Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits!
Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits! - A Review That's Seen Some Stuff
Okay, friends, buckle up. Because I’ve just returned from Saundersfoot and, let me tell you, "Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits!" is… well, it awaits alright. And I’ve got feelings. Glorious, messy feelings. This isn't just a review; it's a therapy session.
First Impressions & The Whole Accessibility Thing (and me, wrestling with it!)
Right, so let's be real. "Accessibility" is always my first worry. My partner uses a wheelchair, and the marketing… well, let's just say it paints a rosy picture, and sometimes reality is a little… gravelly. The website promised a "stunning" experience, but I'm also pretty sure a stunning view doesn’t replace actual ramps. I dove into the details.
- Wheelchair Accessible: (Okay, THIS is where it gets a little… complicated). The cottage itself wasn't fully adapted, but they had some ground-floor bedrooms. This is a massive win in my book. It meant my partner could actually be a part of the whole experience! Finding this out, and not having to drag him up flight of stairs felt amazing. The staff were also really helpful.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: See above, for obvious reasons. Someone actually gave a damn.
- Access: Pretty spot-on. The main entrance was manageable, and the staff made a concerted effort to accommodate. The front desk was really a helpful spot in our stay.
- Elevator: Sadly, no. This is a historic building, so the elevator's absence was understandable. The ground-floor room situation saved the day.
Internet, Oh Internet, Where Art Thou? And Other Modern Necessities
Listen, I need Wi-Fi like I need air. No brainer. I work remotely, so this is paramount. Also, I'm addicted to doom-scrolling. Don't judge.
- Internet Access: (Standard! Thank god!)
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: (YES! And a strong signal. Bless.)
- Internet [LAN]: Not a huge deal for me, but good for the hardcore gamers, I guess?
- Internet Services: Didn’t really use anything beyond the basic Wi-Fi.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Solid. No dropped connections in the bar, thank the coding gods.
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional near-disaster)
Okay, the food. This is where things got… interesting. I have a love-hate relationship with hotel restaurants. They can be amazing, or they can be a sad, lukewarm buffet of regret.
- Restaurants: Multiple! Nice.
- A la carte in restaurant: Brilliant! Variety is the spice of life, especially when stuck within the same building for a few days.
- Breakfast [buffet]: (See above about the buffet. It was… fine. Not the best, but not the worst. Adequate.)
- Breakfast service: (Good)
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Didn’t try; not my thing.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Nope. But lots of veg options.
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The usual suspects. Sausages, bacon, the works.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Decent coffee. A lifesaver.
- Room service [24-hour]: Saved us. (More on why, later.)
- Poolside bar: Sadly, it was never open. Womp womp.
- Bar, Happy hour: Pretty standard.
- Snack bar: Needed to be replenished more often.
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated. Hydration is key, people!
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts. They were divine. Especially the chocolate cake. I may have cried a little when I finished it.
- Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Nothing worth writing home about.
The Room: My Personal Fortress (and the Minor Annoyances)
The room itself? Stunning. I’m not going to lie. It was large, comfortable, and beautifully decorated. But… there were a few hiccups. Small stuff, but it added up.
- Available in all rooms: (The usual suspects).
- Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area: Bliss. Necessary.
- Alarm clock: (Old-school and useless).
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Nice touch.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial. Slept like a log.
- Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea: (Needed better coffee)
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless. Impressive.
- Desk, Laptop workspace: Essential.
- Extra long bed: Wonderful. So much space to sprawl.
- Free bottled water: See hydration, above.
- Hair dryer: Worked fine.
- In-room safe box: Did not use.
- Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN: Excellent.
- Ironing facilities: (Never used).
- Mini bar: Extortionate prices. Avoid.
- Non-smoking: Thank you, universe.
- On-demand movies: (Didn’t bother)
- Seating area, Sofa: Perfect for lounging.
- Shower: Good pressure.
- Wake-up service: (Never used).
- Wi-Fi [free]: Excellent
- Window that opens: Crucial for fresh air.
Here’s where things get messy… We got locked out of our room one rainy afternoon, right after the room service left, the only "snack" was the chocolate cake. The bar was closed, and frankly, I was on the verge of a meltdown. Luckily the staff took care of us. But that moment of pure, unadulterated desperation and the near-miss of a cake-less afternoon. I will treasure it forever.
Spa, Sauna & All That Relaxation Business
- Spa: (Yes!)
- Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: Didn’t get to use it. Too busy avoiding the rain and eating chocolate cake.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: It looked amazing, but the weather was not cooperating.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Didn’t use. I prefer eating cake.
Things to Do, Services & Conveniences
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Concierge: Very helpful.
- Cash withdrawal: Useful.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Brilliant. Parking in Saundersfoot can be a nightmare.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: All available. They made my life easy.
- Room service [24-hour]: See above.
Everything Else (The Bits and Pieces)
- Cleanliness and safety: They were taking it seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Services and conveniences: All good.
- For the kids: Didn't test this, but it looked very family-friendly.
The Verdict:
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the tiny hiccups, the staff, the location, and that chocolate cake made it worth every penny. Saundersfoot is beautiful, and this cottage is a great base to explore it. Just, maybe, bring your own umbrella, and maybe your own cake. Just in case.
SEO & Metadata:
Title: Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits! - A Real Review
Keywords: Saundersfoot, Priory Cottage, Review, Hotel, Spa, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Food, Wi-Fi, Wales, Coastal, Vacation, Accommodation
Description: A brutally honest and hilarious review of Saundersfoot's "Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits!" covering accessibility, food, amenities, and the all-important chocolate cake. Find out the good, the bad and the wonderfully messy truth!
Metadata Tags:
og:title: Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits! - A Real Reviewog:description: A brutally honest and hilarious review of Saundersfoot's "Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits!"og:image: (Insert image URL of a relevant photo)og:url: (Insert URL of the review)og:type: articletwitter:card: summarylargeimagetwitter:title: Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits! - A Real Reviewtwitter:description: A brutally honest and hilarious review of Saundersfoot's "Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits!"twitter:image: (Insert image URL of a relevant photo)Author: Your Name/Pen Name (If you want to reveal)Date Published:
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is a PRIORY COTTAGE-BOUND MADNESS JOURNEY – Saundersfoot edition. We're talking the REAL deal, the kind of trip where your meticulously crafted plans get swallowed whole by rogue ice cream cones and unexpected downpours.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, Getting Settled in)
- 14:00 - 15:00: The Great Cottage Hunt & First Impressions - Arrived at Priory Cottage in the pouring rain. Seriously, it was biblical. Finding the damn place was a mini-quest in itself, dodging sheep and bewildered locals who looked like they hadn't seen a tourist in a decade. Found it! The cottage looked… charming. A little bit wonky, a little bit overgrown, but charming nonetheless. Panic set in - "Is this IT? Is this where I spend the next week? Is this what my life has become?!"
- 15:00 - 17:00: Unpacking & Cottage Exploration - Unpacked. Found a suspicious stain on the duvet and contemplated sleeping in the bathtub. Forced myself to look around. Okay, the kitchen does have a proper teapot. That's a good sign. The living room fireplace - amazing. The stairs - terrifyingly steep. The view from the bedroom window? Glorious, blue sea. Breathe.
- 17:00 - 18:00: Sainsbury's Sweep & Snack Procurement - Grocery run to Sainsbury's. Got overwhelmed by the sheer volume of cheese and ended up with way too much. Also, crisps. Many, many crisps. The first pint of milk? Spilled. Welcome to vacation.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Cottage Cosiness & That First Aperol Spritz - Settle in with an Aperol Spritz and try to read a book. Failed. Kept staring at the fire. It's really quite beautiful. This cottage is growing on me. The "real" feeling of being in a new cottage. This is special.
- 20:00 - Late: The Pub Debacle - Attempted to go to the pub for dinner. Got lost. Arrived at a pub that was way too loud and full of blokes watching football (soccer). Instant sensory overload. Had a pint of something dark anyway, then stumbled back to the cottage. Ended up ordering a takeaway pizza and eating it in front of the crackling fire, which was infinitely better.
Day 2: Beach Bliss (and Near-Disaster)
- 09:00 - 10:00: Breakfast & Brain Dump - Woke up late. Ate a slightly burnt piece of toast and tried to make a list of everything I wanted to accomplish. Gave up. Focused on the view of the sea instead. Much better.
- 10:00 - 13:00: Saundersfoot Sand & Sea Adventure - The beach! Finally! Sun was shining (a miracle!). Built a pathetic sandcastle. Got sand everywhere. Saw a dog chase a seagull and nearly died laughing. Then, disaster struck. I waded into the sea, maybe a little bit too enthusiastically… and got knocked over by a rogue wave! Managed to grab my bag before it floated away, but my phone is now a brick. Cried quietly to myself for a bit. The sheer chaos in the water, the taste of salt, the feeling of being completely at the mercy of the elements… exhilarating.
- 13:00 - 14:00: Lunch with a View & Phone Meltdown - Found a little cafe overlooking the beach. Ordered fish and chips (because, when in Rome… or Wales, in this case). Spent the entire time contemplating the loss of my phone. Contemplated a spontaneous ocean swim to find it. Restrained myself.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Saundersfoot Stroll & Souvenir Shopping - Wandered along the coastal path. Stopped to admire the boats. The air was thick with the salty smell of the sea, and the sun painted the sky with vivid colors. Buying all the touristy things I can find.
- 16:00 - 18:00: Cottage Rest & Regret - Back at the cottage. Feeling sleepy. Feeling sad about my phone. Feeling the need for a nap. Succumbed to the nap. Woke up feeling marginally better.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Dinner & Drinks at the Harbour - Went to The Harbour (a restaurant) because it was right on the water. Over-ordered on seafood. The view was gorgeous, but the prices were… eye-watering.
Day 3: Tenby Temptations & Welsh Whirlwinds
- 09:00 - 10:00: The Breakfast Chronicles (part 2) - Another burnt piece of toast, more existential pondering. Found a half-eaten biscuit from yesterday. Ate it. No regrets.
- 10:00 - 14:00: Tenby Day Trip & Castle Quest - The train to Tenby! Such a sweet little ride. Tenby itself? Absolutely charming. Perfect, in a way. Explored Tenby Castle (which turned out to be mostly rocks). Got my picture taken. Got rained on. Loved it anyway. The colors of the buildings, the chatter of the tourists, the general feeling of being swept along in the tide of the town, it was really nice.
- 14:00 - 15:00: Fish & Chips Extravaganza (Round 2) - Had more fish and chips in Tenby. This time they were even better. Devoured them on the beach, dodging seagulls with the fury of a ninja.
- 15:00 - 17:00: Tenby's Hidden Gems & Coastal Walk - Got lost in the tiny streets of Tenby. Tripped over a cobblestone. Bumped into a cute dog. Bought fudge. Everything was pure joy. Another beautiful coastal walk.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Back to Saundersfoot & the Cottage Comeback - Back in Saundersfoot. Back at the cottage. Back to reality.
- 19:00 - Late: The Great Welsh Beer Experiment & Cottage Chaos - Found a local brewery. Bought a selection of interesting Welsh beers (didn't understand the labels). Drank them all. Got a bit tipsy. Tried to play charades with my non-existent phone. Fell asleep on the sofa.
Day 4: Rain, Rest, and Realization
- 09:00 - 11:00: The Relentless Rain & Cottage Confinement - Woke up to a downpour. The kind of rain that makes you want to stay inside and do nothing. And that's exactly what I did. Read a book (finally!). Had a second breakfast (because, why not?).
- 11:00 - 13:00: Cottage Cooking Catastrophe - Attempted to cook a proper Welsh rarebit. Failed spectacularly. It was a cheesy, burnt disaster. Ate it anyway. Considered ordering a takeaway. Decided against it.
- 13:00 - 15:00: Nap-Time Ninjas - The weather outside was unpleasant. So, as usual, it was nap time.
- 15:00 - 17:00: Window Gazing and the Search for Something More - Looked out the window. Stared at the rain. Drank tea. I thought about my life, about the choices I've made, and the road I'm on.
- 17:00 - 18:00: Trying to plan the return trip - Trying to make sense of the return trip.
- 18:00 - 20:00: Pub round 2 - Trying to find a new, better pub in town. Found one with a good atmosphere.
- 20:00 - Late - Back again to the pub and getting some sleep, and the realization of a good trip.
Day 5: Departure & Departure
- 09:00 - 10:00: The Farewell Breakfast (and Emotional Breakdown) - Last burnt toast. Last cup of tea. Sat and looked at the sea one last time. The cottage feels a little less wonky after a week, and the view makes everything better.
- 10:00 - 12:00: Packing & Cottage Farewell - Packed. Cleaned (a little bit). Said goodbye to the cottage. A little sad to leave. It's been a great place to be.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Final Saundersfoot Stroll - One last walk on the beach (in the sunshine!). Collected a shell. Promised myself I'd come back again.
- 13:00 - Onwards: The Long Road Home (with a heavy heart & a suitcase full of cheese) - Headed back, already planning the next
Saundersfoot Escape: Stunning Priory Cottage Awaits! - But Seriously, What's the Deal? (A Rambling FAQ)
Okay, seriously... IS this cottage *really* as "stunning" as the photos say? I'm a cynical person, you see.
Alright, alright, cynical friend. I get it. Those glossy photos? They lie. Sometimes. *Mostly* kidding. But honestly? The Priory Cottage? Yeah, it’s pretty darn stunning. I went there last year, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much. I’d seen the pictures, of course, and they looked lovely, all exposed beams and that fireplace that promised cozy nights. My expectations were, let's say, “cautiously optimistic.” Then I actually *stepped* inside.
My jaw genuinely dropped. The stone walls? Real. The beams? Definitely not Ikea. The smell? Oh, the smell! It was a mix of old books, and fresh sea air (could have been my imagination, but it *felt* right). And the fireplace? Yeah, it’s a winner, but be warned – getting a decent fire going takes some skill (or at least, more than I have!). I spent a good hour (and a fair amount of profanity) wrestling logs before finally having a roaring blaze. Totally worth it for the smug satisfaction, though.
Is it actually in Saundersfoot? Because I've been lured by promises of "close to the beach" before and ended up trekking miles.
Yes, it's bloody well in Saundersfoot! And seriously, you walk to the beach. The pictures *don't* lie here. I mean, it's not like, *ON* the beach (thankfully, because imagine the sand in everything!), but it's a short, pleasant stroll. You can practically smell the fish and chips from the cottage. Which, by the way, is a *must-do*. The best fish and chips I've ever had, hands down. Don't leave Saundersfoot without trying them. Seriously, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. And yes, I walked to get them, like a proper human. No miles of misery involved.
What's the parking situation like? I'm picturing a nightmare scenario of endless circling.
Okay, parking. This is where a tiny bit of realism creeps in. Saundersfoot, like most idyllic coastal towns, gets busy. Very busy. There's a designated parking space, which is brilliant. *However*, the streets are narrow, and navigating them with a car the size of a small aircraft carrier (which, let's be honest, *most* cars seem to be these days) can be...challenging.
I had a near-death experience trying to back into the space. My husband, bless his heart, was "guiding" me, yelling instructions that were more confusing than helpful. "Just a bit more! No, no, TOO MUCH! STOP! Okay, go back... NO, the other way! ARE YOU EVEN LOOKING?!" We eventually managed it, but it involved a lot of deep breaths and a healthy dose of "I'm not speaking to you for the rest of the day." So, yes, parking is a thing, but it’s manageable. Just…take extra patience and possibly some earplugs for your driving companion. Consider arriving as early as possible to avoid the lunchtime crush - that's my pro tip - you're welcome.
Are there any grocery stores nearby? I'm not trying to live off takeaway all week.
Absolutely! Saundersfoot has a few handy little shops for basic groceries. There’s a nice convenience store for essentials, and a larger supermarket a short drive away. I actually did a *proper* grocery run, like a grown-up. The fridge was stocked, the wine was plentiful (very important), and I even attempted to cook a meal that didn't involve chips. Let's just say, the effort was there...the execution, perhaps, less so. My salmon was a bit…overdone. But hey, it was the thought that counted. And the wine definitely helped.
Is it kid-friendly? I have a small army of miniature humans to wrangle.
Kid-friendly... That's the million dollar question, isn't it? Depends on the age of your mini-soldiers and how much you value your sanity, really. The cottage itself is charming, but stone floors + tiny humans + potential for tumbles = a recipe for chaos. There is a staircase, which is a potential hazard, but a good gate should solve the problem.
Outside space is great, again, depending on your brats. I remember once, getting a rental that promised a secure garden. The kids got through the fence in about five minutes flat. I had to chase them down the street *twice.* So...judge appropriately. If your kids are the type to climb everything, you're going to need eyes in the back of your head. If they're reasonably well-behaved, it should be a lovely experience. Personally, my advice? Take a deep breath, pack extra wine, and embrace the madness, because that's how it's gonna be.
What's the WiFi situation? Because, you know, gotta stay connected...for work...and maybe a bit of Instagram.
Alright, look, I'm going to be brutally honest here. WiFi wasn't the smoothest experience. It wasn't *terrible*, but it wasn't blazing fast either. Think "adequate for basic browsing," not "streaming HD movies and downloading massive files in a blink". There were times when my temper flared (particularly when trying to upload that perfect sunset photo to Insta).
It's the price you pay for beauty, I guess. It was a constant negotiation with my phone, a constant battle between work emails (which, admittedly, I could mostly ignore) and the urgent need to, ya know, *connect* with the world.. But I'm not sure that's even a bad thing, eh? The slow WiFi did have the unexpected benefit of forcing me to, gasp, *unplug* and, you know, look at the sea. Read a book. Talk to my husband. And yes, I now look back on that with affection. So, prepare accordingly. Be warned! And it could be far worse.
Are there local pubs? Gotta have a pint, right?
Oh, *yes*. Saundersfoot has pubs. Glorious, lovely pubs. My personal favourite? The Harbour Inn. It's right on the harbour, which is ideal. You can sit outside, watch the boats bobbing, and sip a pint of something local. I tried about five. For research, of course. And the food! Proper pub grub, delicious and exactly what you need after a day of exploring. And the atmosphere...it was proper. Laughter, chatter, dogs curled up by the fire... pure bliss. I miss it already! Another tip: it's worth it to check out the seasonal events. My visit perfectly coincided with a local crab festival - heaven!
Anything I should pack that the listing *won'tFind Your Perfect Stay
