North Wales boasts four 'romantic' hotels

Four north Wales hotels have made into the top 10 list of passionate places in Wales to stay.

The guide, Room for Romance, follows a year of research by a team of six searching for the perfect hotel break.

Two hotels in Llandudno - and one in Glan Conwy - have made it into the guide.

The St Tudno Hotel and Osborne House, both of which are in Llandudno, are mentioned as well as the Old Rectory in Glan Conwy and Penmaenuchaf Hall in Dolgellau.

The hotels chosen boast an "intangible" air of romance, said Cardiff-born series editor Mairiona Cotter.

"We're not surprised that Conwy County features in the top 10 and we think it's an excellent location for a relaxing, romantic break," said a spokesperson for Conwy Council.

"Surrounded by stunning scenery, it's ideal for romantic walks to and from wonderful restaurants or the theatre - a perfect venue for indulging your partner and yourself."

What people are not bothered about is a trouser press Editor Mairiona Cotter

"Finding the hotels was a mixture of research and getting on the road and spending quite a lot of time doing our homework," said Ms Cotter.

"We are really after the feel of the place, the style and the flair, what views there are and the setting.

"And we are looking for what makes it a wonderful stay, which you sometimes can't put your finger on.

"We have a team of six, one always looks for the intangible - what people are not bothered about is a trouser press or a 24-hour cafe," she added.

Osborne House was the AA Welsh Hotel of the Year 2004

Ms Cotter, originally from Cathays in Cardiff, said her personal favourite in Wales is the Lake Country House in Llangammarch Wells.

She said it boasts a beautiful setting with its own trout lake and river walks.

Three of the hotels are in Conwy, with two in Llandudno itself.

Another hotel to make the top 10 is the Bell at Skenfrith, near Monmouth.

Owner William Hutchings said he was pleased to have made it into the guide for Britain and Ireland hotels.

According to Mr Hutchings, the Valentine's weekend has already been a busy one with plenty of couples taking advantage of the half-term school holidays.

"We have chosen our menu very carefully, you obviously want to avoid things like garlic and anything to heavy, we have prawn and fish on the menu tonight."

Britain's Room For Romance Hotel of the Year 2005 is Prestonfield, a 17th century Edinburgh mansion.

The 10 Welsh Room for Romance hotels are:

The Bell at Skenfrith, Monmouthshire

Egerton Grey Country House, Porthkerry

Lake Vyrnwy is a Victorian country house

Penally Abbey, near Tenby

Wolfscastle Country House, near Haverfordwest, Pembs

The Lake Country House, Llangammarch Wells

Lake Vyrnwy, Llanwddyn, near Welshpool

Penmaenuchaf Hall, Dolgellau

St Tudno Hotel, Llandudno

Osborne House, Llandudno

The Old Rectory, Glan Conwy.