Foodie, Hotels for Kids, London, Pubs with Rooms, and Romance.