Stem

HOTEL OVERVIEW

So I stumbled across Stem completely by accident – was actually looking for somewhere to crash near Caernarfon and this quirky little place popped up. It’s tucked away in the White Tower Holiday Park in Llandwrog, which sounds way more touristy than it actually is. The whole setup is honestly pretty brilliant – they’ve taken this concept of glamping and sort of elevated it into something that feels more like staying in a really well-designed tiny home than camping.

The pods themselves (I mean, they call them rooms but they’re basically these sleek, modern pods) are surprisingly spacious inside. You know what struck me most? The attention to detail – everything from the lighting to the way they’ve maximized the storage space feels intentional. The bathroom is compact but clever, and the bed is actually comfortable, which isn’t always a given with these boutique places that prioritize style over sleep. What I really appreciated was how quiet it gets at night. You’re far enough from the A487 that traffic isn’t an issue, and the way the pods are positioned gives you proper privacy. There’s something almost zen about the whole experience – you wake up and it’s just you and the Welsh countryside, but you’ve still got proper heating and a decent shower.

The location is pretty perfect if you’re planning to explore Snowdonia but don’t want to deal with the crowds in Betws-y-Coed or pay Llanberis prices. You’re maybe ten minutes from Caernarfon (the castle is absolutely worth the visit, even if you think you’re done with castles), and getting to the coast at Dinas Dinlle is even quicker. Actually, here’s a local tip – if you’re there in the evening, drive down to the beach for sunset. Most tourists miss this stretch of coastline entirely, but on a clear day you can see across to Anglesey and the views are honestly spectacular. The staff at Stem seem to know their stuff about the area too, which is refreshing – they can point you toward the less obvious hiking trails and the pub in Llandwrog that actually does decent food (The Snowdonia Park, if you’re wondering). Parking is straightforward, check-in was smooth, and honestly the whole experience felt more personal than staying at some chain hotel. It’s not cheap exactly, but for what you get – and especially considering how unique the whole setup is – it feels fair. Just don’t expect a traditional hotel experience, because that’s sort of the point.