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4- and 5-star hotels in Bala
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star hotels in Bala, from lakeside suites to farm cottages and a country-house hotel. It is for couples, families and business travellers who want a base in or just outside this north Wales town by the lake.
Staying in Bala
Bala sits in north Wales at the foot of Bala Lake, and the hotels here reflect both faces of the town: town-centre addresses on High Street and Mount Street a short step from the centre, and country properties a few kilometres out. Plas Yn Dre, White Lion Royal Hotel, Llety Cariad, The Old School House Bala and 4 Bythynnod yr Aran are all within 0.2 km of the centre, which suits a short break where you walk to everything. Pale Hall Hotel, Bryn Melyn Farm Cottages 5 Luxury Cottages In A Stunning Setting with Wood Fired Hot Tub, Bryn Melyn Uk6518 and Cartrefle sit 3.2 km to 7.0 km out, with gardens and parking.
Couples who want a quiet, rural setting can look at the farm cottages and Glan Y Gro Lakeside Suites; families tend to favour the larger town hotels with family rooms and restaurants. Business travellers have meeting rooms at Plas Yn Dre, Pale Hall Hotel, Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast and 4 Bythynnod yr Aran. With 392 to 1103 reviews on the rated properties, the shortlist covers both the 0.0 km White Lion Royal Hotel and the highest-rated escapes.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Pale Hall Hotel
Pale Hall Estate, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereSet on its own estate 5.7 km from Bala, this 5-star country house pairs a library and lounge with fishing, sailing and canoeing on hand. Guests rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 392 reviews. Horse back riding, a garden and a restaurant round out the day, and a 24 hour front desk plus free parking make arrivals easy. Best for couples and special-occasion stays that want space and quiet.
See Pale Hall HotelPlas Yn Dre
23 High Street, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereOn High Street, 0.2 km from the centre, Plas Yn Dre puts Bala's shops and lake within a short stroll. The 5-star house offers a restaurant and bar, free parking and free wifi, and pets are allowed. Non smoking rooms come with towels and toiletries, and special diets can be catered for. With 4.5 out of 5 from 834 reviews, it suits couples and pet-owning travellers who want to be in town.
See Plas Yn DreBodiwan Bed & Breakfast
Ffrydan Road Balagwynedd Ll23 7Ry, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Spa
- Free car parking
- Breakfast
Why stay hereA 5-star bed and breakfast 0.6 km from the centre, Bodiwan adds a spa and a garden to its breakfast and restaurant. Bike rental and water sports suit guests planning days on and around the lake, and there is a lounge area with a fireplace plus free parking. Rooms are non smoking and come with bathrobes, and pets are not allowed. A calm base for couples.
See Bodiwan Bed & BreakfastBryn Melyn Farm Cottages 5 Luxury Cottages In A Stunning Setting with Wood Fired Hot Tub
Bryn Melyn Farm, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Pool bar
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereFive luxury cottages on a farm 7.0 km from Bala, each with a wood fired hot tub and a full kitchen with dishwasher and oven. A games room, table tennis, darts and a tennis court keep groups busy indoors, while fishing and a garden are on the doorstep. Pets are allowed and parking is free. Suited to families and groups of friends wanting self-catering privacy.
See Bryn Melyn Farm Cottages 5 Luxury Cottages In A Stunning Setting with Wood Fired Hot TubBryn Melyn Uk6518
Rhyd Uchaf, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThis 5-star farm property 3.2 km from Bala has its own jacuzzi and a garden, with free parking and free wifi. A kitchen with dishwasher and a washing machine make longer self-catering stays straightforward, and pets are welcome. A quiet choice for couples or small families who want countryside around them and Bala a short drive away.
See Bryn Melyn Uk6518Llety Cariad
2A Y Stryd Fawr_X000d_, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereLlety Cariad sits 0.2 km from the centre, so Bala's streets, eating places and the lake are all within easy reach. The 5-star property has a kitchen and a garden, with free wifi and parking, and pets are allowed. Horse back riding and fishing are available nearby. Well suited to couples or small families who want self-catering space in the middle of town.
See Llety CariadGlan Y Gro Lakeside Suites
Glan Y Gro Llangower Bala Gwynedd Bala Ll23 7Bt United Kingdom Llangower, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Self Parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereLakeside suites 1.9 km from Bala, rated 4.9 out of 5 from 60 reviews. The 4-star accommodation provides free wifi, self parking and multilingual staff, and a computer room for guests who need to work or plan the next day. A strong pick for couples and travellers who want the lake close by rather than the town centre.
See Glan Y Gro Lakeside SuitesWhite Lion Royal Hotel
High Street, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereRight on the High Street, 0.0 km from the centre, the White Lion Royal Hotel is the most central option here. This 4-star hotel has a restaurant and bar, free wifi and free parking, and pets are allowed. Family rooms are available, which suits those travelling with children. Guest rating is 3.9 out of 5 from 1103 reviews.
See White Lion Royal HotelTy'r Afon River Cottage
The Railway Cottage, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star river cottage 4.2 km from Bala, with a fireplace and a kitchen including dishwasher, oven and microwave. Canoeing and fishing are both on offer, and a garden, patio and picnic area make the most of the setting. Free parking and free wifi, and room service is available. Ideal for families or groups wanting self-catering by the water.
See Ty'r Afon River CottageArenig
Ll23 7Dr Llandderfel United Kingdom, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereA 4-star property 4.0 km from Bala with a garden and free parking. Rooms are non smoking, and pets are allowed, which makes it simple for guests travelling with a dog. A straightforward rural base for those who want to be outside the town and reach it by car.
See Arenig4 Bythynnod yr Aran
Bala Ll23 7Sw United Kingdom Bala, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereJust 0.1 km from the centre, 4 Bythynnod yr Aran is a 4-star base with a restaurant and conference facilities. Free wifi, internet access, lifts and free parking are provided, and pets are allowed. The combination of central position and meeting space suits business visitors as well as couples who want everything within walking distance.
See 4 Bythynnod yr AranThe Old School House Bala
7 Mount Street, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereThe Old School House Bala is a 4-star house 0.2 km from the centre, close to the town and the lake. A garden and golf course are among what is on offer, along with free wifi, internet access and parking. Rooms are non smoking and pets are allowed. A convenient choice for couples and small groups exploring Bala on foot.
See The Old School House BalaCartrefle
Cartrefle Rhyd Uchaf, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA 4-star property 3.2 km from Bala with a fireplace and a kitchen that includes an oven, microwave and refrigerator. A garden and golf course are available, and there are high chairs for younger guests. Parking is free, rooms are non smoking and pets are allowed. Suits families who prefer self-catering outside the town centre.
See CartrefleCosy Ground Floor Disabled Friendly Room In Farm House
Bryn Bwlan Farmhouse, Bala, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA cosy ground floor room in a farm house 5.8 km from Bala, wheelchair accessible and with fishing, canoeing and surfing nearby. A fireplace and garden add to the farm setting, and free wifi and free parking are provided. Rooms are non smoking and come with towels and toiletries. A good fit for guests who need step-free access in the countryside.
See Cosy Ground Floor Disabled Friendly Room In Farm House
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pool or spa | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pale Hall Hotel | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 5.7 km |
| Plas Yn Dre | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 0.2 km |
| Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | Yes | – | 0.6 km |
| Bryn Melyn Farm Cottages 5 Luxury Cottages In A Stunning Setting with Wood Fired Hot Tub | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | Yes | 7.0 km |
| Bryn Melyn Uk6518 | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 3.2 km |
| Llety Cariad | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 0.2 km |
| Glan Y Gro Lakeside Suites | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 1.9 km |
| White Lion Royal Hotel | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 0.0 km |
| Ty'r Afon River Cottage | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 4.2 km |
| Arenig | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 4.0 km |
| 4 Bythynnod yr Aran | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 0.1 km |
| The Old School House Bala | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 0.2 km |
| Cartrefle | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | Yes | 3.2 km |
| Cosy Ground Floor Disabled Friendly Room In Farm House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | – | 5.8 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
White Lion Royal Hotel has family rooms and a restaurant 0.0 km from the centre, and Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast offers cots, high chairs and a restaurant 0.6 km away. Bryn Melyn Farm Cottages has a games room, table tennis, a tennis court and a wood-fired hot tub, and Cosy Ground Floor Disabled Friendly Room In Farm House has a wheelchair-accessible room.
White Lion Royal Hotel · Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast · Bryn Melyn Farm Cottages 5 Luxury Cottages In A Stunning Setting with Wood Fired Hot Tub · Cosy Ground Floor Disabled Friendly Room In Farm House
For couples
Glan Y Gro Lakeside Suites is the top-rated pick at 4.9 out of 5, and Pale Hall Hotel scores 4.8 with a library, lounge and terrace. Plas Yn Dre is 0.2 km from the centre with 4.5 out of 5 from 834 reviews, and Bryn Melyn Uk6518 pairs a Jacuzzi with a fireplace 3.2 km out.
Pale Hall Hotel · Glan Y Gro Lakeside Suites · Plas Yn Dre · Bryn Melyn Uk6518
For business travellers
Pale Hall Hotel has a meeting room, banquet facilities and a 24-hour front desk. Plas Yn Dre is 0.2 km from the centre with a meeting room and room service; Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast has a conference hall; and 4 Bythynnod yr Aran offers conference facilities, lifts and a restaurant 0.1 km from the centre.
Pale Hall Hotel · Plas Yn Dre · Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast · 4 Bythynnod yr Aran
Closest to the centre
White Lion Royal Hotel is 0.0 km from the centre with 1103 reviews, and 4 Bythynnod yr Aran is 0.1 km away. Plas Yn Dre, Llety Cariad and The Old School House Bala all sit 0.2 km from the centre, giving a choice of hotel, cottage or guesthouse within a few minutes' walk.
White Lion Royal Hotel · Plas Yn Dre · Llety Cariad · The Old School House Bala · 4 Bythynnod yr Aran
Where to stay in Bala
High Street
Bala's High Street is the town-centre address for White Lion Royal Hotel and Plas Yn Dre, both within 0.2 km of the centre. Expect bars and restaurants on the doorstep: both properties have their own bars and restaurants, and Plas Yn Dre allows pets and has free car parking.
Our picks here: White Lion Royal Hotel · Plas Yn Dre
Rhyd Uchaf
Rhyd Uchaf appears in the addresses of Bryn Melyn Uk6518 and Cartrefle, both 3.2 km from Bala's centre. This is country-cottage territory: gardens, fireplaces and kitchens, with pets allowed at both and free car parking, so a car makes the short run into town easy.
Our picks here: Bryn Melyn Uk6518 · Cartrefle
Llangower
Glan Y Gro Lakeside Suites carries the Llangower address 1.9 km from the centre. It is the highest-rated hotel on this shortlist at 4.9 out of 5 from 60 reviews, with multilingual staff and self parking.
Our picks here: Glan Y Gro Lakeside Suites
Questions, answered
Which hotel is closest to Bala town centre?
White Lion Royal Hotel is 0.0 km from the centre, followed by 4 Bythynnod yr Aran at 0.1 km. Plas Yn Dre, Llety Cariad and The Old School House Bala are 0.2 km away.
Which hotels have the best guest ratings?
Glan Y Gro Lakeside Suites scores 4.9 out of 5 from 60 reviews and Pale Hall Hotel 4.8 from 392 reviews. Plas Yn Dre is next at 4.5 from 834 reviews, then White Lion Royal Hotel at 3.9 from 1103 reviews.
Do any of these hotels allow pets?
Pets are allowed at Plas Yn Dre, White Lion Royal Hotel, Bryn Melyn Farm Cottages, Bryn Melyn Uk6518, Llety Cariad, Arenig, 4 Bythynnod yr Aran, The Old School House Bala, Cartrefle and Cosy Ground Floor Disabled Friendly Room In Farm House. Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast does not allow pets.
Which hotels offer free parking?
Free car parking is available at Pale Hall Hotel, Plas Yn Dre, Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast, Bryn Melyn Farm Cottages, Bryn Melyn Uk6518, White Lion Royal Hotel, Ty'r Afon River Cottage, Arenig, 4 Bythynnod yr Aran, Cartrefle and Cosy Ground Floor Disabled Friendly Room In Farm House. Glan Y Gro Lakeside Suites lists self parking.
Are there hotels with a spa or hot tub?
Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast lists a spa. Bryn Melyn Farm Cottages 5 Luxury Cottages In A Stunning Setting with Wood Fired Hot Tub and Bryn Melyn Uk6518 both list a Jacuzzi, and Cosy Ground Floor Disabled Friendly Room In Farm House has a wheelchair-accessible room.
Which hotels are best for families?
White Lion Royal Hotel has family rooms, a restaurant and free car parking 0.0 km from the centre. Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast provides cots, and Bryn Melyn Farm Cottages offers high chairs, a games room, table tennis and a tennis court.
Which hotels have meeting rooms for business trips?
Pale Hall Hotel has a meeting room, banquet facilities and a 24-hour front desk. Plas Yn Dre has a meeting room 0.2 km from the centre, Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast has a conference hall, and 4 Bythynnod yr Aran lists conference facilities and lifts.
Do any hotels serve breakfast?
Breakfast is listed at Pale Hall Hotel, Bodiwan Bed & Breakfast, which also offers breakfast in room, and Llety Cariad. Plas Yn Dre and White Lion Royal Hotel have restaurants on site.