The Gwenllian Court was originally built in the last century as a gentleman's country residence for the owner of Kidwelly Tinplate Works - now an industrial museum next to the hotel. The building was later to become renowned as a building of local stature under the name of Felindre House.

The present name reflects the building's place in local history by taking it's name from Princess Gwenllian - a local heroine whose bravery has since passed into legend. In 1136, the Princess lost her life when, as head of an army, took up battle and was defeated by the Normans on a field now called Maes Gwenllian, which lies on the banks of the Gwendraeth Fach river.

Today, the hotel has undergone extensive changes, but still retains that inimitable style that can only come from such a heritage.