The Gardens

The Gardens Overview

Honestly, when I first pulled up to The Gardens on Rhyl Coast Road, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect – the name suggests something grand and manicured, but this place turned out to be refreshingly different from your typical seaside hotel. It’s one of those boutique spots that doesn’t bother with official star ratings, which actually works in its favor because it sets its own rules.

The location is pretty solid if you know Rhyl at all. You’re close enough to the coast that you can actually hear the waves on quiet evenings (though let’s be real, Rhyl isn’t exactly the Cotswolds – there’s some typical seaside town noise during the day). What I really appreciated was how they’ve managed to create this sort of garden oasis feel despite being right in the thick of things. The owners have clearly put thought into the landscaping, and you know what? It actually feels like stepping into someone’s well-loved home rather than a corporate hotel. Check-in was straightforward – no fancy lobby drama, just genuine people who seem to care about the place.

The rooms have character, I’ll give them that. Mine had this slightly quirky layout that felt deliberate rather than accidental, if that makes sense. The furnishings aren’t trying too hard to be trendy, but they’re comfortable and clean. I mean, the shower pressure was decent (always a gamble in older buildings), and the bed was actually really comfortable – sometimes these boutique places sacrifice comfort for style, but not here. Parking was easier than I expected for this part of Rhyl, which is saying something if you’ve ever tried to find a spot near the coast during summer. The breakfast situation is more continental than full English, but honestly, the quality makes up for it. Fresh local ingredients, proper coffee, and they don’t rush you out the door.

What really sets The Gardens apart is that it feels authentic – like the owners live and breathe this place rather than just running it as a business. The 6.9 rating might seem modest, but I think that’s partly because people come in with different expectations. If you’re looking for a massive pool and room service, you’ll be disappointed. But if you want somewhere with personality that doesn’t feel like every other chain hotel, this hits the mark. The staff actually know the area well too – they pointed me toward some local spots I never would have found otherwise, including this brilliant little café about ten minutes’ walk away that completely locals seem to keep to themselves. It’s the kind of place that grows on you, especially if you’re staying more than just one night.