We spent one night in the New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel at the end of a week-long stay in the Lake District. For walkers, the saying "location, location, location" couldn't be more true given the magnificent surroundings of the Langdale valley.
We had a nice room in a corner of the hotel which was well appointed, modern, and very clean. We had only two minor criticisms: First, the bed was just too soft, and second, the bathroom was like a sauna with no possibility to reduce the heating.
We did not have dinner in the restaurant, but opted for the Walkers' Bar. Food was basic, reasonable, but certainly not outstanding. That said, the breakfast at the hotel was good, complete with cereals and full English fry-up.
Would we stay again? Not sure. The location is excellent. However, it is not the cheapest of places and both the pub opposite and the bar are no match to our favourite pub in the Lakes, the Black Bull in Coniston - especially in the evening, when tired legs need a good pint of hand-pulled local beer.

We have stayed here several times but not for over two years. Little has changed. The staff were just as friendly and helpful, the food great and of ciourse the scenery fantastic. Recommended for its position and food. A great place to unwind after a day on the fells. We did think the wine had gone up in price though at £15.50 for the basic house wine and £5.50 for a large glass.
Still graet though.

I love the Langdales. I've been dozens of times from being a small child and it's just perfect. There are masses of walks ranging from the sedate to the spectacular and the challenge of the famous pikes. The phrase "four seasons in one day" must have been coined here first. It's just brilliant!

My wife knows this and arranged a surprise 3 night break for my birthday at the New Dungeon Ghyll - somewhere that I'd seen lots of times (usually on my way to the nearby Stickle Barn pub) but had never visited.

The location is perfect for exploring the valley and surrounding areas being about 5 miles from Ambleside in Great Langdale.

The hotel itself does show signs of tiredeness, particularly in the reception area, but has few other flaws.

We had the 4-poster bedroom and although it was quite small, it was comfortable and well equipped with a TV, iron, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities.

The shower was a bit hit-and-miss (strong, weak, hot, warm, cold, hot again etc) but that's not the end of the world and there was nothing else about the room to 'whinge' about.

The communal lounge/bar is traditional and in some respects 'old fashioned' but this is in-keeping with the building and the area.

The best bit is the restaurant. The food and service was simply excellent (though the menu was virtually the same for 2 of our 3 night stay).

We had dinner included in the price of the room which offers a £5 discount over the 'a la carte' prices (which came to about £28 a head for 4-courses and coffee)

The breakfast was of the same high standard. Well prepared and quickly served with everything from cereal, fruit and kippers through to the 'full English'.

As it was my birthday, my wife asked for champagne to be delivered to the room and enquired as to whether a cake could also be arranged. The girl who took the booking offered to call at a local supermarket for something suitable which was a nice touch.

Anyway, the champagne was waiting for us on arrival (£36.50 a bottle which seemed to me a little steep for 'house' champagne) and the cake was presented with my evening meal on the first night.

Far from being a supermarket effort, it looked like the chef had actually made a cake complete with strawberries on top and buttered icing. It was delicious (and could have fed the hotel!)

We had two pieces and asked whether it could be stored in the fridge for the following night.

At the meal the night after, the cake reappeared but it had been 'freshened' up with a dusting of chocolate and some extra fruit. Excellent!

I know 'it's only a cake' but it was a nice touch - expecially when the bill came and they'd only added a fiver for it.

Little things like this matter - hotelliers take note!

We will definitelty return!

I've stayed at the NDG at least once a year for many a year for a long weekend of walking in the Langdales valley. The rooms are good quality especially the four poster room. However, I have noticed that the food in the restaurant has gone off significantly from what it once was. The last few years the food has been great - a daily changing menu of locally sourced ingredients cooked by a chef with a very deft touch. We used to be smacking our lips all the way over the Crinkle Crags thinking about our big dinner to come. However, our last trip saw an absolutely huge menu which just must have had a lot of pre-prepared or frozen meals and a very heavy handed approach. What a shame - I'm not sure we will return.