Ok, I don't usually write two reviews about the same place but having just spent a great week at Bungalow No. 1 I thought I would give you an update with a bit more detail!
The refurb is totally finished now, including a fantastic reclining suite, double glazing and patio area. The kitchen has all mod cons and the owners have now also provided a portable washing machine - should you so desire to wash on your vacation! The bungalow has been awarded 5 Stars by the Welsh Tourist Board since our last visit and this property is worth every one of those stars and more! We were particularly impressed that unlike many holiday properties Bungalow No. 1 had all those things so often forgotten - all bedding, all towels, dishwasher tablets, tea, coffee, toilet rolls, tennis rackets, picnic set. Also we found items such as tin foil, salt, washing up liquid - It seems that guests really do see Bungalow No. 1 as a home from home and as a result the cupboards are thoughtfully not empty! We had the best nights sleep with the very comfortable memory foam mattresses. In addition to the flatscreen tv there is also a DVD player and there is also a growing number of DVD's and books to entertain you on those days when the weather lets you down - However, there is absolutely no reason to be bored here. We took two teenagers with us who made full use of the heated outdoor pool and were often found at the on-site Village Hall where they entered a variety of competitions that were put on for guests - pool, table tennis, crafts etc. Also to be found in the village hall are the two squash courts, with one being laid out with full size table tennis. There is a 9 hole pitch n putt course for those wanting to try their hand at golf (£1 per person hires you two clubs and a ball). There are some lovely walks through the woods, where you will also stumble across the tennis courts. There is a Trim Trail in the woods which the kids loved - climb nets, monkey bars, hurdles to name but a few of the exercises. If you don't want to cook for yourselves you can eat in either the main restaurant or the bar - we only had the lunchtime bar snacks which were all very nice and well presented. If you want to go food shopping then the nearest is in Machynleth where you will find a decent sized co-op and also a Spar. Bungalow No. 1 is ideally placed for exploring the Snowdonia Country Park and the coastline - Aberystwyth, Barmouth, Porthmadog, Portmerion, Aberdovey all within easy reach. Note - if you have a dog - they cannot go into Portmerion village, as we discovered! There are lots of steam trains in the vicinity - in fact I've never seen so many steam trains - and kids of all ages will love a journey. We didn't manage to go on it but the Cambrian Express which travels along the coast looked spectacular. If you are into hiking/rambling then we recommend driving via Dolgellau to Cader Idris. If you head for Ty-Nant there is a car park with picnic and toilet facilities and a footpath upwards! The lower part is very picturesque with streams and waterfalls and not too strenuous if you have children who want to feel as though they have been mountain climbing! A short drive away you will also find Gregennan Lake which offers spectacular views towards Barmouth and again some great walks. The roads up here are single track so drive with care and the weather can be very different so be prepared!
It doesn't matter what time of year you visit Bungalow No. 1 you will find that there is plenty to do and with fantastic accommodation what more could you ask for ! We shall be going back!

We spent a week including New Year recently at Plas Talgarth and loved every minute. Some of the previous reviews had left us wondering about certain aspects, but we were not disappointed by too much.
We were in the Heron apartments with lovely views down the valley and to the distant hills. I can understand some of the comments about the need for refurbishment. I would say that some aspects look a little tired but nothing that concerned us, everything was clean.
The resort itself has all the usual leisure facilities which we found to be very good, although the male changing room is a bit on the small side. There are 2 x 1 hour slots where the kids can swim supervised, you can chill out in the lounge where the pool is viewed through the windows. Our kids attended the Ugie Bear club which provides an hour of various activities for them 3 times per day - at around 10am, 2pm and 7pm. There is also a kids play area which was just ok, nothing startling for kids.
There is a small 9 hole pitch and putt ( I must mention my hole in one, although it might cost me a round) also tennis, table tennis, squash and gym.

We ate in the Farmhouse Bar a couple of times and found it to be fine. No big delays, food was good.

4 of our party had a treatment at the spa and were all well satisfied.

Only disappointments would be the electric bill for the week - £90, come off it!! We had the heating on at all times as it was very cold but £90 for a weeks electric is robbery! Also the woods were closed (tree felling?) which limited the on site walking quite a lot. To be honest we walked around the perimeter path a couple of times on the quiet. Enjoying the view to the river and over the hill to the estuary.

If you want fresh fish we found a fishing shop on the seafront at nearby Tywyn selling Seabass and Mullet, freshly caught that day. It is accessible on foot along the sea path from the main car park on the seafront. Aberdovey is also nice and has a fishmongers but was closed over new year.

The village is a ten minute stroll away, there is a pub and shop which seems to sell most bits and bobs as well as papers, although they can be reserved at reception.

My family & I have to be staying at Plas Talgrath for the past 25 years (Week 41). Some things change and some things don't.
For Example:
1) The Leisure Manager 'Steve' (2007-2008) is the most unwelcoming member staff, he is rude and moody. He would be best in a non facing member of the public job.
2) The leisure facilites need a little updating - squash, tennis & gym.
3) The accommodation (Villa's, Bungalows, Heron apartments) has just recently over the last 18 months be refurished - the refurishment was of average standard.
4) We have always stayed in a Villa which sleeps 6 which is the best accommodation to stay in. Throughout the week we chat to a number of guests - my advisor is to avoid staying in the Manor House, its very small & below average hotel room.
5) The weather in Wales is always the same - wet & cold. So always bring warm waterproof clothes.

we have been staying at plas talgarth on and off for 25 years if it wasnt for the sensational location we wouldnt consider returning, the standard of housekeeping is frankly disgusting, each time we visit we, like many others complain, but nothing improves, the accomodation is filthy throughout plus there is damp and mould throughout. the accomodation is some 5years past when it should have been refurbished.