They used to say head for the hills in the Western movies. And that's easy in this part of the…read moreWorld. When it's not getting a share of its 80 of annual rain, the Cilfynydd mountain is a nice place to be, and Llechwen Hall Hotel sits atop it. Set in six glorious acres of hill top gardens with panoramic views, Llechwen Hall is a privately owned, historic, country house hotel with 20 bedrooms, all with individual designs and including some spacious deluxe four posters, for those special occasions that some lucky people have. Whilst I haven't dined there recently, the restaurant offers fine cuisine and excellent wines, served either in the charming panelled heart of the 17th Century oak-beamed long house, or the light and airy Victorian Dining Room with superb views across the valley. The hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies; the package is completed by a good function room, perfect for wedding receptions, parties, or Corporate events; and an outdoor Marquee which will hold 200 guests. They told me today that they are almost fully booked at weekends for weddings until the end of 2009. You can just drop in for a drink, sit on the terrace, and dream of 'How Green Was My Valley' as you look across the Taff and Cynon Valleys. I've attached some views Iechyd da!

The Llechwen hall is conveniently located for easy access to Merthyr and the Brecon Beacons as well…read moreas Cardiff. It is a charming hotel full of character. I have attended wedding receptions here and they are always done very well. Staying in the hotel is also a pleasureable experience as rooms as well furnished and always clean. Its a nice place to call in for a drink and some food on a summers night.

Unlike a lot of pubs in the area who only stock John Smiths or Worthington's, The Capel have 3-4…read moredifferent real ales from small breweries on the pumps at any one time, which are changed regularly. The inside of the pub is very old fashioned with original timber and stained glass. The pub holds it's own 4-day beer & cider festival on Mayday weekend, and a few yards behind the pub down Angel Lane is Gilfach train station (request stop), which is on the Cardiff-Rhymney line.

Seemed a reasonable bar but the accommodation has to be seen to be believed. No key for the room…read more Serious need of a lick of paint. Duvet covers don't match pillowcases and the beds appear to be mattresses on the floor. The wardrobe is a rail like you would find in the back of a clothes shop and the tea bags in the room are ordinary tea bags in a bowl. God knows how long they've been lying out! Is this what is called "Sue Ryder chic"? And don't start me on hotels which neither serve an evening meal or are able to tell you where you can get one. We ended up at one of those identikit chain hotels advertised in atlases. Bland but clean and we knew what we were getting there. It's a stunning Edwardian building in near original condition. Go and marvel at the building, savour a nice pint but for God's sake sleep somewhere else.