The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell

9.0
Exceptional
(1759 reviews)

High St, Crickhowell NP8 1BW, United Kingdom

+44 1873 810408

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Hotel Description

The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell, located at High St, Crickhowell NP8 1BW, United Kingdom, is a charming and historically rich hotel that promises a delightful stay. Set within a former coaching inn dating back to 1432, this refined hotel is situated in the heart of Crickhowell, a scenic market town nestled in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Guests will enjoy the town's quaint charm, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, outdoor activities, and a rich history. The hotel’s design exudes a warm, rustic charm with oak beams, antique furniture, and an inviting atmosphere that transports guests to a bygone era, while providing modern amenities for a comfortable stay.
The hotel offers a selection of individually designed rooms and suites, each featuring unique touches such as oak beams, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms are even equipped with four-poster beds and whirlpool baths, adding an extra touch of luxury to the stay. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Bear Hotel offers a range of accommodations suitable for various needs. The rooms are known for their comfort and cozy ambiance, providing a relaxing environment after a day of exploration.
One of the highlights of this property is the complimentary cooked breakfast served in the hotel's elegant restaurant, where guests can enjoy a full English breakfast or lighter options in a peaceful setting. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, allowing guests to soak in the scenic beauty of Crickhowell while dining. For those seeking a more casual experience, the hotel’s warm bar features low beams, antique furnishings, and a crackling log fireplace, making it the perfect place to relax with a real ale or a fine single malt whisky.
A truly unique feature of the Bear Hotel is its dog-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their furry companions along to enjoy the beauty of Crickhowell. With horseback riding available nearby and plenty of scenic walks in the surrounding area, this is a perfect getaway for pet lovers. The hotel also offers room service, making it one of the few hotels in the area to do so.
Accessibility is another key advantage of staying at the Bear Hotel, with parking available on-site and several public transport options nearby. The hotel is just a 6-minute drive from Tretower Court and Castle, a historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the area’s past. Crickhowell Square, located only a minute’s walk from the hotel, is perfect for those wishing to explore the town’s local shops, cafes, and pubs. Furthermore, major transportation hubs such as Bristol Airport and Cardiff Airport are within an hour and a half’s drive, making travel to and from the hotel convenient for guests.
Guests can enjoy a range of activities and experiences during their stay, from hiking in the Black Mountains and Sugar Loaf, to exploring the area’s historical sites. Crickhowell is home to a variety of local attractions, such as the Big Pit National Coal Museum, where visitors can learn about the coal mining heritage of the area, and the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, which offers a mix of local and international art exhibits. Nature lovers can enjoy the nearby Black Mountains and Ysgyryd Fawr, known for their breathtaking views and hiking trails.
For dining options, guests can choose from a variety of nearby restaurants that cater to different tastes. The Dragon Inn Crickhowell, located just a minute away by taxi, offers a great dining experience in a traditional setting. The Vine Tree in Llangattock is another nearby option, serving delicious dishes in a charming atmosphere. For those craving Italian cuisine, Bella e Buona in Llangattock is just a short taxi ride away.
In conclusion, the Bear Hotel, Crickhowell, offers a unique blend of history, comfort, and exceptional service, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to experience the beauty and charm of Crickhowell. Whether you’re in town for a quiet retreat or to explore the natural beauty of the Brecon Beacons, the Bear Hotel provides everything you need for a memorable stay. Come and experience the warmth and hospitality of this historic hotel, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the surrounding countryside.

The Most Outstanding Trait

1. Featured in The best places to eat in the Brecon Beacons | Sugar & Loaf

2. Rooms have coffee makers and whirlpool baths in some suites

3. 6 min drive to Tretower Court and Castle

4. One of the few hotels in the area with room service

5. Guests praised the warm bar with real ales and single malt whiskies

6. Dog-friendly hotel, allowing pets to stay

7. Complimentary cooked breakfast served in an elegant restaurant

8. On-site parking available for convenience

9. Walking distance to Crickhowell Square and local shops

10. Close proximity to outdoor activities like horseback riding and hiking


8.4 Excellent

Location rating

Top sights

Big Pit National Coal Museum
24 min
Sugar Loaf, Monmouthshire
15 min
Black Mountains, Wales
34 min
Llys a Chastell Tre-tŵr / Tretower Court and Castle
6 min
Ysgyryd Fawr
24 min

Nearest locations

The Dragon Inn Crickhowell
1 min
Gourmet Wok Experience
1 min
The Vine Tree Llangattock
3 min
Anatolian Restaurant
14 min
Bella e Buona Italian Restaurant
19 min
The Mountain Air
20 min
The Top House
24 min
Tamarind Restaurant & Bar Tredegar
24 min
See more Interesting locations

Good to know

Check-in15:00
Check-out11:30
Location rating8.4
Nearest airportCardiff Airport
Travel time to airport1 hr 18 min

Nightly price (Only for reference price for sample day)

Check-in: Fri, Dec 06
Check-out: Sat, Dec 07
    Agoda

    $174

    Reserving

    $174

    Booking.com

    $174

    LateRooms.com

    $174

    Priceline

    $174

    Bluepillow.com

    $175


Location

High St, Crickhowell NP8 1BW, United Kingdom

Airports:

Bristol Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 24 min

Transit: 3 hr 1 min

Cardiff Airport

Taxi: 1 hr 18 min

Transit: 3 hr 22 min

Transit:

Crickhowell Square

Walking: 1 min

Crickhowell CP School

Walking: 7 min

Crickhowell Health Centre

Walking: 4 min

Elvicta Estate

Walking: 9 min


Nearby locations

8.4

Excellent Location

Set in a former coaching inn dating from 1432, this refined hotel in the town centre is 6.4 miles from Abergavenny Castle and Museum.

Top Attractions

Top Restaurants


Amenities and Facilities

Activities

Horseback riding

Accessibility

Not accessible

Accessible parking

Food & drink

Restaurant

Bar

Table service

Room service

Breakfast

Wellness

No fitness center

No spa

Pools

No pools

No hot tub

Rooms

No air conditioning

Coffee maker in some rooms

Parking & transportation

Parking

Services

Front desk

Housekeeping

Pets

Pet-friendly

Dogs allowed

Policies & payments

Smoke-free property

Credit cards

Debit cards

Cash

Checks

Business & events

Meeting rooms

Bathrooms

Private bathroom

Bathtub in some rooms

Shower in some rooms

Children

Kid-friendly

Internet

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi in public areas


Reviews

100% reviews from partners and customers booking on Dinogo

9.0

10 reviews

Wonderful
7
Excellent
1
Good
2
Below Average
0
Not Good
0
Cover Image for richard pike

richard pike

3/5
So a pub/hotel that’s been going for 600 yrs but still needs to understand what customers want.Sunday lunch @ £21 was tasty if a little parsimonious. Not much meat with one and a half small roast potatoes. The veg was excellent and flavoursome.Staff need to put a smile on it and be a little more welcoming. The place is very large but the atmosphere is dire.All in all if you want to pay £5+ for a beer and Sunday lunch for £50 for a couple then go here. I won’t be returning.

Cover Image for KoalaChloX

KoalaChloX

5/5
Lovely inn with amazing food and good beer. Beds were super comfy and the pillows were lovely and soft. Quiet at night.Rooms are a little dated but very quaint especially with all the flowers on the outside of the establishment.Right in the town and very near to the start of a number of walks including some along the river Usk which is stunning.Final point, why does the wardrobe look like it might ask me to be it's guest?

GT

Gary T

4/5
Rating would be average for the room. Comfy room was comfortable, but more plain and faded that the rooms featured on the website. Toiletries could do with an upgrade. Surely could have glasses rather than plastic disposable cups. …

Cover Image for emma watson

emma watson

5/5
Always have amazing food and we visit a lot. Range is extensive and service quick and efficient. Great choice of fish, meat and really tasty vegan food too. It’s certainly an experience with old school touches. Just don’t try eating lunch after 2:30pm as they reduce the menu guessing while some chefs have their well deserved break.

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Andrew Kemp

Andrew Kemp

5/5
Stayed in room 33 and honestly I couldn’t have expected the experience I did it was absolutely fantastic!!The rooms are spacious, squeaky clean and modern bathroom, all set within a quirky ancient pub with staircases and hallways that seem to go on forever and wind back on themselves, the food was absolutely amazing, breakfast was really good too, the staff were really friendly, for dinner we were waited by Heman who was a fantastic conversationalist and made me feel really welcome and gave the whole place such a warm and welcoming atmosphere!I’ve seen some reviews about bad staff experiences but I honestly think this is just down to sensitive affluent people used to being treated like royalty by staff in other places working under corporate chains.You will be treated very well here and the staff always served me with a smile and a chat! Even the people cleaning in the morning were pleasant and said good morning and I think that’s more than I could have asked for!And again, Thankyou so much Heman you made the dining experience spectacular! :)

Cover Image for Stephen Lewis

Stephen Lewis

3/5
We had Sunday lunch the roast potatoes weren't cooked enough but our server brought some more out which were really nice. We thought the deserts were vastly overpriced at £9 and £9.45 I don't think we go there again for Sunday lunch.

Service 4

Location4

Cover Image for Kathryn Hearn

Kathryn Hearn

5/5
Had a family meal here for six. We each had a different dish and they were all delicious. Service was quick and very efficient. Sadly we were too full for dessert. Excellent place

Cover Image for Jane Coppage

Jane Coppage

5/5
Twice visited for food and a couple of drinks during our long weekend away...Staff were really lovely and welcoming.. Great atmosphere and food was lovely and very reasonably priced.

Service 5

Location5

Cover Image for Ronan Thorn

Ronan Thorn

5/5
Restaurant visit only - Can't fault the attentiveness of the restaurant staff and the friendly nature. Welcoming for us and dog. Even accommodated the request for a sausage, presented in his own doggy bowl! Speedy food, piping hot and tasty. I had to force myself to have all 3 courses, just to round out the experience (and the waistline).

Cover Image for Daphne Sutton

Daphne Sutton

5/5
We went here for the Sunday roast and it was fantastic. Highly recommend if you are after a great roast dinner. Staff were lovely too. Worth travelling for!