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Hotel Reviews
The Falcondale Hotel This 150-year-old Italian-style villa is located just outside the university town of Lampeter in the heart of Wales. Just a 30-minute drive from the coastal villages of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Mountains, the hotel is the perfect base for exploring the region.
Place
Take the M4 and follow the A485 from Carmarthen which leads into Lampeter. Drive through the town and then follow the A4875 a short distance towards Cardigan. For guests arriving by train, Lampeter railway station is linked to Manchester and London Paddington by Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales.
Arrival and Check-in:
To reach the hotel one has to follow a mile-long path through the farmland of the Falcondale Estate, which is the perfect setting for a stay in the historic Manor House.
There are two car parks near the hotel and after unloading our luggage from the car we eagerly headed inside.
The entrance hall is in classical style, with the reception desk on one side, where we were warmly welcomed. After being handed our room keys and some useful leaflets on local attractions we were soon heading up the oak panelled staircase to our room on the first floor.
room:
When we opened the door we fell in love at first sight as our guest room had three large windows overlooking the hotel’s manicured lawns and armchairs were perfectly placed to sit and admire the view. This room, designed in a classic style, had period furniture and feature wallpaper along with a super king size bed topped with a beautiful Welsh woolen burgundy throw and matching cushions. French windows opened onto a small balcony from where we enjoyed even more spectacular views.
A side table was stocked with tea, coffee, bottled water and delicious Welsh shortbread. On the coffee table was a cookbook featuring the best of Welsh cuisine called ‘Relish Wales’. Flipping through the pages I found a section about the Falcondale restaurant which was an interesting read.
There was a large television on one wall on which I watched some of the Wimbledon tennis matches. The Wi-Fi was easy to connect to and worked well, with ample work space and power points. Moving into the spacious bathroom, there was a deep bath tub and large walk-in shower, along with scented toiletries, thick towels and soft dressing robes.
Meal:
A table was reserved for dinner at the restaurant at 7 pm and we were eagerly waiting for our meal, especially after reading about it in the cookbook. The restaurant has a luxurious décor and after reaching our table, we studied the menu while enjoying glasses of wine.
Falcondale uses only the best ingredients from Ceredigion, Carmarthen and surrounding counties in Mid Wales and both our seafood bisque and ham hock terrine were absolutely delicious. For the main course I served roast beef with red wine jus whilst on the other side of the table my husband was enjoying his duck breast with creamy leeks.
As always, none of us could resist dessert and our white chocolate and mandarin cheesecake completed our meal perfectly. The service was attentive and we were served by well-trained friendly staff to ensure guests get the best possible experience.
Facilities:
The hotel has two comfortable lounges, comfortably furnished in a period style, stocked with coffee table books and free daily newspapers. There is also a lounge bar leading to a conservatory and an outdoor terrace overlooking 14 acres of delightful gardens.
We enjoyed a stroll through the grounds after dinner, which slope gently towards the estate’s fields and have views stretching across the Teifi Valley. The rear of the hotel is surrounded by woodland and mature trees, with paths to walk amongst the rhododendrons and azaleas, which have only just come into bloom but will look absolutely stunning when in bloom.
out and about:
Lampeter
Lampeter is a university town nestled in the Teifi Valley in Ceredigion in the middle of Wales. This thriving centre has many small, independent shops specialising in home furnishings, arts and crafts with a connection to the area’s strong textile tradition.
See and do:
Welsh Quilt Centre
The Town Hall is now home to the internationally renowned Welsh Quilt Centre, showcasing traditional and modern Welsh quilts and blankets. The gallery above displays the intricate patterns and details in this increasingly popular native craft.
Temporary contemporary art exhibitions are also held, as well as a fantastic shop in the former Crown Court, packed with a tempting range of quilts, crafts and gifts. Welsh Quilt Centre
St David’s College, Lampeter
Explore the city-central campus formerly known as St David’s College, and now known as the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. This historic centre of education was founded in 1822 by Bishop Burgess of St David’s. The college received a Royal Charter in 1828, making it the oldest Royal Charter in England and Wales, alongside Oxford and Cambridge.
Visitors are welcome to wander the grounds and the historic quadrangle to see the Old Hall when it is not being used. This was the dining room until 1969 and is now one of the main rooms for meetings and events. The walls are adorned with paintings of former principals, presidents and vice-chancellors.
Opposite the old hall is the elaborate St David’s Chapel, consecrated in 1827 and renovated during the 1930s. St David’s College, Lampeter,
Lampeter Museum
The city museum is free to visit and is located in the former university gatehouse. Its gallery shows the city’s history and life during the war years. Lampeter Museum
Kai Hir Gardens, Cribbin
Visit the Welsh Garden with Dutch history at nearby Cribyn, just a ten-minute drive from the hotel. Developed on a steep hillside over the past 35 years, this six-acre garden has a unique mix of plants, wildflowers and local slate features. Follow the winding paths up the steep hill to discover the blue, yellow, red and gold gardens, as well as the Bonsai and Bog Gardens. Complete your visit with tea and scones in the garden’s tea room. Kai Hir Gardens
overall:
Our stay at Falcondale was faultless with its traditional charm and first class dining experience, as well as impeccable service. Set in extensive grounds, yet only a few miles from bustling Lampeter, it is the perfect base from which to explore this lovely part of mid-Wales.
Description:
The Falcondale HotelFalcondale Drive, Lampeter, Ceredigion, SA48 7RX
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During our stay we were guests of the Falcondale Hotel and Ceredigion Tourism and as always all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
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