The 16th century Cornerstones B&B overlooks the River Dee in Wales

Located on a side street in the quite Welsh market town of Llangollen, the Cornerstones B&B has the ambiance of the 1500s with all the modern conveniences of today. The Cornerstones is a collection of three 16th century houses with a commanding view of the River Dee. With only five rooms demand is high. Choose between the River and Oak rooms that offer a lounge and inglenook breakfast room or the ground floor suite overlooking the river, or one of the luxury rooms that were once part of the Red Lion Inn during the old coaching days sporting a working fireplace to keep off chill during cooler months. The suite has a double bedroom and living room with its own front door for complete privacy. All accommodations display original features such as beamed ceilings and wooden floors. However, guest can enjoy the TV with DVD player, chilled libations from the mini fridge, complimentary tea and coffee with cakes and biscuits. Complimentary parking is offered in local parking lots and the bus stop is just a few steps away. The train station is also in the center of the village.

After a hearty Welsh breakfast of locally sourced products explore the town. Walk up the hill to the wharf and enjoy a ferry boat ride. Several trips on the narrow canal boats are offered including ones that are motorized or horse drawn. Or visit Plas Newydd, home to the Ladies of Llangollen who became celebrated throughout Regency Society. For more information check www.cornerstones-guesthouse.co.uk.

When in Wales stay in the romantic Ruthin Castle

There is nothing more romantic than staying in a castle. Ruthin Castle Hotel started out as a wooden fort in 1277 and over the years was changed and added to becoming the large fort-like castle of today. According to legend, King Arthur disguised himself for a romantic liaison with his mistress at Ruthin. He was discovered and exposed by an old adversary. Arthur had him executed on a stone block that is now on display in the town square. The romantic legends associated with the castle are many including one about the Grey Lady, the ghost of whom can sometimes be seen roaming the battlements. It seems she axed to death the girl her husband was having an affair with and the humiliated wife was executed.

Each accommodation is uniquely designed for comfort without losing the character of the castle. In the evening have a cocktail in the wood-paneled Library Bar. Enjoy a gourmet dinner in Bertie’s Restaurant named for King Edward VII who was a frequent guest of the castle. After dinner the gardens are a quiet place to wander while wondering who else strolled the paths and what liaisons took place with only the proud peacocks watching. On occasion the hotel hosts a Medieval Banquet with fully costumed ladies of the court leading guests to the candlelit banquet table laden with food. Be ready for an evening of entertainment, fun, and feasting. For more information click on www.ruthincastle.co.uk.

Portmeirion is a fantasy destination in Northern Wales

There are many unique aspects of travel in Wales but there is nothing quite like Portmeirion. The fantasy village was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 to resemble an Italian village. Today there are shops, a spa, a beach, a pool, excellent dining and delightful accommodations - all of unique design. Surrounding the village are 70 acres of exotic woodlands with easy to follow trails and coastal walks. The four-star North Wales village on the coast of Snowdonia is a popular attraction for day visitors but to really savor the ambiance of Portmeirion one needs to spend at least one night. During the day the village is bustling with activity but in the evening a blanket of peace settles over the fairytale land. Walking the quiet streets and lane one feels as if they are the sole proprietor of a storybook village.

Dining options are excellent. Castell Deudraeth's brasserie menu is based on the best fresh local produce from land and sea. Lamb is often from Portmeirion's own fields. All the ice cream is made in house. It is open for morning coffee, lunch, and dinner. There are a variety of other dining options. All accommodations are unique with great views. For more information check www.portmeirion-village.com and www.visitwales.com.

Be treated like royalty at Plas Maenan Country House in Wales

Situated on a sunny bluff high above the beautiful Conwy Valley, Plas Maenan Country House in Northern Wales boasts five star accommodations with stunning river and mountain views. The elegant dining room serves delicious seasonal produce for lunches and evening meals, and afternoon tea in the comfortable lounge is a popular feature.

The owners are as fascinating as the property. James Burt purchased Plas Maenan in 2004 and totally refurbished the place. Burt retired from HM The Queen where he worked in the Royal Cellars for 16 years. He traveled with the court to their annual peregrinations from Buckingham Place to Windsor Castle, Sandringham House, Holyrood House and Balmoral Castle. His term of service covered some of the most turbulent times for the royal family. He was one of the last royal servants to wear full state livery. Needless to say James Burt has brought the same dedication and attention to providing excellent service to Pals Maenan Country House that was part of serving the royal family.

Enjoy the view from the patio or relax in the parlor with fireside sheep, comfy chairs while reading the latest magazines and chatting with other guests. Before or after dinner enjoy a cocktail in the Library Bar.

After a five-star dinner that focuses on locally produced food retire to one of the rooms decorated and furnished in traditional Edwardian country house style with the owner’s personal touches added. The beds are supremely comfortable, the thick towels fluffy, and ducks float in the bathtub. Plas Maenan is a great place to call home when exploring Northern Wales. For more information check www.plas-maenan-hotel.co.uk.

The Castle Hotel in Conway, Wales is a step into the past

Conway is the stuff dreams are made of – castles, walled cities, and cobblestone streets that harkens back to an earlier time. Within the walls of Conway is The Castle Hotel, an old coaching inn that stands on the site of a Cistercian abbey. At one time it was two famous hostelries, The Castle and the 15th Century King's Head. The Castle was by far the largest and in Victorian times it had an attractive face lift of local granite and Ruabon brick and is now one of Conwy's most photographed buildings.

The Castle Hotel has a fascinating past and has made important contributions to Conwy's history. It has hosted many famous people over the years. Located in the middle of the town everything is just a short step away from the 4-Star accommodation with a boutique ambiance including the Plas Mawr, the Elizabethan Town House built between 1576 and 1585. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel. All 28 rooms are unique and ensuite. Guests can relax in Dawsons Bar before heading the newly redecorated Dawsons Restaurant for a fine dining experience. The hotel holds true to “Friendly Tradition in Historical Surroundings.” Conwy and the Castle Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Northern Wales. For more information check www.castlewales.co.uk.

Stay at the Trearddur Bay Hotel when on Anglesey Isle in Wales

Anglesey is an island off the coast of Wales suitable for royalty as it is the current home of the newly married royal couple, Prince William and Kate. There are two bridges that connect the isle to the mainland along with excellent ferry service from Ireland. The hotel is only minutes away from Holyrood railway and the ferry terminal. Guests at the Trearddur Bay hotel will be treated like royalty. Located on a beautiful Trearddur Bay with an expansive blue-flag beach, the Trearddur Bay Hotel offers panoramic views of the sandy beach and cliffs.

Guests can kick back and relax while enjoying the incredible views and fresh air or the more adventurous can partake in a wide range of water sports including sailing, diving, and fishing. There is also biking, horseback riding, tennis, bird watching and great trails to hike. Trearddur Bay Hotel has an indoor swimming pool and special arrangements with several nearby golf courses.

At the end of the day head to the lounge for a relaxing cocktail or a glass of wine before enjoying a delectable dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, The Inn at the Bay. Their a la carte menu offer the finest in locally sourced meat and seafood from Menai mussels to award-winning local sausages. No meal is complete without one of their mouthwatering desserts such as Chocolate Pavlova or Strawberry Eton Mess. No wonder guests return time and again to enjoy the Trearddur Bay Hotel and all the area has to offer. For more information check www.trearddurbayhotel.co.uk.