Pet Inspector Kiki Enjoys A Luxurious Visit To Pale Hall, North Wales
Recently, Kiki the pet inspector took an enchanting journey to the resplendent Pale Hall in Bala, North Wales. Tucked away in the beautiful Welsh countryside, this 5-star, dog-friendly Victorian country house offers an unparalleled retreat for all – especially our furry friends. Surrounded by mountains with Wales’ biggest lake, Llyn Tegid, at its centre, this gorgeous town is the perfect place for a getaway with your pooch. Tag along for this paw-some narrative as Kiki sniffs out the luxurious secrets of Pale Hall.
Pale Hall At A Glance…
Engulfed in the natural beauty of Snowdonia, Pale Hall is a true marvel. Its captivating grandeur, enveloped in 16 acres of tranquil parkland, exudes an aura of calm that Kiki felt instantly. The sprawling estate, with beautifully manicured gardens, serene walking paths, and riverside spots, is a canine paradise. It boasts the most exquisite flora and fauna, where Kiki had a blast chasing squirrels, sniffing the fresh country air, and roaming freely.
But it wasn’t just the greenery that left Kiki and her human companions in awe. The architecture and décor of Pale Hall is a masterclass in elegant design that reflects its storied past. During the First World War the hotel was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers to rest and recuperate. This rich history is palpable in every nook and cranny, adding a touch of time-honoured charm to our stay with old photographs and plenty of memorabilia to peruse.
The Pet-Friendly Welcome
Upon entering the majestic wooden doors of Pale Hall, Kiki was met with the warmest welcome. The hotel’s ever-attentive staff showered her with love, pets and scratches behind the ears. She received a greeting that was much more than just pet-tolerant… it was pet-celebratory! It was immediately clear that Pale Hall cherishes its furry guests as much as its human ones. What’s more, there were plenty of other doggies around so Kiki felt very much at home.
The Bedrooms at Pale Hall
Our dog-friendly bedroom was called Criccieth – a calm, cool room decorated in shades of aqua. Its position to the front of the house gave us stunning views across the walled garden and into the valley. It also had its own dressing room area and a spacious bathroom complete with slipper bath and a walk-in shower.
Kiki also found the suite incredibly welcoming thanks to the plush dog bed, feeding bowls, and treats provided. She basked in sunlight as the warm rays poured through the large windows, revelling in her cosy corner as she watched the day go by.
The rooms maintain the balance between preserving their rich historic charm and ensuring a comforting, luxurious experience for all guests – both human and furry. The delicate antique furniture, rich fabrics, and attention to detail left Kiki’s human companions impressed.
The Food at Pale Hall
Pale Hall surpasses expectations with a tantalising selection for its four-legged guests. Kiki had a ball feasting on the sumptuous dog-friendly menu, but the culinary adventure was not just Kiki’s to enjoy. The ever-evolving menu for humans focuses on locally sourced, fresh ingredients. It’s a testament to Pale Hall’s dedication to offering an exceptional dining experience.
A highlight for us was the three-course Champagne Sunday Lunch in the dog-friendly Huntsman Bar. Kiki was very well-behaved as we enjoyed our smoked salmon roulade followed by roasted beef rump and salted caramel fondant. It was exceptional. While our bubbly was flowing, Kiki also got to devour her very own gourmet dish. The gastronomic delights Pale Hall offered ensured Kiki and her human friends were pampered with an unforgettable culinary journey.
What To Do In The Area
Mount Snowdon is of course the jewel in the crown of the national park. Its famous rack-and-pinion railway service climbs the 4.7 miles to the summit and there are also many well-laid walking routes. After the journey up, you can pause for refreshments at the summit’s café and visitor centre.
The highest point in Wales, on a clear day you can enjoy truly breath-taking views across the landscape, with even the coast of Ireland being visible. Unfortunately, the train was not running the day of our visit. However, we did manage to walk around the lake and take a trip on the Bala Lake Railway which Kiki loved. We also paid a visit to Portmeirion, an enchanting Italian-influenced village and the location of the famous TV programme, the Prisoner. To finish the day, we took Kiki for a run around the fabulous beach at Barmouth.
Pet Perks
Pale Hall’s Doggie Welcome Pack added a delightful surprise to Kiki’s stay. Complete with treats, a new toy, and essential local dog-friendly information, it demonstrated Pale Hall’s commitment to offering a comfortable and entertaining stay for its furry guests.
The property’s extensive parkland served as a magnificent playground. Kiki explored, played and, of course, took numerous dog-naps under the shady trees. Each area of the hotel was a new adventure waiting to be sniffed out. Not only that, while she was there she made friends with another Norfolk terrier and they even had a playdate on the Monday morning before we left. Watching them tear around the kitchen garden together was a highlight of the trip.
Pale Hall proved to be the epitome of luxury and relaxation, offering a wonderful welcome to Kiki and the other four legged friends there. We would definitely love to make a return visit soon.