Carlton Hotel
358 Oystermouth Road West Glamorgan, Swansea SA1 3UL Wales
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About
#20 of 23 hotels in Swansea
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Sleep Quality
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HOTEL STYLE
Ocean View
Great View
Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Internet
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Location
358 Oystermouth Road West Glamorgan, Swansea SA1 3UL Wales
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 80 out of 100
80
Cardiff-Wales Airport
48.8 km•
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29 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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Detailed Reviews
Hotel a little tired in great position
However the staff are absolutely wonderful they should be given 10 stars
Keep up the good work as a family concern you present a wonderful team
Gin and tonics to die for
However the staff are absolutely wonderful they should be given 10 stars
Keep up the good work as a family concern you present a wonderful team
Gin and tonics to die for
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Date of stay: August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stay here if:
- you enjoy a good cooked breakfast
- you want good views of the sea
- you want a conveniently located hotel
- you want friendly and accommodating staff
- you like mahogany furniture
Don’t stay here if:
- you want a solid 8hrs sleep, not interrupted by fellow guests returning back late at night
- you need a pitch black room to sleep in
- you want modern accommodation and facilities
- you enjoy a good cooked breakfast
- you want good views of the sea
- you want a conveniently located hotel
- you want friendly and accommodating staff
- you like mahogany furniture
Don’t stay here if:
- you want a solid 8hrs sleep, not interrupted by fellow guests returning back late at night
- you need a pitch black room to sleep in
- you want modern accommodation and facilities
Read more
Date of stay: June 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.



Booked a last minute get away over easter bank holiday, receptionist and bar staff very pleasant and helpful upon at arrival. Car park opposite is free from 6pm till 9am, limited on street parking outside. Room 22 was clean and adequate for ÂŁ80 per night inc breakfast and guest tray, and had fantastic view overlooking street, boats moored and seafront. Yes rooms not modern but were clean, comfortable and safe. Hotel has bar that is open till about 10.30pm depending on how busy it is may close earlier, and swipe key system for front door if you want to go out and explore until late. Hotel not disabled friendly if u have mobility issues as loads of stairs and like a Warren. Array of pubs and restaurants, mumbles pier, events, castles, and sights to chose from within walking distance. Also Gower coastline has loads of bays to explore steeped in scenery, history and fun. Joe's local ice cream is lush. Had good night sleep, ear plugs advisable if your light sleeper as slight road noise at front of hotel as on main road overlooking beach front. Room 22 cud do with shelf if shower cubicle, and towel heater not working is only quarm. Breakfast was carvery style and friendly, polite organised yet busy staff. Well be back for longer next time.
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Date of stay: April 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Turned up today to be told that they are no longer doing breakfast because of the pandemic and evening food either. The price to be reduced by ÂŁ15 we were to stay for two nights at ÂŁ140.00 per night. Had they phoned and told us we would have cancelled they had only stopped serving food a week ago and we only booked a week ago.
Their website is not updated so be aware.
It was equally as nice to walk through a lounge with building equipment in it and then more building equipment such as plastic windows in the hall.
The king room was not, in my opinion, worth what we were to be charged. The shower seals needed replacing and the bathroom door could do with a wipe over both side with a cloth dipped in bleach.
The room was cold and I know it is June but in jeans, walking boots and a jacket I was cold at 230pm in the afternoon. The fire in the wall does not work and the radiator didn’t either. We went to reception to report it and the manager was on her way in.
15 mins later we went to go for a walk where as I approached the reception the receptionist and manager were having a less than complimentary conversation about me I overheard the whole thing. Imagine their surprise when I appeared and advised that I had heard them and would wish for a refund so we could go home.
In the manager’s opinion it was too warm for the heating to be on it is the summer. However the weather is awful it is raining and cold. People outside had thick fleeces on and raincoats.
A lucky escape for us and you too if you book elsewhere
Their website is not updated so be aware.
It was equally as nice to walk through a lounge with building equipment in it and then more building equipment such as plastic windows in the hall.
The king room was not, in my opinion, worth what we were to be charged. The shower seals needed replacing and the bathroom door could do with a wipe over both side with a cloth dipped in bleach.
The room was cold and I know it is June but in jeans, walking boots and a jacket I was cold at 230pm in the afternoon. The fire in the wall does not work and the radiator didn’t either. We went to reception to report it and the manager was on her way in.
15 mins later we went to go for a walk where as I approached the reception the receptionist and manager were having a less than complimentary conversation about me I overheard the whole thing. Imagine their surprise when I appeared and advised that I had heard them and would wish for a refund so we could go home.
In the manager’s opinion it was too warm for the heating to be on it is the summer. However the weather is awful it is raining and cold. People outside had thick fleeces on and raincoats.
A lucky escape for us and you too if you book elsewhere
Read more
Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is not an hotel it is just rooms and the very basic type of rooms. It is
Over priced at £110 per night, no breakfast included tho it is advertised as available. No service included, you make your own beds. Despite there being a bar they couldn’t provide bottled water. Wrong hose on bathroom shower, water came out everywhere, wouldn’t fit in the holder just hung down like a dying swan. Thank goodness the weather was good and we only had to go back to sleep. Avoid at all costs!
Over priced at £110 per night, no breakfast included tho it is advertised as available. No service included, you make your own beds. Despite there being a bar they couldn’t provide bottled water. Wrong hose on bathroom shower, water came out everywhere, wouldn’t fit in the holder just hung down like a dying swan. Thank goodness the weather was good and we only had to go back to sleep. Avoid at all costs!
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Date of stay: August 2022
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: Don’t come
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked 15 rooms for a 1 night stay prior to a wedding reception at another venue.
The rooms were a variety of singles, doubles and deluxe rooms with some having sea views.
All the rooms were fresh, clean and tidy and perfect for our stay, being reasonably priced also.
Breakfast was good with a large variety of choices.
What made this hotel for me were the friendly and extremely helpful staff who bent over backwards to accommodate such a large party and all our needs, Carlie, Julie and Mike to name a few.
They even managed to reserve parking in front of the hotel which was really helpful for unpacking the mountain of things needed for an upcoming wedding and to allow the wedding cars to park close to the hotel.
Can’t thank you all enough.
Would definitely recommend this friendly hotel.
The rooms were a variety of singles, doubles and deluxe rooms with some having sea views.
All the rooms were fresh, clean and tidy and perfect for our stay, being reasonably priced also.
Breakfast was good with a large variety of choices.
What made this hotel for me were the friendly and extremely helpful staff who bent over backwards to accommodate such a large party and all our needs, Carlie, Julie and Mike to name a few.
They even managed to reserve parking in front of the hotel which was really helpful for unpacking the mountain of things needed for an upcoming wedding and to allow the wedding cars to park close to the hotel.
Can’t thank you all enough.
Would definitely recommend this friendly hotel.
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Date of stay: February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noisiest hotel I have ever stayed in. Like Piccadilly circus. "Accessible" room on the ground floor near bar and public lavs..barking dogs, noise of tramping feet, loos, taps gushing, doors slamming. Went for a break for my relative recuperating after an op...I was very unhappy and would not recommend.
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Date of stay: May 2017Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The only good thing:
The owner and son were friendly. Willing to give directions and advice.
The bad things:
Where to start?
The decor definately needs an update. You have to go through the family living room to enter the guest rooms and the owners smoke so it doesn't smell too great. They also have a dog which adds to the smell and uncleanliness.
The rooms were horrid. A makeshift ensuite ensembled in the corner, which was tiny and obviously built by cowboys.
We paid for a double room but we had a twin and the two single beds were tiny. There was a sofa bed in the corner of the room which was revolting. Covered in stains (wouldn't like to think what they were) and holes. Carpet was filthy so was the bedding.
dirty tea/cofee making facilities. Big hole in ceiling.
A right dump. I wouldn't let a rat stay in here. Do not stay here, you have been warned.
The owner and son were friendly. Willing to give directions and advice.
The bad things:
Where to start?
The decor definately needs an update. You have to go through the family living room to enter the guest rooms and the owners smoke so it doesn't smell too great. They also have a dog which adds to the smell and uncleanliness.
The rooms were horrid. A makeshift ensuite ensembled in the corner, which was tiny and obviously built by cowboys.
We paid for a double room but we had a twin and the two single beds were tiny. There was a sofa bed in the corner of the room which was revolting. Covered in stains (wouldn't like to think what they were) and holes. Carpet was filthy so was the bedding.
dirty tea/cofee making facilities. Big hole in ceiling.
A right dump. I wouldn't let a rat stay in here. Do not stay here, you have been warned.
Read more
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In the advert for the hotel it shows sumptuous rooms but reality is somewhat different, even though we booked a double room I feel it must have been a single even though there was a small double bed in it. We have travelled throughout the GB, England , Scotland and both Northern Ireland and Eire.and never have we had such a small pokey room. The hole room size including the bathroom and shower was 12 feet by 15 feet,, there was only about 30 inches each side of the bed, no desk, no chair, a wardrobe about 12 inches wide and the handbasin about a foot wide and nowhere to put your wash things, and the shower towel was a hand towel,
The room had no sound insulation and you could here every movement outside the room. The price was also a big shock, for ÂŁ85 I expect a lot more, if I had seen it and asked to privce it , I would say ÂŁ45, Also the WiFi does not work, they came out with the answer that the modem cant handle all the rooms DOH
I would suggest everyone gives it a miss unless you are a masochist.
The room had no sound insulation and you could here every movement outside the room. The price was also a big shock, for ÂŁ85 I expect a lot more, if I had seen it and asked to privce it , I would say ÂŁ45, Also the WiFi does not work, they came out with the answer that the modem cant handle all the rooms DOH
I would suggest everyone gives it a miss unless you are a masochist.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2017Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Dont stay here, maybe the sea facing bedrooms are better but they are more expensive
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We booked two nights, at fairly short notice, which apparently clashed with the Golfing Tournament Guests who were in town. To their credit, both the supervisor and manager phoned me to discuss, and then confirm that they could meet our needs. We gained a first floor sea view room for the two nights ; which was nice to know in advance.
Upon arrival, the visual experience did not really meet the standard we had expected, at 85 GBP per night for the room, The hotel seemed like an overgrown boarding house which had been fettled in an attempt to make it a bit more exotic; inside, guests witness narrow passageways, landings, and steps which creak, all covered in cheap blue patterned carpet ,
The room itself [ number 22 ] was indeed a first floor sea front room, but upon closer inspection, it was plain to see that most of the view was in fact obscured by two large chestnut trees, amongst others, and that a clear line of sight was only possible at an oblique angle to the window. We were also to quickly discover that the tidal range on these shores, produces acres of black rocks, seaweed and discoloured sand more often than actual sea.
The double bed was, in truth; not uncomfortable, but it lacked the firmness and quality of better mattresses. normally found in the hospitality industry. The bed covered most of the floor area, but pedestrian access at the sides and the end was still possible. The bay window section provided a little more space for a circular table and two chairs, but two of the power points there, had no power, for our lap top: and the table wobbled until a piece of folded paper was placed under one leg.
The bay windows in the room extend from the floor to the ceiling , and the wisdom of this was not readily understood. The room takes on the visage of a fish tank, so that most of it, and it's occupants are clearly visible from the street, like dummies in a display window. If 700 millimetres of wall had been featured in the design, from the floor to the underside of the window sill, privacy from the road would be achieved, without affecting the view. Curtains are in place, but then you might ask, what's the point ? Anyway a bright street lamp on the opposite side of the road provides an electric full moon, free of charge .
The "Ensuite" is a subdivided part of the original bedroom and does not have a window, so it is in fact a cupboard relying on an extractor fan and an electric light ! For the first time in my entire life I experienced a disposable paper bath mat. It had the outline of two large feet printed on it, presumably to deter guests from blowing their nose on it,......... or worse.
The "piece de resistance" however, must be the shower with no taps. It has an electric mixer instead. I have never seen one of these either, and would not be overly distraught to never see one again, A white plastic unit is affixed to the shower wall which has two white circular dialling knobs . Each knob has a raised line running across the centre which intersects the circumference in two places. How could you be sure which line is supposed to be lined up with the numbers to effect the desired result? The printed numbers and positions were so small that you'd need to be a fly with spectacles to read them. It took several minutes of experimenting with the two knobs to produce the correct result. Interestingly the electric mixer was the topic of conversation between other guests at breakfast who had experienced difficulties also, when attending their morning ablutions.
The dining room also was an odd affair, being a split level room with a ramp leading up from the lower level where a bar is housed.. Our cooked breakfast was supervised by a young woman seemingly keeping sentry duty over the bacon and eggs with an egg slice. Her routine was to serve you One Half tomato, One Egg, One Hash Brown, One Sausage, but TWO pieces of Bacon, and to inform you that you could load the baked beans yourself ?? Well, I guess she was just doing what she was told to do,
The cooked breakfast was ordinary. Coffee from a press button machine left much to be desired, The espresso coffee I had on day two, tasted more like liquorice . The toast was sitting ready made, and thus tending to be cold and leathery. In contrast the staff members were bright and cheery, and ready to assist whenever asked.
One of the items that we did ask about upon arrival, was the hot water radiator in our room which was shut off. We asked if it could be put on, and were told that it would be, and would just take a while to warm up. We came back several hours later and found that nothing had happened, so we asked again, and waited, but still no action. The third time we asked it finally came on, and we learnt that the system served all rooms through a thermostat setting, and it was policy to shut it off at 11 pm anyway, which we accepted . In any case, the management provided an electric fan heater for our room , for more heating if required, On the second night, upon return to the room, the radiator was found to be hot, and the room dry and warm. The radiator faded at 11 pm as previously advised by management. The room remained comfortable overnight.
One can appreciate the challenge of keeping several rooms heated from one point when patrons needs differ.
A paying car park is situated opposite the Hotel which is free over night , and curb side parking immediately outside the hotel is unrestricted and free.
There are several eateries in the immediate vicinity of the hotel which appear to attract a substantial clientele . The WiFl was free and operative.
Upon arrival, the visual experience did not really meet the standard we had expected, at 85 GBP per night for the room, The hotel seemed like an overgrown boarding house which had been fettled in an attempt to make it a bit more exotic; inside, guests witness narrow passageways, landings, and steps which creak, all covered in cheap blue patterned carpet ,
The room itself [ number 22 ] was indeed a first floor sea front room, but upon closer inspection, it was plain to see that most of the view was in fact obscured by two large chestnut trees, amongst others, and that a clear line of sight was only possible at an oblique angle to the window. We were also to quickly discover that the tidal range on these shores, produces acres of black rocks, seaweed and discoloured sand more often than actual sea.
The double bed was, in truth; not uncomfortable, but it lacked the firmness and quality of better mattresses. normally found in the hospitality industry. The bed covered most of the floor area, but pedestrian access at the sides and the end was still possible. The bay window section provided a little more space for a circular table and two chairs, but two of the power points there, had no power, for our lap top: and the table wobbled until a piece of folded paper was placed under one leg.
The bay windows in the room extend from the floor to the ceiling , and the wisdom of this was not readily understood. The room takes on the visage of a fish tank, so that most of it, and it's occupants are clearly visible from the street, like dummies in a display window. If 700 millimetres of wall had been featured in the design, from the floor to the underside of the window sill, privacy from the road would be achieved, without affecting the view. Curtains are in place, but then you might ask, what's the point ? Anyway a bright street lamp on the opposite side of the road provides an electric full moon, free of charge .
The "Ensuite" is a subdivided part of the original bedroom and does not have a window, so it is in fact a cupboard relying on an extractor fan and an electric light ! For the first time in my entire life I experienced a disposable paper bath mat. It had the outline of two large feet printed on it, presumably to deter guests from blowing their nose on it,......... or worse.
The "piece de resistance" however, must be the shower with no taps. It has an electric mixer instead. I have never seen one of these either, and would not be overly distraught to never see one again, A white plastic unit is affixed to the shower wall which has two white circular dialling knobs . Each knob has a raised line running across the centre which intersects the circumference in two places. How could you be sure which line is supposed to be lined up with the numbers to effect the desired result? The printed numbers and positions were so small that you'd need to be a fly with spectacles to read them. It took several minutes of experimenting with the two knobs to produce the correct result. Interestingly the electric mixer was the topic of conversation between other guests at breakfast who had experienced difficulties also, when attending their morning ablutions.
The dining room also was an odd affair, being a split level room with a ramp leading up from the lower level where a bar is housed.. Our cooked breakfast was supervised by a young woman seemingly keeping sentry duty over the bacon and eggs with an egg slice. Her routine was to serve you One Half tomato, One Egg, One Hash Brown, One Sausage, but TWO pieces of Bacon, and to inform you that you could load the baked beans yourself ?? Well, I guess she was just doing what she was told to do,
The cooked breakfast was ordinary. Coffee from a press button machine left much to be desired, The espresso coffee I had on day two, tasted more like liquorice . The toast was sitting ready made, and thus tending to be cold and leathery. In contrast the staff members were bright and cheery, and ready to assist whenever asked.
One of the items that we did ask about upon arrival, was the hot water radiator in our room which was shut off. We asked if it could be put on, and were told that it would be, and would just take a while to warm up. We came back several hours later and found that nothing had happened, so we asked again, and waited, but still no action. The third time we asked it finally came on, and we learnt that the system served all rooms through a thermostat setting, and it was policy to shut it off at 11 pm anyway, which we accepted . In any case, the management provided an electric fan heater for our room , for more heating if required, On the second night, upon return to the room, the radiator was found to be hot, and the room dry and warm. The radiator faded at 11 pm as previously advised by management. The room remained comfortable overnight.
One can appreciate the challenge of keeping several rooms heated from one point when patrons needs differ.
A paying car park is situated opposite the Hotel which is free over night , and curb side parking immediately outside the hotel is unrestricted and free.
There are several eateries in the immediate vicinity of the hotel which appear to attract a substantial clientele . The WiFl was free and operative.
Read more
Date of stay: May 2015Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Ask the staff they'll help you.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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LOCATION
United KingdomWalesSouth WalesSwansea CountySwansea
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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Frequently Asked Questions about Carlton Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Carlton Hotel?
Nearby attractions include The Pilot of Mumbles (0.3 km), Gower Gallery (0.4 km), and Swansea Bay Yarns Shop (0.3 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Carlton Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Carlton Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Carlton Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Gower Seafood Hut & Deli, The Mermaid Cafe Bar & Restaurant, and Joes.
Are pets allowed at Carlton Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Carlton Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Dylan Thomas Birthplace (5.6 km), Parc Le Breos Chambered Tomb (6.7 km), and Swansea Castle (0.8 km).
Does Carlton Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.