The Black Boy Inn

Caernarfon 53.14100900, -4.27586500 , Northgate Street, Stryd Pedwar A Chwech, Snowdonia (Show on Map)
8.9
Excellent


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Info Located in Caernarfon, North Wales, The Black Boy Inn is a historic inn that has been accommodating guests since the 16th century. With 47 comfortable and en-suite rooms, delightful dining options and a friendly and relaxing atmosphere, this inn will be a great choice for those guests who want to explore North Wales, the eerie Snowdonia Mountains and everything this charming place has to offer.
Summary of reviews'The Black Boy Inn' in Caernarfon has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews across various categories, painting a picture of an exceptional establishment that combines historical charm with modern comforts.

Positioned in the heart of Caernarfon within the ancient walled town, the location of the inn is highly praised for its proximity to Caernarfon Castle and other local attractions. Guests appreciate the ease of exploring the North Wales coast and Snowdonia National Park, thanks to the inn's prime location. The atmospheric surroundings and historical setting add to the allure, making the stay both convenient and memorable.

The breakfast at The Black Boy Inn receives extensive admiration for its quality, variety and deliciousness. The traditional Welsh breakfast and other offerings are well-cooked and cater to diverse tastes, served in a historical and characterful setting by friendly and efficient staff. Similarly, the dinner experience shines with accolades for its superb food quality, generous portions and delightful traditional inn atmosphere. The staff's friendliness and the extensive menu complement the overall dining experience, despite a few critiques on pricing.

The inn's rooms are another standout feature, described as spacious, clean and comfortable with a blend of modern amenities and historic charm. Visitors highlight the exceptional comfort of the beds and the comprehensive facilities provided. The meticulous cleanliness in both private and public areas further enhances the guest experience.

The staff at The Black Boy Inn consistently receive high marks for their friendliness, professionalism and attentiveness. Guests frequently mention the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the helpful team, which significantly contributes to a positive stay.

Families find The Black Boy Inn accommodating with family suites, child-friendly menus and helpful staff enhancing the experience, although there is some feedback that it's not ideal for all family dynamics. The free Wi-Fi, while generally reliable, does have occasional connectivity issues but overall does not detract from the stay.

The four-star facilities of the inn are noted for their high standards, quality bedding and comprehensive amenities. Despite some minor criticisms of housekeeping services over an extended stay, the inn is praised for its detailed attention, reflecting a boutique class experience.

Overall, 'The Black Boy Inn' excels in offering a historic and charming stay enriched with modern comforts, excellent dining and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a top choice for visitors to Caernarfon.
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Haunted Hotel
Apart from the archaeological interest The Black Boy Inn has, rumour has it that the ghostly apparition of a nun has been spotted passing through the inn and heading towards the nunnery that is close by.

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Historic Hotel
Year erected: 1522
What is the history of the property?
THE BLACK BOY or BUOY Inn Caernarfon

The question that requires an answer to is when was the name Black Boy first used?

Although records called The Ale House reconnaissance go as far back as 1764, only the names of the victuallers appeared with that of 'their guarantors up to the years preceding 1820. It was only in that year that the names of their licensed premises also appeared, and, in this case, we find that there were two adjacent taverns on this site. The Black Boy was No.7 in the street and the four Shillings and Six Pence was No.9, a Mr. Thomas Parry being the licensee of the former, and a Mr. Thomas Williams licensee of the latter.

Going further back to the turn of the century we find on a map dated circa 1800 that the official name of the street at that time was The Black Boy Street and the same is true of a Census of 1794. The latter was not a proper Census as those which family historians are accustomed. It was more of a head count giving only the name of the head of the family and recording where appropriate (and wife), then the number of children and of servants and finally a total of the number of people in the house. We find that 48 people in all lived in Black Boy Street in 1794. Further research in the Archives at Caernarfon showed that a dwelling house was sold by Mr. Thomas Wynne the squire of Glynllifon to a Mr Henry Robyn’s in 1717 and on the deed, it states that the name of the street was Street Y Black Boy.

Now if we could go back another 60 years, we would be in the middle of the period of the Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell and this is where a well known journalist and author, who died last year, Mr. Ivor Wynne Jones, claimed to have seen documents that were found when the renovations which included extension were made to this building some 50 years ago by the then landlord Mr. Norman Underhill. He maintained that it was here that the supporters of the monarchy met regularly and drank a loyal toast "To the Black Boy". They were referring to the heir to the throne who later became Charles II, but dare not mention his name lest they were overheard by some of Cromwell's spies. Black Boy was in fact a pet name given to the heir to the throne by his mother Henrietta Maria, French by birth but with some Spanish blood in her veins.

When Charles was born he is said to have had a swarthy complexion and his mother used to refer to him as "My Beautiful Black Boy! Now it is understood that there are Black Boy's in other towns and that this explanation is regarded as being the true version for the origin of the name. It is not; therefore, absolutely certain when the name Black Boy was first used in Caernarfon, but Ivor Wynne Jones' contribution to the debate cannot be faulted.

The next question that needs to be addressed is how it was that the "Black Boy Street" or "Street Y Black Boy" became to be called "Northgate Street" in English and "Stryd Pedwar a Chwech" in Welsh. To commence with, let us take the English name "Northgate Street". Along the centuries since the completion of the town walls in 1290 it should be noted that there was no such entrance in the town wall, and it was circa 1820s that the opening was created at the bottom of the street to allow access to the walled town. The entrance at the bottom of Church Street was the first to be created shortly after renovations were carried out to the 8t. Mary Church in Church Street 1810 - 1814. This it is believed occurred c. 1817, and was followed by the other two streets running parallel viz. Market Street and Northgate Street. In 1610, John Spede's Map shows that Palace Street was the official name of the street from Castle Ditch right down to where the town wall was breached and from then on that entrance was called "North Gate". Previously there existed only "The East Gate" 'Y Porth Mawr' and "The West Gate" 'Porth yr Aur'.

The answer as to why the Welsh name "Stryd Pedwar a Chwech" was adopted is quite apparent. As was first stated the present Black Boy is made up of two taverns No.7 and No.9 in the street and in 1820 when the new entrance became known as "Northgate" the name of the tavern at No.9 was "The Four and Six Pence" which translates as "Pedwar a Chwech". Hence the English version of the street name became "Northgate Street" and the Welsh version after a tavern in the street "Stryd Pedwar a Chwech".
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
1509-1547. Henry VIII was born at Greenwich on 28 June 1491, the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. He became heir to the throne on the death of his elder brother, Prince Arthur, in 1502 and succeeded in 1509.
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Room Types
Black Boy Room with Shower Queen These rooms feature queen-size beds and are located in the Black Boy Inn. The rooms all have en suites. Some rooms will have showers. There is a 42-inch flat screen LCD TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi. The room comes equipped with a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, deep mattress, linen, towels, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Black Boy Single Room with Shower This single room has an en-suite shower. The room has original period features such as sloping ceilings, exposed ship beams and skylights. These rooms are located in the Black Boy Inn. There is a 42-inch flat screen LCD TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi. The room comes equipped with a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, deep mattress, linen, towels, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Black Boy Executive Room Queen These bedrooms offer additional living space and a queen-size bed. These rooms are located in the Black Boy Inn. The rooms are located in some of the oldest parts of the hotel, and guests will find period features such as beams and low ceilings. There is a 42-inch flat screen LCD TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi. The room comes equipped with a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, deep mattress, linen, towels, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Black Boy Four Poster Queen These bedrooms have a bespoke queen-size four-poster bed and are all en-suite. These rooms are located in the Black Boy Inn. Each room contains original features, such as beams and low ceilings. There is a 42-inch flat screen LCD TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi. The room comes equipped with a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, deep mattress, linen, towels, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Black Boy Twin Room This small bedroom has twin beds and is located in the Black Boy Inn. The room features original beams. The room has an en-suite bathroom. There is a 42-inch flat screen LCD TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi. The room comes equipped with a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, deep mattress, linen, towels, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Black Boy (very small) Standard uk double bed This very small double room has a double bed with an en-suite shower room, and is located in the Black Boy Inn. There is a 32-inch flat-screen TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi. The room comes equipped with a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, deep mattress, linen, towels, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Black Jacks Room with Shower Queen This bedroom has a bespoke queen-size bed. The room is situated in the Black Jacks property is located towards the rear of the Black Boy Inn. The room contains original features such as sash windows and an en-suite shower room. There is a 42-inch flat-screen TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi. The room comes equipped with a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, deep mattress, linen, towels, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Black Jacks Suite Queen This bedroom has a queen-size bed, and is located on the first or second floors. The room is situated in the Black Jacks property is located towards the rear of the Black Boy Inn. The room contains original features such as sash windows. This suite has a small kitchenette with a dining table and chairs, and an en-suite bathroom. There is a 42-inch flat-screen TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi.

Black Jack Four Poster Queen Suite This bedroom has a bespoke queen-size four-poster bed. The room is situated in the Black Jacks property is located towards the rear of the Black Boy Inn. The room contains original features such as sash windows. This suite has a small kitchenette with a dining table and chairs, and an en-suite bathroom. There is a 42-inch flat-screen TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi. The room comes equipped with a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, deep mattress, linen, towels, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Black Jacks Suite Easy Access Queen This suite is well-suited for guests with limited mobility and are suitable for wheelchair users. The room is situated in the Black Jacks property towards the rear of the Black Boy Inn. They have queen-size beds. The room contains original features, such as sash windows and high ceilings. This suite has a small kitchenette with a dining table and chairs, and an en-suite shower with grab rails and a seat. There is a 42-inch flat-screen TV and complimentary fiber-optic WiFi. Toilets have grab rails and emergency assistance facilities. The room comes equipped with a hairdryer, iron, ironing board, deep mattress, linen, towels, complimentary toiletries and hospitality tray.

Twr Du Standard Room Queen Situated in a separate building at the rear of the inn, these rooms are situated on the ground, first or the second floor. They contain a bathroom and the main bedroom. Fresh towels are provided daily on demand, and each room also has a large TV. Please note that these rooms are accessed by stairs only.

Twr Du Queen Room (smaller) Situated in a separate building at the rear of the inn, these small rooms are situated on the ground, first or the second floor. They contain a bathroom and the main bedroom. Fresh towels are provided daily on demand, and each room also has a large TV. Please note that these rooms are accessed by stairs only.

Twr Du Executive Room Queen Situated in a separate building at the rear of inn, the executive room is situated on the top floor. It contains a bathroom, and main bedroom. Fresh towels are provided daily on demand, and each room also has a large TV. Please note that these rooms are accessed by stairs only.

Ty Dre Easy Access Suite Queen Room This suite includes 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. In the well-fitted kitchenette, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The suite offers a tea and coffee maker, a dining area, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.

Ty Dre Executive Queen Room Offering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Ty Dre Twin Room Featuring free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Guests can make meals in the kitchenette that features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The twin room features a tea and coffee maker, a dining area, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.

Ty Dre Suite Queen Room The suite features 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. Guests can make meals in the kitchenette that is fitted with a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The suite offers a tea and coffee maker, a dining area, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 1 bed.

Ty Dre Standard Queen Room Featuring free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.

A House with 2 double beds This holiday home includes 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. In the well-equipped kitchenette, guests will find a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The holiday home offers a tea and coffee maker, a dining area, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor and a flat-screen TV. The unit has 3 beds.

Llety Studio 1 Double bed Featuring free toiletries, this studio includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The fully equipped kitchenette has a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The studio features a tea and coffee maker, a dining area, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed and 1 futon.

Llety 1 Double bed and a sofa bed This apartment is comprised of 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The well-equipped kitchenette features a stovetop, a refrigerator, a dishwasher and kitchenware. The apartment offers a tea and coffee maker, a dining area, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor and a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 3 beds.

Guest Reviews
8.9
Excellent
Location
Nestled in the heart of Caernarfon, 'The Black Boy Inn' boasts an exceptional location that draws consistent praise from its guests. Positioned within the ancient walled town, the inn allows visitors to feel as if they are staying within the historic castle walls. Its proximity to Caernarfon Castle is frequently highlighted, making it an ideal spot for those keen to explore this majestic landmark, just a short walk away. The central location ensures easy access to local attractions, shops, bars and restaurants, making it convenient for all types of travelers.

The inn is surrounded by an atmospheric cluster of ancient buildings, echoing the rich history and character of the area. Guests appreciate the convenience of the location, which serves as a perfect base for exploring not only Caernarfon but also the stunning North Wales coast and the nearby Snowdonia National Park, just a 20-minute drive away.

Visitors also note the charm of staying in a beautifully restored historic building with a pleasant and atmospheric interior. The staff's friendliness and professionalism, along with the inn's clean, comfortable rooms, further enhance the guest experience. While a few found it challenging to locate the inn initially, the superb location made the effort worthwhile, contributing to a memorable and enjoyable stay in this beautiful part of Wales.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Black Boy Inn has garnered an array of positive remarks from guests. Visitors consistently describe the breakfast as excellent with quality and choice being recurrent themes in the reviews. The traditional Welsh breakfast, in particular, receives high praise for its excellence and deliciousness. The variety offered caters to all tastes with highlights including smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and full cooked breakfasts. Guests appreciate the well-cooked and good quality food, noting a great selection from the breakfast buffet and hot meal options.

The friendliness and efficiency of the staff add to the overall enjoyment with service often mentioned as superb and attentive. Dining in the historical, characterful setting, sometimes on the rear terrace, enhances the dining experience. The breakfast menu is noted for being comprehensive, allowing guests to choose whatever they desire, from continental to cooked options.

Overall, the breakfast at The Black Boy Inn leaves a lasting impression with its delicious offerings, extensive variety and excellent quality, all contributing to a satisfying start to the day.

Dinner
The dinner experience at The Black Boy Inn has received high praise from guests, highlighting its consistently excellent quality. Many reviews commend the restaurant for its delicious food, reflecting typical pub-style cuisine with a traditional inn atmosphere. The meals, ranging from breakfast to dinner, were frequently described as superb, delicious and wonderfully cooked.

Service in the restaurant is also highly rated with staff noted for their friendly and helpful demeanor. Guests appreciated the restaurant’s extensive menu and the commendable selection of well-kept real ales. The portions are generous and the quality of the food is described as impressive, making it well worth the prices typically expected in a city center.

The traditional setting of the restaurant, situated on ancient city walls from the 16th century, adds to the charm and ambiance, making dining there a special experience. Reviewers found the pub and restaurant cozy with a great atmosphere that enhances the overall enjoyment of the meal.

While a few guests felt the food was overpriced and not up to their expectations, the overwhelming consensus is that the food at The Black Boy Inn is consistently great with standout meals like the chicken skewers and various pub grub offerings. The establishment comes highly recommended for both its food quality and the service provided by the attentive staff.

Rooms
Visitors to The Black Boy Inn consistently praised the hotel rooms for their homely, comfortable and beautiful atmosphere, making for a wonderful stay. The rooms were notably spacious with many guests appreciating the large and cozy beds. Cleanliness was a recurring highlight with numerous mentions of spotless conditions and modern, well-designed interiors. The rooms also boasted comprehensive facilities, comparable to higher-grade hotels and were equipped with essentials like kettles and tea. Despite a few mentions of firm pillows and occasional noise, the overwhelmingly positive feedback emphasized the exceptional comfort and generous space afforded to guests. The historical charm and quaint ambiance of the Inn added to the overall appeal. Overall, The Black Boy Inn offers a delightful blend of modern comfort and historic charm, ensuring a pleasant and memorable experience for its visitors.

Beds
The reviews of The Black Boy Inn highlight the exceptional comfort and quality of the beds provided in the hotel rooms. Guests consistently praised the beds for being extremely comfortable with many noting the large size, including king-size and super king-sized options. The beds are described as plush, firm yet not too hard and well-maintained, boasting quality bedding that contributes to a restful night's sleep.

Several reviews mention specific features such as 4-poster beds and extra-large options, which add to the luxurious experience. The linens and pillows have also garnered positive feedback for their coziness and the beds are noted for remaining comfortable even after long periods. The reviews depict a sleep experience that is consistently clean, fresh and inviting with beds that many found to be the most comfortable they have ever slept in. Despite a few mentions of the beds being too firm or the pillows not being to everyone's liking, the overall sentiment reflects satisfaction with the bed comfort and room quality at The Black Boy Inn.

Cleanliness
The Black Boy Inn has earned high praise for its meticulous cleanliness and well-maintained facilities. Guests consistently highlight that the rooms and public areas are spotless, comfortable and inviting. The cleanliness extends to all areas, including the dining facilities and restrooms, which are described as clean and modern. The staff is also acknowledged for their friendly and welcoming demeanor, contributing to a homely and safe environment. Whether in the room, restaurant or common areas, the level of cleanliness at The Black Boy Inn is clearly a standout feature, making it a pleasant and hygienic place to stay.

Staff
The reviews for The Black Boy Inn highlight a consistently positive experience with the hotel's staff. Guests frequently describe the staff as very helpful, friendly and polite, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the stay. The team at every level, from reception to the bar and waiting staff, is commended for their efficiency, cheerfulness and professionalism.

Guests are particularly appreciative of the warm welcome they receive upon arrival with many noting how staff members are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their needs are met. The staff’s attentiveness and knowledge in addressing issues promptly are often mentioned, enhancing the overall experience.

Regular comments about the staff’s friendliness and cooperative nature contribute to a super friendly atmosphere, making guests feel both comfortable and well-looked-after. The positive remarks extend to various aspects of service, including excellent performance in the restaurant, where the attentive staff ensures a high-quality dining experience.

Overall, the staff at The Black Boy Inn are praised not just for their professionalism but also for their personable approach, making guests feel valued and appreciated. The team is described as a credit to the establishment, consistently maintaining a pleasant and helpful demeanor that significantly enhances the hotel’s reputation.

Wi-Fi
The Black Boy Inn offers a generally reliable wifi experience for its guests. Many visitors appreciate that the wifi is available and not too slow. Some even noted that it worked well and was not erratic, providing a good signal. Online ordering and the hotel's ordering app benefit from this stable connection. However, there were a few mentions of difficulties in connecting at times and some found the signal to be poor or infrequent. Despite these occasional issues, the wifi quality did not significantly affect the overall experience for most guests.

Family
The Black Boy Inn is an establishment that offers a warm and engaging experience for families. Guests consistently note the helpful nature of the staff, many of whom speak Welsh, enhancing the cultural and historical ambiance of the hotel. The venue is praised for its family-friendly policies, including family suites, gathering areas, discounts and seating arrangements that make it a convenient choice for those traveling with children. The child-friendly menu ensures that even the youngest guests are well-catered for. Despite some feedback suggesting it may not be ideal for all families or older adults, the inn's overall character and the friendly staff, who are great with children, make it a compelling option for family dinners and gatherings.

4 Star
The Black Boy Inn is a hotel that stands out for being perfectly situated and providing comfortable, exceptionally clean rooms that guests find great. High-quality food and remarkable stays are often highlighted in reviews, reflecting the fine dining experience complemented by an outstanding breakfast. Visitors appreciate the friendly reception and superb service delivered by an elite level staff with professional management ensuring a wonderful experience.

The facilities at the inn are top-notch and well-maintained with high-end toiletries, quality bedding and complementary amenities contributing to an upscale environment. Reviewers commend the attention to detail and high standards, describing the setting as a boutique class experience with exceptional standards.

However, there are some criticisms for a four-day stay during which housekeeping services did not meet expectations with rooms not being cleaned and towels not being changed. Despite this, the overall impression is of a high-quality establishment, offering excellent value with four-star facilities and superior service that mostly meets or exceeds guests' standards.

Historic
Nestled in a great location, 'The Black Boy Inn' is a fascinating historical property that offers an out-of-the-ordinary experience. With its roots dating back to 1522, this 500-year-old inn exudes historical charm and significance at every corner. Guests are enamored by the super charming and quaint atmosphere of this traditional Welsh inn, beautifully restored while maintaining its period look and old-world appeal.

The building itself is a well-preserved example of historical architecture with its narrow floors and numerous stairs harking back to a bygone era. The inn is full of character and historical artifacts with its heritage clearly noticeable throughout. Visitors have praised its cosy, homely feel despite its grand historical setting, making it a truly unique place to stay.

Adding to the appeal, the inn's traditional pub offers excellent food choices and delicious meals, enhancing the overall experience. The friendly and helpful staff contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel right at home. Whether it's exploring the building's rich history or simply soaking in its historical appeal, 'The Black Boy Inn' provides a memorable stay steeped in cultural charm and a deep sense of history.


No, The Black Boy Inn doesn't have any pool.

No, a spa isn't available at The Black Boy Inn.

No, The Black Boy Inn doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at The Black Boy Inn.

No, The Black Boy Inn doesn't have a gym.

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