What’s The Clontarf Hotel like?
This boutique B&B can be found in a grand Victorian house at the foot of the Great Orme. Llandudno’s peaceful West Shore Beach is also just moments away. The stylish rooms have all been individually decorated and boast fantastic views of at least one of the attractions above. Llandudno town centre is approximately a 10-15-minute walk away.
How dog-friendly is The Clontarf Hotel?
Very. Owners Joni and Mark love having dogs to stay. You’ll need to bring your own beds, bowls and food but doggy guests can expect a freshly cooked sausage for breakfast each morning. Joni and Mark also have lots of recommendations for dog-friendly places to visit nearby. Pets are allowed everywhere in the B&B, including the guest lounge and breakfast room. There’s an additional charge of £3.50 per dog per night.
Tell me more about The Clontarf Hotel
There are several rooms at the hotel, ranging from a cosy kingsize to a stylish four-poster, as well as a top-floor apartment. We stayed in Room 6 – a ‘spacious superking restful room’ on the first floor, which is recommended for dog owners as a set of double doors blocks out noise from the landing. The room, decorated in soothing shades of grey, was gorgeous, with a cool feature print wall, vintage furniture and pops of mustard dotted throughout. A sofa was perfectly positioned in a huge bay window and there was even a little kitchenette hidden away in a wardrobe, making the room feel much more like an apartment. More on that later!
The en-suite shower room was great too, with complimentary L’Occitane toiletries and little things you might have forgotten to bring, such as cotton buds and make-up remover pads. We loved everything about the room – which had fantastic views of both the Great Orme and out over Conwy Bay – but guests are also welcome to relax in the downstairs lounge if they fancy a change of scenery. The B&B has a well-stocked honesty bar too and plenty of parking, both onsite and on the street.
What’s the food like at The Clontarf Hotel?
Lovely, with breakfasts freshly cooked to order between 8.30am and 9.30am. Every evening, guests are asked to fill out a form saying what they’d like to eat the next day and when. There are plenty of options to suit all tastes, from a simple bowl of cereal to yoghurt and berries and, of course, a full cooked breakfast. The breakfast set-up is really sweet too with vintage crockery and bottles of fresh juice. You’ll also spend ages looking at the fantastic map wall in the breakfast room. Look closely at the picture above too and you’ll see the boys’ sausages ready and waiting for them, wrapped in foil.
While the B&B does not serve lunches or evening meals, many of the rooms have their own kitchenettes, which really come in handy. We found the fridge particularly useful for storing the boys’ food – and chilling down some of the excellent local beers! The kitchenettes may be small but they are perfectly formed, with everything you need to whip up a basic meal. Ours had a fridge, sink and hob, as well as enough cutlery, glasses, cups and plates for two. We also had a tray with complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate in cute Great Orme Tramway mugs, as well as a kettle and coffee machine.
Are there resident dogs at The Clontarf Hotel?
Yes, Giant Schnauzer Vladimir, Mini Schnauzer Sally and Freddy, a working cocker spaniel who is blind. We were lucky enough to meet all three during our stay – and they’re all gorgeous!
Where are the best dog walks near The Clontarf Hotel?
If your dog loves to feel the sand beneath their paws, head to West Shore Beach. This is just moments from the B&B and while dogs are not allowed on the main section – between the two stone groynes – during the summer, there is plenty of beach they can visit all year round. Plan your trip to coincide with low tide and you’ll be rewarded with miles of soft sand. Seasonal restrictions also apply at North Shore – Llandudno’s principal beach – but we far preferred West Shore. Not only is it quieter, but there’s a lot more free parking on quiet, wide roads.
A path opposite the B&B also leads up to the Great Orme. The 5.5-mile circular trail around the limestone headland – starting and finishing at Llandudno Pier – is popular with many hikers but is quite steep in parts. The one-mile Haulfre Gardens Trail is less challenging but still boasts great views – and finishes right by The Clontarf Hotel. Be sure to look out for the wild Kashmiri goats that live on the Orme. To see the suggested walks, click here. For more ideas when it comes to dog-friendly things to see and do, visit our Ruff Guide to… Conwy County.
What Ernie and Stan loved about The Clontarf Hotel
The breakfast sausages, the peaceful location, being so close to a dog-friendly beach
What I loved about The Clontarf Hotel
The stylish rooms, the fantastic facilities, the great walks on the doorstep
How to book The Clontarf Hotel
Rooms start from £70 per night, including breakfast. There is a two-night minimum stay. For more information or to book, call 01492 or visit The Clontarf Hotel website. Joni and Mark’s unique hand-finished furniture can also be purchased online via Pieces of Eight Design.
