A modern Welsh identity – an Edwardian guest house reborn for the 21st century. Style and luxury, with superb rooms, handcrafted furniture, faultless facilities. On the seafront – many rooms with spectacular sea views.
If ever a hotel mirrored the character of modern Wales it’s this one. Gwesty Cymru is small but perfectly formed. It’s arrestingly modern in spirit yet has reassuringly traditional textures. And it displays the tones of dark and light that reflect the fabric of Wales.
Those opposing tones come from the use of slate and wood – motifs and design cues used everywhere, from the chunky slate placemats in the restaurant to the bedrooms’ sleek oak furniture with slate insets, handmade for the hotel. It’s clever and hugely effective in giving Gwesty Cymru a strong ‘Sense of Place’, an identity reinforced by specially commissioned oil canvases and illuminated Welsh poetry.
You’re close to Wales’s heartland too. The dignified Victorian resort of Aberystwyth is on the doorstep of the compelling Cambrian Mountains, a ‘Wild Wales’ of hill sheep farms, forests and lakelands. Gwesty Cymru’s bedrooms – each one colour coordinated and a masterpiece of modern interior design – are simply faultless.
What was a tired Edwardian guest house has been transformed into a dazzling seafront townhouse with designer bathrooms, walk-in showers and all the luxuries you’d expect (Egyptian cotton sheets, top-end toiletries, etc, etc).
It’s the creation of Huw and Beth Roberts, a savvy couple who know all about today’s high expectations. They meet them with a modern Welsh twist – something you can also say about the food, which makes inventive use of classic local ingredients. Gwesty Cymru is a breath of fresh, Welsh air. This summer, book into an arty room, enjoy an alfresco meal on the restaurant’s seafront terrace. And think: who needs over-hyped, overpriced Padstow?
Directions
DIRECTIONS BY CAR:
A487 from the South (Cardigan, Carmarthen, South Wales)
Upon entering Aberystwyth on the A487 from the south, at roundabout take 1st exit signposted "A487 Aberystwyth", continue for about 1 mile onto Bridge Street, carry straight on at the clock tower onto Pier Street, then follow the road around to the right for Marine Terrace. Gwesty Cymru is situated opposite a small jetty and outdoor paddling pool - look for the large rock in the garden.
A487 from the North (Machynlleth, Dolgellau, North Wales)
Travelling down Penglais hill, continue on this road bearing left just after traffic lights. Stay in right hand lane following road as it bears right and at roundabout carry straight on passing Aberystwyth Station on left. At mini roundabout take second exit (straight on) onto Mill St. At T-junction turn right onto Bridge St. Carry straight on at the clock tower onto Pier Street, then follow the road around to the right for Marine Terrace. Gwesty Cymru is situated opposite a small jetty and outdoor paddling pool - look for the large rock in the garden.
A44 From the East (Llangurig, Rhayader, Newtown, Shrewsbury)
Upon entering Llanbadarn (passing Shell service station on the left), take first exit at roundabout and immediately, the second exit at second mini roundabout signposted "A44 Aberystwyth". Continue for about 1 mile. AT T Junction turn left and follow the road bearing left just after traffic lights. Stay in right hand lane following road as it bears right and at roundabout carry straight on passing Aberystwyth Station on left. At mini roundabout take second exit (straight on) onto Mill St. At T-junction turn right onto Bridge St. Carry straight on at the clock tower onto Pier Street, then follow the road around to the right for Marine Terrace. Gwesty Cymru is situated opposite a small jetty and outdoor paddling pool - look for the large rock in the garden.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
Bus and train stations are situated on Alexandra Road. Cross the road onto Terrace Road and walk straight ahead until you find the sea, then turn left. Gwesty Cymru is situated 4 doors up and is set back a little from the pavement.