Newly renovated with teething troubles
by TripAdvisor Member PaulL1
We arrived at this hotel the first night the new bar and lounge had been opened following the renovations. The theme of the hotel has changed from dark and dingy to bright and contemporary. If you are a traditionalist seeking log fires and dark corners, you will be disappointed.
I actually found the first evening quite entertaining. The lights in the lounge were bright, then turned dim, then bright, then dim. I asked the barman what on earth was going on and he said that it was a new lighting system and it was being tested. He couldn't change anything as the lighting system was all computerised and it was going through its own testing sequence and could last a few hours.
So, we sat down with our drinks in the ever changing lighting to the sound of Christmas carols, yes, Christmas carols. So, I went back to the barman and offerred to lend him a non-Christmas CD from my car. He said that the sound system was also computerised and it didn't use CD's and he didn't know how to change the music.
It wasn't long before we tired of this so went back to our room and ordered a few paninis which turned up uncooked. We had eaten a bit of the salad on the plate before we noticed they were raw and prompty called room service to take the meals away and return them as we originally ordered. On return, the paninis were cooked but they had just dumped them back on our original plates with the original half eaten salad which by now had gone warm and soggy. I phoned reception and told them that on checking out I would not be paying for any of the meals that night. What on earth must be going on in the kitchens?
Overall, the staff quite simply did not have clue. They were pleasant enough, but totally and utterly untrained.
On a positive note, the food when properly prepared was good enough. The breakfast buffet was good when it was all there and the leisure facilties were fine.
The rooom we had was ok but could have been cleaner (there was a used cotton buddy on the floor behind the sink).
Overall, its not a bad place and does seem to have potential.........if only the staff could understand what they are doing.
Room Too Hot - left early
by TripAdvisor Member EverydayPeople
Travelling as part of a 60-strong company party we were due to stay here for 2 nights.
The bar/reception/restaurant area appears to be recently refurbished and appears respectible. The food and drink was good.
Travelling with my wife and 8-month baby son, I had seen the previous reviews so our organiser double-checked with the hotel that the rooms really were suitable for a small baby.
On the first evening/night the room was hot but bearably so. Whilst our baby was fine that night, my wife felt poorly the next day due to the hot night (remember this is September). On the second day, the room temperature just got worse and our baby was overheating.
The hotel obviously knew the room was hot as there was a fan in the wardrobe. However, using this did nothing to reduce the temperature. By 8pm we decided it was too dangerous for our son to stay there and packed and left. Doing this we were missing out on (free) company meal and drinks so wasn't a light decision!
To give a benchmark of the temperature, the pool area was way cooler than our room.
The hotel could not offer another room - but when travelling with children there's too much to lug around anyway.
As soon as our son cooled down he has been absolutely fine (and is a very mild natured boy anyway; so distress is easy to spot).
In summary, we cannot recommend this hotel if travelling with a baby. We had tried to check in advance but clearly this could not cover us.
wonderful
by TripAdvisor Member bobinski
myself and partner stayed here for a weekend for our anniversary in august.
The hotel was in the last weeks of its refurbishment but all work was discrete and did not impact on us at all.
the room we stayed in was well decorated and comfortable with a great view of the lake. The bathroom was gorgeous - large, spacious with a wonderful spa bath (an extra that we did not expect!)
The staff were courteous and helpful at all times
We did not eat in the restaurant at dinner due to there being many wonderful pubs nearby. We did eat there for breakfast however, and this was good value for money.
Much recommended
Return To The Lakes
by TripAdvisor Member Fenlander1
Having booked the Hotel without reading your reviews first we were a little worried at the prospect before arrival. However we were greeted by very friendly and efficient staff and this continued throughout our stay. Our booking had been for a non lake view which on mention of a birthday treat had been "upgraded" to a lake view room, hence our concerns at the main road noise factor previously mentioned by your reviewers.
We found the room to be both clean and well serviced throughout our stay and although the room did prove to be noisey, especially at rush hour, it was compensated for by the superb view.
The Hotel Staff had left a small gift and birthday card for me on arrival which was a thoughtful touch.
The restaurant was excellent in both service & quality for both evening and breakfast and the Bistro good and value for money.
The facilities at this hotel are very good and we would have no hesitation in returning.
As a base for exploring the beautiful Lake District we found it to be ideal, however we did suggest that they might consider secondary double glazing the Lake View Rooms!
Beautiful!
by TripAdvisor Member Agent20
Wow! The refurbished reception is breathtaking!
The rooms are roomy, comfortable and stylish!
The Staff are amazing!
The food in the Windermere restaurant is a delight!
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