The Swan At Hay
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Summary of reviewsThe Swan At Hay is celebrated for its superb location in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, offering easy access to the town's renowned bookshops, shopping, dining and local attractions. With close proximity to the scenic beauty of Brecon Beacons National Park, it is an ideal base for urban and nature enthusiasts alike. The aesthetically pleasing setting, complete with a lovely garden and characterful building, enhances the stay for guests.
The breakfast at The Swan At Hay is widely praised for its delicious offerings and diverse menu, catering to various dietary needs with vegan and gluten-free options. The quality food and excellent service add to the positive dining experience, although some guests noted minor issues with portion sizes and consistency.
Dinner at the hotel also receives commendation for its high standards and delightful ambiance. While most guests enjoyed the superbly prepared diverse menu, occasional critiques on specific dishes and aspects of the dining room’s decor were noted.
The rooms are largely appreciated for their cleanliness, comfort and modern decor. Guests highlight the spaciousness and lovely views, contributing to a restful stay. Despite some reports of outdated rooms or maintenance issues, the overall feedback on room quality remains positive.
Cleanliness standards at the hotel are generally high with meticulous housekeeping ensuring comfortable accommodations. Occasional mentions of minor oversights in daily cleaning do not detract significantly from the positive impression.
Staff at The Swan At Hay are consistently praised for their friendly, helpful and welcoming demeanor. Guests appreciate the staff's attentiveness and efficiency, enhancing their overall experience through excellent service.
The hotel's free wifi service is described as reliable and satisfactory, though a few guests experienced connectivity issues. Similarly, parking availability is generally appreciated with some guests noting challenges such as limited spaces or cramped conditions.
Beds at the hotel receive overwhelming praise for their comfort and quality, contributing to a restful night’s sleep. The variability in bed sizes meets diverse guest needs, though a small number of reviews mentioned discomfort.
Recognized for delivering consistent four-star service, The Swan At Hay maintains a reputable standard, despite some feedback about meeting full four-star value expectations due to its somewhat tired look and pricing.
Accessibility is commendable, particularly for the garden and pool areas, though the absence of a lift to access rooms could be a drawback for guests with mobility issues.
The hotel exudes a sense of luxury with its blend of classic and modern elegance, providing spacious, well-designed rooms and common areas. The tranquil garden and comfortable lounge contribute to the overall luxurious experience.
The Swan At Hay is also renowned for its dog-friendly environment, offering thoughtful accommodations and amenities for pets. The staff’s accommodating nature ensures a pleasant stay for both pets and their owners.
Overall, The Swan At Hay offers a memorable experience characterized by excellent location, commendable dining, comfortable rooms, high cleanliness standards, friendly staff and thoughtful amenities.
Categories
The breakfast at The Swan At Hay is widely praised for its delicious offerings and diverse menu, catering to various dietary needs with vegan and gluten-free options. The quality food and excellent service add to the positive dining experience, although some guests noted minor issues with portion sizes and consistency.
Dinner at the hotel also receives commendation for its high standards and delightful ambiance. While most guests enjoyed the superbly prepared diverse menu, occasional critiques on specific dishes and aspects of the dining room’s decor were noted.
The rooms are largely appreciated for their cleanliness, comfort and modern decor. Guests highlight the spaciousness and lovely views, contributing to a restful stay. Despite some reports of outdated rooms or maintenance issues, the overall feedback on room quality remains positive.
Cleanliness standards at the hotel are generally high with meticulous housekeeping ensuring comfortable accommodations. Occasional mentions of minor oversights in daily cleaning do not detract significantly from the positive impression.
Staff at The Swan At Hay are consistently praised for their friendly, helpful and welcoming demeanor. Guests appreciate the staff's attentiveness and efficiency, enhancing their overall experience through excellent service.
The hotel's free wifi service is described as reliable and satisfactory, though a few guests experienced connectivity issues. Similarly, parking availability is generally appreciated with some guests noting challenges such as limited spaces or cramped conditions.
Beds at the hotel receive overwhelming praise for their comfort and quality, contributing to a restful night’s sleep. The variability in bed sizes meets diverse guest needs, though a small number of reviews mentioned discomfort.
Recognized for delivering consistent four-star service, The Swan At Hay maintains a reputable standard, despite some feedback about meeting full four-star value expectations due to its somewhat tired look and pricing.
Accessibility is commendable, particularly for the garden and pool areas, though the absence of a lift to access rooms could be a drawback for guests with mobility issues.
The hotel exudes a sense of luxury with its blend of classic and modern elegance, providing spacious, well-designed rooms and common areas. The tranquil garden and comfortable lounge contribute to the overall luxurious experience.
The Swan At Hay is also renowned for its dog-friendly environment, offering thoughtful accommodations and amenities for pets. The staff’s accommodating nature ensures a pleasant stay for both pets and their owners.
Overall, The Swan At Hay offers a memorable experience characterized by excellent location, commendable dining, comfortable rooms, high cleanliness standards, friendly staff and thoughtful amenities.
Dog Friendly Hotel
The Swan at Hay offers dog-friendly rooms in its charming Coach House, and dogs are welcome in most public areas. The hotel has a dog-friendly bar and a restaurant, and is ideally located for walks with dogs.
Hotel with Parking
The Swan at Hay has limited car parking on site but a pay and display car park is located immediately adjacent to the hotel. Complementary parking is available on site.
Accessible Hotel
The Swan at Hay has two ground floor rooms available. It offers wheelchair-accessible public bathrooms, a wheelchair-accessible registration desk, lounge, and restaurant.
Small Hotel
The Swan at Hay provides a cozy and intimate setting in the heart of Hay-on-Wye. Its central location and comfortable accommodations make it a charming choice for visitors to the book town.
4-Star Hotel
The Swan at Hay delivers a consistent four-star service. Guests frequently commend the spacious rooms, providing ample space to relax.
Family Friendly Hotel
Guest Reviews
'The Swan At Hay' boasts a superb location that receives consistent praise from guests. Situated in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, it is an ideal base for exploring the charming town and its renowned bookshops. The hotel's central position offers easy access to the town centre, making it convenient for shopping, dining and local river walks. Guests appreciate the proximity to key attractions with many describing the location as perfect or brilliant.
The surrounding area is also noted for its scenic beauty, providing a great setting for both urban and nature enthusiasts. The hotel's close proximity to the Brecon Beacons National Park makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the region's natural landscapes. The lovely garden and characterful building add to the charm, creating a memorable and aesthetically pleasing stay.
The convenience of the location extends to practical aspects too, such as parking and ease of access to nearby amenities. Friendly staff, comfortable rooms and a good range of facilities further enhance the overall positive experience. Whether visiting for leisure, book hunting or nature walks, the hotel's strategic position ensures guests can make the most of their time in Hay-on-Wye.
The reviews for breakfast at The Swan At Hay reflect a generally positive experience with a few areas for improvement. Guests overwhelmingly praise the breakfast, frequently describing it as delicious, excellent and superb. Many highlight the quality of the food and the variety of options available with some noting the extensive menu and specific dietary accommodations like vegan and gluten-free choices. The cooked breakfast, in particular, received commendations for being one of the best some guests have ever had, featuring dishes like pancakes with berries and scrambled eggs which were particularly favored.
Staff and service also garnered positive mentions, being described as excellent and smooth, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience. The setting, including options to dine in a large Georgian dining room or in the garden, was appreciated by several reviewers, enhancing the overall ambiance.
However, not all feedback was glowing. Several guests found the breakfast portions to be small and some experienced inconsistent quality with a few noting disappointing elements such as cold plates, limited buffet choices and the need to pre-book the night before. A few reviews pointed out issues like barely warm food, missing advertised items or food not meeting expectations for the price. Despite these criticisms, the majority of guests seem to leave satisfied, enjoying a high-quality and memorable breakfast experience at the hotel.
The Swan At Hay offers a mostly positive dining experience, as reflected in numerous guest reviews. Many patrons appreciated the quality and taste of the dinner, describing it as excellent, lovely or superb. The dining room itself was generally enjoyed with some finding it pleasantly set, contributing to a delightful eating environment. Guests often praised the evening meal, commending the diverse menu, the high standard of the food and the well-prepared dishes.
However, minor criticisms were present. Some diners found specific dishes less satisfactory, citing issues such as overdone meat or bland sauces. A few reviews mentioned that certain meals were served cold and had to be reheated. Additionally, there were comments about the dining room's ambiance with suggestions that the brown tables made the area appear dingy and the setting on Formica top tables without tablecloths felt subpar.
Overall, while there were a few inconsistencies in the meal quality and service, the majority of guests enjoyed their dinner at The Swan At Hay, highlighting the restaurant's generally high-standard food and pleasant dining atmosphere.
Rooms at The Swan At Hay reveal a spectrum of experiences, ranging predominantly towards the positive. Guests frequently commend the rooms for their cleanliness and comfort. The decor often receives positive remarks with several describing the rooms as lovely, nicely decorated and modern. The spaciousness of many rooms stands out with numerous mentions of the rooms being large, airy and well-equipped. Guests have enjoyed quiet stays with lovely views and plenty found the beds to be big and comfortable.
On the less favorable side, some guests noted that certain rooms appear outdated or tired-looking with occasional maintenance issues such as hard beds, poor showers and mold in the bathrooms. The size of the rooms varies significantly; while many find them spacious, others report them being extremely small or pokey, often leading to dissatisfaction. Rooms facing the road or car park can be noisy, affecting the quiet ambiance some guests seek. Despite these inconsistencies, many reviews highlight that the comfort and cleanliness largely meet expectations, contributing to a satisfactory stay overall.
The beds at The Swan At Hay have garnered an overwhelmingly positive response from guests. They are frequently described as very comfortable with many using words like "comfy," "super comfortable," and "extremely comfortable" to detail their experiences. The variability in bed size is noted with some guests appreciating the large, double and big beds offered. While a few reviews mention that some beds were rock hard or small, these seem to be outliers compared to the dominant sentiment of satisfaction.
Bedding quality has been highlighted with terms like "luxury beds" and "spectacular bedding" suggesting a high standard. Some guests have pointed out the availability of accessible bed services, indicating thoughtful inclusivity in their offerings.
Cleanliness is also remarked upon, contributing to the overall comfort of the sleep experience. In summary, The Swan At Hay seems to provide a pleasant and restful night’s sleep, largely due to its well-regarded bed comfort and cleanliness.
The Swan At Hay has garnered commendable praise for its cleanliness, manifesting an overall positive impression among its guests. Rooms are routinely described as very clean, spotless and even immaculately clean, reflecting meticulous housekeeping standards. Guests also noted that the facilities, including the bathrooms and public areas, were well-maintained and hygienic, further enhancing their stay. The hotel's outdoor garden was frequently highlighted as beautiful, although occasional remarks about overgrowth suggest a need for periodic maintenance.
Despite these glowing reviews, there are mentions of occasional inconsistencies in daily cleaning with some rooms not being serviced every day. A few guests observed dust on window ledges and stains on carpets that detracted slightly from the experience. Nonetheless, the clean and comfortable accommodations, coupled with attractive decor, contribute to an overall positive perception of The Swan At Hay's commitment to cleanliness.
The reviews for 'The Swan At Hay' show a consistent pattern of positive feedback regarding the hotel staff. Guests frequently noted that the staff was friendly, helpful and welcoming with many highlighting these traits as exceptional. The words "friendly," "helpful," and "welcoming" appear repeatedly, suggesting that guests found the staff approachable and eager to assist.
Several reviews mentioned the staff's attentiveness and efficiency with prompt responses and professional demeanor being a frequent highlight. Phrases like "quick and entire hotel check-in" and "questions answered promptly" indicate that the staff is proficient in handling guest needs swiftly and effectively.
Many guests described the staff as thoughtful, courteous and willing to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable stay. Reviewers appreciated the meticulous attention to detail and excellent service, which contributed to a pleasant overall experience.
Despite the predominantly positive reviews, there were occasional mentions of unavailability or lack of warmth from some staff members and a recurring comment about the general manager's insipid demeanor. However, these remarks were sparse and did not overshadow the overwhelmingly favorable sentiment towards the staff.
In summation, the staff at 'The Swan At Hay' is largely perceived as a standout aspect of the hotel, significantly enhancing guests' stays through their friendly and helpful nature.
Travelers to The Swan At Hay generally report a positive experience with the hotel's wifi. Many guests appreciate the consistent and reliable connection, often describing it as good or excellent. The free wifi service allows for seamless internet usage and several visitors highlight that both they and their partners experienced great connectivity. However, not all reviews are glowing; a few mention issues such as poor wifi or internet dropouts and some guests found the wifi-based TV system to be lacking. Overall, the majority of feedback suggests a solid and satisfactory wifi service at the hotel.
The parking experience at The Swan At Hay presents a mixed picture. Many guests found the parking to be excellent, describing it as good, secure and free with several mentioning easy and convenient access to parking spaces. There's ample parking available according to some with plenty of spaces on site and nearby. However, others noted some challenges, including limited availability for a large establishment and the need for additional parking across the road that is unlit. Issues with cramped and small spaces were also mentioned, leading some to describe parking as tricky or poor. Despite these drawbacks, a portion of guests appreciated the efforts made by the staff to assist with parking, highlighting the overall availability and security as positives.
The Swan At Hay is widely recognized for delivering a consistent four-star service, reflected in its sparkling hotel environment and reputable dining experiences. Guests frequently commend the spacious rooms, providing ample space to relax. However, some feedback suggests that the hotel may not fully meet four-star value expectations with a few pointing out a tired look and overpriced rates. While the hotel's amenities are noted to lack certain four-star qualities, its commitment to maintaining a recognized four-star service level remains evident.
The Swan At Hay has garnered praise for its accessible garden and pool, featuring clear and structured chaise lounges that contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The hotel offers a variety of living spaces, meticulously maintained to meet a high standard of quality. Guests have also noted the availability of a well-organized bus service within the area, making it easier to navigate the surroundings. However, potential visitors should be aware that access to the rooms is only via stairs, as there is no lift or elevator available. This might present challenges for those with mobility issues or requiring ADA compliance. Despite these limitations, the overall accessibility has been commended through thorough and verified check-ins.
The Swan At Hay offers a luxurious stay characterized by a blend of classic and modern elegance. Guests have noted the entire hotel exudes comfort from check-in to checkout. Spaces within the hotel, including rooms and common areas, hold a luxury style that is both welcoming and charming. The rooms are described as spacious with a classic, cute presence that sparkles with luxury. The boutique style of the hotel is smart and appealing, providing a moderate yet satisfying level of luxury throughout different sections of the establishment.
The lounge area has been highlighted for its comfortable decadence, making it a perfect spot to relax. The garden offers a gorgeously peaceful retreat, adding to the overall experience of tranquility and refinement. Upgraded luxury rooms are available, ensuring an elevated stay for those seeking an extra touch of opulence. The hotel's facilities further reflect its commitment to providing a first-class experience with many guests highly recommending it for its full character and well-thought-out design.
The Swan At Hay is renowned for its exceptional dog-friendly environment, welcoming both pets and service animals without any additional fees. Guests frequently highlight the accommodating nature of the staff, who offer a warm and friendly reception to all pets. The rooms are not only suitable but perfect for dogs, providing an inviting and comfortable space for furry companions.
Positive comments emphasize the thoughtfulness of the hotel, where dogs receive plenty of attention, fuss and even treats, ensuring that pets feel as pampered as their owners. The staff's readiness to make the stay enjoyable for dogs stands out with many noting how the hotel made having a dog with them no hassle at all. The overall sentiment is clear: The Swan At Hay provides an inviting and pleasant experience for pets, making it a top choice for travelers who bring their dogs along.
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Location
The surrounding area is also noted for its scenic beauty, providing a great setting for both urban and nature enthusiasts. The hotel's close proximity to the Brecon Beacons National Park makes it an excellent starting point for exploring the region's natural landscapes. The lovely garden and characterful building add to the charm, creating a memorable and aesthetically pleasing stay.
The convenience of the location extends to practical aspects too, such as parking and ease of access to nearby amenities. Friendly staff, comfortable rooms and a good range of facilities further enhance the overall positive experience. Whether visiting for leisure, book hunting or nature walks, the hotel's strategic position ensures guests can make the most of their time in Hay-on-Wye.
Breakfast
Staff and service also garnered positive mentions, being described as excellent and smooth, contributing to an enjoyable dining experience. The setting, including options to dine in a large Georgian dining room or in the garden, was appreciated by several reviewers, enhancing the overall ambiance.
However, not all feedback was glowing. Several guests found the breakfast portions to be small and some experienced inconsistent quality with a few noting disappointing elements such as cold plates, limited buffet choices and the need to pre-book the night before. A few reviews pointed out issues like barely warm food, missing advertised items or food not meeting expectations for the price. Despite these criticisms, the majority of guests seem to leave satisfied, enjoying a high-quality and memorable breakfast experience at the hotel.
Dinner
However, minor criticisms were present. Some diners found specific dishes less satisfactory, citing issues such as overdone meat or bland sauces. A few reviews mentioned that certain meals were served cold and had to be reheated. Additionally, there were comments about the dining room's ambiance with suggestions that the brown tables made the area appear dingy and the setting on Formica top tables without tablecloths felt subpar.
Overall, while there were a few inconsistencies in the meal quality and service, the majority of guests enjoyed their dinner at The Swan At Hay, highlighting the restaurant's generally high-standard food and pleasant dining atmosphere.
Rooms
On the less favorable side, some guests noted that certain rooms appear outdated or tired-looking with occasional maintenance issues such as hard beds, poor showers and mold in the bathrooms. The size of the rooms varies significantly; while many find them spacious, others report them being extremely small or pokey, often leading to dissatisfaction. Rooms facing the road or car park can be noisy, affecting the quiet ambiance some guests seek. Despite these inconsistencies, many reviews highlight that the comfort and cleanliness largely meet expectations, contributing to a satisfactory stay overall.
Beds
Bedding quality has been highlighted with terms like "luxury beds" and "spectacular bedding" suggesting a high standard. Some guests have pointed out the availability of accessible bed services, indicating thoughtful inclusivity in their offerings.
Cleanliness is also remarked upon, contributing to the overall comfort of the sleep experience. In summary, The Swan At Hay seems to provide a pleasant and restful night’s sleep, largely due to its well-regarded bed comfort and cleanliness.
Cleanliness
Despite these glowing reviews, there are mentions of occasional inconsistencies in daily cleaning with some rooms not being serviced every day. A few guests observed dust on window ledges and stains on carpets that detracted slightly from the experience. Nonetheless, the clean and comfortable accommodations, coupled with attractive decor, contribute to an overall positive perception of The Swan At Hay's commitment to cleanliness.
Staff
Several reviews mentioned the staff's attentiveness and efficiency with prompt responses and professional demeanor being a frequent highlight. Phrases like "quick and entire hotel check-in" and "questions answered promptly" indicate that the staff is proficient in handling guest needs swiftly and effectively.
Many guests described the staff as thoughtful, courteous and willing to go the extra mile to ensure a comfortable stay. Reviewers appreciated the meticulous attention to detail and excellent service, which contributed to a pleasant overall experience.
Despite the predominantly positive reviews, there were occasional mentions of unavailability or lack of warmth from some staff members and a recurring comment about the general manager's insipid demeanor. However, these remarks were sparse and did not overshadow the overwhelmingly favorable sentiment towards the staff.
In summation, the staff at 'The Swan At Hay' is largely perceived as a standout aspect of the hotel, significantly enhancing guests' stays through their friendly and helpful nature.
Wi-Fi
Parking
4 Star
Accessible
Luxury
The lounge area has been highlighted for its comfortable decadence, making it a perfect spot to relax. The garden offers a gorgeously peaceful retreat, adding to the overall experience of tranquility and refinement. Upgraded luxury rooms are available, ensuring an elevated stay for those seeking an extra touch of opulence. The hotel's facilities further reflect its commitment to providing a first-class experience with many guests highly recommending it for its full character and well-thought-out design.
Dog Friendly
Positive comments emphasize the thoughtfulness of the hotel, where dogs receive plenty of attention, fuss and even treats, ensuring that pets feel as pampered as their owners. The staff's readiness to make the stay enjoyable for dogs stands out with many noting how the hotel made having a dog with them no hassle at all. The overall sentiment is clear: The Swan At Hay provides an inviting and pleasant experience for pets, making it a top choice for travelers who bring their dogs along.
No, The Swan At Hay doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Swan At Hay.
Yes, The Swan At Hay welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Swan At Hay.
No, The Swan At Hay doesn't have a gym.
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