It could be luxurious but wasn't

On arrival there was nobody at reception. We pressed the bell but no one came. Eventually we had to go and find someone to book us in. There is no lift (Not surprising in an old house like this) but although we had told them my husband had a disability problem, there was no one to help carry our cases up the stairs even though we asked. The room was pokey with no view. The food at the restaurants is simply pub-grub and I have eaten better at local pubs. The so called gourmet restaurant is nothing of the sort. Arranging food to look pretty doesn't make up for poor cooking. The staff were very willing but inexperienced and I suspect there are not enough of them. This hotel mostly caters for weddings and any other guests are merely there to fill the rooms. Great pity as the hotel itself is beautiful and this could have been a great few days. Unfortunately it wasn't.

Overnightstay

On arrival. receptionist was helpful and friendly.
The room was clean and adequate but very cramped
Dinner was good, though not quite gourmet
Situation of the hotel was excellent with turning views

Poor service all round

We checked in early, the room was very small and an upgrade was not available even though the hotel was far from full. The restaurant meals were mediocre for the four stars it was meant to be. The main courses were badly cooked and presented. The breakfast was adequate but over cooked.

one night escape

We booked the room quite late, but thought the rate for the size / standard of the room (2nd floor right at the end of the corridor) was too high. Check in a bit fraught and had to remind them of the bottle of fizz we were due on arrival.

Food at dinner was very good but the breakfast service was poor. Slow for number of guests and staff were polite but a little unpolished in the service delivered.

Dog friendly and liked the open fires.

Weekend break with dinner

Lovely hotel in great location. Staff were friendly and welcoming but rushed off their feet. It would make a lovely wedding venue but it just felt massively understaffed.

Honest Review

*Hotel in lovely position with views of Lake Windermere
*Nice driveway approach
*Service not so good for afternoon tea, had to find a staff member to serve us some tea?
*Room one dated desperately in need of make over, poor quality mattress, poor nights sleep, did report when checking out so hopefully another hotel guest will not experience this.
*Hotel very cold especially on a damp September day, windows in room were full of condensation (lake view?)
*Meal was lovely 7 course roasting menu
*Breakfast room had been renovated to a high standard, I do feel the hotel would benefit by looking after customers by renovating other areas.
*Reception lady (sorry did not catch her name) was very helpful and accommodating
*overall not a very pleasant stay to celebrate husbands birthday.

Pricey with poor service

Positives
The hotel is beautiful and lovingly restored. The room was good unfortunately we didn t have a view of the lake. The tasting menu was excellent and we would highly recommend.

Negatives
At 3.30pm couple next to us in the lounge had scones and tea the plates were still on the table when we came down for dinner at 7pm. The buffet breakfast was lukewarm and we we had to ask for toast.

I appreciate getting staff at the moment is a challenge our night away was 208 pounds and service is part of the cost you pay. Staff seemed disinterested except the waitress would served us our tasting menu. If it hadn t been for the tasting menu I would not have thought we got value for money. I am prepared to pay but the quality has to be there.

Merewood our February stay.

We chose this hotel for being dog friendly and it certainly was. Our room overlooking the lake was rather small but exceptionally clean. No cocktail menu & quite a delay in bar service.
Staff friendly, food good quality.