September 01, 2026 - 174 views
A historic Llandudno hotel hoping to be crowned the best in Wales has invested £120,000 in a major programme to cut its carbon emissions.
The Grade II-listed Belmont Hotel, built in the 1850s, has reduced its overall carbon emissions by 35 per cent, while gas consumption has fallen by 45 per cent following the introduction of new energy-saving technology.
The investment comes as the hotel celebrates being shortlisted for Hotel of the Year at the 2026 Welsh Hospitality Awards, with the winner due to be announced in Cardiff on September 15.
Hotel manager Liam Donnelly described the nomination as the “cherry on the cake”, particularly because it followed nominations from members of the public.
He is hoping for a double celebration, having previously led the team at the Llandudno Bay Hotel to victory in the Hotel Team of the Year category in 2023.
The Belmont is part of the Everbright Hotel Group, which also owns the Llandudno Bay Hotel. A similar energy-saving project was completed at the Bay last year.
Measures introduced at the Belmont include thermodynamic panels, voltage optimisers which reduce the electricity supply from 240 to 220 volts, and banks of batteries which store surplus energy so it can be used when electricity is cheaper at night.
The group is also planning to install solar panels at the Belmont, with the aim of significantly reducing its reliance on electricity from the grid between March and September.
Everbright hopes to introduce similar environmental measures at its other properties, including Rossett Hall near Wrexham, the Wild Pheasant Hotel and Spa in Llangollen, The George Hotel in Penrith and Stonecross Manor in the Lake District.
Mr Donnelly said the investment in green technology was helping the group stay ahead of the competition, while also giving customers another reason to choose its hotels.
He said the Belmont's 27-room size also allowed staff to develop close relationships with guests, many of whom return several times a year.
The hotel group's sustainability work has already received recognition, with the Llandudno Bay Hotel previously named Sustainable Luxury Hotel Group of the Year and Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Hotel of the Year at the Go North Wales Tourism Awards.
Everbright Group Operations Director Darryl Shaw said the Belmont's award nomination was a “well-deserved honour”.
He said the hotel's close-knit team consistently went the extra mile for customers and colleagues.
“To be nominated for an award by the public is always extra special because that reflects the standard of service we provide day in and day out,” he said.
The Belmont's Hotel of the Year winner will be announced at the Welsh Hospitality Awards ceremony in Cardiff on September 15.
