The Swan At Hay

The Swan At Hay descritpion

In Hay-on-Wye, The Swan at Hay is positioned between the Brecon Beacons and The Black Mountains. It is an independent hotel with 17 individually designed bedrooms and a restaurant serving classic British cuisine.
This listed Georgian building was a former coaching inn, and many rooms have large original windows with views across the gardens or stable block. Bedrooms feature flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee trays and private bathrooms.
The Swan at Hay has a relaxed bistro and a restaurant with original Georgian windows overlooking the garden and patio. Both offer food made from local produce such as Hereford Beef and Welsh Lamb. The well-stocked bar serves award-winning ales and ciders.
Hay-on-Wye has a good selection of boutique shops and pubs. It is only a 5-minute walk from the Offa’s Dyke Path and just a short drive from the Brecon Beacons National Park. Free parking is available at The Swan at Hay.

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Facilities of The Swan At Hay

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace

Pets ：Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Restaurant with Dining Menu | Special Diet Meals (upon request)

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Reviews for The Swan At Hay

Review 1：The hotel was well located close to the town. The room was clean and spacious and staff friendly and helpful. It was a lovely building but furnishings and decoration were a little worn in places and there was a limited menu choice (Xmas) so we didn't eat in the Bistro.

Review 2：It took a few moments to work out how to operate the shower but it was otherwise fine.

Review 3：The staff were incredibly attentive and helpful. Nothing was ever too much trouble. Our room was elegant, spacious, quiet, light, warm and comfortable. Our bathroom was lovely and warm. We had the Christmas Menu on the Saturday night and the chef made us a special dinner on the Sunday night. The food was delicious on both occasions. We loved the public spaces, especially the breakfast room - beautiful high ceilings, plush carpets and simple decor. The car park is enclosed within the hotel and is really easy to access.

Review 4：All excellent. Showers could be better but a minor gripe in the whole scheme of things

Review 5：Wonderful hay festival and staff absolutely brilliant, making the stay really great. Fantastic weekend

Review 6：Main meal was poor a bowl of peas with 2 fishcakes!! Also had key which took us to another couple's room which was embarrassing as there was only 2 couples staying the night. Staff needs training.

Review 7：The location was very nice and I liked the reception area with the xmas tree. Had a nice starter

Review 8：Lack of Wi-Fi in the room was small point.

Review 9：Great location, and lovely old building, and lovely garden. Nice touch that they offered us to leave my car in the car park all day when we checked out, if we wished.

Review 10：We booked a 'Superior' room, and it really was mis-described - dated, stuffy and grubby, with battered furniture that a charity shop would reject, and so noisy, right on a busy road. Throughout the hotel the paint is peeling, lightbulbs need replacing, there are weeds growing out of the gutters and loose slates on the roof. And it is relatively expensive - until it is significantly improved, it certainly does not offer good value for the money.

Review 11：The staff are charming, and do their best, and the food is ok.

Review 12：Pathetic WiFi coverage - a disgrace in 2015. Many rooms are up steep narrow stairs, so make sure you have a ground floor room if this is a problem.

Review 13：Splendidly located, with good car parking, for book buying - comfortable rooms - excellent breakfast

Review 14：The hotel is tired, slightly grubby in bathrooms, dirty carpets, food smells in the corridors. For £145 a night not up to Premier Inn quality of modern/crisp and clean.

Review 15：Beautiful view over the hills from our large room, yet still close to all of Hay's shops and amenities

Review 16：Room decor could do with a little bit of a freshen up. noise could be heard clearly from other rooms, squeaky floor on rooms above but think this due to age & nature of building

Review 17：The friendly & efficient staff, the breakfast & location, rooms comfortable & clean

Review 18：Evening dining room needed an extra staff member and table clothes.

Review 19：Easy going caring environment. Easy for a single woman. Very kind manager. Nice food. Good breakfast room

Review 20：The quality of the breakfast was very good but I would have appreciated more fresh options

Review 21：The staff & service are excellent, friendly, efficient & attentive. The dinner was fantastic!

Review 22：When we got there they denied our booking. The reception was manned by a young person who was indifferent to the problem, commenced calling other locations in the town looking for a room for us. No management appeared, no nothing.

Review 23：Nothing

Review 24：No bad experience, but the cossiant in the continental breakfast could be improved!

Review 25：Great location, and rooms overlooking the garden are lovely. Nice relaxed atmosphere

Review 26：There was only one choice of bitter available on the bar. The morning waitress wasn't very friendly, nor when we booked out too. There was no gluten free option, or any offer to go and get any gluten free bread. It would have been nice to have had a longer time slot for breakfast. The decor was getting very tired around the hotel, some areas had had new soft furnishings but then the paintwork was in much need of a new coat.

Review 27：Craig, who welcomed us was very friendly. The gardens were beautiful and well kept.

Review 28：Creaky floorboards, I was woken at least twice each night. Bathroom sink tap overhanging the sink Position of mirror, far too high

Review 29：Location Breakfast Relaxed atmosphere Parking

Review 30：Our mattress was past it's best and the delivery man called at 5am.

Review 31：The food and the staff were great. We had a table for 10 in the restaurant and it was great evening

Review 32：Generally fine although no atmosphere in bistro, fire alarm went off in error very early Saturday and Sunday mornings. Baked beans in an extremely small sauce pot as part of cooked breakfast was a little strange!

Review 33：Proximity to book shops!

Review 34：A veggie breakfast consisted of an egg, raw tomato and mushrooms. No members of staff would make eye contact so we could ask them for more food.

Review 35：A great location to explore Hay-on-Wye.

Review 36：Wifi doesn't work well in the rooms, so we had to go downstairs to the lounge to use it. Wasn't a big deal for us, but might be for others.

Review 37：Nice room, good location, good food.

Review 38：Handles on room furniture broke,also we had an evening meal (steak) my wife sent hers back as it was not cooked to her likeness. she was offered her sweet for free.

Review 39：Staff very friendly and a warm welcome to be had,also helpful.

Review 40：Only downside was I couldn't log on to the wifi. Actually I didn't try very hard - it was nice to escape the emails!

Review 41：Notwithstanding some fairly hostile reviews we rated the facilities highly. Extremely comfortable (superior) room, hot drinks facility, very clean bathroom and a lovely evening meal. The staff were friendly and helpful. We were sorry we only had one night.

Review 42：One room was chilly and the radiator sounded like dripping water.

Review 43：Breakfast and helpful staff especially Chris on reception who went out of his way to make our stay comfortable.

Review 44：the shower have two side very hot and very cold

Review 45：Location is near by the centre, Breakfast was included with the roomrate very nice i had Welsh Breakfast

Review 46：Offered dinner on New years eve bt a little to expensive

Review 47：Close to town centre , easy walking distance to all amenities Great easy booking on new years ever Key given for a late return which was good

Review 48：Swan needs to improve it's wifi. It's been poor for many years. The only place you can really use it is in a sitting room. While the sitting room is a wonderful place to meet your fellow guests, it would be nice to be able to use the wifi property wide.

Review 49：Love the location. Love the in house chef. The staff is beyond lovely. We always stay at the Swan when in Hay. It's in a great location. Everyone is very nice and the rooms are charming and homey. Amy is so helpful and they work to accommodate any need.

Review 50：Although cannot comment on the more expensive rooms, our room had a broken extractor fan in the bathroom, hook behind door broken off. Small things, but not expected from such an hotel.

Review 51：Great location, very comfortable, polite staff, breakfast good, parking.

Review 52：Whilst the rooms soft furnishings were very nice the furniture was old and tired, as was the bathroom. Too worn to call this a superior room - although it was superior in size.

Review 53：The staff were very nice and helpful. The room was kept clean and tidy.

Review 54：Walls are quite thin, so did hear the TV from person in next room on two nights. Would have preferred not to have to listen to that.

Review 55：I wanted a quiet break from London and on the whole it was just that. My room was at the back of the hotel and so didn't hear any traffic (not that there is much). It was nice and peaceful for most of the time.

Review 56：The toilet was dirty. The shower did not have sufficient water pressure and it was difficult to adjust the temperature. Although the bedroom was clean there were areas of the bathroom that weren't i.e. the bit of the shower curtain that goes in the bath had bits of black mould on. The grouting also had some mould on it.

Review 57：The room and breakfast was good.and the staff friendly.

Review 58：The decor is a little tired but for what we paid we couldn't really fault it. Earl grey or green tea on the tea tray would have been welcome.

Review 59：All of the staff without exception were very helpful and pleasant. Comfortable room. A good location in a beautiful town.

Review 60：Left kids with the grandparents, had a nice quiet break, hit the bookshops, ate and drank. Hotel in a great spot for this. Comfortable and pleasant. Had evening meal elsewhere as hotel menu a little pricey.

Review 61：hard of hearing elderly lady with her tv volume high in the room above late into the night (but that was not the hotel's fault).

Review 62：the location, the lovely garden, comfortable room, very good breakfast.

Review 63：Lack of usual breakfast choices. Only dried fruit, no bran flakes or maybe they had run out. Very skimpy butter portion for two adults. Nothing major. Lots of stairs. Will check for lower room next time. 7/101

Review 64：Comfy bar, nice staff. Peaceful. Convenient for function we attended there. Would stay again but check room size etc if longer stay. Value for money.

Review 65：On the first evening there was no central heating on, and the room was very cold. The clothes cupboard was damp.

Review 66：Excellent Welsh breakfasts served by very friendly staff.

Review 67：Perhaps a little more staff training with regard to serving wine with our meal. It was put on our table without being opened and poured. A chiller would also have been useful.

Review 68：Lovely corner bedroom with an elegant Half-Tester bed and views of the garden. We arrived before the bar opened at 6pm but staff were happy to serve us. Enjoyed an excellent meal that evening in the small but busy Bistro Restaurant. Great breakfast next morning.

Review 69：That I couldn't stay longer, although two of my vital organs may have failed had I/we done so.

Review 70：Great, attentive, enthusiastic and friendly staff. Do talk to your therapist if you do not like The Swan. You must also visit the sister pub restaurant, the Bull's Head in Craswall, a gastronomic delight. Great food and service all 'round.

Review 71：we had the last room so a bit small. expensive for one night. only 3 channels on the tv. on-suite very small.

Review 72：location good. staff very young but good. food not bad could do better.

Review 73：Access problems for those with impaired mobility: a long staircase tto bedrooms and no lift. There are a couple of ground-floor rooms, but you have to ask for them when booking, and we didn't know until we arrived.

Review 74：Friendly and helpful staff. Food was first-class. It was very close to the town centre. It has secure off-street parking.

Review 75：Internet connection was very poor and we were in much need of it. Our room was looking a bit tired and could do with a complete make over and the bed was uncomfortable, too old.

Review 76：The breakfast was excellent and the hotel was clean.

Review 77：I liked everything. The room did not to my knowledge have a mini bar but has a bar in the hotel as well as an excellent neighbouring pub.

Review 78：I liked the peaceful location. The genial service. The excellent breakfast. The bedroom was cosy and clean. Lovely en suite. Has a bar and a bistro. Would definitely come back.

Review 79：Not enough staff especially in the Bistro which made service very slow. The decor was looking very tired in the rooms.

Review 80：The food was excellent. The garden was lovely. The staff were helpful.

Review 81：Bathroom poorly lit and very basic for a 'superior' room - needs big upgrade.

Review 82：We had a fantastic room - light and large, bed with a canopy - very civilised. The staff was minimal but charming and helpful. Wonderful breakfasts.

Review 83：No room key Scruffy, cheap bedroom furniture No privacy: large uncurtained window directly overlooked by several neighbouring houses Waited for 45 minutes for cooked breakfast after finding no table available in dining room Inexperienced management Very overpriced.

Review 84：A very good location with convenient parking. Friendly young staff

Review 85：the mattress was past it's sell by date!! the bistro was like a morgue soulless!

Review 86：breakfast was good location is good and the garden was fantastic

Review 87：The bedroom was tired looking ,the pillows were like rocks , the bedroom was so hot,if the window was open it was very noisy .

Review 88：The position the bar the bistro the breakfast , all very good

Review 89：Room decor rather tired. Much creaking of floors overnight interrupted sleep.

Review 90：Staff (once located) were excellent - friendly, helpful and attentive. Location, public rooms, food and garden.

Review 91：Our "superior room" seemed ordinary and the furnishings were well used and not up to the standard of other areas of the hotel.

Review 92：We liked the general character of this independent hotel. The lovely breakfast room, the breakfasts, and the beautiful garden and terrace area was an unexpected surprise.

Review 93：There was a crack in the washbasin, and a few scuffs on the bedroom furniture, but these did not seriously affect our enjoyment of our stay.

Review 94：I liked the easy walking distance to the bookshops, yet not right in the centre of the village. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The room was comfortable and pleasant. The food was very nice - a small but good choice of menu within a reasonable price range. A lovely lawn surrounded by excellent flower beds made a great place to walk, and the lounges were comfortable. An elegant breakfast room contrasted nicely with a smart rustic restaurant for dinner.

Review 95：Sink needed plunging and some bleach down it ! Two members of staff totally ignored us when we arrived which was a little surprising, presumably their shift was over but common courtesy would normally mean at least a "hello" !

Review 96：Location, quiet room, good electric shower, garden. Breakfast was fine.

Review 97：Some awkward staircases to haul luggage around - staff happy to help carry things, but may be difficult for people with limited mobility. Food at bistro was very expensive!

Review 98：Staff were very friendly, cheery and helpful. Excellent location for exploring the town. Ample car-parking. Lovely lounge, garden, and bar to relax in. Wifi worked well.

Review 99：The only tiny issue is that our bed was a bit soft, but we all have our own preferences.

Review 100：We had a fantastic weekend away. The staff were all extremely polite & attentive. The rooms were lovely & the food was amazing! We would definately return in the future

Review 101：Understaffed on Sunday evening - they were worked off their feet!; WiFi in public areas only.

Review 102：Lovely room; Friendly, helpful staff; Nice restaurant with good food, well prepared; Good breakfast; Private parking; Close to town centre and main routes, but not too close!

Review 103：Craig made our stay very memorable, can't wait to return after the refurb

Review 104：Should hand out wifi code with key

Review 105：Very god nice people very central

Review 106：Very friendly and helpful staff. A traditional establishment in a lovely location.

Review 107：Location and breakfast

Review 108：Comfortable room, friendly and helpful staff. Good breakfasts and decent evening meals. Conveniently located in the centre of Hay.

Review 109：great location, great food, great staff!

Review 110：Friendly staff and very helpful. Location of hotel ideal for the town everything within walking distance

Review 111：Clean hotel with friendly helpful staff.

Review 112：Not a bad experience but wifi not available due to age of building

Review 113：Close to town and the bookshops. Friendly staff

Review 114：lack of availability of staff

Review 115：food

Review 116：It is beautiful, comfortable and just in the town. Its garden is amazing. The staff is amazing, cheerful and friendly. Loved the food...

Review 117：Cleanliness of one or two areas was an issue.

Review 118：The staff, location,garden,breakfast were all excellent

Review 119：Very expensive for what it was

Review 120：Small room - breakfast menu limited

Review 121：Location

Review 122：Staff very attentive Good food

Review 123：Untrained staff in areas of service and food handling, but very polite and willing

Review 124：location

Review 125：Nice friendly hotel

Review 126：Nothing, excellent all round.

Review 127：Excellent location, excellent customer service, staff friendly and supportive. Food excellent.

Review 128：Room was very small

Review 129：The stay was acceptable

Review 130：Everything was fine really. Nothing to complain about

Review 131：Great location and hotel was comfortable enough, but stayed in better places for the same price

Review 132：Very poor wifi especially in room.

Review 133：Friendly, helpful staff. Excellent dinner and breakfast. Good location and adequate parking.

Review 134：Location. Quiet hotel with good food and wine. The staff were charming and helpful during our stay.

Review 135：The room was very comfortable and warm. We will definately return.