manorhaus

Stylish rooms with restaurant and art gallery in Ruthin, gateway to North Wales and a centre for contemporary arts

As soon as you step through the front door of these converted Grade II listed Georgian townhouses, the ‘stylometer’ starts to soar. This is no run of the mill hotel. manorhaus (with a very deliberate small m) is a restaurant with stylish rooms and art gallery all rolled into one, created by Christopher Frost and Gavin Harris who bought it in 2002. They certainly know a thing or two about design. Be ready to discover your very own art gallery in your bedroom, each one showcasing local talent, as do the lounge, bar and restaurant. Bold colour schemes and modern furniture work well alongside the original features of this beautiful building. Settle down to dinner and the design theme continues: the food is beautifully presented, delicious and local.

Venture outside and there is a definite air of sophistication to Ruthin. The timber framed houses bulge with delicatessen, gift emporia and jewelry galleries. This town is fast developing a name in the arts world; a £4 million new centre opened in mid 2008.

Highs

• The beautifully designed rooms have fabulous power showers and fast-fill baths
• There's art everywhere and you'll always find something new to discover
• Ruthin is a magical town with much to explore
• There are lots of facilities that you wouldn't expect in a small hotel, including a bijou cinema, a library, a sauna, a fitness room, a bar and a great restaurant

Lows

• The house is set right on one of the town’s busy roads
• The artwork in some rooms is bold and bright and may not be to everyone’s taste
• Some rooms are compact; some may find them a little too small