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3-star hotel

The Lion Hotel

Enjoy a 4.6-rated stay at The Lion Hotel in Llanbister, featuring period rooms, free Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, pet-friendly service, and nearby historic sites.

B4356, Llanbister, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6TN, United Kingdom View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 168 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Pet-friendly Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stays with friendly hosts and excellent food

Visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere, charming period rooms, and the well-regarded restaurant featuring standout curries. The peaceful location offers a relaxing setting with good access to local sights.

Guests often praise

  • Warm, friendly service from attentive owners and staff
  • Spacious, comfortable rooms with tasteful period details and good views
  • High-quality, flavorful food, especially the curries and hearty breakfasts
  • Welcoming pub atmosphere with a good selection of beers and whiskies
  • Cleanliness and thoughtful guest touches such as extra amenities in rooms

Worth knowing

  • No air conditioning or fitness facilities on site
  • The hotel does not offer an airport shuttle; parking is free and available
  • Pet-friendly and kid-friendly, suitable for family stays
  • Some guests note the pub is small and can fill up quickly in the evenings
  • Located on a hill near a historic cemetery, a quiet spot despite proximity to a main road

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a traditional, family-run Victorian inn experience
  • Travelers looking for peaceful countryside accommodation with local charm
  • Guests who enjoy hearty, homemade meals and a relaxed pub setting
  • Motorcycle groups and outdoor enthusiasts exploring nearby countryside
  • Families and pet owners wanting a welcoming and accommodating stay
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About this property

Welcome to The Lion Hotel

Located in the village of Llanbister on a quiet hilltop next to a historic cemetery, The Lion Hotel is a family-run Victorian inn dating back to the 19th century. The establishment offers charming rooms decorated with period details, which guests have described as spacious and comfortable, often highlighting pleasant views of the surrounding area. While the hotel does not have air conditioning or a pool, it provides free Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast, making it well suited for travelers seeking a relaxed countryside stay.

The hotel features a traditional restaurant and bar where curries are a specialty and well received by visitors. Guest reviews consistently mention the friendly and welcoming hosts, who contribute to a hospitable atmosphere. Despite its rural setting, The Lion maintains a smoke-free environment and is accommodating to both children and pets, which broadens its appeal to families and travelers with dogs.

The location serves as a practical base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Offa's Dyke Centre, the Red Kite Feeding Station at Gigrin Farm, and the National Cycle Museum. The property is about 5 miles from the nearest train station and nearly 10 miles from The Hall at Abbey-Cwm-Hir, providing options for day trips in Mid Wales. Cardiff Airport is roughly a two-hour drive away, making this hotel accessible to those arriving by air.

Reviews reflect appreciation for the hotel's clean and well-maintained accommodations, as well as its quiet setting despite proximity to a main road. The Lion is often praised by visitors traveling in groups, such as motorcyclists, as well as by those visiting for leisure or work. While some guests note the absence of fitness facilities and airport shuttle services, the overall feedback points to a comfortable and welcoming environment suitable for guests looking for a small, traditional inn with local character.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Air-conditioned
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

LK
Laurence Keane Mar 25, 2026
10

It was my first visit to The Lion as part of a 4-person motorcycle group. We were warmly welcomed by Ray and Janet - both gave us plenty of time and advice about local touring. The location was ideal for us to enjoy great trips by bike. The rooms are large and very comfortable. The food - what a joy to look forward to each evening - just superb! We tasted many new (to us) whiskies and beers - great selection and choice by Ray. Am planning and looking forward to a return visit this year. Most highly recommended.

TS
Tanya Shaw Mar 07, 2026
10

Great place to stay, beautiful location. Janet and Ray are lovely friendly hosts. Our ensuite room was spacious and comfortable with delightful views across the river. Janet makes excellent curries and the best breakfasts. No hesitation to recommend and we will be back to stay in the future. Tanya and Bill Shaw

BF
Ben Fogg Feb 12, 2026
10

I stayed here just for one night whilst working locally. Very pleased with my stay, the room was everything you would expect. Although the pub is only small, it’s soon filled up in the evening as they had a pub quiz on The food was really nice, especially the curry. There was plenty of choose from for breakfast. The owners are very friendly. I would recommend this as a nice little place to stay whilst working in the area.

ND
Natalia D Feb 04, 2026
10

My husband and I were staying at a glamping site nearby and came in for a couple of pints. The staff were very friendly, and the place was really nice. There’s a beautiful garden outside — great for relaxing with a drink. We really enjoyed it!

AT
alyson tucker Jan 25, 2026
10

Lovely little traditional hotel in beautiful surroundings. Staff very friendly...food 1st class...rooms tastefully furnished with thoughtful touches added eg I forgot my robe and there was one in the room . Would definitely recommend

TJR
Thomas John Riordan Jan 02, 2026
8.0

It's great location and very quiet considering the nearby main road. Camper vans were also allowed. The hotel was clean throughout which is always a plus point. The beer was very nice as well with locals drinking there which is a good sign. We had some food which was ok. Breakfast in the morning was good.

IR
Ian Roberts Jan 01, 2026
10

Delightful on-suite bedroom with with mountain view. Two armchairs for relaxed seating which, in our experience, is a rarity that shouldn't be. Clean, fresh decor and good choice of hot drinks. WiFi signal >50 Mbps. Supplied breakfast delicious and bountiful. Optional evening meal was superb and excellent value. Highly recommended. Perfect hosts.

AJ
Alex Johnstone Dec 30, 2025
10

Been visiting The Lion for >20 years. Mostly with fellow motorcyclists but also with my family. Ray, Janet, all the staff and many of the locals/regulars have always made me feel very welcome. Great wee place

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Lion Hotel

Llandrindod Wells, United Kingdom

Set on a hill beside a time-tested cemetery, this family-run Victorian hotel is 5.3 miles from Llanbister Road train station and 9.6 miles from The Hall At Abbey-Cwm-Hir.

  • Lion Hotel 1 min Walk
  • Vicarage 1 min Walk
  • Cardiff Airport 2 hr 12 Car · 5 hr 13 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

National Cycle Museum 154 reviews

National Cycle Museum

The Automobile Place, Temple St, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5DL, United Kingdom

4.5 · Museum
Red Kite Feeding Station 887 reviews

Red Kite Feeding Station

South St, Rhayader LD6 5BL, United Kingdom

4.8 · Farm
Offa's Dyke Centre 352 reviews

Offa's Dyke Centre

West St, Knighton LD7 1EN, United Kingdom

4.5 · Historical Place Museum
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