Nestled at the foot of Yr Wyddfa, between Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris, The Royal Victoria Hotel is more than a place to stay – it’s a part of Llanberis’ living history.
A vision born in the 1830s
In 1830, Thomas Assheton Smith of the Vaynol Estate commissioned architect John Lloyd to design a grand inn on land near Dolbadarn Castle. Known as Dolbadarn (or Padarn’s Meadow), named after a 6th century saint, the area had long been a site of spiritual retreat and ancient settlement.The Royal Victoria Hotel Llanberis was designed for self-sufficiency and style, complete with cellars, lounges and stables. When it opened it was described as “spacious and comfortable”, perfectly positioned for the growing number of visitors to Eryri National Park.
Among the many charming traditions of The Royal Victoria Hotel Llanberis was the daily walk led by its two beloved dogs – aptly named Royal and Victoria. These faithful companions weren’t just mascots, they were part of the guest experience. Each afternoon, Royal and Victoria would lead guests on a gentle stroll to the nearby waterfalls – a scenic and peaceful route that became a much-loved ritual for visitors.
The opening of the Llanberis Pass
A key part of the hotel’s story came in 1831 with the construction of the road through the Llanberis Pass. This replaced a rugged mountain track and made travel far easier for visitors, kick-starting the bustling tourism that we see today.
Royal visitors and legendary locals
In 1832, Princess Victoria (later Queen Victoria) famously didn’t manage to visit the hotel as she was too unwell. But her mother, the Duchess of Kent, toured Dolbadarn Castle and dined at the hotel, welcomed by hundreds of locals. Decades later, Prime Minister William Gladstone visited and delivered a passionate speech from the slopes of Yr Wyddfa. His name was later found in the hotel’s visitor ledger, discovered in 1996.
One of the hotel’s most memorable staff members was William “Will Boots” Williams, a botanical guide known for his knowledge of Yr Wyddfa’s flora. Tragically, he died in 1861 while collecting rare ferns for guests – a story etched into local legend and into his grave in Nant Peris.
The rise of mountain tourism
The opening of the London North West Railway branch to Llanberis in 1869 brought even more tourists to the area. Visitors were met by horse-drawn carriages from the hotel, and many ventured to the summit of Yr Wyddfa via foot or pony, until 1897 when the Snowdon Mountain Railway opened.In November 1894, The Royal Victoria Hotel Llanberis was taken over by the Snowdon Mountain Tramroad and Hotels Company – the company that financed the building of the Snowdon Mountain Railway. The directors hosted a grand luncheon at the hotel for 200 guests featuring a selection of decadent dishes, including Pudding Snowdon Galee de Champagne – which is still one of the most popular desserts served in the hotel today.
A pillar of the local community
Over the years, the hotel has expanded to include drawing rooms, a billiard room, 38 bedrooms, as well as tennis courts and a golf course. A standout moment came in 1954 when the hotel hosted an ox-roasting ceremony to celebrate the end of wartime meat rationing – feeding over 3,000 people in one unforgettable day.
Still at the heart of Llanberis
From its humble beginnings to royal visits, railway launches and legendary guides, The Royal Victoria Hotel has remained a landmark in the story of Llanberis and Eryri National Park.Today, the historic hotel has 104 en-suite rooms and welcomes travellers, climbers and families from across the world, looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of North Wales. We invite all our guests to experience true Welsh hospitality in a setting like no other, with the opportunity to dine at the hotel’s Padarn Restaurant, awarded an AA Rosette – demonstrating our true investment in excellence.With everything you need for an unforgettable stay, The Royal Victoria Hotel is waiting to welcome you to the heart of Eryri.
Royal the hotel dog with Mrs Bennett Dunne, hotel manager, and reception both taken in the late 1960's.
The Royal Victoria Hotel as seen on a postcard from the 1950s.