A Romantic Getaway to Palé Hall Hotel, North Wales

We sent Travelista Contributor Em Hope to check out one of Wales’ most luxurious 5 star hotels, situated in the heart of Snowdonia national park. Here’s our exclusive review of Palé Hall Hotel in North Wales.

Situated above the Dee Valley, Palé Hall is a Victorian mansion and bespoke hotel. With its collection of eighteen stunningly unique and lavish bedrooms and suites, this country house hotel oozes luxury, making it an ideal setting for a romantic getaway for couples. Luckily, I was able to bring my partner Ben along for the ride.

Palé Hall is part of the exclusive Relais and Chatexu collection and provides the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re seeking to explore iconic landmarks further afield like Mount Snowdon, Betws y Coed, the Conwy coast or simply unwind in the comfort of the hotel itself, you won’t be short of activities to indulge in. From cosying up in the library with a book, engaging in healthy competition at the chess tables, or enjoying the inviting warmth of the lounges and bar, every moment at Palé Hall promises pure serenity and comfort. 

With winter in full force, my partner and I were eagerly anticipating a getaway to unwind and recharge together. With him working overtime and my own recent chaotic schedule, we really wanted a retreat where we could slow down, relax, and be truly pampered. Palé Hall Hotel gave us just that, exceeding all our expectations and provided the perfect setting for an festive, romantic break. 

This hotel review has been generated as part of a media hosted press stay. All words are authentic to the author.

Palé Hall Hotel Review by Em Hope

First Impressions

Despite our slight delay due to Friday rush hour, a quick call to update the hotel on our arrival time was met with understanding and a friendly reminder to take our time and get to the hotel safely. As we pulled up, the festive sight of Christmas trees and twinkling reindeer outside set the tone for the magical experience awaiting us. 

Greeted by a super friendly concierge, David, we were promptly invited into the cosy entrance of Palé Hall as though we were long-lost friends returning home. From the crackling fireplace to the inviting sofas and the grand Christmas tree, the ambience of the hotel reception was nothing short of enchanting. With David taking care of our belongings, we were able to soak in the warmth of the surroundings and feel instantly at ease. 

Check-in

Our check-in process at the hotel was seamless. Guided straight to our room, Abby, our helpful host ensured our comfort from the outset. Though a tour of the entire hotel to get our bearings would have been a cherry on top, Abby’s thoughtful approach recognised our tiredness and aimed to avoid overwhelming us after our long journey. 

Entering our stunning room, we were really impressed by the attention to detail and the personalised touch in every corner. The seamless service and genuine care extended by the staff set the tone for what promised to be an exceptional stay at Palé Hall Hotel. 

The Ruthin Suite

Although the hotel offers a charming selection of rooms (some of which are also dog—and family-friendly and some historically inhabited by figures such as Queen Victoria and Winston Churchill), my partner and I stayed in the lovely Ruthin Suite.

Named after a pretty town, 20 miles from Palé Hall, Ruthin, a Master Room, has stunning views of the Dee Valley from a big bay window. Featuring an antique brass four-poster bed, the room also has an elegant bathroom, complete with a dreamy bath and a separate shower that adds even more luxury. 

The Ruthin Suite had everything we needed for a comfy, luxurious stay, from the usual amenities like a hairdryer, towels, and a wardrobe, to extra thoughtful touches like fluffy robes, toothbrush set, vanity kit, and sanitary items. It felt like the staff had thought of everything to make our stay super relaxing. 

Extra Special Touches

In true five-star fashion, Palé Hall’s Ruthin Suite exceeded all expectations by sprinkling thoughtful touches throughout our stay.  

The suite offered a delightful local hamper, brimming with a selection of Welsh refreshments, accompanied by fresh milk from a local dairy and tasty Welsh shortbread—perfect for those cosy evenings in. Replenished daily by room service, this gesture certainly added a touch of local charm to our experience. Within the room, we also received a complimentary treat of homemade, sweet Welsh mead which was delicious.

As someone who appreciates insider information about different locations, I was impressed by a personalised ‘Palé Times’ scroll which provided insights into the weekend weather, local activities, historical information, and even a cocktail recommendation.  

A standout feature of the Ruthin Suite was the discreet television embedded within the grand mirror—a subtle touch of modernity among the classic elegance of the setting. The mixture of old-world charm and contemporary technology added a touch of true sophistication to our stay, leaving us really impressed by the thoughtful design elements of the hotel. 

And finally, as a true Taurus gal who appreciates a heavy dose of luxury, the complimentary Penhaligon’s toiletries were an absolute highlight – from shampoo and conditioner to indulgent body wash and lotion, I felt like a true queen for the weekend.  

Luxurious Lounge Spaces

Each lounge in the hotel displays its own distinctive charm, providing a cosy setting for guests to unwind and relax. The intimate guest capacity ensures that the lounges are never overcrowded, allowing you to claim your own peaceful space too, which is particularly special.

The Library was our favourite hangout during our stay – which featured a cosy warm fireplace, seating area, and of course, plenty of books. For those seeking a more sociable atmosphere, the Library also offers a selection of board games, chess table and a small billiards table, promising endless entertainment for guests, no matter what their tastes. 

The other little lounge space is a quiet sanctuary, perfect for relaxing in. Also featuring a charming fireplace, a comfortable sofa area and picturesque views of the front of the hotel. 

The Great Outdoors and Snowdonia

Whilst the indoor spaces are undeniably gorgeous, guests can also be treated to a variety of outdoor delights during their stay here. From highland cows to the adorable Valais blacknose sheep family, the countryside setting is filled with character.  

If guests are keen to explore, then they will discover vast outdoor space here, including a delightful patio area (perfect for the summer and sipping a refreshing cocktail). Beyond the immediate hotel grounds, a range of woodland walks and hidden small waterfall nestled within the grounds await. Whilst wet weather will definitely require a pair of walking boots or wellies to explore the area, the beauty of the hotel grounds invites guests to embrace exploring in any type of weather. 

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Just a 40-minute drive will lead you to the captivating Snowdonia National Park, where the majestic Mount Snowdon awaits your exploration. And for a family-friendly outing, Bala Lake nearby offers a scenic circular walk that’s perfect for all ages. 

For adrenaline seekers, Zip World Conwy is just around the corner, offering an array of thrilling activities. Meanwhile, Wave Garden Spa, situated close by, provides a serene escape with its sauna, steam room, outdoor infinity pool, and a range of relaxing treatments. 

If you’re feeling the call of the coast, then there are a few seaside towns within reach too. We decided to venture out to Conwy Castle for the day and I’d 100% recommend a visit. Conwy is a gorgeous postcard town full of cobbled streets, bakeries, pubs, bookshops, the world’s smallest house and of course, the gorgeous coastline.  

AA-Three Rosette and Micheline Green Star Dining

With its highly commended AA three-rosette and Michelin Green Star fine dining restaurant, it’s no surprise the restaurant has attracted VIP visitors over the years. Following in the footsteps of the likes of Ruth Jones, Jack Whitehall and Micheal Ball, we were very excited to experience the dining scene for ourselves. 

One thing they’re distinctly proud of at Palé Hall, is their relationship with local farmers and food producers and the menus are reflective of this as they aim to showcase only the freshest ingredients from the region. Over the years, Palé Hall has traditionally offered a tasting menu, but due to a recent change of hands in the kitchen, they were offering a refined yet delicious three-course à la carte menu instead.  

As we stepped into the Henry Robertson Dining Room, named after the esteemed 19th-century industrialist, we were greeted by the warm glow of candlelight and the sounds of gentle jazz, creating a relaxed yet formal ambience. Throughout the evening, the impeccable service and friendly conversation from Rob, our lovely host, added an extra layer of charm to the wonderful dining experience at Palé Hall. 

Our meal began with a tasty selection of fresh, warm bread and condiments for the table, soon followed by some tasty dishes. From dainty, flavourful starters like linguine, parmesan velouté and fresh autumn truffle to uniquely crafted mains such as roasted spiced monkfish and tender Welsh dry-aged ribeye steak, every dish was full of flavour. 

For dessert, we both enjoyed a seasonal sweet Orange and Grand Marnier Crème caramel and a selection of artisan cheeses and crackers which left us two very happy (and full) guests. 

Whilst the menu was delicious, I would caveat that there’s not loads to choose from and the menu depending on the vibe you’re after can be seen as pretty pricey for fairly small portions.

So, if you’re staying within the hotel for a few days you may want to opt for other local restaurants too for more selection. However, as a one-off or special occasion, the à la carte menu at Palé Hall is certainly worth experiencing. 

Afternoon Tea in the Henry Robertson Dining Room

In addition to the à la carte menu, Palé Hall also offers afternoon tea bookings for guests and non-residents alike.

The homemade afternoon tea features a selection of delicious locally sourced ingredients and is served in the charming Henry Robertson Dining Room at various sittings throughout the afternoon. 

The experience begins with a selection of tea leaves in jars that are brought to your table for you to sample– from standard favourites like English Breakfast and Earl Grey, to more unique options such as Rhubarb and Vanilla, Sparkling White Tea and Vanilla Chai, there’s something for every taste and curiosity.  

The homemade afternoon tea is sumptuous and contains all you’d expect from an afternoon tea – a mixture of sweet and savoury foods.

From smoked salmon, ham and mustard, egg and coronation chicken sandwiches, fruit scones with cream and jam and dainty choux pastries and mini cakes, the selection was lovely and could be enjoyed at a leisurely, relaxed setting.  

Sumptuous Breakfasts

From savouring hot-cooked Welsh breakfasts, homemade pancakes, creamy porridge, and Eggs Benedict to enjoying continental meats and cheeses, yoghurts, cereals, and toast, the breakfast spread at Palé Hall offers a selection of tempting choices to suit everyone. Guests can also take advantage of the range of freshly squeezed juices, aromatic teas, and piping hot coffee on offer, perfect for fuelling up for the day ahead.  

For those seeking the ultimate convenience, room service is available for an additional charge, but the atmosphere of the breakfast room is certainly welcoming. A special mention must be given to Shelley, who was extremely attentive and was a lovely member of staff to chat with on both mornings that we stayed. 

The Verdict

Palé Hall Hotel is more than a place to stay– it’s a whole experience that will sweep you off your feet and leave you feeling refreshed. While the hotel is dog-friendly and welcomes families, I’d say it’s more suited to being a cosy and romantic retreat – especially if you want to truly soak up the peace and calm with your significant other. 

Although the stay itself comes with a high price tag, every penny spent here will undoubtedly be worth it and does truly reflect the luxury on offer. Whether you choose to celebrate a special anniversary or just looking for a retreat closer to home, Palé Hall Hotel promises a stay that is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Beyond the stunning views, luxury lounges, and comfy rooms, what truly sets Palé Hall apart is its amazing staff. They’ll make you feel right at home from the get-go, taking care of every little detail so you can unwind. 

With mouthwatering food, picturesque scenery, lavish rooms and a top-notch team, Palé Hall Hotel easily ranks as my favourite retreat so far and one I’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a perfect combination of luxury and the great outdoors.

Read Em’s review of The Nest in County Durham, a collection of luxury lodges with hot tubs in the Durham countryside.