Short break

Perfect location for a break in the Lake District. Comfortable rooms, relaxing spa and beautiful views over Lake Windermere. Staff were friendly and helpful. Parking close by was a bonus.

Great getaway hotel

We loved our stay. Only one downside was very slow service each morning at breakfast. Perhaps more staff are required at this time.

Perfect location for exploring the lakes

A great location for exploring the south lakes.
The staff were very welcoming when checking in, the package we had included a welcome drink so we sat in the bar which looks out onto the lake.

We selected a super deluxe room with a lake view but were disappointed as it didn t look the super deluxe room on the website. It was like the standard room with a large window/view of the lake. The views of the lake were wonderful, however the room was dated.

The bed frame and headboard was not in the best condition due to some of the faux leather peeling off. However, the bed was very comfortable. A mini fridge would be a huge bonus, although the end of March, we had a couple of warm sunny days so the room was very warm and we had nowhere to put water or milk to keep cold. The staff were great and brought us fresh milk when requested for tea/coffee in the room.

The spa area is nice, 20m swimming pool was enough to get my morning swim in. The steam room wasn t working during our 2 night stay but the sauna and ice experience was.

A great stay could just do with the bedroom furniture updating and the photos on this website and Macdonald updating to reflect the room that you re actually getting.

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Best view of lake Windermere!

Had a great stay here over Easter. Excellent facilities throughout.
Staff very welcoming, respectful and helpful and room had spectacular views over the lake.
Room had a few very small things that a brief refurb would easily resolve. No complaints in general.
Restaurant was great and very accommodating for vegans and allergens, with its own menu. Just ensure to book times with receptions if you plan to have meals here. Afternoon tea also available, however if vegan/gluten free ensure to book 24h in advance.
If you want treatments then make sure you book before arriving. Swimming pool on the small side but should be fine during off-peak times.
Location is ideal as you're straight out on to the lake to enjoy the day and the train station is just a short bus ride from outside the hotel to most of the villages (Grasmere/Ambleside/Rydal), Coniston from the train station).
Overall very good value for money when you add in the meals. Would definitely stay here again!

Old England Hotel

The hotel is in a central location in Bowness on Windermere. It really couldn't be better placed. It is an old building but is well furnished. Some areas need updating with carpets and furniture badly in need of replacing or looking at. The restaurant is beautifully appointed with wonderful views over the lake. The food is very good. Our only problem is the menu which is the same every day. Whilst understanding this we felt that there should be a special added every day so that you don t get very bored when staying for a week. The staff in general were very good and helpful. We had two issues. One waiter was exempt from wearing a mask but we felt shouldn t have been serving in the restaurant in the current climate. Secondly we had a dreadful signal on our tv which made it unwatchable.With the current political situation we felt we need to be able to have access. It wasn t dealt with and only on the last evening was offered another room by a concierge that had just come back from a few days off.
On the whole a very good hotel and we would stay again.

Beautiful hotel

Lovely stay there, location and ambience was fantastic. Food was OK - the a la carte options for vegetarians wasn t great - but the service from staff at the restaurants was wonderful and attentive. I would go back again.