2025 is all about the warm Welsh welcome.
The Year of Croeso, or ‘welcome’, is the focal point for Visit Wales in 2025. It aims to share the Welsh way of life and culture that’s been shaped by the landscape and the warmth of the people, with Wales’ visitors.
At our Llandudno hotel, a warm welcome is, and always has been, at the heart of our traditional hospitality, along with an eagerness to share our love for our beautiful location.
Wales’ tourism is thriving, having welcomed record numbers of UK visitors over the past several years, so what is it that keeps the welcome so warm and the visitors coming back… We spoke to Beccie Crook, our Deputy Manager here at The Imperial Hotel for her insight:
Bore da Beccie! So, what makes the Welsh welcome special?
“Wales is a place that has everything – dramatic landscapes and mountains, a rich history, amazing food and drink and its own language! We’re immensely proud of what Wales has to offer and I think it’s that shared sense of pride that makes the Welsh welcome so special.
Here at our Llandudno hotel, we’re located in a spot that’s been dubbed the Queen of Welsh resorts for its Victorian charm, first class service and traditional hospitality.
Our fantastic team of people and their friendliness is one reason why people return; multi-lingual and carrying a breadth of experience from all over the world, every team member inherits the Welsh welcome when they join us, whilst imparting their own sense of hospitality and what it means to them.
It’s that warm welcome that keeps guests coming back year after year as well as decades of dedication to celebrating Welsh producers. Great Orme Gin, Pendryn whiskey and Snowdon Craft beer can all be found at the bar, whilst on our restaurant menus you’ll find unique cheeses, Welsh lamb and beef, fresh fish and seafood. All have a long-established reputation for distinctiveness, quality and taste. Our famous Welsh lamb and beef have a unique heritage, character and reputation which has been recognised by the European Commission (EC), awarding them the coveted status of Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) which puts them on a par with other excellent regional European products like Parma ham from Italy.”
How does The Imperial specifically welcome its guests?
“We want our local community to feel really welcome at the hotel. We support local charities that are important to our team and the wider local community of Llandudno, hosting many fundraising events over the years for Ty Gobaith, the local children’s hospice, St David’s Hospice in Llandudno and Wales Air Ambulance.
Whenever possible, we purchase from our local communities to support local business, and we work with local organisations to champion locally sourced produce. The hotel has implemented a food policy which ensures all meats supplied to the hotel have full traceability and have the highest ethical criteria with regard to feed and rearing.”
Sometimes a warm welcome comes from small unexpected gestures; at our Llandudno hotel we like to mark the season with small meaningful touches. The annual ‘Llandudno in Bloom’ awards see our Llandudno hotel often picking up Gold for our floral displays that greet guests on arrival. Little ones are treated to local ice cream when they check-in during the summer and couples away on a romantic break around Valentine’s Day are gifted with locally made chocolates. These are little things that mean a lot and that are appreciated, and remembered, by our guests.
Beccie, what accessible facilities do you offer at the hotel?
We want everyone to feel welcome and at home at our Llandudno hotel, which is why we will always try to remove barriers and provide equal opportunities and experiences for our guests. From on-street parking outside the hotel for those with a Blue Badge, welcoming assistance dogs and ensuring our entrance is well-lit, to catering for dietary requirements and guaranteeing wheelchair-accessible public areas, including the bar, The Terrace and our award-winning Chantrey’s Restaurant.
Prior to arrival, we always encourage our guests to speak with a member of the reception team in order to confirm any individual requirements and to confirm general suitability of the hotel facilities for their needs to ensure that their stay is as safe and comfortable as possible.
You can find the hotel’s full accessibility information here.
What about in and around Llandudno?
“There are many local attractions that are accessible; our Promenade and Pier in Llandudno are a highlight for most of our visitors and both are wheelchair accessible; the Pier, with gently sloping ramps, offers spacious access for easy mobility.
Most of the buses in the area are wheelchair accessible too so you needn’t drive whilst on your relaxing weekend break in North Wales and the much-loved Oriel Mostyn Gallery in Llandudno is fully accessible for wheelchair users too. The Great Orme trams have space for foldable wheelchairs, whilst The Snowdon Mountain Railway offer wheelchair accessible carriages and welcome assistance dogs for those wishing to head to the summit of Yr Wyddfa!
For guests wishing to get out in nature, the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve invite personal assistants in free of charge; just a 13-minute drive away from our Llandudno hotel, it has a fully accessible visitor centre and a selection of trails and pathways that have level surfaces.”
Which unique local cultural places would you recommend to guests at The Imperial?
“There are so many it’s hard to pick just a few, but here goes:
Llandudno pier – just a short stroll along the promenade, the Victorian pier is a must-visit. If you fancy a longer walk, continue through happy valley and up to the Little Orme where you’ll see plenty of our Kashmiri goats and wonderful views over the bay. I’d also recommend taking the tramway up to the top of the Orme. it’s Britain’s only cable-hauled public road tramway and has been operating since 1902.
Conwy castle – Wales has the most castles per square mile in Europe. Conwy Castle is one of the most popular with tourists and is a short drive or bus ride from the hotel. It’s a UNESCO World heritage site where you can learn all about its 700-year history.
Mostyn Gallery – again, just a short walk from the hotel The Mostyn Gallery is a public art gallery with a seasonal programme of exhibitions featuring international art but all with Welsh roots. They also hold creative activities for adults and children.
Oh, and the Alice and Wonderland Trail through Llandudno Town – you can pick up trail maps from the tourist information centre or simply stroll freely and see which of the characters you can spot.”
The warmth of the Welsh welcome comes from the celebration and sharing of community and landscape; from embracing the different cultures and people who step through the hotel door to sharing the uniqueness of Welsh culture, produce and way of life with all who visit and fall in love with Wales.
The highlight for 2025 may well be ‘The Year of Croeso’, but we will continue to be The Hotel of Croeso for each and every guest, new and returning.