Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality
➔
➔
Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Info
Summary of reviewsThe Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality in Carmarthen receives high praise across multiple categories, making it a favored choice for many guests.
One of the standout features is its prime location, which is central to the town, providing easy access to amenities, shops, important landmarks and public transportation. Guests find the ample free parking a significant advantage, enhancing convenience for both business and leisure visitors. The hotel's position makes it ideal for exploring Carmarthen and the wider South-West Wales region.
Dining at the hotel also receives positive reviews with breakfast highlighted as one of the best aspects of a stay. The buffet-style breakfast offers a wide variety of high-quality food, accommodating different dietary preferences, including vegetarian options. Although there are occasional remarks about cold items and inconsistent service, the general feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Dinner service is also well-regarded with many guests enjoying the superb and delicious meals, particularly the steaks and burgers, which offer great value. However, some guests noted areas for improvement, such as slow service and limited menu choices.
The rooms are generally found to be spacious, clean and comfortable with ample storage and modern amenities in some suites. While many guests are satisfied with the accommodation, some have pointed out the need for refurbishment and better maintenance. Issues like worn-out furniture, musty smells and noise can be a drawback, but overall, the rooms are deemed functional and comfortable.
Cleanliness across the hotel is a mixed bag with many visitors commending the spotless rooms and well-maintained public areas. However, there are occasional lapses, particularly in older or less frequently updated parts of the hotel. These issues include mildewy smells, dust and worn carpets.
The staff at Ivy Bush Royal Hotel are frequently praised for their friendliness, professionalism and helpfulness, significantly contributing to the positive guest experience. Whether they are at the reception, dining areas or providing housekeeping services, staff members are noted for their warm and accommodating demeanor, even during busy times.
Regarding amenities, the hotel's free Wi-Fi receives mixed reviews. While some guests find it sufficient for their needs, others report poor connectivity and slow speeds, particularly in certain areas of the hotel. On the other hand, the parking facilities are highly commended for their ample, secure and free spaces, making it convenient for guests.
The beds are another high point, often described as very comfortable, contributing to a good night’s sleep. Some minor issues include thin duvets and double beds made by pushing two singles together, but these do not significantly detract from the overall positive feedback.
Overall, the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality is seen as a solid choice for those seeking comfortable and reasonably priced accommodations, despite some areas needing updates and improvement. The hotel’s location, dining options and exceptional staff make it an appealing option for visitors to Carmarthen and the surrounding areas.
Categories
One of the standout features is its prime location, which is central to the town, providing easy access to amenities, shops, important landmarks and public transportation. Guests find the ample free parking a significant advantage, enhancing convenience for both business and leisure visitors. The hotel's position makes it ideal for exploring Carmarthen and the wider South-West Wales region.
Dining at the hotel also receives positive reviews with breakfast highlighted as one of the best aspects of a stay. The buffet-style breakfast offers a wide variety of high-quality food, accommodating different dietary preferences, including vegetarian options. Although there are occasional remarks about cold items and inconsistent service, the general feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Dinner service is also well-regarded with many guests enjoying the superb and delicious meals, particularly the steaks and burgers, which offer great value. However, some guests noted areas for improvement, such as slow service and limited menu choices.
The rooms are generally found to be spacious, clean and comfortable with ample storage and modern amenities in some suites. While many guests are satisfied with the accommodation, some have pointed out the need for refurbishment and better maintenance. Issues like worn-out furniture, musty smells and noise can be a drawback, but overall, the rooms are deemed functional and comfortable.
Cleanliness across the hotel is a mixed bag with many visitors commending the spotless rooms and well-maintained public areas. However, there are occasional lapses, particularly in older or less frequently updated parts of the hotel. These issues include mildewy smells, dust and worn carpets.
The staff at Ivy Bush Royal Hotel are frequently praised for their friendliness, professionalism and helpfulness, significantly contributing to the positive guest experience. Whether they are at the reception, dining areas or providing housekeeping services, staff members are noted for their warm and accommodating demeanor, even during busy times.
Regarding amenities, the hotel's free Wi-Fi receives mixed reviews. While some guests find it sufficient for their needs, others report poor connectivity and slow speeds, particularly in certain areas of the hotel. On the other hand, the parking facilities are highly commended for their ample, secure and free spaces, making it convenient for guests.
The beds are another high point, often described as very comfortable, contributing to a good night’s sleep. Some minor issues include thin duvets and double beds made by pushing two singles together, but these do not significantly detract from the overall positive feedback.
Overall, the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality is seen as a solid choice for those seeking comfortable and reasonably priced accommodations, despite some areas needing updates and improvement. The hotel’s location, dining options and exceptional staff make it an appealing option for visitors to Carmarthen and the surrounding areas.
Dog Friendly Hotel
The hotel welcomes well-behaved dogs and cats in selected rooms, making it a great choice for pet owners exploring Carmarthen. The hotel understands that pets are part of the family and is located in the heart of Carmarthen.
Business Hotel
This hotel is recognised as one of Carmarthen's finest destinations for meetings and conferences and offers versatile event spaces suitable for various occasions, from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations. It has dedicated event planners and state-of-the-art facilities.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers extensive on-site parking with space for up to 70 cars, including designated disabled access bays. Parking is free for guests upon vehicle registration.
Accessible Hotel
The hotel offers on-site parking which includes designated spaces for disabled access.
3-Star Hotel
This hotel is centrally located and offers a good breakfast. Some rooms feature upgraded amenities like whirlpool baths.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality consistently receives praise for its prime location in Carmarthen. Guests highlight its central position, making it incredibly convenient for accessing the town's amenities, shops and important landmarks like Carmarthen Castle. The hotel's proximity to the railway station and bus stations also makes it ideal for those relying on public transport. Many reviewers find the location perfect for both business and leisure purposes, noting easy access to local theatres, restaurants and pubs. Additionally, the ample free parking available is frequently mentioned as a significant advantage. The hotel's situation is described as easy to find with great access to the surrounding areas and major roads like the M4. Overall, the location is deemed perfect for exploring Carmarthen and the wider South-West Wales region.
Guests of Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality have a lot to say about the hotel's breakfast and the majority of it is very positive. Reviewers frequently describe the breakfast as superb, fantastic and excellent with many remarking on the extensive variety and quality of food available. Guests appreciate the self-serve buffet style, which includes both hot and cold items such as a full Welsh breakfast, cereals, bread, pastries, fresh fruit and plenty of tea and coffee. The breakfast is often highlighted as one of the best aspects of the stay with words like stunning, delicious and lovely commonly used.
On the practical side, breakfast service seems to accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian options, although some guests have suggested an increase in variety for vegetarian selections. The breakfast service extends until ten, providing ample time for guests to enjoy their morning meal.
However, it wasn't all perfect. A few guests noted that the breakfast items could be cold on occasion, while others remarked on inconsistent quality and service. Specifically, some felt that the cooked selection was left under heat lamps too long, making it less appetizing. Breakfast staff received mixed reviews: while many found them to be amazing and polite, others found them stressed and overwhelmed at times.
Despite a few hiccups, the majority of the reviews suggest that guests leave highly satisfied with their breakfast experience, often stating it is one of the highlights of their stay at Ivy Bush Royal Hotel.
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality features a mostly favorable dining experience based on guest reviews. Many highlighted the quality of the food, describing the dinners as superb, delicious and very tasty. The bar meals, particularly the steaks and burgers, were frequently praised for their excellence and great value. The evening meals offer good variety and reasonable menu choices, often noted as well-presented, hot and tasty.
Guests appreciated the convenience of being able to eat restaurant food in their rooms, adding flexibility to their dining options. The hotel staff received commendations for their friendliness and efficient service, contributing positively to the overall dining experience.
However, some reviews indicated areas for improvement. Issues such as slow dinner service and inconvenience with the evening meal ordering process were mentioned. A few guests felt disappointed due to limited menu choices or being unable to dine in the restaurant due to prioritization of coach parties. Additionally, some experienced discomfort due to external smells during dinner.
While there were occasional mentions of the property showing signs of age and needing upgrades and some critiques about the dining areas not always being available, the general sentiment about the food remains overwhelmingly positive, making the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel a notable choice for those seeking satisfying dining options along with their stay.
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality offers rooms that are generally spacious and clean with comfortable beds and ample storage. Guests appreciated the sizeable rooms, some of which come with ensuite bathrooms and modern amenities. The suites, in particular, received praise for their luxurious living spaces and features like jacuzzi baths.
While cleanliness standards are mostly upheld, some areas could benefit from better maintenance with minor complaints about details like dirty grouting in bathrooms and worn out furniture. Noise levels can be an issue, especially in rooms located beneath the restaurant or near the main road. A few guests found the rooms to be cold or dark and noted that air conditioning or better lighting could enhance their stay.
On the downside, many guests remarked that the décor and furnishings appear outdated and tired, indicating a need for refurbishment. Some rooms had issues with musty smells, dampness or insufficient cleaning.
Overall, guests found the rooms to be functional and comfortable, but a property-wide renovation could significantly improve the experience.
The beds at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality receive largely positive feedback from guests. Many visitors find the beds to be comfortable with phrases like comfortable bed, very comfortable bed and comfy bed frequently mentioned. The large beds and king-size beds are particularly praised for their comfort with some guests even stating the comfiest bed I’ve ever slept on.
Guests also appreciate the quality of sleep they get, often referring to a good night's sleep on comfortable beds. The bedding, while generally comfortable, has a few mixed reviews regarding its size and condition with some guests mentioning thin duvets and the need for bedding updates. There are also mentions of double beds that are just two singles pushed together, which might not be ideal for everyone.
On the less positive side, a few guests reported issues with bed sizes being smaller than expected and occasional comments highlight beds that were either too firm or too soft for their liking. Despite these few concerns, the overall sentiment points to the hotel providing a satisfactory and often very comfortable sleeping experience for its guests.
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality offers a mix of experiences when it comes to cleanliness. Many guests commend the hotel for its clean and comfortable rooms, often highlighting the spaciousness and tidiness upon arrival. Positive feedback includes mentions of spotlessly clean rooms, clean new bathrooms and well-cleaned facilities.
However, there are frequent mentions of areas needing improvement. Some guests have experienced dated rooms with signs of wear and tear, such as grubby carpets and stained corridor carpets. Issues like mildew, dust and musty smells in certain rooms have also been noted. Specifically, some bathrooms and taps were marked as needing better attention to cleanliness and there have been occasional reports of finding creepy crawlies and residual dirt.
Despite these mixed reviews, the staff's friendly demeanor and the overall effort in maintaining clean rooms seem to leave a favorable impression on many. It's clear that while the hotel has its standout clean moments, there's a need for consistent deep cleaning and updates to fully enhance the guest experience.
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality in Carmarthen receives high praise for its exceptional staff, which is frequently described as friendly, welcoming and immensely helpful. Guests consistently highlight that the hotel's team is not only polite and professional but also consistently goes above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Whether it's the receptionists, bar or restaurant staff, everyone appears to be well-regarded for their warm demeanor and efficient service.
Breakfast and dining experiences are elevated by the courteous and attentive staff. Receptionists are particularly noted for their helpfulness, often accommodating special requests and making sure guests feel at home. This level of engagement extends throughout the entire visit, whether it’s the housekeeping staff or those assisting during meal times.
Despite occasional mentions of staff being overworked or less inclined to help, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive. Guests commend the staff for maintaining high standards of service even when the workload is heavy. The team's consistent friendliness and helpfulness resonate strongly with visitors, contributing significantly to the hotel's overall welcoming atmosphere.
In summary, the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel stands out for its exceptional staff who play a pivotal role in shaping memorable guest experiences, marked by friendliness, professionalism and a consistently high level of service.
Guests at Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality have shared mixed experiences regarding the Wi-Fi service. Some have reported a wonderful internet experience and satisfactory Wi-Fi in certain areas. Laptop connectivity appears to be fine for some guests, suggesting that certain devices may face fewer issues. However, there are also numerous complaints about poor Wi-Fi with several guests expressing dissatisfaction over weak or non-existent reception in their rooms. Issues such as dreadful Wi-Fi reception, non-working connections and very slow speeds have been mentioned. While the hotel's Wi-Fi service works well for some guests, there is clearly room for improvement in ensuring a consistent and reliable internet experience throughout the hotel.
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality earns high marks for its parking amenities. Guests frequently highlight the ample, free and secure parking available on-site with many noting the convenience and accessibility of the large car park. The hotel provides a hassle-free parking experience with plenty of spaces, making it simple for guests to come and go as they please. Although some visitors suggest the need for more disabled parking spots, the overall consensus is that the parking facilities are excellent. The hotel's location also contributes to its appeal, offering easy access to nearby amenities, enhancing the overall convenience of a stay at this welcoming establishment.
Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality offers reasonable accommodations with a three-star rating that aligns with its facilities. Guests appreciate its ideal location, making it convenient for exploring the local town and perfect for a one-night stay. Despite being described as dated, the hotel maintains a pleasant atmosphere with its lovely and charming rooms.
The hotel provides nice twin rooms on the upper levels and offers good selection, ensuring that guests have various choices during their stay. The daily rates are moderate, catering to budget-conscious travelers with several reviews highlighting the nice value for money and very good value overall.
While the hotel may not be the most modern, it is perfectly adequate for short stays. Some guests expected more from a three-star rating and there is an acknowledgment that updates are needed. However, the charming ambiance and reasonable costs make Ivy Bush Royal Hotel a solid choice for those looking for a comfortable and affordable stay in the area.
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality generally offers a satisfactory experience for guests with disabilities. Many have appreciated the accessible rooms, noting that they are both nice and spacious and conveniently located close to the lift for easy access. Cleanliness is another highlighted feature, contributing to the overall comfort.
The hotel's readiness to address issues promptly is evident, as seen when a guest with a heating problem was immediately upgraded to a better room. Notably, one review praised the disabled bathroom, calling it the best they had ever seen.
However, there are a few setbacks. The availability of disabled parking bays is limited, which may pose difficulties for guests needing these spaces. Additionally, the hotel lacks some disabled facilities, which might not cater to all accessibility needs. Despite these shortcomings, the hotel's location near a major road junction enhances its overall accessibility.
The Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality offers a welcoming environment for dog owners, recognizing itself as a pet-friendly hotel. Dogs are allowed in the rooms, ensuring that guests can comfortably accommodate their pets during their stay. While the accommodations are dog-friendly with several reviews praising the treatment of their furry companions, it's important to note that dogs are generally restricted to the rooms. Guests have mentioned that their pets were not allowed in the dining area for breakfast or evening meals, but dining outside on the terrace is an option.
The hotel charges a fee of £20 for hosting pets, which is fairly standard. A notable mention is the presence of a smoking area, covered for convenience. Additionally, there's a dog-friendly pub located just across the road, providing an alternative local dining option where pets can also feel welcome. Despite a few reviews suggesting limitations on pet-friendly areas within the hotel, the majority highlight the positive attitude towards accommodating dogs, making it a good option for travelers with pets.
Location Show Map
Location
Breakfast
On the practical side, breakfast service seems to accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian options, although some guests have suggested an increase in variety for vegetarian selections. The breakfast service extends until ten, providing ample time for guests to enjoy their morning meal.
However, it wasn't all perfect. A few guests noted that the breakfast items could be cold on occasion, while others remarked on inconsistent quality and service. Specifically, some felt that the cooked selection was left under heat lamps too long, making it less appetizing. Breakfast staff received mixed reviews: while many found them to be amazing and polite, others found them stressed and overwhelmed at times.
Despite a few hiccups, the majority of the reviews suggest that guests leave highly satisfied with their breakfast experience, often stating it is one of the highlights of their stay at Ivy Bush Royal Hotel.
Dinner
Guests appreciated the convenience of being able to eat restaurant food in their rooms, adding flexibility to their dining options. The hotel staff received commendations for their friendliness and efficient service, contributing positively to the overall dining experience.
However, some reviews indicated areas for improvement. Issues such as slow dinner service and inconvenience with the evening meal ordering process were mentioned. A few guests felt disappointed due to limited menu choices or being unable to dine in the restaurant due to prioritization of coach parties. Additionally, some experienced discomfort due to external smells during dinner.
While there were occasional mentions of the property showing signs of age and needing upgrades and some critiques about the dining areas not always being available, the general sentiment about the food remains overwhelmingly positive, making the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel a notable choice for those seeking satisfying dining options along with their stay.
Rooms
While cleanliness standards are mostly upheld, some areas could benefit from better maintenance with minor complaints about details like dirty grouting in bathrooms and worn out furniture. Noise levels can be an issue, especially in rooms located beneath the restaurant or near the main road. A few guests found the rooms to be cold or dark and noted that air conditioning or better lighting could enhance their stay.
On the downside, many guests remarked that the décor and furnishings appear outdated and tired, indicating a need for refurbishment. Some rooms had issues with musty smells, dampness or insufficient cleaning.
Overall, guests found the rooms to be functional and comfortable, but a property-wide renovation could significantly improve the experience.
Beds
Guests also appreciate the quality of sleep they get, often referring to a good night's sleep on comfortable beds. The bedding, while generally comfortable, has a few mixed reviews regarding its size and condition with some guests mentioning thin duvets and the need for bedding updates. There are also mentions of double beds that are just two singles pushed together, which might not be ideal for everyone.
On the less positive side, a few guests reported issues with bed sizes being smaller than expected and occasional comments highlight beds that were either too firm or too soft for their liking. Despite these few concerns, the overall sentiment points to the hotel providing a satisfactory and often very comfortable sleeping experience for its guests.
Cleanliness
However, there are frequent mentions of areas needing improvement. Some guests have experienced dated rooms with signs of wear and tear, such as grubby carpets and stained corridor carpets. Issues like mildew, dust and musty smells in certain rooms have also been noted. Specifically, some bathrooms and taps were marked as needing better attention to cleanliness and there have been occasional reports of finding creepy crawlies and residual dirt.
Despite these mixed reviews, the staff's friendly demeanor and the overall effort in maintaining clean rooms seem to leave a favorable impression on many. It's clear that while the hotel has its standout clean moments, there's a need for consistent deep cleaning and updates to fully enhance the guest experience.
Staff
Breakfast and dining experiences are elevated by the courteous and attentive staff. Receptionists are particularly noted for their helpfulness, often accommodating special requests and making sure guests feel at home. This level of engagement extends throughout the entire visit, whether it’s the housekeeping staff or those assisting during meal times.
Despite occasional mentions of staff being overworked or less inclined to help, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive. Guests commend the staff for maintaining high standards of service even when the workload is heavy. The team's consistent friendliness and helpfulness resonate strongly with visitors, contributing significantly to the hotel's overall welcoming atmosphere.
In summary, the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel stands out for its exceptional staff who play a pivotal role in shaping memorable guest experiences, marked by friendliness, professionalism and a consistently high level of service.
Wi-Fi
Parking
3 Star
The hotel provides nice twin rooms on the upper levels and offers good selection, ensuring that guests have various choices during their stay. The daily rates are moderate, catering to budget-conscious travelers with several reviews highlighting the nice value for money and very good value overall.
While the hotel may not be the most modern, it is perfectly adequate for short stays. Some guests expected more from a three-star rating and there is an acknowledgment that updates are needed. However, the charming ambiance and reasonable costs make Ivy Bush Royal Hotel a solid choice for those looking for a comfortable and affordable stay in the area.
Accessible
The hotel's readiness to address issues promptly is evident, as seen when a guest with a heating problem was immediately upgraded to a better room. Notably, one review praised the disabled bathroom, calling it the best they had ever seen.
However, there are a few setbacks. The availability of disabled parking bays is limited, which may pose difficulties for guests needing these spaces. Additionally, the hotel lacks some disabled facilities, which might not cater to all accessibility needs. Despite these shortcomings, the hotel's location near a major road junction enhances its overall accessibility.
Dog Friendly
The hotel charges a fee of £20 for hosting pets, which is fairly standard. A notable mention is the presence of a smoking area, covered for convenience. Additionally, there's a dog-friendly pub located just across the road, providing an alternative local dining option where pets can also feel welcome. Despite a few reviews suggesting limitations on pet-friendly areas within the hotel, the majority highlight the positive attitude towards accommodating dogs, making it a good option for travelers with pets.
No, Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality.
Yes, Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality.
No, Ivy Bush Royal Hotel by Compass Hospitality doesn't have a gym.
Location Show Map
More Options
