Parva Farmhouse — Hotel in Great Britain

I stayed here 20-odd years ago and felt it was time to revisit; that happed on this short break here in Tintern. The hotel was exactly as I remembered it. It is a small private hotel with eight rooms with a quality restaurant that functions for guests and non-residents. We booked a room for a two-night stay with a table reservation for dinner on the second evening (that dinner is separately reviewed here on TA).||On arrival we parked-up in the hotel carpark which is situated right on the bank of the River Wye. It should be noted that the hotel has it’s back to the A466 road, as it leaves the northern end of the village. Vehicular access is via a small turning right on the inside of a tight bend. Whereas the speed limit is, a variously observed and obeyed, 20mph, it is quite a hazardous exit. You just cannot see up or down the road as you pull out, and up, a slight rise. The hotel’s access road is also narrow and features a very narrow high-walled bend as it tracks around garages. It’s fine for most modem cars, but low speeds and caution should be exercised.||By arrangement we parked well before check-in, so we could make the best of our first day.||Inside the hotel is clean, traditionally classic, and sweet smelling. Ring the doorbell to attract owner Marta, who was without exception very helpful and agreeable.||Rooms are situated on the first and second floors. I suspect that all rooms were to the same standard we found in our own room (No 8). We had a good view of the river and of the small garden below which features a large table and chairs, where drinks could be taken.||The hotel also features a comfortable guest lounge, wine and spirits can be taken here.||The room was really good with a clean ensuite. The bed was comfortable and sleep quality was excellent. The window sill was very wide allowing you to sit and take in the view. There was a TV with a remote, hot drink making facilities which was sat on a small desk (with a chair) and offering some drawers, and a good sized wardrobe. A hairdryer was available. The entire tiled ensuite featured a WC, a washbasin and a walk-in shower. The latter provided an excellent volume of hot water from a rainfall showerhead. The fixed half width shower screen prevented most of the water from ending up on the floor. I would have liked some grab handles in the shower. I rarely feel entirely safe when washing my feet; standing on one leg on a wet soapy surface is not really very safe.||We took breakfast on both mornings and chose Shakshuka on the first morning. This was excellent and perfectly cooked, quire spicy but not hot and the eggs were runty (as they should be), the sourdough toast was a great texture foil. The only issue was that I tasted this all morning … my Partner didn’t so maybe it was my digestive system that was to blame. On the second morning we had scrambled eggs to which I ordered a sausage, whereas my Partner had just the toast provided.||It was an excellent stay here, and Marta was so kind, attentive...

I was given a room with a tiny shower that had small blood stains on it. I could hardly even fit in there and the old dirty shower curtain kept touching me. I am not a small person, maybe slightly taller than average but it made my showering experience very miserable. I would have thought that all the showers are outdated and disgusting but my friend had a pretty decent one. When I asked the staff about the shower I was told I could be moved to another room with a single bed after I had already settled in my room. This was unsuitable and I was not offered any compensation or apology whatsoever. Book this place for your grandma or if you want to go back in time. If you want proper accommodation and some rest, better look elsewhere. I regret not taking photos of the stains or the spiders in the room but I really did not think it would have to be this way. Better to stay away from this place until they start being more serious about customer service and don't take things for granted. Also the Wi-Fi speed is ridiculously slow. Unfortunately the people who run it are very neglegent. I am sure that this could be an amazing place under different management and with some refurbishment and a new broadband provider.

The food was decent, although the bacon was overcooked and they used cheap black pudding. I don't understand how people rated the food so highly. The location is nice, although it was hard to park and just enter the courtyard. The cleaner was very nice and polite but I don't think my room was cleaned properly even once during those 4 nights...

Just avoid and book elsewhere unless you are over 70 or want to travel back in time. Also the Wi-Fi speed is very very very slow. The walls are very thin and you can hear other guests unfortunately. Also the windows are very old and there is no air conditioning. I cannot imagine staying there when it gets hot.

The location is really nice so I would suggest selling the property to someone that can renovate it and run it properly. A lot of wastes...

I am told that the original building dates back to the time of Tintern Abbey. Be prepared therefore for an old building that has been well adapted to modern use. However the building reflects its heritage. Floors may sometimes creak and in-room sockets may be limited in number. Accessibility for those with mobility issues may be very limited with changes of levels and rooms on the first floor upwards.

Those minor points aside you get, a warm welcome from your hosts, warm and comfy rooms and fantastic food.

Booking in advance is recommended rather than turning up on spec.

You are asked to place an order for your food in advance of arriving from a regularly updated menu which includes a vegetarian option but which is focused on meat and fish and fresh, in season ingredients.

There is a difficult choice to be made from four options each for Starter, Main and Desert. There is also a good selection of wines including half bottles.

Our menu included Starters from £8-£14, Mains £17-£29 and Deserts £7-£9 with a cheese plate for £14.

We all really enjoyed our visit as clearly did other guests. Thoroughly recommend and...