White Lion Royal Hotel


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White Lion Royal Hotel descritpion


The White Lion Royal Hotel, built 1752, reopened after extensive renovations to a 4 star Coaching Inn standard. Close to Snowdonia National Park (an area of outstanding natural beauty) and the Lake District of North Wales.
Straddling the A494 Dolgellau road, The White Lion Royal Hotel is ideally situated for touring North and Mid Wales. One would have difficulty finding a better location than the Bala area, the Lake District of North Wales. The hotel has been completely refurbished, bringing it up to 4 star coaching inn standard. The White water rafting center is nearby, we are one of the closest hotels. We would advise booking a table at the same time as room as the restaurant is very popular.

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Facilities of White Lion Royal Hotel

Pets :Pets are not allowed.

Activities :Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Fishing | Canoeing | Cycling | Horseback Riding

Food & Drink :Restaurant | Bar

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

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

Services :Packed Lunches | Baggage Storage | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Fax/Photocopying | Souvenir/Gift Shop

Reviews for White Lion Royal Hotel

Review 1:Rooms face the road and the locals seem to hangout in front on the street on Fridays and Saturdays and can be quite loud

Review 2:Good location as a base for day trips

Review 3:As an ex House keeper, the room could have been a little bit cleaner, especially around the windows. Cold tap on hand wash basin turned completely when you tried to turn the tap off...hence flooding of vanity unit as you never remembered until it was too late. Minor detail but annoying.

Review 4:lovely location, nice comfy room, good food, friendly and efficient staff.

Review 5:The service in the restaurant was shockingly bad. I left the hotel unwell and totally unimpressed with the restaurant and food. The room needed rearranging as the mirror attached to the wall for the dressing table was actually in front of the wardrobe which was crazy as you couldn't use it. For the amount we paid which wasn't an issue but was cert not value for money. The waitress even told the boyfriend he couldn't have something that was on the menu even though it was available to have.

Review 6:Wales is stunning. Bed was comfy and it was clean.

Review 7:For a 4* hotel I thought the restaurant menu a bit basic. And when we ordered lunch in the bar the food wasn't very hot. I realised it was new years eve and the staff very busy we didn't say anything for that reason but might be something for you to make a note of for the future. Some parts of the hotel decor looked a little tired and in need of painting. But nothing that would stop me staying there in the future ☺

Review 8:The friendly and helpful staff. Comfortable big rooms. Location was excellent a very enjoyable stay. PS a great atmosphere on new years eve thank you

Review 9:Stayed on a Saturday night.and was kept awake from 1am until 3.45am by endless waves of drunk men and women walking past the hotel.the loudness of these people was outrages.

Review 10:Lovely old building and nice comfortable room.

Review 11:Rooms decoration a bit outdated.

Review 12:Excellent location to visit Snowdonia. Very old pub with a lot of character. Friendly staff Great food at reasonable price.

Review 13:I booked a room, stating clearly that I was travelling for work and required a quiet room. I was allocated a single room at the front of the hotel. The inhabitants of Bala consider it normal to hold all night street parties in front of the White Line Hotel lasting from Saturday evening to around 0430 Sunday morning. I therefore got little or no sleep before having to work on Sunday. When challenged the response was that rooms are allocated automatically, all single rooms being at the front of the hotel. The request for a quiet room was ignored, the hotel staff were not bothered and goodbye.

Review 14:Easy to find, convenient car park

Review 15:Rooms bit higgledy piggledy between family. Would have felt better having children in nearer rooms.

Review 16:Characterful decor, nice wood panelled lounge area to relax after busy day. Single rooms spacious.

Review 17:Its a little shabby but comfy and welcoming. There was a repetitive noise from outside the window which went off every few seconds. Some kind of pump and flapping which was very noticeable when the traffic was finished for the day.

Review 18:Staff were great. location good. Breakfast was good too.

Review 19:None at all,,, only wish we could have stayed longer

Review 20:Location was excellent , in the town of Bala. Staff very friendly and helpful ,comfortable rooms,and the use of the Welsh language which is very important to me. Twenty out of ten ,, for me,,, I'll be back!!!!!

Review 21:The room lighting was on the dark side. The central high street location unfortunately was marred by antisocial behaviour in the early hours making a full night's sleep impossible. Efforts are being made to address the issue which would be very beneficial.

Review 22:Good location en route to Bangor for us. Good sized room and bathroom and good food available at the popular restaurant on site.

Review 23:Slight issue with check in advertised as 1 but had to wait in bar until after 2 would not be a problem but arriving in motorcycle gear meant not that comfortable although once change a very pleasant experience

Review 24:Food excellent pub grub. Room large with comfortable bed.

Review 25:Disappointed with furniture in the room, needs some TLC , have stopped at several of your pubs X hotels, a good example, is the dovey inn at Aberdovey , olde worlde, but room X showers very modern, upto Premier inn standard.

Review 26:The olde nature of the hotel.

Review 27:It was very noisy on a Saturday night on the main road until 03:30 am. Must be a local night club. Poor nights sleep.

Review 28:Lovely spacious room. Big comfy bed. Lovely food and service.

Review 29:The bedrooms were a little too warm and room 107 was a little noisy when windows were open

Review 30:The staff, very friendly especially the man serving breakfasts and who checked us out. Very efficient and always had a smile.

Review 31:My bedside table lamp didn't work (light bulb shattered)

Review 32:Loved the quirky, old rooms,separate lounging areas, such a helpful and friendly staff! Such a shame it was a short visit. Would definitely visit again!

Review 33:We had dinner in the bar one night and the bar was very busy and there didn't seem to be enough staff on so tables weren't cleaned and we had to chase for napkins and cutlery.

Review 34:The staff were really friendly and the whole package was really nice

Review 35:A very neat Hotel with a real sense of History! Very modern facility in a Building that reeked with antiquity! Great bar and restaurant food and staff with a smile and wonderful senses of humor. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a great experience in a beautiful, if off the beaten path, corner of the British Isles!

Review 36:Bathroom Extract Fan dirty/Loose taps Room Availability was not as advertised. Restaurant opening not as advertised Room and bathroom in need of attention.

Review 37:Comfortable Bed and Good Food Car parking Facilities Location Friendly Staff

Review 38:The first room we were allocated was disgracefully dirty and the windows would not close. I will be sending photographs to Booking.Com. We should not have been allocated this room and after complaining, we were upgraded, but the manager would not accompany us to the problem room so that we could show him how dirty it was. At one point he told my parter to shut up and stop complaining as he was offering an Upgrade! The other staff at the Hotel were fine. The manager continued to berate the hotel owners for not upgrading facilities fast enough. A very bad experience and am now doubting the Booking.Com hotel rating system.

Review 39:The Central location in the town. Car park provision was good.

Review 40:On arrival we had to wait an extra hour before our room wasready!why?The hotel was full the night before,(lame excuse).Anotherlittle niggle,the window frame could use a lick of paint.Well I had tofind something to moan about.

Review 41:When on holiday,my other half and I like a good breakfast to start theday,no problem there.Cleanliness is our priority, size ofbedroom,bathroom,get that right and for us it's a good start to ourhol'S.So far so good.

Review 42:Food a bit under par mainly due to being under heat lamp too long but otherwise tasty. Bed creaky but part of the history I guess

Review 43:Nice quirky hotel with character.

Review 44:Staff were extremey friendly and the food in the restaurant/ pub was great. Breakfast was served early to accomodate the competitors, which was excellent.

Review 45:Stayed in a room facing the high street, wasn't fully blacked out, flashing neon sign on restaurant opposite was lighting up room all night - should have taken my eye shades!

Review 46:Great welcome and positive attitude from staff team; I was there for the Bala triathlon and they went out of their way to be helpful to me and other guests taking part in the event.

Review 47:could do with some secondary glaszing to keep out the noise of weekend revellers.

Review 48:large comfortable room, not too many stairs, good breakfast and quickly served.

Review 49:Only downside was that the room was a bit dated and bathroom a bit scruffy - it's dated/traditional in style, certainly not boutique. apparently all rooms are being refurbished later this year - this will make it fabulous.

Review 50:Really good value, comfortable pub/hotel in great location, we really enjoyed our stay. We had a family room which was spacious and clean. Beds were really comfortable with good sheets and pillows. Fantastic breakfast and friendly staff. Would definitely go back and recommend.

Review 51:the plumbing was very noisy. We did not get much sleep with the revellers outside the pizza parlour from 1-4am, we would never stay there again, appauling

Review 52:The noise outside until 4am The manager joining the street party The beer was poorly kept. All the staff leaving the hotel so the only people there were the guests. My en suite meant the toilet was in my room!

Review 53:Booked 3 rooms. In one of the rooms the bed was very old and extremely uncomfortable as could feel the springs. Also, no curtain over one of the windows and light shining in. This room needs a bit of work but other rooms were great.

Review 54:Hotel staff were friendly and brilliant and the food was good too. Location was great for exploring the town. Rooms very comfortable and well finished generally.

Review 55:Could do with a little decorating, and a lick of fresh paint

Review 56:Lovely hotel. We were made to feel welcome as soon as we walked in. Food was excellent, lots of choice for evening meal including vegetarian option and breakfast was good. Room lovely, cumfy king size bed and very clean. Eileen and Gill need a special mention, they were lovely staff and very helpful, (all staff nice). Fantastic atmosphere. Stayed 2 nights and ample to see and do. Room service good plenty tea coffee biscuits etc and respected our need not to change towels. Excellent value for price we paid

Review 57:Noisy fan outside as I think room near kitchen and wanted window open as warm but too noisey!

Review 58:Great price through booking.com!Nice room but no view, as only 1 night so fine!Breakfast tasty & really liked bread!Lounge areas nice.

Review 59:Room generally needed a bit of upgrading for the price paid and the cleanliness of the room could have definitely been improved. Lots of dust etc.

Review 60:Friendly staff and helpful re planning activities and places to go - good recommendations were offered by the staff.

Review 61:We were 'upgraded' to a huge room with a four poster. Great except that the curtains were unlined and there is a streetlight on all night right outside the room. It was like broad daylight at 2am. Not good!

Review 62:Location value for money & breakfast offer

Review 63:Had to wait over 40 minutes between ordering and receiving meal in the restuarant, bar meals appeared to take priority. Bath too slippery to take advantage of the shower and the noise from the maseraters was intrusive. The menu was not that extensive especially for one who does not like chicken.

Review 64:Location excellent, good car parking and a good selection of wines.

Review 65:The service at breakfast and dinner was a bit slow, even though things didn't seem awefully busy.

Review 66:Very central in the village, car park direct at the Hotel, nice rooms.

Review 67:Bizarre en suite room, with toilet, basin and shower being part of the room itself with no partition. Didn't matter as it was a single, but odd all the same. Stair carpet worn. Room needed some refurbishment, especially window fastenings. Noisy revellers in street at 2 a.m when pubs threw out.

Review 68:Location. Lively bar with real ales. Public rooms attractive.

Review 69:Nothing. Be aware of the stairs for upper floors and toilet was (unusually?) in corner of bedroom.

Review 70:Ideal for a stopover. Friendly staff and clean and tidy room (301). No problem providing a veggie breakfast and some powerful shower!

Review 71:This hotel was located on the main street with a free private car park at the rear. Our room was spacious and comfortable. The breakfast was plentiful and delicious. All the staff were friendly and helpful.

Review 72:Not really a bad experience but could do with a lift especially to the higher floors. Room lighting was very dull , impossible to read by bed side light in the evening.

Review 73:very helpfull staff very comfortable room and bed and very good food thank you

Review 74:Food in restaurant was of poor quality my 10 ounce buger was cooked in 2 mins just a old crusty one that had not sold earlier ? Scam when ordering drink's they charge for two shots of pop with out asking

Review 75:we were slightly disappointed in the location of our room (202) it overlooked a narrow side street

Review 76:our room and en suit bathroom were good and the bed was very comfortable

Review 77:Bala High Street is very noisy on a Saturday night with rowdy drinkers. Hotel guests were treated to a drunken rendition of Land of our Fathers at 3.00 am. It was 4.00 am before it finally quietened down. The room was very small with no room for a wardrobe. Some hooks on the wall would have been a welcome addition.

Review 78:The hotel is well placed for local amenities. The breakfast was good. It was just as well I got a large discount, because the small, single room in the attic would not have been worth the full price.

Review 79:Very disappointed with the room. 2 single beds pushed together which made the room very cramped.Appalling soundproofing, could hear conversations of other guests through the partition walls Heavy dust on surfaces in room.

Review 80:Breakfasts and bar meals superb. Staff were very friendly and helpful

Review 81:No bad experience but staff were over loaded so probably understaffed.

Review 82:The staff were all really great... especially Eileen who wore many hats! Lady at breakfast was brilliant and also receptionist and lad behind bar. Very good value interesting place .old but had interesting repro stuff around.Good parking for motorbikes.Had a good laugh and was very relaxing after a days biking in the rain.

Review 83:Room was half painted... Food terrible - call me old-fashioned, but raw sausages for breakfast don't appeal.

Review 84:Handy location for the lake and sightseeing in Snowdonia.

Review 85:Came back on the Sunday with four guests. The Cuppaccino froth was runny and had to be collected from the bar. The lattes were good but the cuppaccinos 4/10.

Review 86:The staff and the full Welsh breakfast.

Review 87:Little disappointed with evening meal - as the description for the property boasted about local cuisine...probably had expectations above normal pub offering

Review 88:Curtains in bedroom needed repairing Bath was marked Limited toiletries, no facecloth no fridge in room

Review 89:Special price deal with Internet booking Ideal location with private parking Breakfast room very well presented with linen tablecloth

Review 90:Nothing. Was as perfect stay.

Review 91:Fantastic hotel. Stayed for one night for business trip. So much better than a chain hotel, and was cheaper. Great atmosphere lovely comfortable bed friendly staff. Would highly recommend to anyone.

Review 92:My husband sorted out the leaking shower screen against the side of the bath. The 'salmon fish cakes' ordered at the evening meal were actually smoked haddock. As they were very tasty anyway, I didn't complain. The en suite needed a refurbishment:-the extractor didn't extract and the shower screen seal was of the wrong type. Hot water needed temperature control.

Review 93:Very helpful, pleasant staff, particularly Thomas. Easy, comfortable small cosy lounges. Very quiet location.

Review 94:Could have done with the restaurant staying open just a couple of minutes longer to allow us to eat in the hotel.

Review 95:A great spot to unwind following the three peak challenge and a delicious recovery breakfast.

Review 96:As there is only single glazed windows, and we were at the front of the hotel it was very noisy when drinkers left the surrounding pubs and bars.

Review 97:Friendly hotel, happy to check us in when we arrived very late at night. Nice breakfast room and pleasant staff.

Review 98:The two discounted meals only available during the week and the menu was not too clear on this point.

Review 99:Perfect for a one off stop. Hotel comfortable and staff pleasant.

Review 100:The room was over the back of the hotel where there was a beer garden with music playing when I as trying to sleep also the cigarette smoke drifted up so the window had to be shut and the room was stuffy. There was fungus around the windows on the inside from condensation.

Review 101:The staff were very helpful and the food good value.

Review 102:Food was fairly average bar food, but not really up to the standard that should be offered by a hotel restaurant. But the food was still okay and good value

Review 103:Interesting building in High Street. Very reasonable prices but still offering good service and rooms

Review 104:Hotel décor and furniture a bit shabby in places, could do with a bit of a decorating and update

Review 105:Large comfy bed and spacious en suite. Brilliant shower. Good breakfast. Nice and central

Review 106:Evening meal quality was variable. One night the burger was outstanding, 2 nights later it was very poor.

Review 107:Staff were extremely helpful and pleasant. The power of the shower was amazing.

Review 108:Bar meal - It was tasty but the couscous was seriously overdone, obvious from the appearance so shouldn't have been sent out.

Review 109:Staff went out of their way to be helpful. A place of character with clean comfortable rooms in a great location. Good breakfast.

Review 110:Were definitely not made to feel very welcome in the Hotel bar, and the hotel was very shabby and had a bit of an odour of toilets in the main areas downstairs.

Review 111:The bed was extremely comfortable The waitress at Breakfast was superb, and couldnt do enough for us.

Review 112:Quite a climb to the third floor. Street noise was AWFUL, particularly on the Saturday night when the racket only died away at about 4:00am. Overall very expensive for the standard of accommodation.

Review 113:Pleasant, friendly reception. Old fashioned but pretty clean room. Good breakfast.

Review 114:the staff definitely are. Nothing is too much trouble for them. All the staff are polite, friendly and efficient. They remembered us from previous visits which was very nice.

Review 115:I wanted a Chilli Burrito but they were out of them. The bar staff proposed nachos. I explained that after hillwalking, I wanted something more substantial than crisps. I chose the chilli with rice and a beer. However, what came was almost inedible. Normally, I wouldn't leave anything on my plate, particularly after hillwalking. So, imagine my disappointment when the overcooked slightly mushy rice was presented in something like a popadom and there were mushy nachos under the super hot, virtually inedible, chilli. It was also a small portion. So I kinda got the nachos I didn't want. I complained politely and no remedial action was taken. So I ate the delicious steak pies across the road in Plas Y Cloch almost every night. There were plenty of eating options in Bala. I never ate another evening meal in the Royal White Lion. That said breakfast was superb.

Review 116:My ensuite, single room was excellent with a huge bathroom. Very comfortable, warm and clean room. The cleaning, reception and breakfast staff were extremely helpful. Convenient car park. It was extremely good value for what I paid.

Review 117:Noisy outside with people leaving the pub.

Review 118:Great location in North Wales country-side and perfect for Bala triathlon, very close to the start. Helpful staff,

Review 119:The room was somewhat cramped for two, and getting there through the corridors was rather convoluted.

Review 120:The staff were top notch, the rooms had all you needed (including a great shower),

Review 121:We stayed in a family room at this hotel on 27.05.2015. We found the room to be very dusty and generally untidy. The bathroom was in poor condition. Beds were uncomfortable. After spending the first night at the hotel we complained about the state of the room and asked the "Manager" to visit the room. It was obvious that he was shocked when he saw all the dust and rubbish, but he said: "cleaners can't move the heavy wardrobe and this room can't be cleaned properly". He offered to find us an alternative accommodation and full refund and we were told to pack and he would check us out. Upon checking out we were given %40 discount and the manager asked the receptionist to close the room for 3 days to be sterilised and painted. Very very disappointed!

Review 122:Staffs were friendly and breakfast was good.

Review 123:there was dust on the skirting boards and under the bed which i think could have been cleaned within minutes could have done with a fresh coat of paint in certain areas of the dining area

Review 124:how polite the staff were

Review 125:Small single room with the toilet actually in the room, not partitioned off. Despite an open window the odour was not good!

Review 126:Comfortable hotel with good facilities and a variety of public rooms. Very good value for money.

Review 127:We had some minor niggles - all communicated to hotel regarding maintenance issues - light not working, radiator dripping water but not enough to effect overall rating above.

Review 128:Location is excellent for surrounding area, right in centre of Bala. On site car park. Our car broke down and after being fixed hotel offered AA man cup of tea = excellent.

Review 129:The last evening was slightly marred. Due to staff shortage. Dining room service not available. Ate in the bar. Bit cold and draughty. My request for a room away from the traffic noise was either not passed on by you or not taken up by the hotel

Review 130:Pleasant staff. Good food. Wifi good.

Review 131:Although I appreciate it is a very old property I found the transfer of noise between floors quite disturbing and also feel the bedroom I was in was ready for a fresh coat of paint

Review 132:Helpful friendly staff

Review 133:I was on the 3rd floor which was a challenge to my quads after a day on the hills.....but I managed to get down to the bar most evenings!

Review 134:After looking at hostel accommodation to go walking in Snowdonia I had a quick check on Booking.com and found this hotel. I paid £25 for a single ensuite room with breakfast - cheaper than a hostel bed!!

Review 135:The hotel was a perfect location for the competition. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, nothing too much trouble. Special thanks to Robert and Jo (I think that's her name).

Review 136:Double bed was 2 single mattresses so an uncomfortable gap between the two (of us). Room clean not 100% - no towel change.

Review 137:Nice room and ensuite, friendly staff good breakfast and dinner menus, best bar/pub in the town. A great base for touring the area and would definitely stay again even at full rates.

Review 138:Bathroom radiator did not seem to work - bathroom was cool at times.

Review 139:Refreshing to stay where the food prices were reasonable in the Bar. Food was a good standard for the price paid. Staff were all very good and helpful.

Review 140:The evening meal in the bar could have been better and the barman who took our order, forgot a request for mustard and he also made a mess of getting the order right for people in the table next to ours.

Review 141:The breakfast was good and the friendliness of the staff was good.