Bear Crickhowell, Crickhowell
About the Hotel
The Bear at Crickhowell is a historic coaching inn with over 600 years of tradition. Nestled in the scenic Usk Valley, it offers a blend of unique character and modern hospitality. It is renowned for its locally sourced dining and outdoor activities in the surrounding Brecon Beacons. The hotel has been family-run by the Hindmarsh family for over 40 years, extending a warm welcome to every guest.
Location
Situated in Crickhowell, the hotel is conveniently located near major roads, providing easy access to Cardiff and other cities in South Wales. The picturesque market town features independent shops and the historic stone bridge over the River Usk. Abergavenny, just 9.5 km away, offers rail connections to larger cities.
Rooms
The Bear features 35 uniquely decorated rooms, each designed with locally inspired artwork. Guests can expect comfortable bedding, spacious layouts, and high-quality shower facilities in the bathrooms. Amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities, ensuring a homely experience during their stay.
Eat & Drink
Dining at The Bear emphasizes locally sourced ingredients with options to please every palate. The menu features traditional Welsh dishes and contemporary British cuisine, complemented by a fully stocked bar with a wide range of beverages. Breakfast offers a buffet of cereals and fruits alongside hot options, including the full Welsh breakfast.
Leisure & Business
Leisure opportunities abound with top-notch hill walking in the Brecon Beacons, often starting from the hotel. The grounds feature a beautiful garden and seating areas for relaxation. Business facilities include meeting spaces and accommodation suitable for gatherings, catering to both leisure and work needs.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Hiking
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Pet amenities available
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
Room features
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel is conveniently situated at the front of the building, just a staircase away from the entrance. While the room was small and showed signs of wear, it was acceptable. However, being so close to the road made it prone to traffic noise. The service was outstanding, with staff appearing genuinely happy and helpful throughout my stay. The central location in Crickhowell, within the Brecon National Park, made it a prime choice for exploring the area, although some areas felt a bit outdated.
The hotel had a mix of positives and negatives. The rooms were modern and well-appointed despite being a bit poky, and the service was efficient and friendly. The location was ideal for exploring local shops and sights, but noise was an issue in certain areas. The dining experience was enjoyable with a variety of choices, and overall, the hotel offered good value for money.
I couldn't have been more pleased with my stay at this hotel. The rooms were immaculate, and the food was excellent, truly on par with some of the best hotels in the UK. We made the mistake of dining at a higher-rated hotel nearby one evening, but the delicious, fresh, and perfectly cooked dishes here won us over. The accommodation was spotless and incredibly comfortable, just what we needed after spending four nights in a tent.
Staying at this hotel was a mixed experience. The rooms were really comfortable and very clean, but unfortunately, the noise from the through traffic, especially at night, was a significant downside. The service was decent, but there were some lapses in attentiveness. The location in the center of the attractive town was great for exploring on foot, yet it could get too crowded, affecting relaxation. The dining was a blend of high quality and slight disappointments. Overall, a stay with its ups and downs.