Reviews of Helmsman Guesthouse
Helmsman Guesthouse 43 Marine Terrace, Aberystwyth, SY23 2BX, United Kingdom
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Reviewed: 2 September 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewBeautiful place & fantastic location. Very clean & nice size room. Warm friendly host.
Reviewed: 29 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe room was nice and comfortable overall, breakfast was delicious, and the location was impeccable!
Only one of the windows could be opened, meaning that even sitting by the window, there was very little air flow. It was quite hot, and the room was even hotter because of that.
Reviewed: 28 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 28 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewGreat breakfast
Reviewed: 26 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewGreat location on the seafront. Comfortable room. Friendly owner! Lovely breakfast.
There wasn't anything we didn't like.
Reviewed: 25 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewThe location was excellent- right on the seafront. The ensuite bathroom was large and had a good shower. Breakfast was good and the proprietor made a generous English breakfast.
Check in only from 2-6 which isn't much time. Trying to arrange for a later arrival given train schedules a bit stressful as the patron doesn't always answer messages or the phone. The room was both expensive and tiny, facing the back of the building. The bed took most of the room, and the mattress was lumpy. The springs (springs!) snapped and groaned when you sat on it. Unnerving.
Thank you for your comments. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the location, breakfast and ensuite. I always reply to guest messages the same day, though I may not always be able to respond instantly while running the guesthouse. Our check-in time of 2–6pm is a little more generous than many B&Bs, and for flexibility we also offer self check-in until 10pm. I also appreciate your note on the bed comfort — a brand new mattress has already been ordered and arrives tomorrow.
Thank you for your comments. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the location, breakfast and ensuite. I always reply to guest messages the same day, though I may not always be able to respond instantly while running the guesthouse. Our check-in time… Show more
Reviewed: 23 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 16 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 15 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewFriendly and clean
Reviewed: 15 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 14 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewIts position, friendly host, clean… It’s a proper, old fashioned, seafront front guest house, with lots of original features. Though we didn’t have a seaview, the room was light and airy.. and the bathroom was spacious, with a big window. Parking on the prom is time restricted during the day, but directly behind the hotel, easily accessible through an alleyway, there is unrestricted street parking…
I did let the host know about feeling and hearing the springs in the mattress… she said she would check and get it changed if needed. We liked the bathroom, but it lacked a towel rail (there was plenty of space) and a shelf to keep our toiletries…
I am so glad that you enjoyed your stay with us and that you particularly enjoyed the spacious bathroom, light and airy room and our position. Thank you for bringing the issue of the mattress to our attention, we have ordered a new mattress! I hope that we will see you again to experience the luxurious memory foam topped mattress to make your nights stay more comfortable.
I am so glad that you enjoyed your stay with us and that you particularly enjoyed the spacious bathroom, light and airy room and our position. Thank you for bringing the issue of the mattress to our attention, we have ordered a new mattres… Show more
Reviewed: 13 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewGreat location on sea front Comfy chairs Ok sea front parking
Tired B&B Very small ensuite with some black mould in need of refurb Only one window opened as the others have been painted solid - very hot when we were there as there was no through draft. May have some window damp issues as there was a window wiper provided Ok bed Wallpaper peeling apart where joined Overpriced at £120 with a modest breakfast using budget food items.
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the seafront location and comfy seating. The room you stayed in is due for refurbishment at the end of the season, and the windows are secured for safety, though we understand this can make it warmer in hot weather. Our breakfasts use many locally sourced, good-quality ingredients, and we’re sorry if that wasn’t clear. We appreciate your comments and hope to welcome you back in the future.
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the seafront location and comfy seating. The room you stayed in is due for refurbishment at the end of the season, and the windows are secured for safety, though we understand this can mak… Show more
Reviewed: 12 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewWarm welcome, good breakfast
Size of room
Reviewed: 10 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewEverything was as described and as we expected. We were pleased it wasn't closer to the pier as that was very busy / noisy.
Reviewed: 8 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewGood bed
We had to wait over 20 mins and telephone, email and go around back of property to find someone to open door. Owner/staff were not understanding and didn’t even tell us her name or try to make us welcome. She did not hear knocking/thumping on door. Room was very small.
Reviewed: 3 August 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewRoom was small, overly hot , bed not good. Was not informed about a cycle event . I spoke to several officials and there told me that all hotels and residents were informed about this over a year ago and it's been advertised in all the media. I was informed a half hour before my arrival. Couldn't park because everything was shut down because of the cycling event. Had to pay a lot for parking. If I had known in reasonable time, I would have cancelled and gone elsewhere In Wales.
Reviewed: 2 August 2025 · Stayed in August 2025
Verified reviewLocated right on the sea front and close to town. Room was spacious and breakfast was fabulous.
Reviewed: 1 August 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewGenuine, friendly welcome from Alison who runs the place. Comfortable and super clean room. Good central location in the town. Good breakfast in nice room.
Can't think of anything
Reviewed: 31 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 25 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewThe location. Alison was very good as a host
A fridge in the room or somewhere to keep things cold. The roller blind was broken and rattled against the window when it was windy.
Reviewed: 21 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewVery good
Nothing really
Reviewed: 15 July 2025 · Stayed in June 2025
Verified reviewVery close to the sea, pier, beautiful building, the room was very clean.
Unfortunately, the breakfast is set and finished at 9pm, not a desired time for breakfast when you are on a well earned break away for your birthday. The owner offered no alternative and was verbally rude to my partner. We checked out feeling very hungry and disappointed. Unfortunately, this spoilt what would have been such a great experience and stay in lovely Wales.
Reviewed: 12 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewReviewed: 6 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewGreat room, stunning view, brilliant service, and lovely breakfast. Thank you!
Nothing.
Reviewed: 5 July 2025 · Stayed in July 2025
Verified reviewGreat location. Lovely spot. Fabulous view out to sea. Nice breakfast. Lovely to listen to the sea. Excellent value.
Parking was the only challenge.