Business Details
Your Gateway to Snowdonia's History and Adventure
Elens Castle Hotel is a family-run establishment nestled in the heart of Snowdonia National Park, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern comforts. With a legacy spanning over 18 years, we provide guests with a warm, welcoming environment where tradition meets contemporary luxury. Our property, once a bustling coaching inn, has been a cornerstone of Dolwyddelan village for centuries, continuing to serve as a gateway to Welsh culture and natural beauty. We pride ourselves on sustainable practices, including carbon-free heating and EV charging stations, while maintaining our commitment to preserving local heritage.Our team, with over two decades of experience in the hospitality sector, ensures every guest enjoys a memorable stay through personalised service, locally sourced cuisine, and unparalleled access to Snowdonia's landscapes. From our cosy bar serving award-winning Welsh ales to our restaurant offering seasonal dishes, we strive to create an immersive experience that reflects the region's rich history and hospitality.
Services
Accommodation
Restaurant
Event Hosting
EV Charging
Local Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer 18 years of expertise in Snowdonian hospitality with a family-run ethos.
- Our property combines historic character with eco-friendly innovations like carbon-free heating.
- We provide exclusive access to local legends and landscapes through curated guest experiences.
- Our restaurant features award-winning Welsh cuisine sourced from regional producers.
- We maintain a 4.8/5 guest satisfaction rating based on verified reviews.
What people say
Fabulous views
Excellent service
Award-winning cuisine
Pet-friendly
Immaculate cleanliness
Services
Accommodation
Our 18-room hotel offers diverse options from four-poster suites to family-friendly accommodations. Each room features modern amenities like superfast Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and eco-conscious heating. Dog-friendly options available with advance booking, alongside travel cots for families. The property combines 18th-century architecture with contemporary comforts, offering valley vistas from select rooms.
Restaurant
The Siabod Restaurant serves locally sourced Welsh cuisine using ingredients from Conwy Valley producers. Menus feature award-winning dishes like Welsh Black beef pie and Keralan curry, with vegetarian and gluten-free options. Guests enjoy meals beside a wood-burning stove or in our garden room overlooking the Lledr Valley. Evening meals require advance reservations.
Event Hosting
We host seasonal events including New Year celebrations with fireworks and charity fundraisers. The historic bar accommodates special occasions with pre-dinner drinks and themed evenings. Our Christmas packages include three-night minimum stays, with a roaring log fire creating festive ambiance. All events feature locally sourced menus and Welsh tipples.
Sustainability Initiatives
Our eco-friendly operations include carbon-neutral heating systems and two EV charging stations (with 20 fee). We prioritise local suppliers to reduce food miles, partnering with award-winning Welsh butchers and distillers. The property features preserved historical elements like Elen's Well, maintained through National Lottery Heritage grants and community collaboration.
Local Tourism
We serve as a base for exploring Snowdonia's attractions, offering guidance on trails like Moel Siabod and nearby castles. Complimentary maps and route planning assistance available. The hotel's location provides easy access to Zip World, steam railways, and Bodnant Garden. Guests receive tips on seasonal events and hidden local gems.
People
Helen
Co-Owner
With 23 years living in Snowdonia and 18 managing the hotel, Helen combines local knowledge with hospitality expertise. She oversees daily operations and guest experiences.
Adam
Co-Owner
Co-owner Adam manages sustainability initiatives and community relations. He has contributed to preserving local heritage sites like Elen's Well since 2005.
Questions
How do I book rooms directly at Elens Castle Hotel?
Book through our website's online links or call 01690 750207 for best prices and instant confirmation.
Are pets allowed at the hotel?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the bar and bar-lounge with a £10/night charge. They cannot stay unattended in rooms.
What dining options are available?
The Siabod Restaurant serves evening meals with local ingredients. The bar offers Welsh ales and seasonal menus. Book in advance.
Does the hotel support eco-friendly practices?
We use carbon-free heating, EV chargers, and source 80% of ingredients locally. Our operations follow sustainable tourism principles.
What nearby attractions can guests visit?
We're near Zip World, Ffestiniog Railway, and Dolwyddelan Castle. Staff provide route planning assistance and local tips.
Are there special packages for holidays?
Our Christmas/New Year breaks include festive meals, midnight bubbly, and fireworks. Minimum 3-night stays apply during holidays.
Reviews (4)
David Heath
Mar 23, 2022
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We both ate a reasonable meal, although obviously not freshly cooked, was vacuum packed or frozen? Returned another night for food and asked which meal was home made. Ordered our food in the bar but were asked to move into the restaurant as they were short staffed. The dining room was unbearably hot and we were seated next to the radiator. We tried to move back into the bar to eat but were met with a frosty reception and asked to leave. So left and ate somewhere else. Management obviously need to take a course on customer service and menu needs to reflect that food isn't home made and fresh.
Sandra Carr
Jan 01, 2022
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From start to finish it was a home away from home. Helen and Adam were always very warm, friendly and welcoming. The food at breakfast and evening meal was magnificent, we never had a bad meal. The area is outstanding for having an adventure. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone.
Chris Hunt
Nov 18, 2021
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Great place to stay. Friendly owners great food beautiful surroundings. Really enjoyed the local gin. Will definitely stay again.
Michael Rawlinson
Sep 22, 2021
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Arrived in empty restaurant told face masks not required. Caught Female waitress looking my wife up and down! As evening progressed restaurant filled up. Tables rather too close for comfort with spacing. Decided to leave after main course. Food nothing special. When asked by waitress why leaving before dessert, explained we were not happy with the closeness of other people. She said there were no restrictions for COVID. Told her I was more concerned for our health due to age.
She ranted on and I had to ask for the bill on several occasions. She obviously wasn't happy and as I left she shouted out 'Tosser'. So I would advise consider using this so called hostelry as the customer is never right. Needless to say we will not be returning.
She ranted on and I had to ask for the bill on several occasions. She obviously wasn't happy and as I left she shouted out 'Tosser'. So I would advise consider using this so called hostelry as the customer is never right. Needless to say we will not be returning.
