The Rothay Manor is a wonderful hotel in a beautiful setting. A bit pricey, but a classic case of getting what you pay for. We did not see any other place in the area that we would have preferred to stay at, but we saw a huge number that made us thankful to be where we were. We stayed 4 nights in the Loughrigg Cottage, a 2-bedroom, 1-1/2 bath detached cottage next door to the main hotel. It was wonderful. Everything about the place was great: the staff, the food, the location, the setting, etc., etc., etc. It's a convenient 10-minute walk to the center of town, or a 15-minute walk to the pier at the north end of Lake Windermere. Plus, there are public footpaths directly across the streets that lead to convenient hiking trails. We took a footpath from one side of the hotel for an all-day, 10-mile walking tour across Loughrigg Fell and out to Rydal Manor (Wordsworth's home) that began and ended at our front door. The next day, we took another footpath from the opposite side of the hotel and followed it to Wansfell Peak. We were able to get everywhere we wanted in the Lake District by public bus, boat, walking or the occasional taxi. We would not hesitate to stay there again.

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.