Hay-on-Wye
The Swan at Hay Hotel
Travelzoo Staff
Why We Love It
- This Georgian hotel is a former coaching inn on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park in Hay-on-Wye
- The hotel has two AA Rosettes and serves local and seasonal cuisine; even the crockery is from a local craft store
- You can enjoy scenic walks, discover antique treasures and then head back to the hotel and cwtch up in a corner, with your nose in a good book
Map & Directions
Rooms & Rates
Overview
The Swan at Hay, part of the Interesting Hotels group, is in Hay-on-Wye, famous for its book shops, cafés, antiques and bric-a-brac shops. It is also home to the Hay Festival of Literature & Arts, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The property, one of the oldest pubs in Hay, is a former coaching inn, built in 1812. Today it combines modern décor with olde-worlde features, having recently undergone a £2-million refurbishment.
The AA awards the hotel two Rosettes, praising the "innovative menu showcasing the talents of the chef and his team". There is a choice of dining options including the 1812 Restaurant, the Market Bar and the Garden Room.
Previous guests who have bedded down here include poet Seamus Heaney, Hollywood star Kathleen Turner and comedian Johnny Vegas.
Hay Castle, a medieval fortification and 17th-century mansion house, is less than five minutes' walk away. The River Wye, which runs through Hay-on-Wye, is great for canoeing and kayaking.
Offa's Dyke Path, Britain's longest ancient monument, is 10 minutes' walk away and follows the border between England and Wales. The route runs along the ridge of the Black Mountains, passes through Hay and continues towards Kington. There are lots of watering holes and tea rooms along the way.
Crickhowell, a picturesque town nestled in the Usk Valley, is approximately 30 minutes' drive away. Abergavenny, a market town in Monmouthshire, is 40 minutes' drive away. This food mecca has an annual autumn food festival as well as regular food and craft markets.
From the press:
- "The Swan at Hay is housed in an elegant listed Georgian building, with spacious public rooms and a good restaurant" -- The Daily Telegraph
Amenities
Policies
Have a Question? Contact Travelzoo.
- 1-877-966-0000 U.S. and Canada (toll-free)
- +44 (0) 20 3564 9000 U.K. and Europe
- Email Us
Customer Service available Mon-Sun, 9am-12 midnight ET
Rates may vary by date, are subject to availability and are not guaranteed until your purchase is complete.
The room rates listed are for double occupancy per room unless otherwise stated and exclude tax recovery charges and service fees.
It is the responsibility of the hotel chain and/or the individual property to ensure the accuracy of the photos displayed. Travelzoo is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the photos.
*Unless otherwise stated, Travelzoo-exclusive extras are valid once per stay (based on two adults sharing). Value is an estimate based on double occupancy. Extras are only included with Member Rates and may not be available on all dates. Extras are non-transferable and have no cash value. Total value may vary depending on time of booking and availability. When included, breakfast may be limited to 2 guests per stay subject to hotel’s discretion. Other restrictions may apply; see our T&Cs for details.
Enjoyed This
(18 Member Ratings)
(18 Member Ratings)
Enjoyed Most
Excellent food and charming staff
Other Comments
The hotel policy on pets needs to be established, clarified and disseminated
Haydn
Mar 22, 2018
Llanellil, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Cont position. Good breakfast.
Other Comments
Small adjustments to Room would be welcome, i.e. hook on bathroom door,bin in bathroom, complimentary water. Room and bed on small side. On arrival were told they could not find our booking but it was soon rectified.
Michael
Mar 17, 2018
Looe, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
A wonderful place to stay
Other Comments
The Swan is an outstanding place to stay in the heart of Hay. The room was spotlessly clean, well-appointed and spacious, with exceptional facilities. Dinner was excellent value for money, being a very tasty, well-presented three courses, and wine was reasonably priced. The breakfast menu was one of the best we had seen.
All members of staff were very pleasant, helpful & courteous.
To be recommended without hesitation.
TIMOTHY
Feb 20, 2018
Llanelli, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
We liked the laid back atmosphere, the staff were very friendly and willing to help. The restaurant menu was a little limited but the food was cooked and presented very nicely.
Other Comments
There was confusion over the booking but this was resolved quickly and professionally. The staff were excellent albeit a little unorganised during Saturday breakfast but the rest of the weekend was very good
Alan
Feb 26, 2018
Crickhowell, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Staff were very friendly. Lovely choice of food and well presented.
Other Comments
Ask for a first floor room if you have mobility problems as there is no lift. Whole hotel was spotless...well positioned for visiting the town. Would go back again.
Phillip
Mar 12, 2018
Llanelli, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Comfortable rooms, great service, fantastic breakfast
Other Comments
The travelzoo description of the dinner deal was misleading as it states scallops and fillet is available for a supplement, however these are not available and the menu is very limited.
Julia
Feb 19, 2018
Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
Welsh Black steak enjoyed at dinner! Breakfast a leisurely affair.
Other Comments
Upon arrival the manager had no info. from Travelzoo regarding our booking. However not to disappoint us we were upgraded to a superior room at no extra charge. We were very happy both with reception and restaurant service.
John
Feb 04, 2018
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Enjoyed Most
The food was outstanding
Other Comments
The staff were extremely helpful and attentive
Jane
Feb 19, 2018
Buckley, United Kingdom
