Caer Rhun Hall in Snowdonia’s Conwy Valley has an interesting history. The main building dates from 1895 and was built for Major-General Gough, who was Lieutenant Governor of Jersey between 1904 to 1910. It was later opened as an accountancy school by Ronald Anderson, serving this function for nearly 70 years until 2015. As well as bedrooms and function rooms for students, facilities built on the site during this period included a squash court. This concrete cube by a car park is now listed – along with all other buildings within the grounds.
Caer Ruhn was sold by Ronald’s son, John Anderson, to a hotel chain (NPD) but the group was subsequently placed in administration, in 2019. Towards the end of 2021 the site was purchased by another hotel group (Tokyo Industries), reopening after extensive refurbishment – that is still ongoing – in 2023.
We booked a 3 night stay at the end of January on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis through Secret Escapes. We were aware that breakfast would be continental in style but hoped the rest of what was offered would be sufficiently pleasing to make up for this.
The road network around the hotel is fairly narrow and winding. There were also a number of roadworks in place – recent storms hadn’t helped -and an unexpected road closure. All of this meant we were later than we would have liked arriving. We were still, however, able to book a table for dinner and made sure to book for subsequent evenings more in advance.
The room we were allocated – a Comfy Double – was on the first floor facing the front of the hotel. It was clean and comfortable, had dual aspect windows set in deep recesses, and included a large, en suite shower room, also with a window. The shower offered decent water pressure and controls were straightforward to master. Having settled in it was soon time to head down for dinner.
The restaurant was of a most unusual design being split level. At each end of the room tables were set in the lower sections. We were pleased to be allocated a table each night on the higher deck that surrounded these. Although not a problem for us, the access steps may be something to note for those with mobility issues. The hotel is dog friendly and a separate room is available for those who wish to bring their pets down to dinner.
Food was tasty throughout our stay and pleasingly presented. Husband enjoyed his starters and I was happy to find two fish dishes on the menu for mains. The menu didn’t change during our stay so I opted for lamb on the final evening. This proved rather too fatty for my tastes but husband enjoyed the dish when he ordered it.
We both agreed that the ‘posh fish and chips’ was an excellent interpretation of the traditional fare. Fish was well cooked, not battered but rather sprinkled with small batter nuggets. The chunky chips served alongside were delicious.
Husband’s steak was a tad overcooked for his tastes – he regretted not asking for it to be served rare rather than ‘as chef recommended’.
What husband did enjoy fully were his puddings. I was pleased that a cheese board was available, especially as it included a good selection of quality Welsh cheeses.
The wine list and soft drink options were also pleasing and not too expensive. When I didn’t finish the bottle of wine ordered this was put aside on request for the following evening (wine was also available by the glass). Our £30 per head per night credit did not cover the cost of all dinner choices made but the extra to be paid on check-out was not excessive.
As well as the restaurant there was a bar area and a large public lounge. We enjoyed a cream tea in the latter after one of our long walks by the coast – a complimentary offering as part of our booking. This also included a glass of prosecco each.
The continental breakfast on offer included a good variety of: cereals, fresh fruit, yoghurts, cheeses, processed meats, pastries, cakes and sweet breads. A basket contained boiled eggs and there was a machine that made scotch pancakes – there was also a honey comb that could be dipped into. Tea or coffee and toast were brought to the table on request. Small jars of jam, honey and marmalade were provided. On the first morning there were also bread rolls and a plate of smoked salmon pieces.
I did miss having a cooked breakfast so on the second morning of our stay, after we had finished our Saturday morning parkrun at Penrhyn, we found a Weatherspoon’s in Bangor and ordered our preferred Full English fry-up.
The hotel had many quirky touches in the decor, something we always enjoy in a country house hotel.
The grounds are extensive although some of the buildings therein are still to be renovated. The location may be fully appreciated from the gardens where the mountains of Snowdonia National Park sweep away into the distance.
Service during our stay was friendly and efficient. Our room was cleaned daily and the hospitality tray replenished. Despite draughts from the single glazed windows (listing a building does offer such environmental challenges) the room could be kept warm by adjusting the radiator thermostats.
We enjoyed our three day stay at Caer Ruhn Hall. There is plenty in the local area to explore – interesting towns, impressive castles, an RSPB nature reserve, and a stunning walk around the Great Orme Peninsula to name just a few examples. The busy restaurant at the hotel is obviously a draw locally. It was therefore pleasing that we were not kept awake by undue noise made by the many other guests.
A true country house hotel in a beautiful location. For those happy to forgo a cooked breakfast, the place is recommended.
