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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The George Hotel is something of a local treasure, situated in the pretty market town of Penrith, perfectly located to explore the Eden valley with Ullswater and the Lake District just a few miles away. The lounge is popular with locals for morning coffee and cake, lunches and afternoon teas.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Mid-range
Languages Spoken
English, Polish, Romanian
Location
Devonshire Street, Penrith CA11 7SU England
The George Hotel
4.1 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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The George Hotel presents an intriguing mix of old and new in its rooms, which, despite a few organizational quirks, are typically lauded for their cleanliness and comfort. Guests have called out the hotel for its poor value for money, highlighting steep room rates and underwhelming food portions. Service experiences at The George Hotel vary, with some praising the staff's friendliness, while others lament inefficiencies.
The amenities receive positive marks overall for their thoughtful inclusions and quality, although there's room for enhancement. The hotel's vibrant atmosphere and spotless public spaces also earn rave reviews from many travelers.
Atmosphere
Lively
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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I was up in Penrith for work and it’s fair to say, there’s not a huge choice of places to say centrally! I was nervous as reviews were very mixed but I have had the most fabulous stay and would thoroughly recommend staying here.
I’ll start with the only negative, I was on the 3rd floor and the stairs are a killer! BUT everything else was amazing.
1) Every single member of staff was charming, helpful and nothing was too much trouble at any point. I was welcomed with a smile on arrival, someone carried my bag up to my room and then brought it down when I was checking out. It was good old fashioned hospitality at its best.
2) I stayed in a refurbished room. It was immaculately clean, comfortable bed, great shower with plentiful piping hot water and nice Elemis products in the bathroom. I would also add that although the main light is a bit bright with bright white LED lights, it is perfect for doing make up! I just put the bedside lamps for a warmer light in the evening.
3) I had dinner in the evening and only wanted something light so had a Ploughman’s. It was perfectly serviceable - not particularly exciting but it is a Ploughman’s after all!! It was exactly what I wanted
4) Breakfast was great. I only had the cooked breakfast but there was a huge choice of pastries, fruit and cereals as well. Most importantly ( for me!) I had a great pot of tea. Teapot didn’t spill and no skimping on teabags so it was nice and strong!! Cooked breakfast was delicious and there was also a great menu of other tasty options - Eggs Benedict, Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Eggs. Another guest nearby had the smoked salmon and it looked delicious and generous.
Sadly I’m not sure I’ll be coming up again for work but if I did, I wouldn’t hesitate to come back to The George!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mixed thoughts on this rather nice old fashioned hotel A warm welcome from reception hotel appeared busy but with older clentel for Sunday Lunch
Room was spotless bit dated Bathroom nice, heater, fan iron and board in the wardrobe, ususl tea and coffee set up
Had a pre dinner drink in a very modern bar ! It was busy and slick, Live trio in hall/ lounge good lively crowd !
Dinner was a disaster ! I asked how the beef was cooked ? Major language translation issues, was assured it was pink ! Arrived cremated ! Restaurant was cool, but a lovely plastered ceiling.
Good nights sleep
Breakfast was excellent and lovely lady serving Hot freshly cooked ! Best bit so far !
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip:No lift
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from John Dawes, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded 21 Apr 2024
Hi Michael D Thank you for taking the time to review your visit and thank you for your observations We do hope to see you return Kindest Regards Team George
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We were travelling home from Scotland and decided to break our journey by staying overnight in Penrith. All the staff we met were excellent and couldn’t be more helpful.
When booking the room I told the manager both my wife and I had difficulty with stairs so could we be on the first floor please. With it being 300 years old and a listed building there wasn’t going to be a lift. It was a bit of a labyrinth to our room but he carried our bags up for us without us having to ask.
The room itself was was just what you wanted. Clean, tidy, tea/coffee facilities, and a comfortable bed. When I’d telephoned and said about our difficulties he said he would put us in a room with a walk-in shower which he did and it was better for us.
We had a meal in the bar, which was quiet as you would expect with how things are at the moment, which was filling and we couldn’t eat a dessert. We also had a lively and interesting chat with the staff in the bar and those who had just finishing work.
Comfortable nights sleep and our bags were brought down for us, again without us having to ask. All in all a good stay and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded 15 Jan 2022
Thanks for those lovely and kind words Geoff. Hope you can visit us soon. Dave and team George
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We arrived 9th August and stayed two nights. We were allocated a refurbished room on the second floor. The room was extremely hot and unbearable at times, even with the windows slightly opened as they had a lock on them which only allowed them to opened 2 inch. The room was situated close to the kitchen so the extractor fan was going most of the time and it was very noisy.
The room had been refurbished but there was grout marks on the tiles above the shower where it had not been cleaned after the refurb. The duvet was 3 inch thick and it was a winter duvet so far too warm for august. They did not have a summer duvet so we were given a white duvet cover.
In general the hotel looks shabby and unloved and is in need of a major refurbishment. The first landing under the radiator looked as though it hadn’t been hoovered in months, and the 2 flights of stairs had not been hoovered for the duration of our stay. The seating was dirty and threadbare in places as was some of the carpets. Very unclean in general and the back bar was a bit of a dumping ground
I used to live in Penrith for over 40 years and The George had a reputation as an upmarket hotel. I personally would not give this hotel 2 stars. I wish we had stayed at the premier inn instead.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Do not go here as you will be disappointed. very unclean
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from John Dawes, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded 14 Aug 2023
Hi KevC139 Thank you for your observations upon your recent stay, to which I have already responded on another platform. We always set out to exceed peoples expectations and refurbishment is ongoing, so we are disappointed to hear you did not enjoy your visit on this occasion Our lounges are full with locals and guests alike and The George is a hive of activity, at a time where we have full occupancy. We are due to refurb our ground floor areas in the near future You will be welcomed back to see the investment the new owners are and will be putting in to enhance our very old Local Hotel The windows have locks on as per our health and safety policy, but we could have released them on your request. The Back bar has a notice on the door stating that it is closed and to use our brand new bar adjoining the lounge. This bar is closed as we are refurbing it as soon as time allows, so not sure why you would call it a dumping ground I will pass on your observations to the team and wish you well for the future Kindest Regards and safe travels Team George
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We have just spent 2 nights at this wonderful hotel. The management and staff are so attentive and caring. Food is exceptional and portions are huge (maybe skip starter if you want a pudding 😉) we stayed in a club room which was very spacious, spotless and comfortable. We felt completely safe as far as covid is concerned, there were hand sanitizers and signage throughout the hotel. We can't wait to go back, Penrith is an excellent base for exploring the lakes.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded 19 Feb 2022
Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review. We concentrate on our strengths one of which is the level of service we can provide. This combined with team members that are naturally lovely people allows us to give a warm experience for our cracking guests. Hope you return soon. Dave and team George
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We bought a Groupon to stay here for £99 for a night in their larger room with breakfast included. When the hotel got in touch I requested a quiet room since I’m pregnant and really wanted a good night sleep. Unfortunately, quite often people were walking in and out of the door right outside our room and banging it shut very loudly.
Then there was a problem with the water pressure in room 4/6 (can’t remember if it was room 6 or 4 we were staying in) the one they’d put us in. There was absolutely no hot water, a staff member managed to fix it after adjusting the boiler and running the taps. But then knocked on our door a few hours later as room 4/6 had lost their pressure and they wanted us to run our taps, we were just trying to relax at this point. Then about 9pm my husband wanted to have a shower and there was again absolutely no hot water at all, by this point after my husband tried to mess with the water it was nearly 10pm so we gave up and decided we just wouldn’t be able to wash here.
Then to make it worse, it was a rather warm night and I wanted to keep the window open. But the staff take to smoking constantly right under our window so the room absolutely stunk of smoke and we were breathing in their second hand smoke - I’m pregnant so this is absolutely terrible.
It’s just such a shame, as the room is lovely, very clean, nice bathroom. Easy parking and the staff are very friendly when you talk to them. But I wouldn’t stay here again because how are you meant to relax and use a room with no hot water, constant noise, and the absolute stink of smoke constantly.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded 3 Aug 2021
Thanks Meg for the review and for pointing out where we can improve the experience we provide. We have recently had a lot of very expensive work done on our hot water system which caused air locks in the system for a good few days. The issue has now been resolved.We are also extending the hotel which has displaced the staff room temporarily so please accept my sincere apologies for this. I am looking at finding an alternative area for the team here to take a break. We did receive your email the day after your stay and were investigating the issues experienced but we then received a number of negative reviews across a number of platforms within 24 hours so not affording us the opportunity to make things right. However please accept my apologies again for the experience you had. Safe travels and I wish you well for the future. Dave and team George
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We stayed here for couple of nights on a golf break. We stayed in room 46 which had been refurbished. It had a large comfortable bed , dressing gowns, modern shower, free water each night and also had a fan as it was extremely hot. Service from check in to the bar staff was excellent at all times. We will definitely be staying here again when we return to penrith. Thank you for a fantastic stay.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Free parking at the rear of the hotel
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from John Dawes, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded 29 Aug 2022
Hi Deano1957 Many thanks for your lovely review, we look forward to another visit Team George
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I have stayed at this hotel on several occasions and was vey disappointed that whoever was in room 19 Saturday 13th January thought it was ok to go out on the evening and leave their dog locked in the room. The dog barked for at least 60 - 90 minutes. My husband reported this to reception and the reply ‘ the owners may be having dinner’ the whole point of a dog friendly hotel is that the dog can join them in the restaurant. Again this morning the occupants of room 19 set off for breakfast but had to return to room as they only got to the end of the corridor before the dog started to bark as yet again they were prepared to leave it locked in the room. I’m due back to Penrith the end of February and will definitely look for alternative accommodation.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from John Dawes, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded 18 Jan 2024
Hi iancJ8914FE Thank you for taking the time to review your visit I am sure this is a one off, we are dog friendly and do have areas for guests to eat with their four legged friends so not sure why someone would leave their dog in the room leaving other guests to be disturbed I do hope we can see you again Best wishes and safe travels Team George
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Step back in time at The George Hotel. It’s a beautiful old building with links to the 45 Rebellion and Bonnie Prince Charlie. We stayed for a one night visit on a Sunday incorporating a Roast Beef dinner in the afternoon. The dinner was excellent as was the service, good portions and the beef was succulent. We checked in on an upgrade to a feature room which was lovely, a view of the Main Street and if you have not visited Penrith, then May I suggest you do, it’s a beautiful old town with Georgian architecture and Tudor also. The room was spacious and cosy with good facilities ie, toiletries, tea, coffee etc. Overall the staff were very friendly and relaxed, nothing was too much trouble, if I really had to pick a fault then it would have to be that they ran out of cheesecake (after Sunday’s lunch) and smoked salmon for breakfast, however this is really a trivial matter and did not spoil a lovely relaxing experience, I would definitely visit again and recommend to other travellers
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:It’s well worth using the hotel car park for £3, ensure that you book for food
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from John Dawes, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded 21 Apr 2024
Hi ChrisL1845 Thank you ever so much for the lovely review We hope to see you again in the near future Kindest Regards and safe travels Team George
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We stayed for 1 night with the dog on the way home from the lakes on the summertime deal so bed , breakfast , evening meal and two free drinks for £139 including £10 for the dog , had room 18 which was a large room with a king size bed , fan , hair dryer and robes . Went for diner last night and what a nice surprise Sunday diner followed by mixed berry sundae and both were lovely , Cumbrian breakfast this morning was very nice . Very dog friendly we sat near reception for our meals as he is a big dog and we had more room for him but this was no problem. All the staff very helpful and do a great job , have stayed before and will definitely stay again.
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Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from John Dawes, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded 9 Aug 2022
Hi leonf Thank you so much for that lovely review of your recent stay with us Kind Regards from all at Team George and we hope for a return visit in the near future Thanks once again
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Manchester, United Kingdom1,424 contribution236 helpful votes
The car park is quite small , I suggest you arrive before 12 and by then people have left ( before 11) , therefore the chance of a space is good . Arrive at 3 and you may well struggle .
There are more places to choose from in the Penrith area.
PRICE RANGE
£87 - £124 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCumbriaLake DistrictEden DistrictPenrith
NUMBER OF ROOMS
40
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