We stayed at Rothay Manor for 2 nights in the Loughrigg Suite. This suite is in a separate building across the car park. While the suite was very spacious, it is of 70's or early 80's vintage, is outdated and smelled like a bad Holiday Inn. (It's a bad sign when you see a Glade air freshener on the shelf in the bathroom.) We booked this hotel for its character, but our accommodations in the separate building were nothing like the character of the main hotel.

Our arrival at the hotel is a perfect example of the importance of first impressions. When we booked the hotel, we asked specifically whether our children would be welcome in the dining room. They are both over 7 years of age and extraorindarily well behaved. We were assured that the hotel's policy is that children over 7 would be welcome in the dining room. But the receptionist who greeted on arrival indicated that our children were not expected to appear in the dining room for dinner. While we did fix the problem, and did take dinner with our children, the experience left us with a sour taste and made the two smaller guests of our party feel uncomfortable and unsure whether it was really ok that they were there. Another comment on the front desk staff is that several times when we went to the desk, there was nobody there, and we could see that the staff were in the office behind the desk carrying on conversations, etc. Twice I had to wait so long that I ended up just walking away.

The saving grace of our stay here was the food. Breakfasts were fabulous, and our dinner was memorable and fantastic. The service staff in the dining room at both breakfast and dinner were absolutely wonderful -- friendly, welcoming (especially to our children) and very attentive. I can't say enough about how terrific they were.

The cleaning staff were also very helpful and friendly. Such a huge contrast between the reception staff and the wonderful cleaning and dining staff!

With the exception of the dining experience (which you can have even if you stay elsewhere), we were disappointed. Not at all the charming hotel experience we expected from the website and other advertising. If I were ever to return, I would be sure to stay in the main hotel.

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.