In the know

Our favourite rooms: Physicians of Myddfai (Room 1) is the largest, with an ornately carved headboard, feathered lamps and a big corner bath. All the other individually decorated rooms are stylishly furnished, with ensuite power showers (Room 1 is the only room with a bath), but we particularly like elegant Lady of the Lake (Room 2), with its pale and interesting decor.
Packing tips: Sensible shoes for yomping up mountains and biking along mountain tracks. Or a good book, if you're not the outdoorsy sort.
Also: The hotel hosts monthly evening events in the ‘salon’ vein, featuring traditional folk singers, storytellers, local musicians and Welsh cuisine.

Current offers

Smith card offer: Either a gift set of Penderyn Welsh single‑malt whisky miniatures with a special ‘nosing’ glass, or a selection of handmade chocolates; you’ll also get 10 per cent off your first dinner at the hotel

The New White Lion

Brecon Beacons, United Kingdom[view map]

Style: Impeccable low-key glamour
Setting: Breathtaking between-peaks valley

The Pritchards opened the New White Lion hotel in Llandovery to introduce guests to the local rural splendour they adore so passionately, creating a luxurious base from which country‑lovers can explore Carmarthenshire and the Brecon Beacons national park. Beautiful antique furniture is offset by rich pickings related to the area’s heritage; old books, miners’ boots and local maps blend into a domain where every modern comfort is provided.

Need to know

Rooms: Six, named after local characters and legends.
Rates: £90–£120, including full Welsh breakfast and tax.
Check-out: Midday (but flexible, subject to availability); earliest check‑in, 3pm.
Facilities: Small courtyard, internet access, private parking. In rooms, flatscreen TV, Egyptian cotton sheets, H2k toiletries.
Also: There's a two-night minimum stay at weekends and on public holidays.

Food & drink

Hotel restaurant: The pretty little Dining Room is open for breakfast, and for lunch or dinner with 24 hours’ notice – expect seasonal Welsh home‑cooking of the finest kind: typical dishes include black beef braised in red wine and wonderful wedges of apple pie.
Dress code: Thrown‑together favourites, with shiny embellishments for dinner.
Top table: One of the back‑wall tables on either side of the fireplace.
Last orders: The Brianne Bar in the lounge is open from midday till 11.30pm. Dinner (with notice) is served 7pm–9pm.
Room service: None, but with a little warning they can rustle up something for you.
Hotel bar: Help yourselves to the Brianne honesty bar and pull up an armchair in front of the stone fireplace.

Other facilities

Children: Cots are available for £10 a stay. Babysitting can be arranged with advance notice at £7 an hour. ‘Physicians of Myddfai’ is a family room with a sofabed.

Smith card offer

Either a gift set of Penderyn Welsh single‑malt whisky miniatures with a special ‘nosing’ glass, or a selection of handmade chocolates; you’ll also get 10 per cent off your first dinner at the hotel

If you're a member of Mr & Mrs Smith, you can get special privileges at every Smith hotel you book through us. Just show your Smith card at check-in to claim the offer featured on every hotel page (like the one above).

Click here to become a Mr & Mrs Smith member

Smith concierge

If you’d prefer to talk to someone, or you’re having trouble booking online, ring our travel team on 0845 034 0700 (+44 20 8987 4312 from outside the UK). We guarantee you’ll get the best available rates, and we don’t charge a booking fee.