Mr & Mrs Smith

Had a lovely stay here on Saturday the 20th, perfect little bolt-hole for a weekend of fresh air. The little details present throughout the Drawing Room make it so much more than just a restaurant-hotel, it’s pure escapism. The gorgeous food and the home-made Armagnac truffles to finish us off made it even more perfect. The area around is beautiful, we hiked the Elan trail, and if you like your driving, take the mountain road to Aberystwyth. It’s on my top 3 list for Wales and I can’t wait to get back there.

What a delight. Our first visit to this part of Wales and this place was so well located, you couldn't ask for anything more. We drove there via Hay on Wye. Definitely worth a visit for all book-lovers, and there's a great selection of tea rooms for those looking for further indulgence. The hotel itself is set within the beautiful Cambrians but is so near other mountain ranges you are spoilt for choice. About half an hour from the black mountains and the Brecon Beacons you can walk cycle or climb to your heart's content. Or you can do what we did: enjoy the amazing food prepared with great care by our hosts, and find some paths to drive around. Perhaps the most indulgent option but equally satisfying.

Hotel and restaurant was lovely but there's not much to do in the local area. All the shops in the village shut really early on a Saturday, most before 4pm and some at lunch! That said, there's a cute little cinema which shows one film a night at 7.30pm.

It was raining when we arrived and raining when we left. It rains a lot in this part of the world. The Drawing Room is a cosy place to be when its raining, which is lucky. Our room (Phoebe) was compact but impeccable, with a fabulous powerful shower, and comfy bed. Near the Elan Valley Dams which provide water for the whole of Birmingham through a cleverly built system of viaducts - great to see the source of our city's water!

This little place is absolutely lovely and because the food is so great, it's best to stay right where you are! However, if you have to go out, the nearby towns aren't up to much and, based on our experience, I would definitely avoid the pubs in Builth Wells! So, try a little further afield and head for Hay-on-Wye. If you're lucky like us, the book festival might be on. If not, try the food at The Three Tuns pub or a nice glass of cider at Kilverts.

Spent a wonderful weekend at this charming little hotel with my wife. The restaurant was superb, with one of the most memorable breakfasts I've had in a long time.

There isn't much to see or do in local Builth Wells, so one highly recommended day-trip involves a quick (30 minute) drive down to the Brecon Beacons. Climb Pen y Fan, which is bang in the middle of the national park (two-hour round hike) to build up an appetite. And on your way back to the Drawing Room, stop at The Felin Fach Griffin (+44 (0)1874 620111) just outside of Brecon (the town). Fantastic restaurant with award-winning food, a great wine list, and a very homely feel.

The Red Kite feeding station was wonderful, even if you're not a bird watcher. Also the magnificent dams in the nearby Elan Valley.

There wasn't anywhere specific to recommend but the whole area was beautiful. Even the dreadful weather did not dampen our spirits and the weekend's relaxation. The Drawing Room is an exceptional little hotel, perfect in every way, run by a delightful couple. We will definitely return. Thank you.

A wonderful find. Go for a bracing walk around the Elan Valley Reservoirs to build up an appetite for a delicious dinner, then settle down in front of the fire. What better way to spend a day together? If you are planning a stay here during Abergavenny's Food Festival, buy some local wine and cheese to take home with you.

For a stunning (and not at all dull) drive back to Cardiff, try the A4560 past Llangorse Lake, over the insanely narrow bridge at Llangynidr and a fabulous high moorland filled with views and kamikaze sheep; it is well worth it if you have a) a romantic soul, or b) a sports car....

The restaurant at the Drawing Room is exceptional. Fantastic (mainly) locally sourced ingredients, home-made breads and preserves, everything cooked simply, but to perfection. Couldn't ask for better.

It's worth a trip through to the Brecon Beacons during the day. Hire a boat and sail down the canals, in a bid to take in some fresh air after all the eating and sleeping!

Avoid: Builth Wells – a river runs through it and I advise you to do the same.
See: the Elan Valley dams – spectacular story, scenery and wildlife.