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
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/