Traditional and timeless, a family-run hotel with an exemplary track record. Individuality is a strong point – this is no bland, boring country house. Sensational coastal location, with views to match. A reputation for excellent food.

It’s no disrespect to this classic beside-the-sea country house hotel to say that the first thing you notice about Porth Tocyn is the view. It’s sensational. The hotel sits on a bluff high above the southern coast of the Llŷn Peninsula, commanding a stunning panorama that seems to take in most of North Wales – on a clear day you can see along the peninsula all the way to the top of Snowdon and across the bay to castle-crowned Harlech.

Flop into one of the comfy couches in the lounge, play games, read books… Porth Tocyn is that kind of place, offering traditional hospitality with little concession to fleeting fashion. It’s a well-known and well-regarded Welsh hotel, with a long track record of family ownership and continuity. Your hosts Nick and Louise Fletcher-Brewer took over from Nick’s parents in the 1960s, so you’re in safe and experienced hands. Nick’s gregariousness and impish sense of humour sets the tone. Porth Tocyn does things its own way – and it’s a way that guests like, judging by the hotel’s host of loyal fans.

The rooms are generously sized and finished in a variety of styles, many have been refurbished and most come with those fabulous sea and mountain views. There’s a lot of space downstairs in which to lounge, and the beautiful grounds contain gardens, an outdoor heated swimming pool and tennis court.

Nick and Louise pay particular attention to the food – dinner here is another reason why Porth Tocyn inspires such loyalty. It’s easy to walk it off too – the coast path runs almost to the door.