Gwesty Cymru

This hotel was closed, dark and deserted when we arrived for our stay on December 27. The owner didn't answer his phone and inquiries with businesses nearby suggested this was not unusual. We were left stranded in the rain after a tiresome drive from Birmingham and had to find alternative accommodation at short notice. I did some research and it appears Gwesty Cymru went into voluntary liquidation in August. The owner, Julian Shelley, accepted my booking in November and took a non-refundable fee. It transpires he emailed me on December 23 saying he had transferred my booking from "boutique hotel" to another of his businesses, a guest house on the other end of the seafront which was about to close for renovation. Had I received the offer of alternative accommodation, I would have refused. It was definitely not like-for-like. However the email went straight to junk as he used an unfamiliar email address. He didn't bother to check whether I had received it and made no effort to contact me at check-in time ( no note on the door of the closed hotel, no-one there to meet us, no phone call ). He eventually responded to my emails and after some discussion agreed to refund me. I would not do business with this man again.

I was at Gwesty Cymru earlier this year, and I am writing only now a much due late review. First and foremost, I should point out that I was in Aberystwyth in January, and for academic purposes. I underline this because even at a such time of the year I found Aberystwyth to be a very charming town, and for sure Gwesty Cymru made my stay more comfortable. My single room was very comfortable and perfectly appointed, with plenty of space. The bathroom was nice and quite spacious too. I also appreciated the small little touches, like a steel cafetiere and excellent ground coffee from a local independent shop, crisp linen and the very comfortable mattress. The theatrical lights were a welcome bonus as well. All the members of the staff I encountered were very polite and kind, and the cooked breakfast was perhaps one of the very best I ever had in the UK. And I travel across the UK a lot. Last but not least, the seafront location is another wow-factor. Aberystwyth has perhaps one of the most charming rows of seafront Victorian townhouses within the whole UK, and the possibility to enjoy this cute sight - plus the beach and the sea - was definitely an added bonus. I noticed there were many other accommodations by the seafront, but very few of them seemed to have the shame charm as Gwesty Cymru. Will be back there for sure if travelling again to Aberystwyth.

Not once on my life have a ever made a review upgraded to a sea view room but had no sea view broken heating but the main thing is I complained on *********** and the owner phoned my number not sure how he got it and gave me loads of abuse on the phone would avoid at all costs

What a brilliant place, we had our wedding party there they where very accommodating indeed . Staff where brilliant we got more than we expected. Room was wonderful Julian and staff thanks for everything you made our day very special, Lois and Al

We spent a lovely night here at Gwesty Cymru. Room No 8 right at the top was well worth all the stairs, beautifully appointed, a bathroom to die for, very romantic. Great views across Cardigan Bay. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was delicious, compliments to the chef! Will definitely be back.

When we arrived at the hotel, which is directly on the sea front, it was late. The the pathway to the hotel was well lit, as was the parking. The staff were super polite and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. Once we were shown to our room, the lady returned with some complimentary Prosecco, which, after a long day was the perfect tonic! The room was spotlessly clean, had a walk-in shower, free WIFI and a great selection of teas,coffee and chocolates. Breakfast was superb! Everything was freshly cooked from good quality produce. Would recommend!

Went for breakfast staff were really friendly, breakfast super tasty I had the mushroom Bruschetta with an egg! Kris who was serving me told me there was live music and spoken word later which I went to see and was amazing, they have loads of cool events on and beautiful view for a drink in the summer.

Very comfortable hotel, and very welcoming staff. Also a great location where you can just step out onto the promenade. Although possibly not a frequent issue on the west coast of Wales, we really appreciated the air conditioning in the unusually hot weather!