Menai Bridge, United Kingdom
Château Rhianfa
Loire-style Victorian château
Loire-style Victorian château
The estate transplants French Renaissance architecture to the Welsh coast, running as a quiet country house above the tide.
“the 27-room Château Rhianfa, a turreted fairytale mansion that overlooks the Menai Straits and a swath of the route you will have walked—and will walk—on the pilgrim path.”
What it’s good at
Listed
Turreted stone walls shelter bold jewel-toned rooms and an Alfred Waterhouse banquet hall.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Château Rhianfa is a tribute to the Loire Valley, even as it stands on the Menai Strait, looking back at the Welsh mainland.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The Menai Strait runs along the estate's private beach, with medieval Beaumaris Castle a short drive north.
The rooms
Castle bedrooms come in saturated jewel tones, and top suites add four-poster beds and free-standing roll-top baths.
The spa & gym
At the table
Le Dragon Rouge serves Welsh produce with French technique, and the carved wooden bar is lined with bookshelves.
Five-star Grade II listed hotel Château Rhianfa overlooks the Menai Strait near Beaumaris, allowing guests their own castle from which to explore the inspiration for the shores of Dragonstone.
How it began
Lady Sarah Hay-Williams sketched French châteaux on her travels, inspiring her husband to build this Welsh dower house in 1849.
The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.