Please do not stay at this hotel. We booked three nights after viewing it on the internet. On arrival at the car park, my first impression was that this hotel was in need of a face lift. The entrance was dirty and the paintwork flaking off after years of neglect. Walking in was like going back in time, the whole place seemed dated and dirty. We asked to see our room first, it was very basic and the head board of the bed, was badly stained from the sweaty heads of previous guests. Going back to reception i noticed two areas where water had leaked in and down the walls and many of the stairs were thread bare. I stated that the room was not acceptable and that we wished to go elsewhere. The person on reception said "is it because its tatty", their words not mine!. We had to stay one night, otherwise we would have lost our deposit. In the breakfast room there is a painting of Queen Victoria's coronation, probably there since that year!. We spent the following night at The Red Lion in grasmere. For £7 more we had a great room, clean and well decorated PLUS a swimming pool and jacuzzi. Fantastic after a day walking in the hills!! We lay in the jacuzzi laughing and relaxing and then had a swim in the pool, before changing to go for a meal. Great! We decided to also try the Dale Lodge hotel, just around the corner. Very different again. This is a more contemporary hotel, a great mix of a modern interior and classic Georgian features. A lovely place set in its own grounds. Both hotels are no more than £7 to £9 per person more than the Lakeside and my god its well worth it!! We cannot wait to go back to either. I have never refused to stay in a hotel before or posted comments on a web site, so please, please, take note of what i have said and have a great holiday in the lakes.

We stayed there one night on a family room which was quite spacious and nicely decorated, in an old fashioned way.
Sure, the hotel is old, but I think it still holds it's charm, specially that small dinning room with a view over the lake.
Location is absolutely wonderful. The hotel has a beautiful garden by the lake, kids loved it (and so did we).
Staff was friendly and service was good.

Okay the hotel smells a bit musty and the entrance can be congested with smokers when you try to relax on the Chaisse Longe, but it is set in a lovely location. We can no longer book a family room. What happened?

To say this hotel is tired is an understatement - it's past it's "sell by date". The decor is faded and looks dirty in places, carpets are threadbare, and whilst some of the staff are friendly some were totally disinterested. We were in a group of 12 and in my estimation were treated abysmally. The first night we were literally shepherded into the restaurant and given a fixed menu with NO choice whatsoever! It was only after our organiser complained that we were "given a choice from 2 options" on subsequent evenings. In our room the toilet didn't flush and so we had to ask for a change of room, to be told they were full. Untrue as a couple within our group hadn't been able to go anyway due to illness. Also, drinks were expensive in the bar, and a limited choice.