Warning this is a picture heavy post. If you follow me on twitter you will know that last week I booked a few days away in The Manor Hotel in Crickhowell as a surprise for my mums birthday.
The Manor is in a gorgeous valley and has the most amazing views. Sitting in the garden with a cold pint or glass of wine (we did both) you can look out across the mountains. The view from our room was just as spectacular as we had 2 big windows so could see across the mountains and look over the pretty garden.
The Manor Hotel has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gym. I found the facilities did let them down a bit as they seemed to be a bit of an after thought and they were a bit small due to limited space. They looked tired which made them look dirty but I don't think they were.
The hotel itself is gorgeous and has tons of character. The only downside is it is not accessible at all. As it is a listed building they can't put a lift in and there are steps everywhere you look which is a shame.
Their website also has a late availability section where you can get rooms a bit cheaper, however if you want to stay on a weekend you will have to book in advance as they are very popular for weddings
Our room was the first 3 windows from the left. The only downside to this room was that it got really hot so we kinda roasted in the night.
We had the Good Twin room and it was nice and spacious. The beds were a tad soft for my fussy spine but the rooms were nice and quiet.
As you can see the views from our window were pretty impressive and the garden was lovely to sit and relax in.
Onto the food. I was quite disappointed in the breakfast. I had a cooked breakfast the first morning and didn't really enjoy. The sausage was mushy and the scrambled egg tasted odd and was also a tad mushy. I had porridge the next morning and it was really gloopy so I had a danish instead which was pretty delicious but overall I think their breakfast needs improvement.
On the first day we had separate sandwiches and scones and these were delicious. The coleslaw was amazing and the scones were still warm and so so good.
On the second day we had a full afternoon tea and it was so good. There was beef and horseradish sandwiches carrot cake, scones, brownie and a chocolate cake I think. All of it was delicious and I was so full after.
We only had one evening meal in The Manor but it was very good. I had a tomato and mozerella salad for starter and it was okay it just needed something with a bit of crunch to go with it.
My mum had asparagus and poached egg and I tried some and oh my god this was delicious although the chef needs a little lesson on poaching eggs as the yolk was solid.
I had steak as I really can't say no to steak. It was cooked so well and tasted amazing. The onion rings were crispy and delicious and I refused to share them. I forgot to take a picture of the chips before I scoffed them but they were chunky, fluffy and heavenly.
My mum went for the pie of the day which was steak which I also tried (had to for the blog obviously) and this was also really good. We were so full after finishing we could barely move.
If you are looking for a relaxing spa break like we were then I'm not sure if this is the hotel for you as the facilities are a bit of a let down.
However if you are looking for a relaxing stay in a gorgeous hotel with picturesque surroundings, good food and a pretty town nearby then this is definitely the hotel for you.
Beth...x
