Business Details
Historic Hotel in Pembroke with Award-Winning Hospitality
Established in 1522, the Old Kings Arms Hotel has been a cornerstone of Welsh hospitality for over five centuries. Our historic coaching inn combines centuries-old tradition with modern comforts, offering guests a unique blend of heritage and contemporary convenience. Under the stewardship of the Wheeler family since 1957, we've perfected our warm Welsh welcome through exceptional service and award-winning cuisine. Located just 200 yards from Pembroke Castle, our Grade II-listed building has hosted notable events from 19th-century political protests to 20th-century military celebrations. Our restaurant, operating continuously since 1522, showcases the finest regional produce in a setting featuring original architectural elements. We maintain our reputation through consistent quality, having achieved a Visit Wales 3 Star Grading and multiple Booking.com Awards of Excellence.Our facilities include 16th-century dining spaces with open fires, Georgian lounges with Chippendale staircases, and recently refurbished accommodation with modern amenities. We cater to both leisure and business travelers, offering flexible event spaces and convenient access to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Our commitment to hospitality excellence has been recognized through consistently excellent TripAdvisor ratings and inclusion in The UK's Best Selling Beer guide. With over 50 years of family management, we continue to evolve while preserving our historic character and traditional values.
Services
Hotel Rooms
Restaurant
Bar
Event Venue
Parking
Highlights and features
- Family-run since 1957 with over 50 years of hospitality expertise
- Located 200 yards from Pembroke Castle and National Park
- Award-winning restaurant operating continuously since 1522
- Dog-friendly bar with traditional Welsh atmosphere
- Historic building featuring original 16th-century architecture
Associations and certifications
- Visit Wales 3 Star Grading
- Booking.com Award of Excellence 2024
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
What people say
Exquisite food
Historic charm
Warm welcome
Excellent service
Prime location
Services
Hotel Rooms
Our recently refurbished rooms blend historic charm with modern comforts. Double and twin rooms feature Smart TVs with sports channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, and contemporary en-suite bathrooms. Budget single rooms offer essential amenities with tea/coffee facilities. All guests enjoy included breakfast service from 6:30am and access to our historic restaurant and bar areas. Room service is available during dining hours.
Welsh Kitchen Restaurant
Operating continuously since 1522, our restaurant serves traditional Welsh cuisine using local produce. The menu features regional specialties in a historic setting with original architectural features and open fires. Available for breakfast from 6:30am and dinner daily, with Sunday lunch service. Recognized for quality through multiple hospitality awards and TripAdvisor ratings.
Kings Bar
Our historic bar offers a welcoming atmosphere with traditional Welsh beers and ales. Dog-friendly space maintains original character features while providing comfortable seating. Open daily 11am-10pm, serving drinks alongside light snacks and offering BT Sport & ESPN coverage for sports enthusiasts in a convivial setting.
Event Venue
The Georgian Lounge provides elegant event space with Chippendale staircase features. Suitable for private functions, meetings, and celebrations with capacity for 50+ guests. Historic ambiance enhanced by original woodwork and slate floors, complemented by modern amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment.
Parking Facilities
Secure private car park available for guests with postcode SA71 4LD navigation access. Located 300 yards from main hotel entrance with clear signage. Complimentary parking provided for residents, with easy access to hotel premises via designated pedestrian route with luggage assistance available upon request.
People
George Wheeler
Proprietor (1957-1998)
Founded the modern hotel in 1957, introducing award-winning restaurant and bar. Recognized for revitalizing the historic property while preserving its architectural heritage. Established family legacy continued by Shirley Wheeler.
Shirley Wheeler
Co-proprietor
Joined operations in 1965, continuing George Wheeler's hospitality legacy. Maintained high service standards while modernizing facilities. Oversaw multiple refurbishments that balanced contemporary comforts with historic preservation.
Questions
What historical significance does the hotel have?
Established in 1522 with connections to Henry VII's birthplace Pembroke Castle. Original coaching inn architecture includes 16th-century dining areas and Georgian features.
What room amenities are included?
All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, Freeview TV with sports channels, complimentary Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee facilities. Double/twin rooms include Smart TVs and mini-fridges.
Are pets allowed?
Dogs are welcome in our front bar area. Please inform staff at booking to ensure appropriate arrangements.
What dining options exist?
Welsh Kitchen restaurant serves breakfast from 6:30am and dinner daily. Kings Bar offers drinks and light snacks with sports coverage available.
How to access the car park?
Use postcode SA71 4LD for navigation. Car park entrance is 300 yards left at our signpost from The Parade location.
What awards have been received?
2024 Booking.com Award of Excellence, consistent TripAdvisor 'Excellent' ratings, and Visit Wales 3 Star Grading from recent inspection.
Reviews (4)
Rachel Murphy
Sep 22, 2021
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Terrible service from the onset. The food quality did not reflect the pricing in the slightest. The waiting staff did not voice the foods that weren't on the menu when we were seated. Small portions, veg cold and swimming in water on the plate and "home made skin on fries" evidently from a frozen food store. Manager rude and unapproachable when voicing disappointment of the food. He had a very aggressive tone and was not empathetic in the slightest. Perhaps he needs some customer service training. Avoid if you don't want to waste your time and money. You'll get better food and service in wetherspoons
Jack Morgan
Sep 16, 2021
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Overall, the hotel was very good. The location and services were ideal. We enjoyed our stay and would return in the future. Thank you.
Natasha Hamilton
Sep 05, 2021
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So accomodating. A large group of us. lovely people and great service. Not to mention the delicious food!
Jay James
Aug 14, 2021
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Couldnt comment on the food, beer or the pub.
Couldnt get a table for dinner on Monday night. ( fair enough we were a walk in) popped in for lunch on Wednesday. They dont do lunch on Tuesday (apparently). Popped in for a drink on Wednesday night. Dont serve people for just drinks until 9pm! Empty tables must be for decoration only then?
Couldnt get a table for dinner on Monday night. ( fair enough we were a walk in) popped in for lunch on Wednesday. They dont do lunch on Tuesday (apparently). Popped in for a drink on Wednesday night. Dont serve people for just drinks until 9pm! Empty tables must be for decoration only then?
