Nestled in the heart of the Conwy Valley is the Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia Hotel. 

If you are looking for somewhere that is dog-friendly, with plenty of walking and adventure opportunities right on your doorstep, then this is the hotel for you.

While it provides guests with a nice, quiet, rural backdrop, you are also just a short drive to popular tourist towns including Conwy, Llandudno and Betws-y-Coed. 

The hotel only opened in 2021, so is still relatively new providing a modern setting.

I spent two nights at the hotel with my wife and three-year-old golden retriever Snowdon, and here's what we thought about the Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia Hotel. 

The Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia - what's it like?

Address: Conway Road, Dolgarrog, Conwy, LL32 8QE

From the moment you walk through the front doors of the Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia into the spacious Reception area the place gives off a warm modern feel. 

To your left you have facilities you can hire out, which are used for weddings and conferences.

Then to your right, you have the bar and restaurant, but we will get to them a little bit later.

Having Snowdon with us, we were placed on the first floor, which is an entire floor with dog-friendly and accessible rooms. 

North Wales Pioneer: We were greeted by lovely little Hilton chocolates in our room (they didn't last long).We were greeted by lovely little Hilton chocolates in our room (they didn't last long). (Image: Patrick Glover)

Dog-friendly hotels can be hard to find and as a dog-owner myself this was massive plus. 

All the staff were very friendly with him and the other guests at the hotel loved giving him cuddles (he definitely had as a good a time as we did, if not better).

Plus the hotel was very accommodating when it came to eating in the restaurant with him - we weren't allowed in the main bit, but had a great spot by the bar.

So a dog-friendly hotel, tick. 

On to the rooms. Our room was lovely and open, and bosted views out over the surf lagoon and to the steep hillside opposite the hotel.

North Wales Pioneer: The room we stayed in was open and spacious and boasted lovely views.The room we stayed in was open and spacious and boasted lovely views. (Image: Patrick Glover)

The bed was comfy, there was a little fridge to store things in and the blackout curtains were amazing (very handy for those who can't sleep even with the tiniest bit of light).

The bathroom was a wet room kind of style with accessible facilities.

The room provided a great space for relaxing, or you had the option of doing that downstairs by the bar. 

On nice days (which I can tell you we had none of while we were there in the middle of November) there is a lovely outside area for sitting and enjoying a beverage or two while soaking up a bit of sun. 

While there are no shops in the close vicinity, for those looking for a light snack that don't want something from the restaurant there is a little refreshments area downstairs in the reception area where you can get water, soft drinks or chocolates and crisps.

The Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia even has its own spa facility which, from the outside looked lovely, and quite popular.

Hilton spa searches are up 82% UK-wide from last year according to their research.

Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia restaurant and bar (food and drink)

If you are looking for somewhere to eat while you are there, look no further than the hotel's very own restaurant.

The menu boasts classic pub-style meals such as steaks and burgers and aike, while also offering some lighter smaller alternatives.

We had a big meal on the first night, followed by a variety of entre dishes shared between the two of us on the second night. 

The main meals we had were delicious. I had the steak and chips, with peppercorn sauce and is was lovely. 

And a great size too, I don't find myself struggle to finish food very often, but his plate just about did me. 

My wife had a very nice curry which she said she thoroughly enjoyed. I had a mouthful and would agree. 

The Zephyrs Bar next to the restaurant provides the perfect after-dinner area to hang out and enjoy a beverage or two. 

North Wales Pioneer: The bar at the Hilton hotel served some wonderful beverages (Snowdon in the corner getting some cuddles as usual).The bar at the Hilton hotel served some wonderful beverages (Snowdon in the corner getting some cuddles as usual). (Image: Patrick Glover)

Whether you are into your craft beer (like me), wine, spirits or cocktails there is something for everyone. 

I was very excited to see upon my arrival to the bar that they stocked craft beer from the local brewery - Wild Horse. 

Their session IPA - Nakota - is a great beer and worth a try if you haven't already. 

They had a good selection of white wine for my wife and we even had a cheeky Kraken and Coke and Espresso Martini on the second night (because it would be rude not to) - which were both delicious.

The only negative thing I will say about the entire experience we had at the Hilton was on the Saturday night, the place was busy (which was great to see) but there didn't seem to be enough staff on in the restaurant and bar and we were left waiting for services on several occasions.

Ideal location for those who love the outdoors

For those who love getting outdoors but also like the comfort of a nice modern hotel to come back to at the end of the day, this is ideal. 

You are located in the heart of the Conwy Valley meaning you are surrounded by walking trails and areas to explore. 

Despite the horrible weather conditions, we went for a walk around Lake Crafnant.

North Wales Pioneer: There are lots of amazing walks to do in North Wales.There are lots of amazing walks to do in North Wales. (Image: Patrick Glover)

An idyllic walk around a beautiful lake, and if you fancy a bit of a tougher hike, you can branch off the trail and tackle the surrounding mountains. 

If you like walking around lakes, Lake Geirionydd is within walking distance, so you could extend your walk and cover the two (will take you a good few hours to do so, so make sure you are prepared). 

We then went to Betws-y-Coed for some lunch and a coffee.

Betws-y-Coed is a popular spot among walkers and tourists as there are some fantastic walks from the village centre, while the village itself provides a relaxed atmosphere for some food and a drink or some light shopping.

Moel Siabod is a short drive from the North Wales village, which I climbed while visiting on an AllTrails (visit their website or app to find some fantastic walks) press trip earlier in the year which is worth a look. 

The highest mountain in Wales - Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is also not very far away and easily accessible from either Betws-y-Coed or the Hilton Hotel.

The joy of Snowdon, while it is a famous mountain, there are paths to suit all abilities. 

If you are looking for an easy route up, the Llanberis route is the one for you.

Then there is the Miners Track and Pyg Track - which are moderately difficult.

If you are an experienced hiker then the Watkin Path and Crib Goch are the ones to tackle, they are incredible (having walked them both myself) but you must be prepared, be with someone who knows what they are doing, and assess conditions before you go.

Or if walking is not your speed, then you can catch the train up from Llanberis.

Speaking of Llanberis, if you like your walks then Dinorwic Slate Quarry is one to explore (take it from me).

Those are to name but a few of the endless options of walks available in the Conwy Valley and Snowdonia. 

For those who love the water, Llyn Padarn, also in Llanberis is a great spot to visit.

There are little outlets where you can go for a dip on a warm day, or if you are a little more adventurous you can head to Snowdonia Watersports and hire a Kayak and head out for a paddle.

The North Wales coast also provides those who like their windsurfing or paddle boarding the perfect outlet for those activities (and again is only a short drive from the Hilton Hotel).

The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Snowdonia was the perfect spot for keen surfers and those who like taking on adventure challenges as it is located on the same grounds as Surf Snowdonia - the world’s first inland surf lagoon.

It opened in 2015 and the £12 million complex was not just a surfing facility but over the years transformed into a 'multi-activity water parc'.

Visitors could enjoy indoor experiences such as high ropes, climbing, zip line and ninja assault. 

Unfortunately on September 1 this year the owners announced Surf Snowdonia would be closing.

There is still hope it could be repurposed.

North Wales Pioneer: Surf Snowdonia has recently closed but there is hope it will be repurposed.Surf Snowdonia has recently closed but there is hope it will be repurposed. (Image: Patrick Glover)

My verdict

Living in the area myself it was interesting to see first hand a place I had seen and read about for the past few years. 

All three of us enjoyed our time there are would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a dog-friendly hotel with an abundance of outdoor opportunities right on the doorstep. 

Hilton's 2024 trends suggest 85% of travllers will prioritise new experiences in the new year, while 81% are looking to explore the unknown. 

What better way of exploring the unknown than taking a long walk through the vast array of trails the Conwy Valley and Snowdonia has to offer?

Even if you live in the area and are simply looking for somewhere different to eat or enjoy a drink, the Hilton Gardens Inn Snowdonia is a good option.