Book on our site
Up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From161US$ /night
Check-in
15Mar2026Select date
Check-out
16Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom
-
Close to the Hay-on-Wye Town Centre
Great
8.7
/10
4.6
4.5
/5

Dining Experience

The Old Black Lion highlights its award-winning restaurant, recognized with Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence. Under the guidance of Head Chef Mark Turton, a daily menu is crafted using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can choose from a finely curated wine list or refreshing local cask ales in a welcoming atmosphere.

Accommodation Options

The hotel offers 10 individually styled rooms, including the superior en suite Cromwell Suite. Each room comes equipped with modern amenities while maintaining the charm of its historical setting. Guests can choose from various configurations, including doubles, twins, and single rooms.

Entertainment and Events

Regular quiz nights at The Old Black Lion provide an engaging way to enjoy an evening with friends. Participants can enjoy a delicious curry served at their tables while competing for prizes. Live jazz performances feature local talent and bring an enjoyable ambience to the bar.

Location and Accessibility

The Old Black Lion is situated in Hay-On-Wye, renowned for its bookshops and boutique independents. The picturesque surroundings invite walkers, cyclists, and canoeists to explore the region, with numerous outdoor activities easily accessible. Local breweries and distilleries enhance the area's appeal, contributing to a rich regional experience.

Pet Policies

The Marquee at The Old Black Lion is pet-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs to accompany guests. Pets are welcome in designated outdoor areas, making it convenient for animal lovers. This amenity ensures that guests do not have to leave their furry companions behind during their stay.

Highlights

Dining: Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence

Rooms: Cromwell Suite with historic charm

Entertainment: Quiz nights & live jazz performances

Location: Hay-On-Wye, a haven for book lovers

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through Hay-on-Wye's famous bookshops for hidden treasures.
  • Visit the Hay Castle for a rich history and stunning views.
  • Don't miss the Hay Festival if you're here in late May/early June.
  • Try the local beef and ale pie at The Old Black Lion's bistro.
  • Explore the eclectic market on the last Thursday of every month.
View all

Select your room type

The Old Black Lion offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Single Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Superior Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
195 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Twin Room
2 persons
305 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The Old Black Lion offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • No pets allowed
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At The Old Black Lion, enjoy a variety of dining options that embrace local flavors and seasonal ingredients crafted with care. From family-friendly meals to romantic dinners, each experience showcases authentic cuisine that caters to various dietary preferences.

The Old Black Lion Restaurant

Seasonal modern British
Ambiance
Warm and welcoming, perfect for families and intimate gatherings alike.
Key Offerings
Indulge in an award-winning menu featuring delightful dishes made from fresh, locally sourced produce. Don't miss the carefully selected wines or refreshing cask ales from local breweries such as Wye Valley and Evans Evans to complement your meal.
Reservation
Booking is recommended; please use the website or phone to book a table.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 14:00 and 18:30 to 21:00, with extended lunch hours on Saturday until 14:30.

The Old Black Lion Location

Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom
Map view
Lion Street, Hay-On-Wye, United Kingdom
Nearby
Castle
Hay Castle
1600 ft
Hay-on-WyeWales
Castle Book Store
2000 ft
Gallery
The Lion Street Gallery
700 ft
The Drill Hall 25 Lion Street The Drill Hall
Hay, Ross on Wye
100 ft
41 Lion St
Hay Deli
700 ft
The Old Electric Shop
1000 ft
2 St. Johns Place
The Haymakers Gallery
1100 ft
Store
Bain & Murrin
700 ft
Restaurants
Hay Conservative Club
400 ft
35 Lion Street
Tomatitos Tapas Bar
700 ft
38 Lion Street
The Hay Tap
500 ft
The Bull Ring
Chapters Restaurant
600 ft
Lion Street
Oscars Bistro
600 ft
Hightown Hay on Wye
Eve's
800 ft
4/5 High Town
The Granary
1100 ft
20-21 Broad Street Herefordshire
Three Tuns
1100 ft
4 Broad Street
Rose and Crown
1000 ft
Broad Street
The Globe At Hay Kitchen
1000 ft
Newport Street
Explore Hay-On-Wye
Explore Hay-On-Wye
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Hay Castle
Hay Castle
6-minute walk
A historic castle with stunning architecture, featuring exhibitions that tell the story of Hay-On-Wye's heritage.
Brook Street Pottery & Gallery
Brook Street Pottery & Gallery
9-minute walk
A vibrant pottery studio and gallery showcasing local artisans, offering workshops and free admission days.
The Warren
16-minute walk
A picturesque park ideal for picnics and leisurely walks, featuring beautiful river views and diverse wildlife.
Clifford Castle
Clifford Castle
5-minute drive
A scenic medieval ruin overlooking the River Wye, perfect for history enthusiasts and photograph opportunities.
Paddles and Pedals Canoe Hire
Paddles and Pedals Canoe Hire
5-minute drive
Adventurous canoeing along the River Wye with rental options available. Perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Walking along the River Wye
10-minute walk
Relaxing strolls along the scenic riverbank, providing access to beautiful views and peaceful surroundings.
Tomatitos Tapas Bar
Tomatitos Tapas Bar
3-minute walk
A cozy tapas bar serving Spanish small plates in a vibrant atmosphere. Reservations recommended for busy nights.
Oscars Bistro
Oscars Bistro
3-minute walk
A charming bistro with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, famous for its delicious seasonal dishes and friendly service.
The Hay Tap
The Hay Tap
2-minute walk
A lively pub offering local ales and regular live music events, perfect for casual evenings and socializing.
Hay Conservative Club
Hay Conservative Club
2-minute walk
A welcoming venue with a friendly atmosphere, featuring weekly quiz nights and live entertainment for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Hay-On-Wye4 min  ·  1000 ft
Airports
Gloucestershire Airport (GLO)124 min  ·  51.3 mi
Swansea Airport (SWS)157 min  ·  65.0 mi
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:30-21:00
Check-out
from 08:00-10:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
9

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Old Black Lion from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 359 verified reviews
8.6/10
Great
92%
Recommend
Breakfast
7.5/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.1/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.0/10
Staff
9.4/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Guest reviews
based on 366 reviews
4.5/5
based on 726 reviews
8.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Questions of the users
About The Old Black Lion
Can a Sunday roast be enjoyed at the establishment during the weekend?
25 February 2024
Sunday roast is served from 12:00 to 15:30 during February and early March. Typical dining hours are from 12:00 to 14:15 and 18:30 to 20:15. Reservations for dining are encouraged.
Is early check-in or late checkout an option for guests?
18 March 2024
While early check-in may be possible depending on room availability, it is usually at 14:00. Late checkout can be arranged for an additional fee, allowing departures until 12:30.
Is it permitted to accommodate an extra bed for a child in a room?
15 April 2024
Adding an extra bed for a child aged 11 in a superior double room is possible. Please confirm the arrangement during the booking process.
Does the facility provide secure storage for bicycles overnight?
5 May 2024
Bicycle storage is available in a lockable shed or laundry area, with space for approximately eight bikes. Basic maintenance tools and assistance are also available to prepare for excursions.
Are there parking facilities available for guests?
20 May 2024
Parking is available on-site for guests, ensuring convenience during their stay.
Is the restaurant open for dinner on weekdays?
2 June 2024
The restaurant operates on both Monday and Tuesday, providing dining options for guests during the week.
Can dogs be accommodated at the premises, and are there any restrictions?
11 June 2024
While pets are not allowed in accommodation areas, dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining areas, including the marquée and terrace.
Is it possible to split a double bed into twin beds?
24 July 2024
Rooms with double beds cannot be split into twin configurations; however, smaller single beds are available for some rooms if needed.
What is the latest time guests can return to their rooms without being locked out?
30 July 2024
Access to rooms is available throughout the evening. Guests will receive keys to both the main entrance and their room for convenience.
Are gift vouchers available for special experiences at the hotel?
15 August 2024
Gift vouchers for dining and overnight stays can be purchased and are available in various denominations for any occasion.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
15Mar2026Select date
Check-out
16Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room