‘Exceptional’ B&Bs in UK

My husband and I normally travel independently and are used to arranging our own accommodations, flights, itineraries, etc. For places to stay, I search various online sites, including ITN’s, and then, using websites, email addresses or fax numbers I’ve found, inquire about vacancies on the dates we expect to be there.

While traveling in England and Wales in June 2016, we stayed in many bed-and-breakfasts, two of which were exceptional.

• Immediately upon arriving at Tal Menai Guest House (Bangor Road, Caernarfon, Gwynned, Wales, LL55 1TP, U.K.; phone +44 1286 672 160, www.talmenaiguest house.com), we received a warm welcome from Sylvette Williams — typical of our entire stay there. 

Our second-floor room (No. 1) had a comfortable bed, a very modern bathroom with shower and a view of a meadow full of sheep. They wanted cash only, in pounds. It converted to $173.50 for two nights.

Our favorite time was spent sitting in the front room, enjoying the garden and eating a delicious full breakfast, with croissants that were unforgettable.

The house was a couple of miles from Caernarfon, where there were many good restaurants. It also was an easy drive to Snowdon. We regretted not allowing more than two days to enjoy this charming B&B.

• In Bath, the Abbey Rectory (Trossachs Dr., Bath, England, BA2 6RP, U.K.; phone +44 1225 336 924, www.abbeyrectory.co.uk) is a lovely house that, as its name implies, once served as a church rectory. Located on a hill and within walking distance of the town’s center, the abbey was in a quiet and restful area.

Upon our arrival, we had a warm welcome from Ruth and Gary and a nice cup of tea in the large living room. This couple was very helpful in giving us good advice about the surroundings, including sending us off for dinner to a pub with food typical of the region. 

Our room, the Camden (a Classic Double), was large and overlooked the front garden. We paid $133.77 for a Friday night.

The next morning, our full English breakfast, served in a bright windowed addition to the abbey, was nothing less than splendid.

J. BERNSTEIN

Albuquerque, NM