The Old Black Lion
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Summary of reviewsLocated in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, The Old Black Lion boasts an exceptional and picturesque setting, ideal for exploring local attractions such as the nearby Castle and Offa's Dyke. Guests appreciate its historic charm and rustic interior, which, combined with its convenient central position and on-site parking, makes it a favored base for sightseeing. The friendly and welcoming staff contribute to a comfortable stay, alongside well-regarded food offerings that include an excellent breakfast.
The breakfast at The Old Black Lion stands out with generous portions, delicious flavors and a variety of choices that cater to different tastes and preferences. Locally sourced ingredients like bacon and sausages receive particular praise, enhancing the overall dining experience. The service is noted for being prompt, friendly and courteous, contributing to an overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding breakfast.
Dinner experiences at this inn are also highly praised with food described as sensational and outstanding. Guests enjoy the variety and taste of the menus, including local and themed dishes served in a cozy and inviting atmosphere often enhanced by live music. Specific meals, such as the salmon dinner and Sunday lunch, receive special mentions. Despite the minor inconvenience of the restricted dining hours on Saturdays, guests find the overall dining experience amazing, thanks to the attentive and friendly staff.
The rooms exude a cozy cottage feel, offering warmth and comfort. They are praised for their cleanliness with many described as spotless and well-maintained. The rooms blend historic charm with modern comforts, some featuring recently updated interiors while others maintain a charming historic touch. The separation of some rooms from the main pub provides guests with privacy and quiet, enhancing the overall experience.
Cleanliness is consistently highlighted with rooms and bathrooms frequently described as immaculate. While some guests noted that the decor and furniture could use updating, this minor critique is overshadowed by the positive feedback on the accommodation's tidiness and comfort.
The staff at The Old Black Lion are frequently described as amazing, going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with staff members praised for their attentiveness, professionalism and friendly demeanor. Guests appreciate the flexibility and personal touch offered by the team, contributing to a charming and highly recommended experience.
Although the Wi-Fi in the main building is excellent, some guests noted inconsistencies in the connectivity in rooms outside the primary building. However, this minor issue does not detract significantly from the overall positive experience.
The beds receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their comfort with many guests highlighting restful and rejuvenating sleep experiences. While a few guests mentioned variations in bed firmness, the overall consensus is that the beds are very comfortable.
The Old Black Lion's historical ambiance is another major draw, captivating guests with its architectural character and storied past. This former coaching inn, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, offers a blend of old-world charm and modern comforts, making it not just a place to stay but an experience steeped in history.
In summary, The Old Black Lion offers an exceptional stay with its picturesque location, charming character, excellent food, comfortable rooms and outstanding staff, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors to Hay-on-Wye.
Categories
The breakfast at The Old Black Lion stands out with generous portions, delicious flavors and a variety of choices that cater to different tastes and preferences. Locally sourced ingredients like bacon and sausages receive particular praise, enhancing the overall dining experience. The service is noted for being prompt, friendly and courteous, contributing to an overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding breakfast.
Dinner experiences at this inn are also highly praised with food described as sensational and outstanding. Guests enjoy the variety and taste of the menus, including local and themed dishes served in a cozy and inviting atmosphere often enhanced by live music. Specific meals, such as the salmon dinner and Sunday lunch, receive special mentions. Despite the minor inconvenience of the restricted dining hours on Saturdays, guests find the overall dining experience amazing, thanks to the attentive and friendly staff.
The rooms exude a cozy cottage feel, offering warmth and comfort. They are praised for their cleanliness with many described as spotless and well-maintained. The rooms blend historic charm with modern comforts, some featuring recently updated interiors while others maintain a charming historic touch. The separation of some rooms from the main pub provides guests with privacy and quiet, enhancing the overall experience.
Cleanliness is consistently highlighted with rooms and bathrooms frequently described as immaculate. While some guests noted that the decor and furniture could use updating, this minor critique is overshadowed by the positive feedback on the accommodation's tidiness and comfort.
The staff at The Old Black Lion are frequently described as amazing, going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with staff members praised for their attentiveness, professionalism and friendly demeanor. Guests appreciate the flexibility and personal touch offered by the team, contributing to a charming and highly recommended experience.
Although the Wi-Fi in the main building is excellent, some guests noted inconsistencies in the connectivity in rooms outside the primary building. However, this minor issue does not detract significantly from the overall positive experience.
The beds receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their comfort with many guests highlighting restful and rejuvenating sleep experiences. While a few guests mentioned variations in bed firmness, the overall consensus is that the beds are very comfortable.
The Old Black Lion's historical ambiance is another major draw, captivating guests with its architectural character and storied past. This former coaching inn, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, offers a blend of old-world charm and modern comforts, making it not just a place to stay but an experience steeped in history.
In summary, The Old Black Lion offers an exceptional stay with its picturesque location, charming character, excellent food, comfortable rooms and outstanding staff, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors to Hay-on-Wye.
Small Inn
Located in Hay-on-Wye, The Old Black Lion is a historic inn known for its character and charm. It offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it a delightful place to stay while exploring the literary town.
4-Star Inn
The Old Black Lion is a historic inn that provides a cozy and traditional experience. Its character and charm make it a unique place to stay.
Boutique-style Inn
Historic Inn
Guest Reviews
Located in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, The Old Black Lion boasts an exceptional and picturesque location, making it ideal for exploring the town and its attractions. The historic charm of this pub-turned-hotel is a major draw with many guests appreciating its rustic and quaint interior. Positioned just a short walk from the town center, it offers a convenient base for sightseeing strolls and visits to local landmarks, such as the nearby Castle and Offa's Dyke.
Guests repeatedly highlight the hotel's close proximity to major attractions and its excellent central position. The addition of on-site parking enhances the convenience for travelers. The friendly and welcoming staff consistently receive praise, alongside compliments for the comfortable rooms and the quality of food offered in the pub, which includes a well-regarded breakfast.
Staying at The Old Black Lion offers a blend of historic ambiance and modern comforts, from real ale at the bar to contemporary amenities like Wi-Fi and updated showers. The location, coupled with its charming character and excellent service, ensures a memorable and enjoyable stay in this storied inn just over the Welsh border.
The Old Black Lion in Hay on Wye receives high praise for its breakfast offerings, consistently highlighted as generous, delicious and fantastic. Guests frequently remark on the excellent quality of the locally sourced bacon, sausage and other ingredients. The breakfast is also noted for having a wide variety of choices, catering to different tastes and preferences. The service is prompt, friendly and courteous with numerous comments pointing out the helpfulness of the staff. Although some guests noted that breakfast is not always included in the room rate, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. The variety and quality of the breakfast, along with the pleasant dining experience, make it a highly recommended aspect of staying at The Old Black Lion.
Guests have consistently praised 'The Old Black Lion' for their dining experiences, frequently describing the food as sensational, excellent and outstanding. The dinner and breakfast menus receive high marks for their variety and taste with several reviewers highlighting the local and themed dishes. The restaurant atmosphere is noted to be cozy and inviting, often enhanced by live music such as jazz bands and roving singers. Diners particularly enjoyed the multi-course dinners with the room's ambiance further elevating their experience. Some guests mentioned the food was worth experiencing even if not staying at the hotel. Specific meals like salmon dinner and Sunday lunch received special mentions for their exceptional taste. Despite the slight inconvenience of food not being available until 6.30pm on Saturdays, the overall dining experience was considered amazing by many. Friendly and attentive staff also contributed to the positive reviews, making both the meals and the service aspects memorable.
The rooms at The Old Black Lion exude a cozy cottage feel, offering a comforting and warm ambiance that guests appreciate. Room 8 stands out as particularly wonderful. Many rooms are described as lovely, bright and full of character, befitting the historical nature of the building. The establishment maintains a high standard of cleanliness with several guests noting spotless conditions and freshness.
Rooms vary in style, some featuring modern and recently decorated interiors, while others retain a charming historic touch with mezzanines and tasteful decor. Spaciousness is also a recurring praise, alongside comfort and excellent shower facilities. Although a few found the furniture outdated or basic, these instances seemed rare.
Guests enjoy the separation of some rooms from the main pub, providing a sense of privacy and quiet. The dining areas complement the cozy and comfortable atmosphere found throughout the hotel. The Old Black Lion successfully blends historic charm with modern comforts, making it a pleasant and memorable stay for its visitors.
The beds at The Old Black Lion have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from guests. Descriptions often highlight just how comfortable the beds are with numerous guests specifying that they were very comfortable, super comfy and even extremely comfy. Many guests emphasized that the beds provided a great night's sleep, indicating a restful and rejuvenating experience. Some reviews also appreciated the quiet environment, which complemented the comfortable beds.
However, a few guests mentioned variations in bed firmness with some finding the beds a bit hard or firm. A minority of reviews pointed out discomfort with hard mattresses and pillows, yet these remarks were outnumbered by those who praised the coziness and high comfort levels of the beds. Overall, guests at The Old Black Lion can generally expect a comfortable and inviting place to rest.
The Old Black Lion has received positive feedback regarding its cleanliness from numerous guests. Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional cleanliness of the rooms with phrases such as exceptionally clean, extremely clean and immaculate clean room appearing frequently. Bathrooms also receive high praise for being spotless, clean and well-maintained. Guests find the rooms clean, comfortable and pleasantly tidy, ensuring a cozy and welcoming stay.
Rooms are described as clean, flawlessly tidy and comfortable, enhancing the overall guest experience. Many noted that the accommodation met their expectations for a wonderful stay. However, it is worth mentioning that some guests observed outdated decor and furniture that could use updating. This minor critique aside, the consistent cleanliness, friendly atmosphere and attention to detail set The Old Black Lion apart as a commendable place to stay.
Reviews of 'The Old Black Lion' consistently highlight the exceptional quality of its staff. Guests frequently describe the team as amazing, often going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with staff members providing a friendly and helpful presence throughout the inn. Many visitors commend the consistently positive and accommodating demeanor from every team member they encountered.
The staff are noted for their attentiveness and professionalism, delivering excellent service especially during meal times despite sometimes facing busy periods. Testimonials emphasize the genuine kindness and efficiency of the staff, making guests feel truly looked after. Guests appreciated the personal touch provided by individuals like Gill and James, who contributed to the overall welcoming environment.
Flexibility and helpfulness are also prominent themes with the staff accommodating various needs, including those of vegan guests. The collective effort of the team to ensure a pleasant experience shines through repeatedly, making the 'The Old Black Lion' a charming and highly recommended place to stay. The consistent praise reflects a strong, guest-focused ethos that creates lasting positive impressions.
The Old Black Lion offers excellent Wi-Fi connectivity within the main building, enabling guests to stay connected effortlessly. While the overall experience with the Wi-Fi in the main area is commendable, some guests have noted that the connection can be inconsistent in certain rooms, particularly those outside the primary building. Although modern amenities like a small yet updated bathroom add to the comfort of the stay, the Wi-Fi reception can be less reliable in some parts of the building, making it less ideal for those needing consistent internet access in their rooms.
Nestled in an enchanting location, The Old Black Lion stands as a testament to history, charming visitors with its historical ambiance. This delightful coaching inn, which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries, seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts. Guests are captivated by the property’s traditional and gorgeous surroundings, highlighting its age and storied past.
The inn's architecture exudes character, making it an ideal retreat, especially for winter getaways. Lovingly restored, the building preserves its period feel while offering a warm, hospitable environment. The two-story rooms and historic bedrooms are especially noted for their ambiance and charm.
Renowned for its friendly staff and great food, The Old Black Lion isn't just a place to stay but an experience steeped in history. Its status as a former coaching inn adds to its allure, drawing guests who appreciate its rich heritage and the authenticity of a bygone era.
Location Show Map
Location
Guests repeatedly highlight the hotel's close proximity to major attractions and its excellent central position. The addition of on-site parking enhances the convenience for travelers. The friendly and welcoming staff consistently receive praise, alongside compliments for the comfortable rooms and the quality of food offered in the pub, which includes a well-regarded breakfast.
Staying at The Old Black Lion offers a blend of historic ambiance and modern comforts, from real ale at the bar to contemporary amenities like Wi-Fi and updated showers. The location, coupled with its charming character and excellent service, ensures a memorable and enjoyable stay in this storied inn just over the Welsh border.
Breakfast
Dinner
Rooms
Rooms vary in style, some featuring modern and recently decorated interiors, while others retain a charming historic touch with mezzanines and tasteful decor. Spaciousness is also a recurring praise, alongside comfort and excellent shower facilities. Although a few found the furniture outdated or basic, these instances seemed rare.
Guests enjoy the separation of some rooms from the main pub, providing a sense of privacy and quiet. The dining areas complement the cozy and comfortable atmosphere found throughout the hotel. The Old Black Lion successfully blends historic charm with modern comforts, making it a pleasant and memorable stay for its visitors.
Beds
However, a few guests mentioned variations in bed firmness with some finding the beds a bit hard or firm. A minority of reviews pointed out discomfort with hard mattresses and pillows, yet these remarks were outnumbered by those who praised the coziness and high comfort levels of the beds. Overall, guests at The Old Black Lion can generally expect a comfortable and inviting place to rest.
Cleanliness
Rooms are described as clean, flawlessly tidy and comfortable, enhancing the overall guest experience. Many noted that the accommodation met their expectations for a wonderful stay. However, it is worth mentioning that some guests observed outdated decor and furniture that could use updating. This minor critique aside, the consistent cleanliness, friendly atmosphere and attention to detail set The Old Black Lion apart as a commendable place to stay.
Staff
The staff are noted for their attentiveness and professionalism, delivering excellent service especially during meal times despite sometimes facing busy periods. Testimonials emphasize the genuine kindness and efficiency of the staff, making guests feel truly looked after. Guests appreciated the personal touch provided by individuals like Gill and James, who contributed to the overall welcoming environment.
Flexibility and helpfulness are also prominent themes with the staff accommodating various needs, including those of vegan guests. The collective effort of the team to ensure a pleasant experience shines through repeatedly, making the 'The Old Black Lion' a charming and highly recommended place to stay. The consistent praise reflects a strong, guest-focused ethos that creates lasting positive impressions.
Wi-Fi
Historic
The inn's architecture exudes character, making it an ideal retreat, especially for winter getaways. Lovingly restored, the building preserves its period feel while offering a warm, hospitable environment. The two-story rooms and historic bedrooms are especially noted for their ambiance and charm.
Renowned for its friendly staff and great food, The Old Black Lion isn't just a place to stay but an experience steeped in history. Its status as a former coaching inn adds to its allure, drawing guests who appreciate its rich heritage and the authenticity of a bygone era.
No, The Old Black Lion doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Old Black Lion.
No, The Old Black Lion doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Old Black Lion.
No, The Old Black Lion doesn't have a gym.
Location Show Map
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