Elan Valley Hotel (Rhayader, United Kingdom)

Owners and staff are very accommodating. They really can't do enough to ensure that you are happy.

You really do step down a couple of gears from the stresses of everyday living. Everything is at a slower space here. That said, there is Wi-Fi if you really want it. Instead, though, just cross the road and walk, or cycle, to the ‘bright lights' of Rhayader.

After breakfast choices (*vegetarians won't be disappointed here) there are lunch and later dining selections; either in the form of bar meals or maybe something more formal in the restaurant. Plus, there are impressive wines and real ale choices.

This location, at the head of Elan Valley Reservoir, has so much going for it. It's stunningly picturesque and they even call it, with some justification; ‘The Welsh Lake District'. There is, after all, in excess of 70 square miles of countryside and lakes to explore here. A pity that some hotel aspects just don't match up.

Rooms are somewhat dated and on the small side, particularly for families. En-suite is tiny. The bathroom window is clear glass  and the ‘double' bed is two singles shoved together. Curtains + other things could do with changing as they are just this side of being completely worn out.

Eating here is a bit of a ‘Russian Roulette' exercise. You may love your meal ... but your partner is very disappointed with theirs. You sense that, maybe there's only one person in the kitchen; fighting against the odds to satisfy everyone ... but with an even chance of failing with some.