Royal Oak Hotel
Betws-y-Coed village centre · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: Royal Oak Hotel / Google Maps
A long-established coaching inn on the main road through Betws-y-Coed, with a busy grill restaurant and rooms overlooking the Llugwy.
About Royal Oak Hotel
The Royal Oak sits on the A5 in the middle of Betws-y-Coed, a few minutes' walk from the railway station and the cluster of outdoor shops that give the village its character. It began life as a coaching inn on Telford's Holyhead road and has been extended repeatedly since, which shows in the layout — the public rooms are handsome and high-ceilinged, the bedroom corridors more of a maze.
Rooms are divided between the main house and a converted stable block across the courtyard. The better ones face the river and the wooded slope beyond; those on the road side hear traffic, so it is worth asking when you book. Decor is comfortable rather than fashionable, with proper armchairs, good beds and bathrooms that have been refitted in recent years. Family rooms and interconnecting options are available.
Eating is a strong point. The Grill Bar handles the volume trade with steaks, Welsh lamb and generous portions, while the more formal Llugwy River Restaurant does a fuller dinner menu. Breakfast is substantial, which matters if you are heading for the Ogwen Valley afterwards. Stables Bar next door is effectively the village pub and can be lively at weekends.
It suits people who want a central, well-serviced base without a car — the station is two minutes away, Sherpa buses stop outside, and Swallow Falls and the Gwydir Forest trails start within walking distance. Walkers heading for Yr Wyddfa should factor in about thirty-five minutes' drive to Pen-y-Pass. Parking on site is free but fills up, so arrive before evening service.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
Location is great and parking is very safe & convenient. Unfortunately, we stayed over a long-weekend in July and none of the rooms (or corridors) had air conditioning. It was unbearably hot and the fan in the room did not work. The service was polite, but the receptionist who offered to help us with our luggages literally dropped the bags after on flight of stairs and said "I believe you can take it from here." Either you don't offer help with luggages, or you do but then you should have walked us to our rooms. The carpets and general FF&E were very dated and in desparate need of a refresh. The main problem is temperature control. Investing in a portable AC unit (can be as low as £300 on Amazon) would have helped. The fan is smaller than an A4 paper and simply does not blow any air.
a month ago · via Google
Stayed on a travel zoo offer for 2 nights with breakfast and access to leisure facilities at a nearby place for £150, which was a great deal. We were in the cheaper end of the hotel but the room was a sufficient. Nothing fancy but clean and well kept with everything you would expect. Staff were all welcoming and nice throughout. The vegetarian breakfast was delicious. Had an evening meal, which was alright, nothing special. Limited vegetarian options. Would stay again for sure but probably eat out elsewhere. There's some decent eateries in the village. The location is the best thing about this place. Car parking is included, which is a decent bonus. If you've never been to Betws-y-Coed before, do so. It's stunning.
5 months ago · via Google
Could not fault our stay at the Royal Oak. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The room and communal areas are spotlessly clean. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud. Breakfast was great. The location is perfect for exploring Betws-Y-Coed and surrounding areas. We are already looking to come again, thank you for having us!
3 months ago · via Google
Very good receptionist, Very good waiter, Good room with hi tech shower that did not quite work, pity, it must cost them a fortune in wasted water. Food was good, but chef not able to do 'medium rare' only pink or well done ! Must be able to do better? Gordon Would have something to say!
2 months ago · via Google
Guests consistently praise this hotel for its delicious food, including hearty breakfasts and excellent Welsh Black beef, alongside its comfortable rooms. The friendly and attentive staff, convenient parking, and great location for exploring the area are also frequently highlighted.
Some reviews mention the rooms can be outdated.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Royal Oak Hotel, Holyhead Road, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0AY Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Betws-y-Coed village centre
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.4 / 10 (1,900 reviews)
- Prices from
- £105 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Snowdonia