The Manor Hotel (Crickhowell, United Kingdom)

Rooms aren't luxurious -it's not that sort of place-but they are nicely decorated and welcoming. They are also cosy and warm; greatly appreciated in this rugged region of Wales. Views from the rooms are really amazing.

These people are the thing you remember best from your visit. Everyone is so friendly, helpful and efficient. Food service is exceptionally impressive. The hotel welcomes pets and they make a genuine fuss of this important family member.

The pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, fitness area and steam room; all work as they should and are well maintained. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus are inviting and beautifully prepared. Restaurant service is unhurried, yet efficient; just right when sitting down to enjoy a super meal.

(Whoever this 'Jim Nasium' is, he makes a heck of a racket!) If your room is above the gymnasium, the noise of keep-fitters, going through their paces, starts early morning and is accompanied by loud music. Phone reception and they will argue that there is next to no noise.  Rubbish!

On arrival, the warmth of the room is very welcoming. You can't control the heat though, (*dodgy thermostat?) so heat levels continue to build. These lead to an uncomfortable night's sleep.

The hotel facilities, such as pool and gymnasium, are not for the sole use of guests. The hotel flogs a membership plan to the locals. Bluntly, if 'they've' booked it … you can't have it. Simple as that. Similarly, if they've got a party booking for a meal, you'll have difficulty getting a table. They need to sit down and come up with a system that isn't so disadvantageous to visiting, paying guests.