The Hand Hotel

The Hand Hotel descritpion

One of the oldest hotels in Wales, The Hand in Chirk was built in 1610, and offers traditional charm and original features. There is a restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi and free parking.
All the bedrooms at The Hand Hotel have been thoughtfully decorated and have a bathroom with a hairdryer. Guests can also benefit from tea/coffee and ironing facilities in each room.
The newly refurbished Castle Restaurant serves light lunches, snacks and beverages. The Regency Restaurant offers intimate fine dining and cooked breakfasts, and overlooks the pretty grounds.
Located in North Wales's picturesque Ceiriog Valley, the hotel is only a 2-minute walk from Chirk Train Station. The historic Chirk Castle, with its beautiful grounds and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, is a 5 minute drive away.

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Facilities of The Hand Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds

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

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

Internet ：Free!Wireless Internet Hotspot is available in all areas and is free of charge.

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

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

Reviews for The Hand Hotel

Review 1：There were problems with the electrics in our room due to a faulty fan so we were upgraded to a family room which was lovely.

Review 2：The roaring fire in the seating area. The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff especially in trying to sort out problems we experienced.

Review 3：Limited parking in front of the building, plenty of parking space behind but poorly lit.

Review 4：Very comfortable bed. Friendly and accommodating staff. Charming building.

Review 5：Not many parking spaces

Review 6：The staff were brilliant and couldnt do enough for us, rooms were large and clean though the bathroom could do with some updating overall would definitely stop again

Review 7：no hot water at times, but this was due to a boiler tripping out, very old hotels have some quirks and didn't spoil my stay, car park a little small too

Review 8：food was great, really liked the curry n pint night, also loved the log fire, comfortable bed and the warm welcome

Review 9：Room very cold. Bathroom very dated, panel coming off and grouting had mould growing on it. No view from window just brick wall. Very old shower mismatch of equipment. Smelt off damp. Worst hotel I've been to in life. Stayed 5minutes and then left as so appalled to think anyone would put up with it.

Review 10：Nothing

Review 11：We were in the first room at the top of the stairs, was very loud when people came upstairs; no soundproofing and gap below door. Maybe hotel could consider some kind of sound dampening?

Review 12：Was a nice play to stay and great for the price.

Review 13：crack in the ceiling lol that's about it but I only put this as it is soo not important, great place good rates :)

Review 14：wonderfull building in the heart of a lovely town. friendly staff and a great room.

Review 15：no heating only temporary electric fires. no hot water for shower.broken window in allocated room but did move us to another room but no veiw only a brick wall !.did offer another room but single beds and cold room.

Review 16：friendly staff. clean. breakfast ok.did not have any other meals.comfortable bed .if rooms/windows etc were updated, then value for money

Review 17：We stayed in room 12 it was freezing cold radiator was not working and there was no heater even though we asked and was told we would be given a heater as my 3 year old was ill. We never got the heater my child ended up with a chest infection even after speaking to 2 members of staff. Telly also had no ariel and unless you ask wouldnt of had 1. The breakfast was luke warm. What bothered me most was there was no heating at all and the thermostat was set to 0 but the staff had a big log fire to sit by to keep warm. When we tried the shower it spat a few cold droplets of water out and once the shower base was wet it stunk it was quite obvious a drain issue. All in all this was the worst hotel i have stayed in. Having to sleep in 2 sets of clothes and pyjarmers is never a good thing.

Review 18：Hash browns

Review 19：The view from the window was of a brick wall approximately 6ft away.

Review 20：The room was clean and tidy as was the bathroom, there was plenty of tea coffee and biscuits. The staff were very friendly and helpful in the hotel and restraunt. The food in the restraunt was excellent and good value for money.

Review 21：Heating in room wasn't working so they supplied a small heater that took the chill off the room.

Review 22：Very warm hospitality and great value. Very comfortable lounge to have a drink and a chat.

Review 23：Our bathroom was tiny. No bath just a shower

Review 24：The staff were accommodating. Breakfast was good but not great. Room was nice and the hotel was full of character.

Review 25：The noise from the corridor self closing fire door slamming all the time right outside our room no 4 The hydraulic device needed attention

Review 26：Old coaching inn well located to travel to Wrexham etc

Review 27：Had to wait a long time to check in. Receptionist was busy running around to different parts of the building. There was a problem with the heating and our rooms were extremely cold. To the point where we did not shower in the morning as it was so cold. We had to ask for a heater and this was just enough for the bedroom.

Review 28：The bar staff were very helpful and accommodating in the restaurant when we wanted our pet to dine with us.

Review 29：The staff could not have been more helpful. 10 of us wanted to eat and watch the rugby on TV and so they moved tables into a small bar area that we had to ourselves. Food was excellent.

Review 30：Old, tired building

Review 31：Super friendly staff, help carrying bags up the many steps. Staff very helpful when I dropped a small camera outside, and did not give up looking with us until it was found.

Review 32：the only one thing I would say negative was that the breckfast room was cold.

Review 33：Staff were very friendly and helpful, rooms were clean and comfortable, nice restaurant, bar and reception area, food was excellent

Review 34：The towel rail in the bathroom was u/s. 1970's decor - feels like the hotel could do with a bit of TLC

Review 35：Very comfortable beds and clean and tidy.

Review 36：The staff were very friendly and made us feel welcome. They provide decent meals for a very reasonable price too. We parked near the open fire and enjoyed our evening meal and drinks.

Review 37：room 10 old moldy grout in the bath room, sit in the bath and look at the basin . dirt and mold, that mattress should be in the skip. would you book again no

Review 38：staff good, overall ok under staffed needs a some money spent on the hotel

Review 39：Because of the age of the building the windows were a bit loose and it was a bit draughty from them

Review 40：It was a lovely building with very friendly staff and good food

Review 41：Decor tired, but it is an old Hotel! Small TV Triple Room a bit cramped.

Review 42：Value for money and the location suited our needs over 2x days whilst exploring the local area. Staff were exceptionaly helpful, especially the versatile Receptionist (present morning, noon and night!) Dined in both nights and the meals were tasty and good value for money. Breakfast was adequate. Free off Street Parking a bonus.

Review 43：A cold room which needed extra heating and pillows, these provided once we requested. No toiletries/soap provided at all. Felt like let out at last minute and room not quite prepared. Breakfast in a lovely room but food cold

Review 44：Location and character Also friendly staff very helpful

Review 45：We were accommodated in one of the Garden rooms but the approach to the building was off-putting. The garden and junk needs sorting out.

Review 46：The steak dinner was excellent. The room was basic but clean but very good value for money. The staff were very friendly and working hard but seemed to be a little under-staffed both evening and at Breakfast.

Review 47：Shower was a bit on the weak side, but we were in a top floor room in a very old building, so you have to make allowances.

Review 48：Staff very friendly and the place had an old world charm. Breakfast was very good. Our room (11) was really good size and very comfortable.

Review 49：Could do with more attention to cleaning; (gents toilet wall gross!) dining room floor dirty. Decor needs a little refurb; peeling & stained wall paper in room five, but generally a good cheap hotel. A programme of gradual renovation would make this a better hotel, but at the price of £55 per couple with breakfast its good value.

Review 50：traffic on main road noisy until about 11pm, started again about 5.30am. I live in a very quiet area, so not used to traffic.

Review 51：comfy bed, friendly staff, good food

Review 52：Minor issue but hot water took a while to come through.

Review 53：Fantastic atmosphere and a very warm welcome. Quirky building exactly as expected in a 400 year old inn. Nothing was too much trouble for staff - customer service at it's very best!

Review 54：wifi log on difficulties and staff not able to help, also not available in the bedrooms on the 2nd floor. Hotel not manned over night - no reception or any staff on duty after the bar shuts.

Review 55：good value for bed and breakfast, good value evening meal ref their early saver for 3 course meal. All food reasonable and plenty off it.

Review 56：The hotel needs a good clean - furniture, windows etc are dirty even in the public areas. The bathrooms vary from bad to awful - scruffy, dirty, mouldy. The hotel needs updating and redecorating and new bathrooms throughout .

Review 57：Great location close to the A5 - Chirk is a vibrant village with several independent shops . The beds in the hotel are always clean

Review 58：Can't think of anything negative to say.

Review 59：Good base for exploring the area. The Hotel also offers excellent food including a first class buffet breakfast.

Review 60：No breakfast at seven as promised - staff arriving as I drove away to find a transport cafe. Tatty and grubby rooms, noisy toilet macerator fired up at regular intervals throughout the night. No hot water (2nd floor). One to avoid - a sleep in the would have been better.

Review 61：Draught beer was good. Staff friendly but inefficient - probably under-resourced.

Review 62：Noise carries throughout the corridors and room to room, as does the sound of the creaky plumbing. All down to the age of the building I would imagine. Bathroom was dated and could do with a refurbish. It's a shame really, this hotel could be a real gem if given a little TLC, there is a lot of history there and real potential that isn't capitalised on.

Review 63：Staff were friendly, if not a little run off their feet. Good location for local amenities.

Review 64：The room provided was somewhat small and one suspects that when on a "50% off" deal one gets the half size rooms. It was also rather hot as even on this relatively warm summers day the heating was on making the room somewhat hot.

Review 65：The building is old and has its own character. Good location for visiting the local National trust properties and the canal with its aquaduct. The staff were friendly and helpful. The beer was good and the food well prepared and of good value

Review 66：Best described as grubby and tired in the bedrooms - and needs an upgrade (carpets, bathrooms, decor) to come up to an acceptable standard.

Review 67：Good location especially if traveling by train

Review 68：Slight updating of the rooms but is and old property so to be expected

Review 69：Really character full hotel, staff really friendly and willing to help. Lovely breakfast

Review 70：Unpleasant smell at times in the toilet/shower room,. Loud hammer-like noises from the toilet. No access to Welsh English or Welsh television. I have no interest in West Midland news !

Review 71：The two meals we had. The service from the waitresses. Convenient free parking.

Review 72：We were disappointed with this venue. This was one of the pricier places we stayed whilst walking Offa's Dyke. It appeared under-staffed given that the eisteddfod was on up the road at Llangollen. The food was disappointing and we waited nearly 25 mins to be served our cooked breakfast although the waitress was doing her best.

Review 73：Some good ales on tap.

Review 74：We are grandparents with two young grandchildren. Booking in was trouble free and the receptionist was extremely helpful. We enjoyed the dining and bar facilties and received excellent service from the young members of staff.

Review 75：No light bulb in main light on room. View from bedroom was over the back yard which was full of rubbish. Went for breakfast and had to find a member of staff to ask for our breakfast which was cold when it came. Stayed one night at a bargain price

Review 76：Nice location friendly staff

Review 77：cleanliness, the room was dusty and unclean paint work also wrappers under the bed. Could be better if the cleaner was more efficient, if they have one

Review 78：location with parking.

Review 79：Room was very hot but too noisy to leave window open. Room right alongside busy road. Fan didn't work. No TV remote control so kids couldn't watch dvds.

Review 80：Staff were very friendly. Was clean. Food was nice.

Review 81：Room was comfortable. Staff nice. Breakfast was really good. We were able to bring our dog and they put up a travel cot for my 1 year old. Really enjoyed our stay.

Review 82：Bedroom carpet was stained. Water Pipes in bedroom were noisy

Review 83：Staff were friendly and very efficient. Bedroom was very comfortable. Bathrom was spotless

Review 84：We were in the annex and the door into the hotel was locked when it came to going in for breakfast. We had to stand outside until someone came past and unlocked it. I asked for some jam to have with my toast and it never arrived.The sink in our room had a huge crack across it.

Review 85：Bed was comfortable

Review 86：The bathroom needed completely up- dating. The floor looked worn and grubby and it would have been better with at least a bath mat to stand on.

Review 87：Comfortable bed and well furnished room and very good breakfast.

Review 88：Broadband wasn't functioning even though WiFi connection was advertised. Lack of towel rails in bathroom.

Review 89：Traditional nature of the pub and accommodation. Early bird meal deal was good value.

Review 90：I had to unblock the shower tray and the tiles and shower where black with dirt. Very outdated areas carpets etc could do with a complete refurbishment !

Review 91：The staff are friendly and helpful

Review 92：Moving furniture to get to sockets. Bathroom shaving mirror only suitable for a short person. No food from brasserie after 8.20pm on a Friday night. Had to use local restaurant. Very slow service at bar - kept apologising but not busy.

Review 93：Location

Review 94：had to ask to put hot water on- could not even have hot shower after long journey.

Review 95：lovely old building. delicious breakfast. friendly staff. lovely area.

Review 96：Nothing but a good experience.

Review 97：Room was comfortable and clean, A comfortable bed with top quality bed linen. Food is excellent and very good value. Best of all is the staff. Never stop working and always cheerful. The Hand Hotel is an old building and must be difficult to keep maintained so it would be possible to nit pick but that would be totally unfair. I am looking forward to staying there again.

Review 98：Very good facilities and staff were very friendly and helpful. Situated in the middle of Chirk and a great base from which to visit popular tourist spots.

Review 99：Our room had been given by mistake to another couple. However, thealternative room was satisfactory albeit with 3 beds. The breakfast waspoor, with burnt toast and undercooked bacon.

Review 100：We loved the old coaching inn. The staff were very pleasant but our roomwas mistakenly given to another couple.

Review 101：Room was so hot . Noise from road was bad

Review 102：We had s family room for 2 adios and 2 teenagers. Only 3 beds in room - no problem gave us A fold out bed. Lots of space . Clean . Comfy beds. Location lovely 5 min walk to aqueduct. Breakfast - cheese on toast, veggie cook breakfast , full breakfast - no problem

Review 103：Stayed in room in annexe,so had to cross beer garden to get there,and had problem with no hot water and wonky kettle.

Review 104：The staff were friendly and very helpful,as we did encounter a few problems but all dealt with immediately

Review 105：The room wasn't great. Pubic hair (someone elses) on the toilet seat. Stained carpet, tired peach coloured shower suite & the hot water took at least 5 mins to come through.

Review 106：The staff were very friendly. The food was excellent - the giant yorkshire pudding was massive with really meaty sausages. The others in my party had similarly good food & none of us could finish the portions. Relaxing pub.

Review 107：My mother in law was given room 4, which is near the fire door and every time other guests went to their rooms or downstairs the door slammed shut. She was woken up two or three times that night. If they adjusted the door a little bit that would stop it happening!

Review 108：We stayed the one night and enjoyed ourselves. The staff were very attentive and pleasant, the food excellent. The hotel does need a little spruce up, but it is mostly cosmetic although some rooms (shower room in room 8) could do with updating. We will stay there again.

Review 109：Lack of Wi-Fi in room. A few cobwebs in room and dining-rooming. Noisy water pipes/heating at night.

Review 110：The staff were very friendly and helpful. The breakfast, Sunday carvery and evening meals were good quality. Good location for canal walks and trips.

Review 111：Our reserved - sleep 3 - accommodation turned out to be a cluttered furniture store piled high with unusable furniture, impossible to occupy. The alternative accommodation offered was spacious -a large if basic one bedroom apartment capable of sleeping 4. The apartment was inadequately furnished, and included an aging out of date bathroom.

Review 112：The bed was very uncomfortable, we had no kettle, tv wouldnt switch on, then the batteries were flat. The fan in bathroom sounded like a foghorn. We complained and everything apart from the fan was sorted out very fast.

Review 113：The breakfast was lovely and the young girls serving were helpful and efficient and very pleasant.

Review 114：On arrival we were given our keys only to discover it was a twin room not the double we had booked, this was eventually resolved and we were given a double room. The standard of cleanliness was very poor, surfaces were thick with dust and the bathroom was not cleaned to an acceptable standard. There was only one light bulb working despite there being four lights in the room. The toilet did not flush and when you ran water the pipes start banging loudly. There is no pressure to operate the shower. Wifi does not work. On entering the bar we waited twenty minutes to be served, this was due to one member of staff attempting to serve the hotel bar, the public bar and man reception. We left after one drink and found a friendly pub a few yards down the road.The first morning breakfast was lukewarm but acceptable. There was a delay in our order being taken and for the replenishment of milk, coffee and juice, however this is not surprising as there is one member of staff taking orders, serving food, replenishing essentials and yes managing reception!The second day our breakfast was truly dire. Having waited 35 minutes we were presented with a stone cold breakfast. When we explained that we couldn't eat it the waitress apologised and said they had ran out of eggs so she had been to the shop. Our replacement breakfast turned up with no tomatoes ( guess they had now ran out) and cold raw eggs. At this point we left our breakfasts.As I packed our cases I checked under the bed as I always do to check for belongings and found a dust covered dirty sock belonging to a previous occupant!As I checked out I explained that breakfast and the cleanliness of the room just wasn't of an acceptable standard, I was told my comments would be passed on to the cleaner. I know that this is an old hotel and I didn't expect 5 star in a 2 star hotel however it just really was a poor experience throughout. Chirk is lovely and we enjoyed our visit to the castle and aquaduct.

Review 115：The location.

Review 116：Bathroom needs updating crack in sink and bathroom floor has never been cleaned

Review 117：Great little hotel just what we needed staff was amazing and a fountain of knowledge of local area

Review 118：Beautiful hotel in a beautiful location. Very convenient to get to all the local tourist spots and very close to the lovely Chirk Castle. The staff were very friendly and helpful and the hotel itself was a lovely old hotel steeped in history. Would definitely recommend and will definitely come back and stay.

Review 119：bathroom hadn't been upgraded since installation in the 1980's! plus past leaks had been mended very badly

Review 120：Staff very pleasant, large room and shower worked quite well, hot water and loo flushed properly despite grim appearance of bathroom. Food OK

Review 121：Central for Chirk, 10 minutes walk from railway station, less than 2 miles from castle. A traditional hotel, serving good food, decent pub all at a reasonable price.

Review 122：We booked a last minute room , just for a little Saturday day and night getaway. Hotel was good for the price, and the bar staff especially Steve who could not do enough for us were excellent.

Review 123：A very basic room. Dining offer displayed prominently (special prices before 7pm) was not available on saturday evening and I was offered food in 'breakfast' room as dining room was shut - I declined as there is an excellent Indian restaurant across the road. Breakfast service was extremely poor - no milk, juice or coffee available ten minutes after breakfast time began.

Review 124：Location was convenient for my requirements. Bed was reasonably clean and comfortable.

Review 125：Shower had mould around the bottom. The shower head didn't give out much water only 4 holes working.

Review 126：The staff were friendly & helpful. Lovely homely open fire. Room was cosy.

Review 127：Hairs in both meals each time we eat there. No refund offered or meal replacement on either meals.

Review 128：Staff really nice, Friendly and helpful. Good Location, good size room for Family of 4.

Review 129：Bathroom wash shockingly unclean. Thick layers of dust on facilities, rust all over radiator and mould in the shower. Very noisy, we could hear people all night in the stairwell, doors slamming etc

Review 130：Staff were lovely and helpfull

Review 131：lack of equipment for elderly disabled IE handrails on bath, and stairs

Review 132：a realy friendly and cosey hotel, the staff could not have been more helpful, I would recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a comfortable stay in this part of wales

Review 133：Looped music, but I'm nearly 80!

Review 134：The friendly courtesy of the staff; nothing was too much trouble. My husband was in hospital nearby; un-intrusive support from the young staff. Food good and unfussy. All charming to the dog. Lovely clean park and interesting walks. Shopkeepers all friendly too.

Review 135：Our room was very small nothing like the pictures on the website bathroom was not clean rusty radiators, hairs in the shower ,mold on the shower head the bed had rusty hinges on it also bottom off bed all dirty . View from window was awful all boxed in with the sight of bins,roofs of hotel at the back . Disappointed but it was only for one night.

Review 136：Staff where lovely very helpful. Real coal fires, very quirky hotel very old with character which I love. Breakfast lovely full English.

Review 137：The lounge and bar temperature was on the low side and we retired to bed a little early because of it. It was christmas party week for some local groups and on both nights they kept their coats on until they were seated at the tables. That should have raised the alarm bells for the staff really.

Review 138：Clean and comfortable rooms. Excellent breakfast. Good main meals. Very friendly staff and a manager who was most helpful with a problematic wifi. We will most definitly stay here again.

Review 139：- no elevator - wifi no good - bed too soft - carpet gone fare too thin - the window of the bathroom is literally transparent making you feel too exposed and insecure

Review 140：Just by the main road, easy to locate