Chateau Rhianfa is best described in two words: fairytale hotel. It is located in Anglesey, United Kingdom, and overlooks the beautiful Menai Strait. It’s clear from the moment you arrive that you’ve arrived somewhere special. Visitors may observe the castle-like structure from all sides and appreciate its particular character from within the grounds.
If you are not looking for a staycation location, you can enjoy a dining experience or afternoon tea in their AA Rosette awarded Le Dragon Rouge Restaurant. So, are you looking for an informative read on Chateau Rhianfa because you are planning your visit in the not-too-distant future? Dive in!
Château Rhianfa History
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They call Chateau Rhianfa a château for a reason.
Situated atop a peak with a view of the Menai Straits between Anglesey and mainland Wales, it is a turreted structure made of grey stone. It looks to have been transported straight from the Loire Valley.
Chateau Rhianfa, a Grade 11-listed chateau, was erected between 1849 and 1851 by Sir John Hay-Williams, the first Baronet of Bodelwyddan, as a ladies’ retreat for his wife, Lady Sarah Williams, and daughters.
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Due to the family’s extensive travels throughout the Loire, it is thought that the châteaux of Amboise, Blois, Chambord, and Chaumont had a significant effect on Rhianfa’s architectural style.
Rhianfa was owned by the Williams family until 1957. In 2011, after the nearby cottages were converted into guest houses, it received a multi-million dollar makeover to become a five-star hotel with 16 rooms.
1. Location
Chateau Rhianfa is found between two towns, Menai Bridge and Beaumaris, on the coast of Anglesey, which is across the bridge from the Welsh mainland and has views of the Snowdonian giants. The nearest train station is about a five-minute drive, and you can book your train ticket using the name Llanfairpwll, which is the town’s common name.
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Although there are many of things to do in the area, the most popular ones are South Stack Cliff, Newborough Beach, and Snowdonia because of their stunning scenery. There is parking in front of Rhianfa, and Menai Bridge, which is 15 minutes distant on foot, has a supermarket and other facilities.
2. Style and Character
Chateau Rhianfa is one of Britain’s most extraordinary Victorian seaside houses, and it was a dower gift for Lady Sarah Hay Williams from her husband, John. The fish-scale-turreted mansion design was based on five castles in the Loire Valley, an area couples love, from the gates to the ornamental nail heads, which were copied from a drawing by Lady Sarah and handmade in Birmingham.
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Since the ceilings and fireplaces in Chateau Rhianfa are miniature pieces of art, it’s equally fascinating to explore the interior. Three of the original twelve acres of the land are now part of the hotel grounds, which has been restored while retaining the majority of its historic charm.
In addition, its many rooms, nooks, and cloisters are full of interesting artifacts, and they are all decorated in bold colors and rich fabrics.
3. Service and Facilities
Since the Interesting Hotel bought Chateau Rhianfa, there has been an additional car park. Facilities of Chateau Rhianfa include:
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- The bar is ideal for pre-dinner drinks, and wine caves usually have wine tasting rooms for events
- Parking
- Restaurant
- A four-person hot tub
- Private beach
- Sauna/ Steam
- Billiard/pool table
- Spa
- Outdoor tennis court
- Wi-Fi
- Music room
- Drawing room
- Cloisters
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With an accessible entrance on the ground floor, a lift to all floors, ramps where needed, and handicapped parking, Chateau Rhianfa is also accessible to visitors with disabilities.
Additional guest services include:
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Daily housekeeping
- Dry cleaning service
- Luggage storage
- Tour/ticket assistance
- Wedding services
- Conference space (893 square feet)
4. Food and Drinks
According to most guest reviews, Chateau Rhianfa is a perfect location to enjoy a game, a glass of wine, or a book by the fireplace before dinner. However, you must wrap up since the characterful, tartan-carpeted dining room can be cold.
Food comprises various playful flavor combinations and is locally outsourced can enjoy breakfast, the popular and lovely afternoon tea, or a sumptuous dinner prepared by their top team of chefs.
a). Breakfast
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A complementary continental breakfast reminiscent of a French chateau is provided to each visitor. They also provide a prepared option with Welsh goods for an additional £9 per person.
b). Dinner
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You will love the ‘Chateau Dining Experience’ each evening, where the night consists of Prosecco & Canapes at 7 pm. All the dinner guests enjoy a 5-course tasting menu as the evening meal and an entertainment element like a magician for table magic during aperitifs or a pianist for the later part of the evening.
They also offer afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and a sandwich menu as additional alternatives.
5. Rooms
You will almost be shocked by the amazing attention to detail of Chateau Rhianfa, which seems to transcend the 20th century. It would be simple to turn it into an active museum so that people might appreciate the grounds and character.
This has distinctive conical towers, exquisite tapestries adorning its walls, and exotic gardens with breathtaking views of the Menai Strait and the mainland. With its magnificent tapestry, chandeliers, painted ceilings, stained glass windows, and gilded mirrors, the entry hall is just the beginning of the spectacular furnishings.
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Chateau Rhianfa is spread over several floors, and it has a wide variety of magnificent rooms that can provide you with solitude if you choose. Chateau Rhianfa has 16 rooms in the main building, a self-catering lodge, and several cottages on its grounds. All the lodge rooms are luxurious and decorated with period furnishings.
All three rooms: the drawing room, music room, and morning room, offer the same breathtaking view of the Strait. The rooms are also family-friendly, and they can provide cots and children’s beds at a £20 extra charge.
Room Options
1. Lodge Suite
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £327.00
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £247.00
The Lodge Suite can accommodate two people and features a king bed, a roll-top bath in the en suite, and a view of the sea. It features a bay window with views of the Menai Strait, the gardens, and the mountains. However, this style of room does not have rollaway extra beds or infant beds.
2. Chateau Superior Suite
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £327.00
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £247.00
With one King Bed, it can accommodate two people. It has 24-hour room service and an in-room safe. However, infant beds and rollaway or extra beds are not available.
3. Chateau Suite
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £295.00
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £215.00
Enjoy more space for relaxing in the large suite with Menai Straits Views with free slippers and bathrobes.
4. Chateau Double Room Sea View
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £327.00
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £247.00
This is one of the rooms with a sea view that accommodates two guests in one double bed.
5. Chateau Standard Double Room
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £297.00 (Rate includes a £45 allocation towards dinner plus Bed and full Welsh Breakfast)
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £217.00
This is for you if you would prefer a view of the courtyard rather than the sea. Two persons can stay in the Chateau Standard Double Room thanks to its single double bed.
6. Lodge Standard Double Room
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £327.00
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £247.00
The standard rooms of the Rhianfa Lodge Annex provide views of the Menai Straits, our rose garden, and the surrounding mountains. However, there isn’t much space in standard double rooms.
7. Lodge Sea View Double Room
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £214 (Rate includes a £45 allocation for dinner plus Bed and full Welsh Breakfast)
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £294.00)
The Rhianfa Lodge Annex Sea View Rooms are large rooms with views of the Menai Straits, the Mountains, and the Rose Garden.
8. Stable Flat Cottage, 1 Bedroom
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £327.00
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £247.00
This self-catering cottage has a balcony that looks out over the yard, an open-plan kitchen, and one bedroom. The spacious bedroom with built-in wardrobes and a shower room is only big enough to fit two people.
9. Cottage, 2 Bedrooms, Sea View
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £327.00
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £247.00
The 3-bedroom cottage with a sea view and comes with two King Beds. The 1076 sq ft cottage accommodates four people with all the necessary amenities.
10. Cottage, 3 Bedrooms, Sea View
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Cottage BB- £514.00
The 3-bedroom cottage with a sea view comes with three King Beds, and the master bedroom has a balcony. The 1076 sq ft cottage accommodates six people with all the necessary amenities making it perfect for a large group. You will all enjoy the large living room that features a wood-burning stove and a grand piano.
11. Chateau Executive Double Room
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Dinner, Bed, and Breakfast- £281.00
Bed and Full Welsh Breakfast- £201.00
This is your best bet for a partial sea view with premium bedding. Although there are no other extra beds or infant beds available, it comes with one bed that accommodates two people.
Room Amenities
a). Bedroom
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Before booking a room at a hotel or guesthouse, I like to find out what is included in the package. The following are included in the rooms at Chateau Rhianfa, although keep in mind that the more expensive accommodations will have additional facilities. Among them are:
- Bedroom bed sheets
- Hypoallergenic beddings
- Premium bedding
- Heating
- Daily housekeeping
- Flatscreen TV
- Electric kettle
- Iron/ironing board (on request)
- Safe
- Free in-room Wifi
- Bottled water
b). Bathroom
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Its bathrooms are modern and indulgent, from big walk-ins and double sinks to rain-head showers. Notably, there are baths in two of the Superior suites.
- Bathrobes
- Designer toiletries
- Hair dryer
- Private bathroom
- Shower
- Towels
6. Activities
During your time at the Chateau Rhianfa, you will never be bored. The following are some of the activities available on the grounds:
- There is a tennis court you can enjoy
- Hotel boats are available for hire
- Golf is 10 minutes away at Henlly’s 18-hole course
- Falconry activities can be arranged
- Mountain biking
- VIP pass to Zipworld (Europe’s largest & fastest zip wire)
- Wales Coastal Path at the Snowdonia National Park
- Wine tasting
- Kayaking
- Watersports
- Sights nearby
Wedding Activities
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Chateau Rhianfa is a must-see for any couple searching for an idyllic, distinctive venue for their wedding in Anglesey. The magnificent 42-foot Banqueting Hall at Château Rhianfa, with its wood floors, paneled walls, and breathtaking views, is a great location for opulent events and weddings in North Wales.
For civil ceremonies, weddings, and exclusive use, Chateau Rhianfa is the ideal location. With options to suit every budget, you may even throw small parties for as few as 20 wedding party guests or as many as 80.
With a 120-service capacity, they also support Asian and same-sex weddings. There are many wedding packages available such as Lace, Satin, Silk, or Tailor-Made packages, which you can personalize to create the occasion of your personality and dream.
Why Do People Love the Chateau Rhianfa?
- Free self-parking on site
- Smoke-free premises
- Front-desk safe
- An electric car charging station
- 24-hour and late-night room service
- A 24-hour front desk, tour/ticket assistance, and luggage storage
- Free newspapers in the lobby
Chateau Rhianfa Reviews
Reviews are crucial since most people prefer to read about other guests’ experiences during their stays at various hotels before making a reservation. Let’s see what the other visitors thought of Chateau Rhianfa.
Chateau Rhianfa has gathered popularity over the years for many reasons, like its lovely gardens or private beach. They have garnered mostly positive reviews from great customer service as the staff has been polite, helpful, and delightful.
Chateau Rhianfa has five-star reviews on the most popular booking sites, even when you book directly with them. We have rounded up the best reviews from popular booking sites:
Trip Advisor- A 4-star rating from 1607 reviews
Booking.com- A 4-star rating from 930 reviews
Expedia.com- A 4.3-star rating from 346 reviews
Trivago.com- A 4.3-star rating from 850 reviews
Kayak.com– A 4.1-star rating from 937 reviews
Here is a synopsis of the reviews on the overall experience:
- Location- 9/10
- Food and Drink- 7/10
- Rooms– 8/10
- Amenities- 8/10
- Cleanliness- 9/10
- Customer Service- 9/10
- Value for money- 6/10
Conclusion on Chateau Rhianfa Prices and Reviews
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You will want to visit Chateau Rhianfa because of its exceptional natural beauty, based on the majority of guest ratings. The excellent air quality gives it a distinct freshness that readily revitalizes your body and spirit. We hope this book has quenched your curiosity if you’ve been searching for a thorough analysis of Chateau Rhianfa.
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