I stayed here with my wife and 1 yr old daughter for a long weekend and its hard to think of any criticisms. Staff were all really helpful and happy to sort out any specific requests (e.g. well cooked veg for my daughter to eat). The lounges are very relaxing and a great place to enjoy the afternoon tea. Room was a good size (we had a luxury room in the main hotel) and had a balcony which would be lovely in the summer - unfortunately it rained all the time we were there. Food was also very good. We will definitely be back.

Left the kids at home & thoroughly enjoyed the break to recharge. We stayed for 2 nights 25/26 Nov 06 in a Superior room - these are all at the front on the 1st floor, with balconies. The hotel had great character dating back to 1825.

Excellent location - easy to walk into the centre of Ambleside and quick to travel round the lakes.

Quality fittings, food and service. Nothing I could criticise, everything to be happy about. The staff actually seemed pleased to be there & enjoyed serving you. Lounges were very comfortable & relaxing.

Also good for a small quality hotel to be linked to the Low Wood Leisure Centre 1.5 miles down the road - free membership - played squash & swam, jacuzzi, steam room plus beauty treatments for my partner. Need to book the beauty treatments at least a week in advance. Made quite a wet weekend very enjoyable. Attached Bistro overlooks Windermere lake.

We were allocated to table 7 for our evening meals by chance & this was a beautiful table in the bay window. Worth requesting.

If you like buildings with character and have family I would go for a family room in the main building rather than the suite in a nearby bungalow - its a bit 1970's looking for us - but hidden away. Would definately return.

We have just returned from an excellent 2 night break which we took to" re-charge our batteries "for the rest of the summer season.We are in the tourist industry and needed a break to help us unwind and we could not have picked a better place.It is just set back from the road but so peaceful and relaxing in the beatiful grounds.The owners and staff so efficent and most welcoming .The cleanleness and decor of the hotel was first class.It was nice to have breakfast served to you instead of help your self which is want I wanted to be spoilt .Dinner was just the same excellent choice of dishes and lovely to relax afterwards in the lovely cosy clean lounge.Many thanks again to the Nixon family and staff for providing us with a lovely break and we will not hesitate to book again when our batteries need re-charging.

Please don't tell everyone about this jewel in the Lake District or we may never be able to get a room again! We have stayed so many times we have probably sampled all of the rooms. Julia and rest of the staff will give a warm welcome. Good food and very comfortable.