We were looking for accommodation for a Christmas group of 11 - eight big people and three young children. We chose Meadway for what we saw as the combination of space and flexibility with price. We were not disappointed.
If you are looking for a country home in a romantic, scenic location with impressive views, Meadway is not it. Rhos-on-Sea has a suburban feel, being mainly 1930s-ish housing between Colwyn Bay and Llandudno. The house itself fits into that mould perfectly: large and stolid and towny, it could be in Watford or Manchester or Hove.
But... if you need a place which can absorb a group of nearly a dozen people, have space for people to lose themselves away from the crowd, all sit round one dining table, with a kitchen fit to feed Christmas dinner to all, and wine glasses and crockery to match, Meadway may be for you.
Bedrooms are comfortable, two with en suite, plus an additional large bath/shower room and a toilet downstairs. The sub-family of five (parents with three small girls) found the bedroom-off-a-bedroom arrangement at the centre of the house really helpful - the girls were quiet at the back of the house and had to pass through their parents' room before making mayhem elsewhere.
The lounge is roomy enough for 12 people to open presents, watch a film or play a game. The dining room was in proportion, and we had our main meals there. Breakfasts were more spaced out and the eating area in the kitchen could take more than half of us at a time.
The big bonus whose value we didn't spot in advance was the games room. TV/video, darts, proper table football were all popular, but it was the retro arcade unit with Pacman and Space Invaders that attracted the younger residents. Great to see my granddaughter enjoying the classics!
Locally, there is plenty to do. On foot we explored the beach and the town, looked at St Trillo's tiny church, went to midnight mass at St George's, and the puppet and conjuring show (at the only permanent puppet theatre in the UK) and climbed the Little Orme - a cracking walk on a cold, bright and blowy Boxing Day. By car we went to Llandudno - beachcombing, fish and chips on the prom and all the delights of the pier. That is all very close - and the whole of Snowdonia is on your doorstep if you want to drive a bit further.
Communication with the owners was exemplary - texts always had rapid and helpful replies. We felt well looked-after throughout our stay.
We will stay again if we have a similar group to look after.