The term 'hardly welcoming' can be described by the crossword solutions ICY, COLD, and STONY. These words all suggest a lack of warmth and hospitality, which is what 'hardly welcoming' implies. ICY suggests something that is very COLD and unfriendly, COLD implies a lack of warmth and emotion, and STONY implies a lack of emotion and a hard exterior. Together, these words paint a picture of a situation or environment that is not inviting or inviting.