Tebay Services Hotel

Over the past few years we've become huge fans of Westmorland Services (Tebay) and look forward to stopping there for a nice meal, clean loos and a visit to their farm shop, on our trips up to Glasgow to see my husband's parents. We've noticed that they had a hotel but never thought we'd ever visit it. When we were trying to decide where to stay as a post-retirement treat from our parents I managed to convince everyone that this would be a great place for a treat. We visited here in March 2005 for two nights.

*** CIAO POSTING ***
I have asked Ciao to change this as it's not really situated in the best area and the photo is of the service station, not the hotel. Please note that the services are completely run away from the hotel. The hotel is situated in a place where you can't even see the services although you can walk there. This is a 'proper' hotel that I am reviewing, NOT a Travel Inn style accommodation!

*** LOCATION ***
It is situated off the northbound exit to Tebay Services (Westmorland) just after junction 38 of the M6 which is just on the edge of the Lake District. There is a link road from the southbound Tebay Services which is well signposted to the hotel.

*** OUR VISIT REQUIREMENTS ***
Unlike the usual booking, our family group over 3 generations of 7 consisting of two couples, one with a baby (us), and two single adults, one of whom is profoundly disabled both mentally and physically (wheelchair bound). On top of that, the baby required a special diet free of dairy, eggs, fish, nuts and honey.

*** WESTMORLAND LIMITED ***
The hotel is run as part of the Westmorland Limited company. This company was founded as a small family company back in 1971 by a local farmer and a local baker. Then it was a small service area with just 28 members of staff. In 2005 it has grown to a multi-sited operation and employs over 500 people. They boast the consistency of their values. They are dedicated to both their individuality and quality. The buildings are built by local builders and use the majority of local materials.

*** HOTEL DETAILS ***
ETC 3 star, AA 73%. It is nestled in the hillside where the Pennines meet the Lake District, just north of Lune Gorge. The hotel offers 50 luxury ensuite rooms: standard, executive and junior suites, all with fabulous views. The hotel is long and rectangular in shape ensuring that all the bedrooms have magnificent views of the 'car free' environment including a wooded area, brook and rolling hills. In fact the only transport we could see was a train which was far in the distance. It is also pet friendly, something quite rate for such a luxury hotel.

As you enter the hotel, you are greeted by a wooden high ceiling 'open plan' area with the friendly staff on hand straight ahead of you at reception. To the left of this area is a bar area with comfy sofas and arm chairs nestled around some real log fires. To the right of here and up half a flight of stairs takes you to the long narrow restaurant which boasts of views from every table. Set on two levels and only four tables deep in total with full glass windows, you can admire the countryside. To the immediate right as you enter the hotel is a small lift that takes you up to one side of the hotel. It states it's for 8 people but with one wheelchair, we could only comfortably add another two adults in. The far side of the bar has an open staircase which takes you to the other side of the hotel.

*** OUR EXPERIENCE ***
I'm sure anxiety runs through every parent when planning to take their little one away. For us, this was magnified somewhat with it being the first time we'd allowed someone else cook for our son with the potential of him having an anaphylactic reaction if they get it wrong. We asked if they could cater for him before we booked and they asked us to send a list of his allergies and the types of food he eats. We did so and they just asked if we wouldn't mind taking some bread with us to ensure it is free of milk. We had no problems with this and had already said we would take the soya milk with us as at that stage he was still having a few drinks of milk throughout the day.

Swinging into the car park, we found a lot of spare spaces so there was no problem in getting parked. On arrival, we were given our room keys and directed to the lift or stairs via the restaurant. We knew our parents were going to treat us and therefore expected a slightly more luxurious room than normal. Walking down the corridor, there was an emphasis on wood with neutral carpet, to be a little honest, with a few stains on it. Entering our room we were overwhelmed with a pitched high wooden ceiling, 6 foot bed and a huge triangular shaped window with luxurious drapes leading out to a magnificent view of the rolling hills. Okay, I admit it, we were in the junior suite! What a treat! On further investigations, there was a fridge, satellite TV, kettle, coffee machine, yes, coffee machine, complementary generous sized bar of local fudge, hair dryer, trouser press, sofa, soft chairs, table, ensuite with separate shower from the bath and heated floor in the bathroom! There was a large amount of floor space which gave our son plenty of room to explore. My two sisters were in a twin executive room (there weren't any more suites available) and there wasn't too much difference although the room was quite a bit smaller and the beds were not facing the huge window.

The time had come to let them cook for our son. As the restaurant didn't start serving the evening meal until 7pm, we decided that we would all have our evening meal together off the bar menu. This had been pre-arranged and when we went down the table was already set up for us. With a little move around to shimmy over a small table for my wheelchair bound sister and a change of high chair as the one we were given had a faulty harness, we were all set to order. The bar menu has hints of the main menu but was not quite a luxurious. There was still a good choice and the food tasted amazing. Our son's meal came out and the waiter had been told to give us exact explanation of every ingredient and how it was cooked to reassure us. Phew! It even encouraged us to cook a few different things for our son at home. The only negative point I have to say is that we ate off our knees as the tables were just coffee tables around the large social areas of the sofas. We didn't realise until the second evening that we could order desserts off the restaurant menu… why didn't we realise this the first evening?!! It included many local delicacies, including a brulee made with local fudge and ice cream served with local gingerbread… yummmmm! All filled up, we went to our parents room (same size as us) to have coffee before bed. We all fitted in fine with loads of room left for our son to have a last wiggle for the evening!

Breakfast was served in the restaurant although you can have it delivered to your room if you wish. We found the usual array of foods, breakfast cereals, yoghurts, fresh fruit and juices, breads and pastries, drinks and toast on your table and hot area with a choice of local produce including sausage, bacon, hash browns, egg, mushroom and tomatoes. You can also order from the menu including smoked salmon and scrambled egg, and also you can order a portion of black pudding to go with your full breakfast. To be honest, as they use local delicacies, I did find both the black pudding and sausages a little rich for me.

The rooms were serviced daily and were spotless. We also asked on both days for more coffee and milk which they were very generous with. The bed was really comfy too! The view was so amazing and as there was just countryside outside our window, I have to admit we slept with the curtains open but what a view to sit up to in the morning!

*** PRICES ***
I am going to list the prices on the website. My Dad asked for their best deal and they did give him a large discount, I think around 25%. Always do phone and ask. Depending on the booking for your visit, you might get a great deal! We also went for bed, breakfast and evening meal.

B&B PRICES PP FOR A DOUBLE ROOM
Standard: £41.50
Executive: £49.00
Junior: £52.50

B&B & DINNER PP FOR A DOUBLE ROOM (gives you an allocation of £23 for your meal)
Standard: £60.50
Executive: £68.00
Junior: £71.50

*** CONCLUSION ***
If you wanted a relaxing hotel break without the facilities of a swimming pool and gym, this is certainly a great place to stay. There are walks available from outside the hotel and a number of 'The Lakes' tourist attractions nearby. We'd certainly recommend the Rhegged Discovery Centre which is also run by Westmorland Ltd which is just a few minutes drive away.

*** FURTHER DETAILS ***
Westmorland Hotel
Orton
Nr Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 3SB

Tel: 015396 24351
Fax: 015396 24354
Email: Sales@WestmorlandHotel.com