Britain’s best hostel? Plas Curig, Snowdonia reviewed

Beautiful interiors, superb facilities and the stunning lush green landscape of Snowdonia make Plas Curig one of  Europe’s best hostels. Once you come here, your opinion of hostels will change forever.

Stunning Plas Curig Hostel

 Location

Plas Curig is in a dreamy location in the picturesque village of Capel Curig at the foot of Snowdonia. Come here to escape.  I spent most of my time snug in the lounge admiring the mist shrouded views of Moel Siabod mountain in the distance with the River Llugwy at its foot which winds its way to Betws-y-Coed. You’re also not far away from the beautiful stretch of North Wales coastline so it’s a great location for exploring the great outdoors of Wales.

Cosy and comfortable family room: Double bed below and bunk bead above

Rooms and Bathrooms

Interior décor here is breathtaking. Even on the rainiest of days ( there are many here), soft lighting , warm colours and multitude of colour coordinated cushions give the place a cosy, cheerful ambience. Elegant worn spiral staircase leads you to the rooms. It’s hard to think of dorms and luxury in the same breath but you have to come and stay in Plas Curig to see for your own eyes: built in wooden bunk beds come (great for tall people) with private fitted curtains, plus point and reading light. Beds are made up before arrival-nice personal touch. Welsh woolen blankets and fluffy duvets that you just sink under after a long day of hiking around the countryside, crisp sheets and excellent quality mattresses make sure you have a sound sleep. Bunk beds come with storage drawers. Rooms are not ensuite but the communal black & white bathrooms are plentiful on each floor and have nice, hot showers.

View from the library, Plas Curig

Facilities

Staff here are a great asset to this place-extremely knowledgeable with lots of great tips of nearby hiking trails or recommendations of places to eat. They offer guided walks of the area and wildlife tours for as little as £8.50 per person.

The hostel offers an excellent self catering kitchen and a large separate dining area.

The communal entrance area includes a well stocked library . Seating arrangement here and in the dining room consist of reclaimed scaffolding planks.

Stay warm by the log burning stove in the lounge room which has broad bay windows that are perfect for spending hours gazing at the beautiful scenery or instead at the huge flat-screen TV.

There is a drying room for hanging up your waterproofs and walking boots.

Free wifi is excellent. Hostel is dog friendly. If you are bringing your car here there is adequate car parking space.

Verdict

Beautiful interiors, top notch facilities and a great location makes this a stunning hostel, the best hostel I’ve seen in Britain.

Beautiful day in Capel Curig

Top tip

Capel Curig is a beautiful village and a great base for exploring Snowdonia. You can scale the mountains or go for a wonder through the forest following the River Llugwy. For the more adventurous, Plas-y-Brenin Outdoor Activity Centre is close by, which offers a smorgasbord of adrenalin-filled skills to master. Excellent pub next door, Bryn Tyrch Inn (bryntyrchinn.co.uk) offer a range of excellent local produce.

To book

Book at snowdoniahostel.co.uk Beds in dorm start from £22.50, Doubles from £50 per room, per night.

Choose from 1 x 8 bed dorm, 2 x 6 bed dorm, 4 x 4 bed dorm, 1 x twin, 1 x double, 2 x large family room (double & 2 x singles) sold for 3 or 4 people, 2 x small family room (double & single ) sold for 2 or 3 people.

Getting here

Nearest rail station Betws-y-Coed is well served with rail connections to the rest of Britain. There is an hourly bus service : Sherpa Services S2,S6, S97 which drop you off right in front of  the hostel.

Remember that check-in is 6-10pm. (5pm-10pm in Winter – Nov 1st – March 1st )

Disclaimer

This review was made possible courtesy of Plas Curig Hostel and the support of Visit Wales. The views expressed here are entirely my own.