Insider’s Guide to Llanberis Accommodation
If you are travelling to Eryri (Snowdonia) to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and enjoy a few of the region’s other natural highlights, there is a good chance you will end up in Llanberis. It’s one of a handful of hubs for accommodation in the area and is ideal for anyone intending to head up Yr Wyddfa along Llanberis Path.
With this in mind, we’ve put together this quick insider’s guide to Llanberis accommodation. It covers everything from historic hotels to affordable campsites, giving you all the information you need to pick the best spot for your trip.
Guest Houses
Plas Coch Guest House
B&Bs don’t get much better than Plas Coch Guest House. Owned and managed by the wonderful Fiona and Rob, who are both passionate outdoor enthusiasts, the guest house is situated close to the heart of the village and close to all the amenities Llanberis has to offer.
The guest house is situated in a beautiful, atmospheric Victorian building that can trace its origins back to the 1860s. It features eight ensuite rooms and a spectacular garden for chilling out and taking it after a long day of hiking.
Plas Coch means ‘Red Mansion’ and the guest house takes its name from the Red River (Afon Goch) that runs through the garden. It’s a fantastic guest house and a great place to stay if you want to make sure your tourist pound is benefiting the local community.
Glyn Afon Guest House
The Glyn Afon Guest House is also located fairly centrally and is ideally positioned for those visitors who intend to take the train up the mountain. The Snowdon Mountain Railway is just a 500-metre walk from the front door. It’s not bad for hikers either, as the Llanberis Path trailhead is only ten minutes on foot.
You can choose between single, double and twin rooms, all of which are supremely cosy and comfortable. The guest house host, Elaine, is helpful and welcoming and guests benefit from a wide range of facilities, including a drying room for wet clothes and boots, locked and covered storage for bikes and motorcycles and a bookshelf laden with maps, guides and local interest books to inspire and educate.
Hotels
The Royal Victoria Hotel
For those who prefer the comforts of slightly grander accommodation, the Royal Victoria Hotel is the ideal choice. Located between Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, seconds from the Snowdon Mountain Railway and mere moments from the Llanberis Path trailhead, it boasts arguably the most convenient location on this list.
The hotel contains 104 en-suite bedrooms, a bar and lounge, and a well-reviewed restaurant. It also benefits from gorgeous views of the surrounding area and the remnants of the iconic Dolbadarn Castle. It is accustomed to walkers, hikers and other outdoor adventurers staying while they explore Eryri, and the hotel staff will be more than happy to provide information and guidance on local attractions.
Padarn Hotel
While the Royal Victoria is a classic British hotel, the Padarn Hotel opts for more of a cool and contemporary vibe. It is considerably smaller than the Royal Victoria, but this only adds to its charm and character. The hotel decor is bright and quirky, and photos of Eryri’s most breathtaking natural landmarks are used as feature walls in many of the bedrooms.
The hotel is located on the High Street, within easy reach of Llanberis’ shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as the Snowdon Mountain Railway and trailhead. While the Padarn Hotel receives excellent reviews for its accommodation, it is particularly well-known for the brilliant 1085 Bistro. Named after Eryri’s most famous attraction (we’ll give you a clue, the biggest mountain in the area is 1,085 metres tall) the bistro incorporates three themed rooms – the Yr Wyddfa Room, the Film Room and the Boat Room. The food, beer and atmosphere are all second to none!
Hostels
Gallt-y-Glyn
Gallt-y-Glyn is a laidback, friendly hostel that is situated a short distance north of Llanberis, on the shores of Llyn Padarn. The hostel accommodates solo travellers, couples and groups, providing a cosy, cost-effective place to rest your weary legs, socialise and share the good times after a day in the mountains.
Gallt-y-Glyn is also incredibly popular for its mouth-watering pizzas. People come from miles around for a taste of that delicious thin crust, as well as for the regular live music, movie and games nights hosted by the good folks at Gallt-y-Glyn. If you want some accommodation with a bit more of a social atmosphere, it is a great option.
YHA Snowdon Llanberis
Part of the Youth Hostels Association, the YHA Snowdon Llanberis is your standard YHA affair. It is clean, well-equipped and affordable, and has recently received a makeover, ensuring it looks better than ever. Guests can book private rooms, traditional camping pitches and camping pods, allowing you to tailor your stay to your needs and required comfort level. It is also possible to book the entire hostel if you are visiting with a larger group.
YHA Snowdon Llanberis is situated southwest of the village centre, which you can reach in 10 minutes on foot. The Llanberis Path is also just a short walk away and the more secluded location makes you feel as though you’re tucked away in the heart of Eryri.
Campsites
Camping in Llanberis
Whether to save on costs or because they appreciate the simpler things in life, some people prefer to spend the night beneath canvas. For all the camping fans visiting Eryri, Camping in Llanberis is probably your best option. A family-run farm campsite that boasts incredible views over Yr Wyddfa, it also benefits from instant access to the Llanberis Path.
The amenities are relatively basic (as you would expect) but well-maintained. You can expect coin-operated electric showers, a fridge and freezer and a tumble dryer, so you can rescue any sodden clothes that you may need for your next day of adventuring. And, if you want to live it up a little, you can always check out the campsite’s glamping options, too.
Llanberis Touring Park
Llanberis Touring Park is the go-to choice for vans, campervans and motorhomes. Just over five minutes walk from the village centre, it’s the perfect spot for all our four-wheeled visitors. As well as a convenient location, the site boasts a motorhome service point, a fully equipped laundry room, a well-stocked shop, a heated toilet and shower block and free WiFi. The site has 35 all-weather pitches with electric hook-up and 19 super pitches with water, electric hook-up and grey waste disposal.
Llanberis and RAW Adventures
Llanberis Valley is home to RAW Adventures HQ and very close to our hearts. We play an active role in the local community, helping out with the village Christmas parade and other events. It is a special community that owes much to Yr Wyddfa and gives a lot back, too. Many of the business owners featured on this list are involved in outdoor pursuits or work to protect and promote Eryri as a sustainable tourist destination.
If you’re considering visiting Eryri and staying in Llanberis, we recommend supporting local businesses and giving your money to people who live, breathe and respect Eryri and the environment. It is the best way of ensuring that the communities close to Yr Wyddfa survive and thrive and that the mountain can be enjoyed by generations of visitors to come.
Of course, you can further improve your Yr Wyddfa experience by signing up for a RAW Adventures Climb Snowdon challenge or one of our many skills courses. Check them out!
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