A luxury hotel in north Wales which has been used by asylum seekers from Afghanistan, Iran and other countries for the past two months will reopen to guests as a holiday destination within weeks.
The Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia has been home to asylum seekers since November, when 87 people were bussed to the Dolgarrog hotel in the Conwy Valley due to a backlog of immigration cases and overcrowded centres in Kent. The local Conservative MP for Aberconwy, Robin Millar, was critical of the Home Office’s decision and said that the location of the makeshift centre was inappropriate for a rural location, calling for it be “closed as soon as possible”.
The hotel has now confirmed that it will welcome back guests from early next month, although it did not confirm if hotel guests will be staying at the venue alongside asylum seekers or whether they will have all been moved elsewhere. You can get the latest WalesOnline newsletters e-mailed to you directly for free by signing up here.
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“The time has finally come… we’re excited to get started on a new chapter in our Snowdonia story,” the hotel said in a statement. “The Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia will welcome guests back from the 6th February 2023. On the same day, Wave Garden Spa will reopen the doors to its sanctuary of wellbeing.
"Water fun will continue at Adventure Parc Snowdonia from 1st April 2023 when we reopen the surf pool following our winter maintenance. We’ve spent the last few months planning some incredible packages, promotions and experiences for you to make the most of your next Snowdonia stay. Thank you for your endless support, we’re really excited to welcome you back again soon.”
Writing on social media, Robin Millar MP said: “This will come as a big relief to many here in Aberconwy. The Minister said that as a result of our campaigns, he had imposed a new rule that hotels in rural areas would not be used. In fact, we are one of the first hotels to be emptied, now the backlog in the system (caused by legal obligations) has been dealt with. I want to thank Dolgarrog residents in particular for their patience and understanding. The Community Council also has been very helpful and represented residents throughout.
"The public services, the school, Conwy council, the health board and local GPs and the police have all done a terrific job - much of it quietly behind the scenes - to make sure the asylum seekers were cared for while they were with us. Many residents and members of the wider community, and the local church have also helped and donated. Local MS Janet Finch Saunders and Conwy Councillor Goronwy Edwards have also given their support. Thank you one and all.”
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