DWYFOR and Meirionnydd is home to some of the country’s finest accommodation according to a new list.

Visit Wales’ Gold Award list of accommodation was announced recently with six hotels and 21 guest houses from the region making the prestigious listing.

The annual list recognises accommodation business offering the highest standards of quality, exceptional comfort and hospitality.

The six hotels recognised were the Trefeddian Hotel, Aberdyfi; Palé Hall Hotel & Restaurant, Bala; Bron Eifion Country Hotel, Criccieth; Caerwylan Hotel, Criccieth; Penmaenuchaf Hall, Dolgellau; and The Hotel Portmeirion, Penrhyndeudraeth.

Following refurbishment in 2017, Plas yn Dre, Bala has also been listed as a Gold Award Guest Accommodation for the first time this year.

Plas yn Dre has been a family run restaurant since 1990 but had a transformation in 2017 with a complete re-vamp and the addition of nine guest bedooms, with support of £72,000 from the Tourism Investment Support Scheme.

Rachel Jones, Plas yn Dre, said: “We’re delighted here in Plas y Dre that all the hard work and dedication shown by all our team has paid off in us being given the Gold Award, and we’re proud to have made it to the Gold Award list for the first time.”

The other guest houses which received the Gold Award were Brig y Don, Aberdyfi; Coes Faen Lodge, Barmouth; Venetia, Abersoch; The Tilman, Barmouth; Glandwr Mill, Barmouth; Cae’r Blaidd Country House, Blaenau Ffestiniog; Henfaes, Criccieth; Bryn Mair, Dolgellau; Tan y Gader, Dolgellau; Pandy Isaf, Dolgellau; Tyddynmawr, Dolgellau; Ffynnon, Dolgellau; Brackenhurst House, Fairbourne; Castle Cottage Restaurant With Rooms, Harlech; Taldraeth, Penrhyndeudraeth; The Old Rectory, Pwllheli; Gwêl yr Ynys, Pwllheli; Plas Bodegroes, Pwllheli; The Old Rectory on the Lake; Talyllyn; and Dolffanog Fawr, Tywyn.

Dwyfor Meirionnydd AM and Welsh government tourism minister, Lord Elis-Thomas, was delighted with the accolades.

He said: “Quality and innovation are of the utmost importance in developing world class facilities which ensure that Wales remains a strong contender in a fiercely competitive global industry.

Being recognised as one of the Gold Award Hotels shows the commitment of these businesses to quality, delivering first class experience and going over and above our visitors’ expectations.”