The Owls

A last-minute booking for a short break worked out really well. The building is quirky and interesting, with lots of stairs to expect. The owners are lovely and there’s a nice choice of breakfasts. I’d recommend staying here and would come back.

We ended up at the Owls because Storm Darragh flooded the road north, and it wasn’t safe to go elsewhere. We arrived without warning, exhausted, and were the only guests. After parking at the rear, the owner hurried out to stop us booking through an agency and was so focused on getting us to book direct that he didn’t ask whether we, both in our sixties, needed help on the slippery, steep, leaf-covered path or up the narrow stairs with our luggage. The owners seemed disorganised and said they were handling weather-related cancellations. After a brief discussion, they found us a very small double room. It was clean, with coat hooks and one chair, but little room for cases; the hanging rail wobbled, and the TV was the smallest I’ve ever seen. The tea tray had one pack of biscuits, just two to share, one decaf tea, one Earl Grey, two black teas, and no coffee. They gave us coffee sachets when we asked. The shower was good, with plenty of hot water. The heating went off around 10 pm, though the electric bathroom radiator stayed on and kept us warm. The bed was uncomfortable, with springs sticking out at the sides. Breakfast felt strained, with raised voices from the kitchen. I don’t mind ordering the night before, but we even had to specify which preserve and how many slices of toast. No one offered extra drinks or toast. We travel a lot, and this felt like the meanest, worst-value B&B I’ve stayed in, more like a hostel. I can’t understand why the reviews are so high.

We found this place at the last minute and were glad we did. The owners were great and extremely helpful. Our room was comfortable and nicely decorated, and the building has bags of character. Breakfast came piping hot, was cooked really well, and had lots of choice. We’d definitely stay again.

We were in Builth Wells for the R&A Coronation 4somes Golf Final at Builth Wells Golf Club, and had a lovely welcome at The Owls B&B. Ian & Jo have done an amazing job with this lovely old building. Our room was clean and very comfortable, and the shower was fabulous. We didn’t find the stairs narrow. Breakfast was excellent, served on hot plates, which matters to me, and nothing was too much trouble. We’d certainly return and highly recommend it. Well done, Ian & Jo, keep up the good work.