If you have read my previous reviews about Village Hotels around the country, you will already be aware that by signing up to receive their newsletters, you will be the lucky recipients of some great, cheap deals and offers, for stays throughout the year.
By taking advantage of them, I have visited parts of the country I have never been to before and have discovered some very interesting experiences and attractions I would never have thought of. You could too.
My latest break was over a few nights to Swansea in South Wales.
This hotel is one of the older hotels in the group and is not one of the ‘black-glass box’, all-singing, all-dancing, technologically advanced and ultra modern hotels that are springing up around the country. I think Bristol is the latest to open soon, with bookings already being taken. These hotels are super-modern with so much technology in the rooms – see my review of “Village Hotel Portsmouth.”:https://www.silvertraveladvisor.com/review/accommodation/190657-review-village-hotel-portsmouth
Sitting by the old docks on the fringe of the city centre, and close to new marinas, the Swansea hotel is in a redevelopment area and though there are dock and Swansea Bay views from the upper floors, there are currently three storey blocks being built between the hotel and the waterfront.
A small extra fee will secure you a Club Room on the upper floors, which is what we did. Ask for a waterfront room.
Our room was spacious and well decorated. The double bed was very comfortable and there was ample space in the room for a sofa, coffee table, large desk and a double wardrobe.
The very large, flat screen tv also had Sky channels.
Our bathroom was large and airy and had an over-bath shower. There were lovely, fluffy towels and the toiletries were by Espa.
A Bosch coffee pod machine and hot water kettle was also provided, as were two bottles of mineral water and fresh pods daily.
Room service was immaculate and all the staff we encountered were very friendly.
Our all-you-can-eat breakfast was taken in the Vinny and Vito Italian restaurant on the ground floor. Everything you would expect was here. Tea, coffee, juices, fresh fruit, yoghurts, cereals and a decent choice of full English cooked breakfast items from the buffet as well as toast and pastries.
Evening meals can be taken here too with starters from £6 – £8 and mains at £18 – £29, a little expensive I thought.
Bar meals at more down to earth prices are available in the sports pub, where you can watch as much sport and news as you like on the very large tv screens around the bar.
As is usual with Village Hotels, there is a ground floor branch of Starbucks, whilst the superb gym and swimming facilities are just tremendous. The large pool has a whirlpool and at the side, a steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi.
This hotel has a large, free car park whilst it is a flat and easy five minute walk to the new marinas which have lots of cafes, restaurants and bars. The city centre is a further ten minute walk in the same direction.
Of the local attractions, we were very impressed with the Meridian Tower at one end of the marina. We made good use of the 29th floor Skybar and the 28th floor Grape and Olive restaurant. Both have spectacular views over the marina or Swansea Bay.
The prices here were surprisingly low for such good quality food in special surroundings. Even the beer was cheap and good, with Brain’s Stout a favourite.
It would be easy to pay double and more at similar locations elsewhere in the UK and I highly recommend it.
(Tip – pick up a card at the Skybar from the bar-top, fill it in and hand it over to receive a free bottle of Peroni.)
The seaside village of Mumbles is within walking distance and has a number of pubs, cafes and restaurants worthy of a visit. The Pilot Pub has a micro brewery.
The Gower Peninsula is nearby with many places to visit. It is verdant and has several excellent beaches. Very picturesque were Three Cliffs Bay, Rhossili beach and Worm Head.
Further afield (50 miles) is the beautiful walled town of Tenby which has wide, sandy beaches and colourful seaside houses around the harbour. Great for a wander around, as is the small headland and lifeboat station.
Saundersfoot, just along the bay, also has a terrific beach.
Thanks to Village Hotels, all this is now a happy memory in a part of the country previously unknown to us. Give it a go, become one of the Village People.
For more information go to https://www.village-hotels.co.uk/hotels/swansea
