Congratulations, you made it to rural Wales. That’s how you’ll instantly greet yourself post the five-hour journey from London all the way to the prettier-than-pretty maritime town of Cardigan, South Wales. At first sight you might wonder why you chose to spend a weekend here in the first place. There is barely any reception, and if you don’t have a rental car, you are basically screwed. Well, that’s the point, see. City folk tend to flock here to get away from it all, basic modern necessities of life included.
Set on the border of Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, Cardigan is in one of the best spots to explore the beauties of West Wales. And that’s exactly where The Albion comes in. Set on the River Teifi, the handsome former warehouse is the sister hotel to the much beloved Fforest Farm, a half an hour or so stroll down the river. Think domes, barrel saunas, river swimming, and a haunted tale of a small girl meeting a very grizzly end. It’s all very bohemian and in the best way possible.
Style-wise, The Albion takes much of its style cues from its OG sibling, but less Mongolian yurt-style culty. At first glance, it’s like walking into Jack Sparrow and painter Rubens’ hotel love child. The details are immense. All the oak panels that wind up and down the staircase were seasoned on owner Jame’s farm; the antique chairs hail from English county Norfolk; and all the tableware is in ode to a trendy Finnish design amassed over the years thanks to eBay. Named after a brig that took 180 settlers from Cardigan to New Brunswick in 1819, there’s an almost buccaneer hygge pirate aesthetic that runs through the rest of the place: historic graffiti etched into the walls; pencil sketches of ships; lashings of rope and sailcloth; plus tableware that screams all hands on deck.
Much of the same look spills itself into all the 12 rooms. Every single one of them looks out onto the river (a beauty come sunset) and is named after the original Canadian settlers and their crafts. The vibe? Snug as a ship’s cabin. Earthy wooden tones bleed into every nook, cranny, and crevice, and the low ceilings and period windows give you a sense of the hotel’s storied past. Most, if not all the key design details have been specifically handpicked or reclaimed and take their key design elements from Flemish paintings. Hec, with all the brass chandeliers, glass bottles, and pans, you’ll feel like you’re quite literally in a Rubens mise-en-scène, day and night. Bathroom? Snug with shower and moody lighting. There’s no television, so pack a book, and in place of a minibar, you’ll find tea, fresh milk, and java.
Grub-wise, there’s no headline restaurant, so it’s best to explore local eats. For dinner, Yr Hen Printworks is a stylish go-to. Think gourmet-style small plates and craft beers. Or if you fancy something a bit more casual, Fforest’s own PizzaTipi restaurant sits directly opposite the hotel across the river. It’s pizza served in a tipi, which once ‘grammed looks pretty cool on the feed. Breakfast is served in the first-floor restaurant and is sweet and simple: eggs, granola, fresh juice, salmon, cheeses, and fruits. Staff are all hands on deck whenever you need them, but the whole experience is designed in such a way that it’s a “do it yourself” kind of concept: Check in/check out online coupled with ask if you need us kind of vibes.
Overall, it’s a mishmash of delights, and thanks to its prime location, is in a sweet spot to explore the rural delights of the Priseli Hills, greater Pembrokeshire and some of the area’s finest beaches (Mwnt and Poppit Sands, for starters).
Top Takeaways
Location: Cardigan, West Wales
Rating: Four-star
The vibe: If Jack Sparrow had a baby with Rubens. Pirate Flemish chic.
Food + Drink: Staple classics and a great breakfast, but we recommend exploring the town’s buzzing restaurant scene.
Amenities: Restaurant & Bar
Our Favourite Thing About the Hotel: The style. It’s eclectic and storied and respects its roots.
What’s Nearby? The beautiful colourful town of Cardigan, along with a load of white sandy beaches and endless hikes over the Priseli Hills.
Any personal neighbourhood recs? A pastry at Crwst is a must.
Rooms: 12
Pricing: From about 248 USD per night.
Closest Airport: Cardiff or London Heathrow
