THE ELEPHANT & CASTLE HOTEL
About the Castle Hotel
The Elephant & Castle Hotel, Newtown - A Refined Countryside Retreat
This privately owned hotel, a recent acquisition by a local farming family, offers a compelling proposition in Newtown, Powys. It strikes a delicate balance between traditional charm and contemporary comfort, presenting a distinctive escape for discerning travelers. While it may not claim the dramatic vistas of a coastal resort, its own quiet elegance and commitment to quality have made it a noteworthy option in the heart of Wales.
Location
Situated in Newtown, the hotel benefits from a waterside setting, with its restaurant offering picturesque views across the River Severn. While not directly in a major urban center, it provides a tranquil base from which to explore the surrounding Welsh countryside. Nearby landmarks include the Robert Owen Museum and the Newtown Textile Museum, both within easy reach, offering a glimpse into the town's rich heritage. Liverpool John Lennon Airport is 77 km away, and Chester Hawarden Airport is 95 km distant, making it accessible by road.
Style and Character
The Elephant & Castle embraces a character that shifts subtly between its different areas. The newly refurbished Lounge Bar at the front offers a more contemporary, convivial atmosphere, while the adjacent Cocktail Bar provides a tranquil setting for pre-dinner aperitifs. The restaurant, with its river views, aims for a relaxed yet refined dining environment. The 'Bothy,' a nod to the traditional outbuildings for land workers, retains its original timber-framed black and white facade, hinting at the hotel's historical roots.
Service and Facilities
The hotel prides itself on a team of professional chefs who deliver superb homemade food. The bottleshop staff are notably friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable, ready to guide guests through an extensive selection of local and imported labels, often at competitive prices. The front bar is equipped with full TAB facilities and Keno, catering to those who enjoy a flutter while watching racing on large plasma screens. Standard rooms offer modern, high-quality accommodation, complemented by free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking. Guests are invited to enjoy pre-dinner drinks in plush surroundings.
Rooms
Guest rooms at The Elephant & Castle offer a comfortable and modern standard. Each features a private bathroom, complete with either a bath or a shower and free toiletries. Entry-level rooms include amenities such as a wardrobe, electric kettle, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and heating, with carpeted floors adding a touch of warmth. Some rooms present a unique bathroom design with a separate sunken bath featuring LED lighting and a large, separate shower. The inclusion of fluffy towels aims to ensure a restful night's sleep. Larger accommodation options, including quadruple rooms with three beds and triple rooms with two beds, are available for groups and families.
Food and Drink
The hotel's dining experience is centered around its restaurant, which offers beautiful views of the River Severn and a menu of superb homemade food prepared by a team of professional chefs. Guests can choose from a range of delicious dishes, with specific mention of a mouth-watering 500g Rib Eye or a 300g Fillet Mignon for steak enthusiasts. The bar is well-stocked with a variety of soft drinks, hand-pulled beers, draught ciders and lagers, wines, and spirits, positioning it as having one of the largest selections in the city. The atmosphere in the bar can range from lively and festive, especially with daily lucky boxed mystery bet prizes and challenge jackpots for Saturday punters, to a more tranquil lounge setting in the adjacent Cocktail Bar.
Value for Money
The Elephant & Castle Hotel offers a solid value proposition, particularly given the inclusion of free Wi-Fi and free private parking with all standard rooms. The bottleshop's competitive pricing for its extensive selection of beverages also adds to the overall appeal. While specific pricing varies by room type and season, the combination of comfortable accommodation, decent dining, and a range of facilities makes it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking a quality stay in the region.
Accessibility
Information regarding specific accessibility features such as wheelchair access or adapted rooms is not detailed in the provided materials. However, the general availability of standard rooms with private bathrooms suggests a baseline level of accommodation.
Family-Friendly
The hotel appears to cater to a range of guest needs, with quadruple and triple room options available, suggesting suitability for families. The availability of a garden and terrace offers outdoor space for relaxation. While no specific child-centric amenities are listed, the provision of standard comforts and a generally welcoming atmosphere should make it a comfortable choice for families traveling together.
Choose your room
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Local transport options
Overview of transport connections
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- No pets allowed
- Lift
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Golf course
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Children's menu
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor