(I originally posted the first draft of this on trivago.co.uk under bean372042)
The Hotel Glenridding is set in a beautiful location right next to LakeUllswater near PenrithCumbria, when I say right next to, if you walk more than 30 paces from the car park, you will fall in! It is set in an extremely quiet village with a couple of shops and tearooms and little or no nightlife, however, that is not what this holiday is about. The area hasn't been tainted with the tourist brush quite yet. It still retains charm and peace. The hotel itself is a quaint mix of old and new architecture and has 36 rooms including four posters, lake views, family suites and large corner rooms available for a supplement (aprox £25 per night)
Reception/lounge and bar area. Walking through the large front door you immediately come to the above area. It is beautifully furnished with an eclectic mix of comfy
chairs and settees by a roaring fire. Here you can relax with a drink from the well stocked bar, enjoy a snack or warm up with a large cafeteria of fresh coffee. Dogs are welcome here and a stock of doggie treats is skilfully hidden behind the bar, it didn't take ours long to figure that out! Reception is just at the end of the bar, where staff will offer help and advice on the hotel or the surrounding area. Here you will find guidebooks and maps of walks around the hotel. The walks are all graded (easy - hard) and a rough guide to how long it will take you, any time from one hour to nearly a full day depending on how fit you are. The hotel suggests that if you are trying one of the more difficult walks that you inform them roughly what time you are due back, so they can send out a search party if you are late. (Good idea if you are a novice) Also the hotel will make uppacked lunches including drinks flasks for you to take with you and give you detailed maps of the walks.
Room We upgraded to a large corner room, overlooking the river. It did not disappoint, it had large double aspect windows, plenty of room, a TV, tea and coffee facilities and a very comfortable king size bed. The room was clean and tastefully decorated, as was the bathroom, which had a huge bath and plenty of toiletries. Chudleigh soon found her place, under the large window by the radiator.
Dining The main dining room is set on three levels but I felt that the seating arrangements were a little too close together. However, the food made up for this, there was a good selection of food including interesting vegetarian options, such as goats cheese salad and mushroom risotto as well as local lamb or fish chowder. These were served in generous portions by attentive waiting staff. The desserts were beautifully presented and mouth-wateringly good. The wine list was also impressive, having a good range of newer wines as well as the more traditional. (Dogs are not allowed in this room, but you are welcome to eat off this menu in the downstairs bar.). It is open from 6.00pm till 10.00pm but earlier meals can be provided for families with young children. Breakfast is also served in here and there is a varied choice at this mealtime including lots of cereals, porridge and fresh fruit for starters followed by kippers, which are smoked on the premises and full English breakfast, including an extra large version for those intending to walk many a mile.
Bar (best bit!) The downstairs bar is another attractive part of the hotel. It has a flagstone floor (no guilt about muddy boots in here) and again a roaring fire at one end and nobody bats an eye if you throw off your boots and stick your feet up close! The furniture is wooden and a little rickety but that only adds to the charm. The bar is well stocked with a good choice of ales and wine and again the staff are friendly and helpful. As I have mentioned you can eat off the restaurant menu here, but they also have specials on the blackboard. We enjoyed a tasty rib eye steak with all the trimmings and dessert for a reasonable £7.95 each. This bar has a great atmosphere; it is a nice area to relax before bed. Dogs tend to wander about hovering up any crumbs and generally wanting a fuss.
Pool The hotel also boasts an indoor pool and sauna area, which is located downstairs. The hotel provides towels for guests to use here, which can be found in the changing rooms. The pool is surprisingly large with water jets to swim against if you have the energy and the sauna is located next to the pool. You can actually view what's happening in the pool area from your bedroom TV, handy if you want to make sure it's quiet and also for parents keeping an eye on older children. Obviously dogs aren't allowed down here, but she was so tired (as were we) she was asleep in the room.
Other Rooms If you like games there is the Donald Campbell library upstairs (dedicated to the man who broke the water speed record) which has a billiard table and sun lounge as well as information about Campbell who gave his speech from that very room! There are also conference facilities and three small private dining rooms. Attached to the hotel is their own coffee house and cyber café, beware the homemade cakes are addictive!
To sum up, the hotel is a perfect base for people wishing to enjoy the Lake District at its unspoilt best. Everyone is welcome here, including dogs! It is comfortable, clean and the staff are friendly, helpful and well informed. We went in February, it was a bit wet (that's the Lakes for you) and cold but it really didn't matter it was a fantastic break. Rates from around £60 pppn bed and breakfast, but there are usually special offers throughout the year.
Thanks for reading, I know it's long but there is loads to tell! Jean X
Pictures of Best Western Glenridding Hotel, Penrith
Glenridding Hotel
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On the shores of Ullswater and surrounded by a variety of walks, this hotel is perfectly ... more
placed for touring the Lake District and its breathtaking scenery. There is a stylish lounge for unwinding in, with a beautiful Lakeland Slate fireplace and elegan...
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Price is per double room per night and may vary depending on date booked...
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