Macdonald Plas Talgarth Resort

Where to begin? Least said, soonest mended? or write the details? We booked this through our timeshare membership as a Bonus Week. What we knew before we booked: a sleep 4 (one bedroom and sleeper coach), an electricity charge could be levied, nestled in a beautiful Welsh valley. A big draw for us was the indoor heated pool. jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. We arrived at 4.10pm, Friday 7th. The apartment was not ready and we were asked to wait in the reception area or the bar. At 4.45pm the apartment was ready. This is what we found when we arrived: The apartment was warm. A ground floor apartment, with a view of the car park on one side and a road on the other. The bedroom was filled with twin beds (no problem, we pushed them together). They were clean and warm and comfy. No space for even the smallest bedside table, and no bedside lights. Not even wall lights. The chest of drawers was 18ins in front of the foot of the bed. To use it, one would have to stand sideways to open the drawer. The mirror was above this, and I could not even see my forehead. The bathroom was OK, but the water took ages to get hot. The kitchen and lounge flowed into each other. The heater was on the wall near the kitchen and the table (with 2 chairs in a sleep 4). The lounge area was the furtherest from the heater, and chilly. The windows were huge, not double glazed sash type style. The curtains were thick and lined and helped to keep the cold out but needed a jolly good vacuum as they were very dusty. The equipment was minimal: 2 mugs, 2 side plates, 2 dinner plates, 2 wine glasses, 2 tumblers and 2 long glasses. The first day we ate our microwave oats out of a coffee mug and a very small saucepan. We asked for bowls and were told that people have been known to steal them so they don't automatically supply them. We had a decent frying [an, and 2 extra small saucepans. Saturday we headed to the heated pool. I would not like to guess the temperature of the pool, but there was no steam rising in the very cold air above it. The steam room worked. The sauna and jacuzzi were cordoned off and out of use. After the swim, I went to the Ladies change rooms to have a shower and get ready to go out for the day. I chose the end shower and went back to our apartment with the soap still on my skin. The tap had NO COLD water, but what it did have, was scalding hot water. I reported this and was told I was not the first person to mention this. Give the Customer Relations person her due, she immediately went off to reset whatever was not working properly. However, the next day, and another swim later, I tried the first shower and it only had cold water, the second shower did not work and the last shower (yesterdays) was very hot once again. We decided to check out early, and left on Wednesday instead of Friday. On checking out we knew we would have to pay for electricity, But this is the confusing bit: how was our £7.20 charge worked out? was there a reading before and a readi

This is a strange one. There are positives to this resort but more negatives, some of which could be easily resolved. Location is great. Set in lovely grounds , close to a village and a short drive to Aberdyfi. We stayed in the mansion house in a classic apartment. It was large and comfortable. We did not have the cleaning issues others have mentioned, but there were maintenance issues, the curtain rings had broken, none of the windows would open in the bedroom due to broken locks. The radiator was on full blast which meant it was stuffy. Large tv , comfy bed, bath and shower. Kettle, microwave etc and cleaning products left. There were 2 teabags, 2 coffee sachets and 2 sugars, well 2 of everything...spoons, glasses, plates etc...so bring your own if you need more. Check in 5pm.and check out 10am....this is restrictive and does not allow you to fully enjoy the stay. Needs extending both sides. Pool facilities.. free to use. It was okay, but the sauna was closed, and the changing rooms needed a clean desperately. Absolutely nowhere to even buy a coffee before 3pm when the separately owned bar/Indian opens. There is a seating area near the pool, a self service coffee machine here would be a great addition. Some of the.accomadation looks tired and this is a shame as this resort has so much potential. The staff seem apathetic but seemed to be getting daily complaints and requests to move rooms. Overall , it didn't feel value for money, the pictures and facilities listed do not accurately portray what you are getting. No shop, nowhere to eat breakfast or get coffee, and unreliable spa and pool facilities. The bar was cosy, although over priced, as was the Indian restaurant. ( I acknowledge this is a separate business) but it is onsite so is relevant. Overall, we made the best of our stay but won't be returning nor advising others to come unless improvements were made.

Booked 7 nights but didn't even stay one! Stunning location but, sadly, not stunning accommodation. As members for over 30 years, to say we were disappointed, is an understatement. On entering the resort we noticed how unappealing the buildings looked. Not luxury accommodation, as the website photographs show. Upon entering our accommodation, we were greeted with a damp smell. One of the bedrooms throws on the bed was covered in hair. Dirty mark on the bed cushion. Kitchen, had crumbs on countertop. The kettle had seen better days. Fridge freezer dirty. Bathroom looked lovely and obviously new. Shame about the disgusting toilet brush and the almost empty bottles of Elemis products! Lining of curtains, filthy. Doors leading out of kitchen had flies, dirt trapped. Mold on walls. Very friendly receptionist took down details and apologised profusely, trying to find a solution. Unfortunately our solution was to repack car and take the four hour journey home! Having our little dogs with us, couldn't check in to another hotel. Such a shame as a beautiful area.