An interesting point of view from Kevin McCloud on the Celtic Manor Hotel – Celtic Manor is ‘huge monolith’. I must admit that when I first saw the newly built Celtic Manor resort it towered above the old Celtic Manor hotel and the M4 motorway. As time has gone by I guess that we have become used to it’s brooding presence. When you are within the hotel and it’s environs it feels like a pretty impressive place. Visually, I have to agree with Mr McCloud that it’s not that pretty, but as the venue of the 2010 Ryder Cup it’s impressive.
places to stay
Fairy Hill Hotel, Gower
![Port Eynon, Gower](http://www.south-wales.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/dsc_2208-150x150.jpg)
Quite an interesting review of the Fairy Hill Hotel and Restaurant near Reynoldston on the Gower from late last year.
It’s a couple of years since we last had a meal there and we thought the same, good but not mind-blowing. The restaurant has a huge reputation and I guess that it’s always hard to live up to expectations.
The Foxhunter sounds like it’s worth a visit though.
We found that the beach at nearby Port Eynon is a good place to walk off your meal afterwards!
Bar Meal in the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge
A few days ago I met up with some old school friends from Cowbridge in the Bear Hotel in Cowbridge. I was early and had missed the earlier opportunity of a free meal in Cardiff so I decided to go for a bar meal while I waited for my friends. I decided to go for the Cajun Salmon from the daily specials menu. The meal was excellent – the salmon was cooked to perfection and the Cajun spices and sauce wasn’t too over the top. The meal cost close to £9. With a couple of pints of the Bear’s special real ale the evening went down a treat!!! Not so sure about the friends though. 🙂
Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel Bridgend
If you’re looking for a hotel in South Wales I can thoroughly recommend the “Coed” near Bridgend. It’s run by a friend of mine so I’m a little biased, but it’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for a little comfort and piece and quiet.
It’s a country house hotel with 28 rooms in a great location – in the countryside but only 5 minutes from Bridgend and 5 minutes from the M4 motorway. It’s great for morning coffee as well – it feels quite luxurious sitting in the lounge area in the comfy chairs. A lot of my friends and colleagues rave about the place so don’t just take my word for it!
Have a look at their website for more information – http://www.coed-y-mwstwr.com/