If I could have given this a zero rating, I would have. The mattress on our bed was broken with the springs sticking out and a missing handle on a long window in our room meant it would be extremely easy to fall out of the window if off-balance, in fact my partner almost did fall out of the window himself.

When we raised these issues with the owner in a polite and constructive manner we were completely shocked by his reaction. In fact he used what can only be described as the most foul and offensive language to tell us to get out of his hotel. When I said I would be taking the matter further, he laughingly told us that he was bomb-proof.

Prior to our discussion with the owner we had witnessed a distressing situation when he attempted to throw out a young woman carrying a baby who was visiting an elderly resident, telling her that children were not allowed in his hotel.

Our bedroom was tiny and bore no relationship to the rooms shown on the web site and the food represented very bad value for money.

The whole experience was akin to Fawlty Towers without the good humour. I cannot believe this man is in business.

Superficially a mediocre hotel, but after 24 hours, our views dropped to postively awful. We were given a very small double room above the kitchen. Ensuite was so tiny that you could barely turn around. Next morning we asked if we could move to a larger room as my partner is a larger man of 6'3". We were immediatley offered an upgrade to a mini suite in the basement, which again on first impressions seemed very good. However, the bed was like sleeping on a straw bale, the pillows really uncomfortable, the sink plug did not work, the power shower was lovely until it flew off the fixings as soon as it was turned on, the toilet leaked and only flushed properly after the second attempt ; the badly fitted bathroom door did not close and the window was cracked. A silly small TV on top of the wardrobe, and another in the sitting area. We were reluctant to complain again as they had been so accomodating at moving us. We ate in the restraunt the first night. Food was ok, not special, service was excellent. Things went really downhill when I asked for an ice bucket with ice, and was informed very curtly that there would be a charge of £2.50 !!. I was about to book for the restaurant but was so put off by the attitude that we went out for a meal locally.

We used the swimming pool at their partner leisure centre, which was sadly overcrowed and extremely small.

Bar area and decor was ok, cheap fittings though and no attention to detail.

On checking out the same lady asked us if were leaving with more than we arrived with!!, we did not understand what she meant, then she explained that we should have taken advantage of the excellent shopping facilities...believe me you don't go to Windemere for shopping Kendal not very different .

I told her about the leaking toilet and was told that this was due to condensation..we did not bother to mention all the other faults with the room, but have noticed other similar reviews about basement rooms so assume they already know.

All in all probably not a bad hotel for the area, my Mum and Dad would love it.

From the moment we arrived the staff were freindly and warm and could not do enough for us, the rooms were very good with great view and always clean, Food was what can only be described as excellent restaurant service was first class and the head chef was charming and courteous . The cruise on board Mistress was terrific and Alan and Suzanne could only be described as the perfect hosts, it all added up to a wonderful experience for myself and my partner and will be booking again for next year, many thanks to all.

We arrived at the Applegarth to a very friendly welcome by Alan, the hotel owner. The room was perfect and was laid out beautifully with plenty of storage, a breakfast nook in a side bay window and an exceptional view out over the fells and down to Lake Windermere itself which, although obscured by the tree line, could be seen through the main bay window. A flat screen TV, dresser, wardrobe, four poster bed, kettle, hair dryer, clock radio, telephone, corner bath, shower, and all the usual bits and pieces such as robes, toiletries etc were supplied without question. The room was turned down each day and all supplies updated. Canapes were supplied before dinner, whilst sitting in the bar, and all food and drinks were attributed to the room, to be settled at the end of the stay. The dining area also looked out across the fells towards the lake and the food itself was superb. The menu, although limited, provided something for all tastes and, believe me, we gave everything a try! Personally, I'd heartily recommend the vension, it was SO good! All the staff, whether owner or employee, were very personable and very approachable and I cannot praise the Applegarth enough. It is highly highly recommended on all fronts and we have already discussed returning next year. Give it a try, you'll love it!