Gwesty Minffordd Hotel

Strengths: - the location is 5 minutes walk from the Cadair Idris trail so really the perfect spot for hikers. - building has lots of character. - easy to book and good email communication before arrival. - single rooms are available so good for solo guests. - plenty of parking. - quiet accommodation (we were the only guests staying). - a packed lunch is available (pre order). - you can eat dinner there which is convenient after a long day of walking. - there is a lounge area. - plenty of fresh fruit for breakfast and variety of cooked breakfast items. - the owner is well intentioned and clearly takes some pride in his work. - the phone signal is very minimal and no tv but this was known prior to arrival so we were prepared. Less favourable points- there was not really anything that the host could easily rectify so none of these were raised during our stay. - we had booked a table for dinner at 7:30 but the host wanted us to eat ASAP so that the chef could go home (only 2 other people were in the restaurant). We were driving a fair distance so could only arrive when the traffic dictated. Surely it is easier to just say the kitchen closes at 7 than change peoples' table times. - we felt rushed when eating as the host repeatedly came up to the table to check if we had finished. He then cleared the table completely as soon as we had taken the last mouthfuls and started setting up for breakfast. This was efficient but also felt like we were imposing on him by staying sat at the table. - it was difficult to get any privacy to talk as the host approached us so often and because there were no other diners or music so it was silent. He did not seem to trust us to be alone in the lounge either. - the rooms are very dated and in much need of upgrading. - at times the heating was on (in August) which meant that the rooms were hot, hot, hot. - there were lots of spiders and webs and we both found a spider on our bed. To be expected for the age of the property but not for everyone. - Very old, stained carpet in communal areas. - the 'no vacancy' sign was outside but most of the rooms were closed for business. The host spoke of the challenges of changing beds and doing laundry. These tasks sounded very effortful for him. All in all, quite a memorable experience and very convenient for climbing the mountain. The main mystery is how the business makes any money as they seem to be actively discouraging guests and diners. I expect there will be a reply from the owner to quash the points raised but I am only sharing our experiences of the place with no malice intended. We wish them well but feel it would be best to sell the business to someone with more vim and vigour.

Stayed for 4 nights with my Son for some Mach Loop photography. Hotel very clean & tidy, and the owner is friendly and hospitable. He regaled us with many a tale over a beer or two, and knowledgeable with all things Mach Loop related. Eat in the restaurant for two nights, the food was excellent and priced medium to high end. The cooked breakfast was of a high quality, just what you need in the mornings, plus a good choice of beverages, cereals, fruit and juices. The only word of caution I'll add is that the restaurant doesn't serve food on a Tuesday or Wednesday (apart from breakfast) so you will have to go elsewhere. There is nothing in walking distance therefore you will have to drive or get a taxi. The WiFi is sketchy at best, and there is no TV in the bedrooms due to lack of signal because of the surrounding hills.