Ivy Bush Royal Hotel By Compass Hospitality Carmarthen, Carmarthen
About the Hotel
Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality, located in Carmarthen, is a historic establishment that once served as a favored retreat for Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton. The hotel combines old-world charm with modern amenities, making it a comfortable choice for both leisure and business travelers. As the oldest town in Wales, Carmarthen offers proximity to attractions such as the National Botanical Gardens of Wales and the historic Aberglasney Gardens.
Location
Ideally situated at the gateway to the Golden West, the hotel is within a mile of popular sites like Carmarthen Castle and Picton Monument. It is accessible via the M4 motorway and just a short walk from Carmarthen train station. The surrounding area boasts various activities such as golf, fishing, and walking trails, contributing to its appeal as a destination.
Rooms
The hotel features 79 well-furnished bedrooms, including single, double, family, and executive rooms. Each room offers standard amenities such as flat-screen televisions, tea and coffee-making facilities, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Some rooms provide additional comfort with larger spaces and extra amenities like fluffy bathrobes and mineral water.
Eat & Drink
Dining at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel includes a new menu featuring fresh local produce from Carmarthenshire suppliers. Guests can enjoy casual meals in the lounge, formal dining in the restaurant, or indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea experience. The fully stocked bar offers a selection of Welsh lagers, ales, wines, and gin options complemented by seasonal delights.
Leisure & Business
The hotel accommodates both leisure and business needs with versatile event spaces, including the newly refurbished Croeso Suite for weddings and conferences. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk service, and extensive car parking facilities for up to 70 vehicles with disabled access bays. The friendly and experienced staff are available to assist with the planning of events and special occasions.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- 24-hour reception
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- Security
- Baggage storage
- Elevator
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key card access
Sports & Fitness
- Skiing
- Cycling
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Pet amenities available
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Laundry
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Board games
- Children's menu
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
Room features
- Heating
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
The hotel's rooms had some maintenance issues like peeling wallpaper, paint peeling off pipework, and a bad smell outside. However, the location near Carmarthen Castle is convenient for exploring the town. The dining options varied from excellent to a bit greasy. The service was personalized with efforts to meet guest preferences.
My stay at the hotel was a mix of highs and lows. The rooms had everything needed for an overnight stay but were unfortunately located above the recycling bins, leading to a noisy awakening from the early morning glass clanging. The service was a bit of a hit and miss with a lengthy wait for a simple coffee, yet Rhian's exceptional friendliness and helpfulness shone through. The location was convenient for exploring the town and nearby attractions but suffered from early morning noise disturbances. The dining experience was generally satisfactory, although slightly overpriced. Overall, a stay with ups and downs.
I had a pleasant stay at the hotel. The rooms were clean and tastefully decorated, just around the corner from the reception. The service was excellent, with cheerful and helpful staff always available. The location was good, although some areas could use updates. Dining was good and plentiful, offering a variety of hot and cold dishes.