Llanberis, between Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris · Hotel
A large Victorian hotel in wooded grounds at Llanberis, set between the two lakes with Dolbadarn Castle and the Snowdon railway on the doorstep.
The Royal Victoria occupies a substantial site at the eastern end of Llanberis, in mature grounds on the narrow neck of land dividing Llyn Padarn from Llyn Peris. Dolbadarn Castle's tower stands on the rise directly behind, and the Snowdon Mountain Railway terminus is a two-minute walk from reception. Few hotels in the park are better placed for a car-free ascent of Yr Wyddfa.
It is a big hotel by Snowdonia standards, with over a hundred bedrooms spread across the original Victorian building and later wings. Standards vary accordingly: the refurbished lake-view rooms are comfortable and well finished, while some of the older stock is plainer. It is worth paying up for a room facing the water or the mountain rather than the car park.
Facilities include a bar, a restaurant serving dinner and a large breakfast room, function space that hosts weddings and coach parties, and ample free parking — no small thing in Llanberis, where roadside space disappears by mid-morning. Groups and organised walking parties are common, which keeps prices reasonable but means the public areas can be busy.
The location does most of the work. The Llanberis Path begins a short walk away, the lake is right there for paddling, the National Slate Museum and Llanberis Lake Railway are both within ten minutes on foot, and Pen-y-Pass is a ten-minute drive up the pass. It suits walkers, groups and families who want everything within reach and are not expecting boutique polish. Dolbadarn Castle's grounds are open to wander in the evening, and the lake path around Llyn Padarn makes an easy flat walk on a rest day when the tops are in cloud.