Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
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Snowdonia self catering accommodation, independent reviews
 Reviewed 1 Jun 2008 by Julia Hadley |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The view from the house was outstanding, seeing it every day was even better. It must have been the best view from a holiday cottage I have ever seen! I will always remember it. Also I thought the Ffestinog Railway was very exciting. I was allowed to take my dog on it and she loved it, she was sticking her head out the window and it was really funny. We only stopped halfway at TanYBwlch. It was brilliant for woodland walks as it was very peaceful and quiet.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The track down to the cottage is quite steep so the people stopping at it would need to be fit and able. Try and come when there is dry, sunny weather so you can enjoy the view more and sit outside.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. It was beneficial for local people because we got our supplies for the holiday in Llanberis such as food, equipment and fuel. We also went to local attractions such as the slate museum and the quarry hospital museum. It was also good for the environment because we didn't need to use the car as much because the walks, attractions were near by: such as the lake walk. You don't need to use the car at all because you start from the cottage.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was excellent. All attractions we went to were dog friendly, even the museums which was brilliant. It was also very peaceful as it was away from busy roads. The garden was beautiful; I enjoyed watching the birds on the birdfeeder. The holiday was just amazing everything was perfect! I will go again!
| Reviewed 6 Jun 2008 by Mark Walker | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of our holiday was when we set eyes on the cottage we had booked! Brilliant! ...and then we saw the view!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
My tips for travellers in this area would be plan well! There is a lot to see and do, some off the best things you will find in local brochures signs!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I think locals benefit from tourist spending for sure! And I cant see that we or anyone else visiting those areas have any affect on the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Brilliant! Didn’t want to leave! Can’t wait to go back!
| Reviewed 19 Aug 2009 by Helen Fothergill | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Eating lunch on the top of Mount Snowdon, and having breakfast looking out at the incredible view every morning was magical. We also got talking to the guard on the train on the way back down and he was fascinating and full of tales - Steve I think he was called - top bloke!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Buy plenty of bird food! - we had so many feathered visitors, a grouse and squirrel also came every day to say hello. Follow the signs around the lake, the quarry hospital is a good place to look round and free. Take your camera - we tried all week to get a shot of the Jay that came to feed but it eluded us. Pete's Eats in Llandberis has big portions and made to feel welcome.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We shopped and ate locally so yes in some ways. Our recycling bin was full when we got there and didn't get emptied so we had to bring it home with us. The electric meter highlights your energy use and we didn't even use £10 the whole week!
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic, magical, quaint little cottage. We did not want to leave and wish we had booked 2 weeks.
| Reviewed 29 Jul 2009 by Linda Precious | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The views from the cottage, the abundance of wildlife and unusual birds including the Nuthatch, Bullfinch, Jay, and the more usual birds, tits, chaffinches, robins, magpies along with their babies. The walk around the lake (5 miles) was beautiful, follow the white way markers (turn right at the top of the path), but deviate onto the yellow ones to find the wonderful waterfall where there was a heron fishing for his supper. One good thing about the rain is that it makes the waterfalls that much more splendid.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack light, the path is hard going if you are carrying suitcases. Having said that, it's worth the effort for the amazing views from the cottage. There are a lot of things to do in Llanberis but I would suggest a trip to Anglesey, South Stack particularly if you are interested in nature, and Beaumaris for a boat trip.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We used local shops and recycled where we could.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent, the cottage was very comfortable. I would go again but my mother (83) did have a struggle with the path.
| Reviewed 6 Jul 2009 by Anna White | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The view without a doubt... and also having a whole week with just my husband and gorgeous baby boy! The view was stunning and the huge window and door out of the lounge means that you get a great view over Lake Padarn and Snowdon. It was also fantastic being in such a secluded spot - the walk up/down the steep path was worth it to be in such a private spot. We also had AMAZING weather so this was a real highlight too!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Despite having great weather, the cottage felt and smelt damp at times - you'll need to have the heating on to dry it out. - although this was a down point the good points by far outweighed this. We actually drove the car down the drive to pack up at the end of the holiday which saved on carrying everything up the v steep hill. The cottage is well equipped with crockery, kitchen utensils, cleaning stuff etc, although remember that there isn't a washing machine. Don't pay too much attention to the weather forecasts - we had thunder, lightening and flash flooding forecast and barely had a drop of rain - the weather is so localised, and even if the valley is experiencing bad weather, the next valley or the coast will often be better. The lay out of the bedrooms mean that you have to go through the twin room to get to the double. This wasn't a problem for us as there was only us and our baby, but would potentially be problematic for larger groups.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
To a small extent yes - we shopped locally, and paid to visit local attractions, but the cottage owner could do better to provide recycling facilities.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fantastic! We had a great week - many thanks to the weather which meant we could do long walks and be out and about. We sat out in the evening to eat when our baby was in bed and enjoyed the amazing views. A great week and we'd love to go back again.
| Reviewed 11 May 2009 by Bill Edwards | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Obviously the position of the cottage, its seclusion, and the view.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t worry about the hill, its not as bad as you think and its very good exercise.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This is the ideal place to wind down and get away from it all. Wonderful.
| Reviewed 10 Apr 2009 by Alison Sauvain | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being in the mountains - fantastic location of the cottage, and access to the most beautiful coasts, mountains and monuments anywhere in the world. Discovering we could all get to the top of the climbing wall at the local centre (even stricken with vertigo!) - and get down again!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't let changeable weather stop you from enjoying everything the area has to offer!! When it's blowy and wet in Fachwen it may not be on the coast (or even in Llanberis!) The climbing shops have detailed 3 day forecasts. Take plenty of £1 coins for the electricity meter - and particularly at this time of year - make sure you put all heaters in the cottage on for a reasonable length of time. (The cottage is as damp as you would expect of a partially inhabited, 200 year old cottage half way up a mountain in one of the wettest parts of the country - but this shouldn't put you off going there in any way). If you have children accept they may not want to climb mountains every day - there's a fantastic play centre in Caernarfon - with a couple of slides big (scary!) enough to be fun even for adults... (it was recommended to us by 19 yr.old climbing instructor.) Our children enjoyed Greenwood Forest Park too. They also wanted to go canoeing, pony trekking, pottery painting, to the high ropes centre, do more climbing... but a week and our budget could only be stretched so far! If you're interested in castles/monuments consider joining CADW (Heritage in Wales) - membership costs around £50-60 pa for family (ie 2 adults and lots of children) and in the first year gives half price admission to English Heritage/Historic Scotland sites too. In subsequent years these are free too so its better value in the long run than English Heritage which costs more to join in the first place. You can also have short (week/3 day memberships). The path down to the cottage is steep (though now partially concreted) - either pack light, leave boots etc. in car at the top or take a trolley if you feel the need to take your own kitchen sink. (Though you shouldn't need to!) There's a hairdryer, iron etc. at the cottage but no flasks/butty boxes (we took a hair dryer but left flasks at home - sod's law!) Plenty of cards/games/reading material there too. Don't forget your camera. Take waterproofs/boots. Have fun!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Not as much as we would have liked. We shopped locally and visited local attractions, however we did use the car most days. It was a car journey to the recycling centre in the car park by Dolbadarn Castle - we could have walked there in about 40 minutes, but didn't fancy carrying our rubbish all that way, and it didn't take plastic (only cans, paper and bottles). There was only a waste collection from the roadside (unless we were particularly unobservant - please put us right if so!) The cottage is heated by rather inefficient electric heaters which were very thirsty - although the open fire in the sitting room was more sustainable. Maybe in summer it would be more efficient as the need to heat the cottage would be less?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a fantastic time, and loved being in such a beautiful part of Wales. All of us are relaxed, rested and even a bit fitter than when we left home a week ago. The location of the cottage is stunning and the garden beautiful. A great holiday - thank you Rosie!
| Reviewed 1 Nov 2008 by Jane Fenton | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It snowed, and the already amazing views became breathtaking. We set off up the Llanberis Path, and even though we turned back about 3/4 of the way up, it was such a beautiful day and we met such lovely people, and the snow made everything so magical, that it really didn't matter.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be aware that the double bedroom leads off the twin one - it affected the dynamic of our group in that we had to change sleeping plans. Make sure you have suitable gear to allow for all weather and don't sit around talking about it - get out there.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. Having been made aware of the 'responsible' element, we made every effort to shop locally, recycled as much as we possibly could and looked at what we did with a critical eye.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
In terms of the place, absolutely brilliant. I would perhaps choose different people to go with next time!! Make that 'will' as I do intend to return.
| Reviewed 26 Mar 2008 by Helen Baird | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The breathtaking views and scenery around the cottage.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take lots of out door clothes!!
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes all the little local shops were fab and we really felt our custom was valued.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really fab little cottage - with everything you need and brilliant views from the living room and a great base for exploring the area.
| Reviewed 12 Feb 2008 by Fleur Ketley | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Climbing Snowdon in glorious sunshine, sitting on the terrace in the evening and enjoying the lights of Llanberis mirrored in the lake, being able to walk straight from the cottage and enjoy spectacular scenery without car travel.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Everything you need is in Llanberis, no need to travel further afield for necessities. The large cafe 'Pete's Eats' is a warm and friendly place, serving hunky proportions of good fodder and excellent coffee (he told us he 'fiddled' with the coffee/ water ratio in the machine! Its certainly not a greasy spoon and even has a book swap corner! The tourist information centre chap was really informative and helpful (middle of Llanberis). The nearby Snowdon pub (hotel) allows dogs (always a bonus!) and the whole area is very dog friendly. There is a steep walk to and from the cottage, but it makes the place feel even more secretive and charming.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We shopped and ate locally. I don't think Ive ever seen so many small buses tootling around, so there is obviously a very good transport service. Buses were picking up/ dropping off at the main Snowdon routes, so no need to even drive that far.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - The cottage itself does not exude decadence, it is simply furnished but very comfortable and has lovely views. If you need a break from the daily grind and enjoy simple living, fresh air and exercise, this is just up your street. On the other hand, I'm tempted to put everyone off so that I can spend more time there myself.....
| Reviewed 15 Dec 2007 by Emily Hasler | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking up and down the hill everyday - most exercise I've done since I left school!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is the perfect location for a retreat, not a sociable holiday. My friend and I used the time to relax, read and write.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. We travelled by train and taxi and walked to the shop in the nearest town which was a few miles.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Awesome.
| Reviewed 27 Nov 2007 by Jenny Hamlin | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The cottage was absolutely lovely, a real gem set in the foothills of Snowdon with a magnificent view of Snowdon itself. The fact that the cottage was so comfortable added enormous value to the holiday as a whole.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To make use of the wonderful log fire in the cottage; to have coffee on the veranda overlooking Lake Padarn and Snowdon; to take a walk through the surrounding countryside on one of the many trails. Future visitors should be aware that there are no local shops in walking distance but plenty of amenities in Llanberis itself to stock up on food etc. and also to note that the cottage itself is located about 100yrds from the road down a slope which is only accessible by foot (although there is a parking space on the main road).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I would like to think that staying in Snowdonia did benefit the local tourism industry. The many walks around the cottage and Llanberis minimised the need for a car and there is sufficient public transport available to the major visitor attractions in Snowdonia.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall, the holiday was excellent value for money, set in a fantastic location with stunning views and wonderful countryside.
| Reviewed 7 Aug 2007 by Katy Evans | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Eating breakfast on the patio, with a wonderful view of Snowden and the lake.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The only tip I would give for other travellers is to wear sturdy shoes for the walk to and from the cottage as it is quite steep.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We spent most of our time seeing the sights of Llanberis, we ate in the village and shopped there.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
My family and I had a great time, we live in the city so the children loved being out in the wilds of Wales, we will definitely return to Llanberis and use the cottage again.
| Reviewed 27 Jun 2007 by Vicki Penny | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Climbing Mount Snowdon
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go ahead and book it, you'll love it
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
10/10 Can't wait to go back
| Reviewed 4 Jun 2007 by Jan Maskell | |
What a fabulous week. Watching Snowdon from the sitting room (and bedroom) window - seeing it change from sun to mist and through the rainbow of colours! Walking to it, up it, down it - fantastic. Even my 14 year old daughter was heard to say the walks were 'ok'.
The cottage was so right for us - just the right size with all we needed. The walk on the slope to and from the road to the cottage was worth it every time. I would recommend this as a real break to forget about the routine between holidays!
The cottage was so right for us - just the right size with all we needed. The walk on the slope to and from the road to the cottage was worth it every time. I would recommend this as a real break to forget about the routine between holidays!
| Reviewed 4 Nov 2006 by Kathryn Quinn | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Most memorable part - getting two children to the top of Snowdon on a lovely clear crisp day. Their favourite part was preparing and tending to the open fire in the cottage. There was also a wonderful feeling of contentment upon reaching the idyllic cottage with its breathtaking views after a long car journey.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Tips for other travellers - stock up at M&S in Bangor for a treat! Otherwise, eat at Pete's Eats in Llanberis - enormous varied menu, good value and child-friendly. We thought other visitors had exaggerated the difficulty of negotiating the track to the cottage but it is very steep so it's sensible to take a torch if the return journey will be in the dark (there's a good one provided in the cottage).
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Benefit to local people - there are good paths from the cottage so we tried to avoid using the car. We shopped in farm shops and ate locally. We recycled much of our rubbish by burning it on the fire in the cottage.
4. Any other comments?
We had a relaxing time in Snowdonia, definitely 4 stars. Hope this is useful. We loved the cottage and would definitely recommend it to others, especially as a child-friendly option.
| Reviewed 25 Aug 2006 by Matthew Saunders | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Adults - Tranquillity of the location, spectacular mountain views, local history, great beaches & Edward the 1st's Castles Kids - Steam trains, Greenwood Forest Park, Beaches, Castles & "our" house!
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure you have a good pair of walking boots, as the journey from the road to the cottage can be challenging (but rewarding) If you have young kids & plan to eat out in the evening, do some research before you go, as options are limited after the cafes close (6pm ish) - there was one in nearby Beddgelert (Glandwr Cafe) that was superb.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we travelled relatively little by car, enjoyed many of the local attractions, bought from local shops & ate in local restaurants.
4. Any other comments?
Would recommend the cottage highly, particularly to artists & poets looking for tranquillity & inspiration & city workers needing a change! The only caveat is that the walk from the road to the cottage should not be taken lightly (particularly in the wet) & might be very challenging for those who are not in reasonably good physical health. That said, once you were there, you'd probably feel it was worth it!
| Reviewed 1 Jul 2006 by Jacqui Baker | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Discovering beautiful little walks and trails around Snowdonia and Anglesey as well as having picnic breakfasts in the cottage's garden every morning.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I underestimated how much there was to do in Wales and only booked our holiday for 4 days - we could easily have spent a very happy week there.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
I think my visit was of benefit to the local community but without knowing anything about local revenue distribution or, for instance, how many people of Llanberis own the local shops, I find it difficult to answer this question. I don't think that we did harm to the local environment. Having visited the local slate museum and learnt about the quarry, I do feel like I know more about an area and people's lives in it.
| Reviewed 26 Jun 2006 by Leena Mooneeram | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting to the top of Tryfan despite a fear of heights & exposure.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Not a great place if you want to step out of your door and be in the centre of things. Perfect if you like being in a secluded environment with a view of Snowdon to die for and love the thought of not being able to drive right up to the door.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes. It's self catering so you buy in the local shops & patronise local pubs and eateries.
4. Any other comments?
**** (4 stars definitely) I'm certainly going back
| Reviewed 17 May 2009 by Lesley Ramplin | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The spectacular scenery and walks available within a 15 mile radius of the cottage. Many accessible from the cottage itself. As well as the peaks and scrambles there are many rewarding and beautiful walks taking in old broadleaf woodland which were covered in carpets of bluebells.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The view from the cottage is probably the best to be had of Lake Padarn and the Snowden range. First glimpse from the cottage takes your breath away. The garden and terrace around the cottage are delightful and the solitude is well worth the steep access. However the amenities in the cottage are very basic and the cottage feels cold and damp despite electric heaters and open fire, especially in the double bedroom which also has an unpleasant odour presumably due to the damp.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, because there was so much walking available within a short radius there was little need to drive far. Llanberis also had enough amenities to sustain us throughout our holiday, shopping, eating out and tourist attractions.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We really enjoyed our time in Snowdonia, it is our 4th visit to this area and still we do not feel we have explored it sufficiently and will visit again. However the basic standard of the cottage was disappointing despite its location and solitude.
Read the operator's response here:
Other guests have found everything they want in the cottage, as can be seen from the reviews. I'm sorry that this guest was disappointed. It's not a 5 star hotel and the price reflects this, but most guests find it comfortable and well equipped. I have never found any unpleasant odours, and I have a good nose!| Reviewed 20 Jun 2007 by Lisa Green | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Exploring the beautiful scenery and breathtaking views
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ensure you travel light! The cottage was very well equipped. It had fantastic panoramic views of Snowdon National Park. We took too much gear with us and 5 trips from the road to the cottage. This proved very tiring due to the extremely steep slope down from the car to the cottage. It was a little prohibitive, and quite a challenge to the most fit and healthy person.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
We used local shops and restaurants. Found Llanberris to have basic amenities and rather run down pubs. Preferred to travel into surrounding towns for improved choice of bars, restaurants and shops.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Lovely retreat, very private with great views of the lake and mountains. Challenging walks in the surrounding area with plenty of watering holes along the way to grab a coffee or beer.
| Reviewed 12 Jul 2008 by Tom Knight | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Rained the whole time, so outdoor stuff was difficult and the Snowdon train was only going up halfway (and not letting people off) because of high winds. Indoor things to do were lowest common denominator (karting, tacky so-called 'galleries' selling cheesy crafts and amateur pottery). Food was abominable in the local villages with a complete lack of acceptable eating out. Needed to drive to Caernarfon or Bangor for any half-decent restaurants and even then, what we found was pretty so-so. Not a destination for the gourmet. We live in a touristy area (the Mendips) and have our fair share of pubs and hotels that serve lazy slop to grockles, but in a whole week we didn't find a single decent place to eat. Shocking actually. Can there really be no demand for decent food?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
House was rather damp so bring lots of dry clothes and £1 coins for the electric meter. Also the steep 150m climb to and from the car parking space (not 100m as advertised) meant you needed to be very fit. Any younger than my 9 and 11 year olds would have struggled a bit I think.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Not particularly, a 5h drive each way from Somerset felt equivalent to a short-haul flight in terms of environmental impact and it's impossible to get to this place by any sort of public transport. I can't emphasise how shoddy the overpriced cafeteria and pub grub was, while I can't say I found the locals very engaging or sympathetic at all.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Awful. On the odd few moments the weather cleared, the view of some of Snowdon and the lake was pleasant (we never saw the whole hill due to constant low cloud) but that didn't make up for a damp, hungry, rather boring and altogether fairly miserable week. Sunshine, some warmth and a good airing might change this place but in the wet, it was just grim. Back to Austria or Italy next time for us, I think.