Commodore Hotel, Cwmbran

A friendly family owned residential hotel nestling amongst wooded suroundings. The comfortable ambience of Pilliner's lounge (named after Colonel Pilliner, former owner of the adjoining Llanyravon House) offers a relaxing dark decor from which there is access to a deck patio. Underneath the main building is the livelier Mary O'Brien's Bar (over 21's only) named after the former owner's late mother who hailed from Tramore, Ireland; you can read how love blossomed when she met 'Mac' Williams, the first of the dynasty to own the hotel (note different opening times: 3 (2 Fri, 11 Sat)-11; 12-10.30 Sun). As the name suggests it has an Irish theme but is none the worse for that having a character of its own and a more genuine feel than that some of its fake counterparts. It has pool, darts, an excellent downloading music player, free computer access, and may be hired for private functions. An added attraction is the covered outside bar with heating when required and table football. Good value bar snacks and meals can be had while the excellent Willows Restaurant offers mouth watering traditional meals up to seasonal a la carte options. Bus stops for the frequent X24 service (every 10 mins during the day, hourly in the evening) or hourly local circular No 3 service are nearby at Llanyravon Square.