Canolfan Corris Hostel, or Corris Hostel for short, is a magical place in the small, sleepy village…read moreof Corris on the southern edge of Snowdonia National Forest. They don't accept credit cards here. But don't fret. You CAN trust them. Paying via a bank transfer is an option, especially if you don't have time to send a check through the mail. Back in the U.S. when I first corresponded with Michael, the owner, to figure out the best approach to reserving a room with a deposit, he actually said he would hold the room for me, and I could pay once I arrived. I have a feeling this was an exception. He also welcomed me "... to an ancient culture," meaning one where people don't even think about trust issues between strangers. It's taken for granted. This exchange was the beginning of a truly refreshing and enlightening experience. They pride themselves on being an environmentally-friendly hostel, and they really are. Their dorm rooms are roomy with bunk beds, and decorated nicely. The same is true of their private rooms, which have a double-sized bed below a single-sized bunk bed. They have plenty of private showers. They have a great hall, or common room, where at one end long tables are set up for eating meals or hanging out to play chess or to talk with others staying the night. The other half of this great hall is more cozy with couches in front of a wood-burning stove. Their brightly-lit kitchen is open to everyone staying there, and it has all the basic modern conveniences you need, and if I'm remembering correctly, that includes a food processor. They also have a laundry room, which you access from the outside. Just ask about it. Though they have a dryer, they encourage you to air-dry your clothes, and they do have a powerful dehumidifier to help facilitate the process. I was there only one night, so I didn't get a chance to fully discover all the gems of this place. It's nestled in the picturesque village of Corris. Because it's a mountainous region, the walking is fun for exploring. The grounds keeper, Kevin, is an endearing person, bursting with all kinds of knowledge and philosophy on life to share. Allow yourself the chance to spend some time to take in the tales of this man. Directions Now finding the hostel is a bit tricky. Coming from either the south, take the road A487 to Corris. When you come to the Braich Goch Inn (see photo in Canolfan Corris Hostel's gallery), you'll see a road heading down at a very sharp angle to the left. I believe it's called Bridge Street, but there may not be a sign. You go a ways. When you get to Slaters Arms (pub), turn left. This should be Old School Road (which also may not have a sign), and head up a steep hill. You'll see the hostel on your right. Parking is back down the hill, but it's all right to park your car temporarily to check in, then move your car to the lot. Though I didn't arrive from this direction, if you're driving from the north, it looks like you come from A487, and you'll see Neptune House. There you'll see, what I believe is Old School Road, and you take a sharp left. Go for awhile, and you should get to the hostel. If I ever find myself in Wales again, I will definitely make sure to reserve a room here and try to stay a few days.

This was my home for the first week of my life in this beautiful part of Mid Wales and I'd…read morerecommend it to anyone visiting the area on a budget. Corris is a funny little village an old slate miners' village which is appropriately grey in winter but it's set right in the hills and with easy access to good walks, the Corris Craft Centre, King Arthur's Labyrinth and the Centre for Alternative Technology. The hostel is an old Welsh schoolhouse with lovely wood burning fire for those chilly winter eves. Those that run the hostel are friendly and helpful and will point you in the direction of things to do in the area.

I used Caernarfon as my base for my three-night stay in North Wales, and Totters was a wonderful…read moreplace to stay. The accommodations are tidy, the locale in the old walled city carries the elusive must of history, and the owners are easily approachable and friendly. Oh yeah, 18 pounds a night too, lest I forget. I was in a 6-bed dorm in April, but I only had one roommate for two nights and one night where I ruled the roost. I saw and talked to a few other people who stayed in other rooms at breakfast, held in the attractive cellar. It seems everyone who visits here is in the midst of some wild Welsh adventure, so it was nice to share stories. Linens/blankets are provided, and a variety of shampoos are plentiful for the showers. Just have your towel and you need nothing more. About the surroundings: Caernarfon is a small town and you can get everywhere within a 5-minute walk. Bus connections take you pretty much everywhere in the region (you're 20 minutes from Snowdon) and the celebrated steam train heads south to Porthmadog daily. A fair amount of restaurants, and you're within reach of both the estuary and the castle. I'm not going to lie, though - you'll see a fair amount of boarded-up shops, and when I arrived on an empty grey evening I wasn't sure I picked the best base. But the remaining days were colorful and people were about, which made everything more charming. Through all of it though Totters was brilliant and I'd recommend it without question.

Fantastic hostel. You literally stay within the old castle walls, and are a couple minutes walk…read morefrom the castle itself. Check-in was easy and the rooms were clean. There is no parking associated with the hostel, but they pointed out a number of close free parking areas that worked out well for us. There are pubs and restaurants aplenty within walking distance. Free breakfast, books and games lining the wall.

We checked in here mostly because of the affordable rates. It's set in the woods about 10 minutes…read morefrom Brecon. The staff is extremely friendly and very willing to make enquiries/bookings for you. The rooms are small, but clean. Food is good, and there's a nice common area to relax in. Perfect for a rainy Welsh day. If you're into hiking, there are a bunch of tracks that start right from the hostel. If you have a car, that's no issue as there is a lot right on site. Definitely one of the better hostels I've stayed at.

From the owner: If you're looking for Brecon Beacons accommodation for a cheap family break, this cosy 19th-century…read morefarmhouse, with access to some of the best walking routes in Wales, is perfect for you. Step out through the front door and be greeted by breathtaking views towards Pen-y-Fan – the highest mountain peak in South Wales – ideal for an adventurous walking or cycling holiday. Guests at YHA Brecon Beacons can enjoy a welcoming lounge with comfy arm chairs and tasty home-cooked meals. Try your luck with a board game, curl up with a good book or admire the spectacular views from our picnic tables outside. And if the weather isn’t favourable, console yourself with our roaring fire.