We were very disappointed with this hotel, having been led to believe it was going to be a luxurious treat. The two rooms looked into the back car park and were dark and very small. I had asked for a room suitable for an elderly person, but there were steps all over the hotel, as well as into the room, and not even a grab rail in the shower. There were none of the usual things available in the room apart from tea and coffee. No facecloths, tissues, no bathmat one day, the towels weren't changed and the rooms were not very clean and rather shabby.
The breakfasts were lovely! The evening meal a big disappointment! The staff were very friendly.
The website claimed that they could pick you up from the station - not so! Neither on our arrival nor departure was anyone able to save us the £9.00 taxi fare for the 4 mile journey to Windermere station.
The swimming pool was tiny, and there was a rental charge of 50p per towel, so we just didn't bother.

We certainly would not recommend this hotel. It was over-priced and we felt it was well past its 'sell by' date.

We stayed in a garden room (no 41) for 5 nights. The room was clean, bright and comfortable. Breakfast was fantastic and my man enjoyed a perfect full english breakfast (known as the Lakelander) every morning. Dinner was also good with a choice of dishes plus the opportunity to choose from the al a carte menu for a small supplement.

I wouldn't describe the hotel as '5 star', but I would say that its excellent value for money, and an enjoyable place to stay.

Positives:
+ Proximity to ambleside (close enough but far enough)
+ Food was fab - and I'm difficult to please!

Negatives (and I'm trying hard to find these!!)
- Jacuzzi bath sounded like a Boeing 747, hardly relaxing!
- Pool was small, focus on your walking, forget your swimming!
- Garden rooms don't overlook the garden as you might expect (but they are very quiet!!).
- Bar expensive (but there is a pub opposite!!!)

We will definitely return.

Reception staff friendly but on arrival at the room was very disappointed - very small dark room and a very dirty carpet. Was looking forward to the breakfast after reading the reveiws but it was probably the worst I have had - the fried bread was a joke, soggy and horrid! I am sure there are a lot better places to stay in Ambleside and more reasonable too.

We stayed at the Regent by the lake for a weekend break in one of their beautiful garden rooms.
The hotel is beautifully decorated the staff are friendly and helpfull and our room was just perfect!
The bathroom had a jacuzzi bath which was lovely and being able to watch a DVD with a glass of wine in our room on a rainy afternoon was fab! Our room was quite spacious and had its own terrace which we loved.
Breakfast was great and served till noon which is handy!
We will definately be returning to this hotel although it was a little bit on the pricey side so next time we deserve a treat!!!