Armathwaite Hall Hotel

My Husband and I were staying at the Hotel for our Wedding Anniversary. First impressions last what a first impression, such a beautiful old building set in the most magnificent of Lakeland settings. The staff were welcoming and friendly. The views from the bedroom were breathtakingly beautiful, with the commanding Skiddaw to the left, the lake to the front and the lesser but still inspiring keswick fells in the distance who could not be in awe? The Hotel has a lovely warm atmosphere, a quality which is rare. The Hotel manages to afford 5 star luxury without being overbearing or stuffy. The room had everything we needed and more, it was also immaculately clean. The evening meal was delicious with every taste bud working overtime. I can reccommend the Sea Bass. Well done Armathwaite Hall please don't change.

We have just returned from a three day mid week break at the hotel. From the moment we arrived somewhat weary from a long drive to the moment we left we experienced nothing but good service, courtesy and attentiveness from the staff. Our double room was comfortable and well furnished with what appeared to be an recently refurbished bathroom including a flat screen TV embedded in the wall over the bath. Although the view from the room wasn't particularly inspiring in that it overlooked the spa car park to the side of the hotel, the extensive grounds in which this impressive building is located made up for this and is ideal for those vistors who wish to relax in the Lake District away from the more busy areas in the south of the region. We were advised on places to visit and routes to travel all of which lived up to expectation especially the trip to Buttermere where the scenary was spectacular. We throughly enjoyed the food each evening. The menu provided a good choice and was well balanced. The food was all good quality, well presented and, compared to many other hotels/restaurants we have visited including some run by well known celebrity chefs, represented excellent value for money. We booked our stay quite late and were warned at that time that treatments in the Spa might not be available as indeed they were not. This was our only disappointment and on our return trip, which we will invariably be making, we will ensure we book these well in advance of our stay.

We have just returned from an overnight stay at the Armathwaite Hall Hotel in Bassenthwaite Cumbria. The Hotel is stunning, parts of it dating back to 15th Century.The setting, overlooking the lake is amazing. The decor and ambiance of the public rooms are excellent. As are the meals and service in the restuarant. Unfortunately there are two main problems.One is that the reception staff have to be the most unhelpful that we have ever encountered in a hotel of this calibre. One guest asking about walks in the area was told 'sorry i've no idea'.We had to search for bar staff at 5.30p.m. despite the bar being full!The beauty salon was fully booked but I was not allowed to put my name on a cancellation list being told'There is no point no one is going to cancell madam. The other is the shabbiness of the suite that we were in. to say 'faded elegance' is being kind. Everything was threadbare, the furniture was old not antique. There were holes in the sheets and a cigarette burn in the cover, and the teapot contained the remains from the last guests tea! Great shame this hotel needs a lot of T.L.C. and staff training.

The Lake district is superb for food and I would be delighted to take any continental to any hotel in the Lakes - except this one!! The staff are rude and the food is well, dog food - come on get up to date: the Lakes is brill and you're lagging behind BIG STYLE

My husband and I have just come back from a long week-end break at the Armathwaite hall hotel. We were on the Bed & Breakfast + 6-course dinner deal. The hotel is located in a beautiful part of the world and is, itself, very beautifully decorated. We had a standard room which, even if it wasn't very big, was very nicely done and had everything that was needed (Tv with free films at set times, mineral water, grapes etc...). The bathroom was very nice and modern, it even had a plasma tv in the wall overlooking the bath! The food was wonderful. The cooked breakfast was very nice, but the best was the 6-course dinner! The choice was large enough to suit all tastes and the quality of the food was very high. The wines on offer were excellent too. It should be noted though that, with that, comes a formal (perhaps a little too much) atmosphere that translates into guests whispering and classical music being played (We are in our late twenties and were by far the youngest guests). Guests can then have their coffees/teas in the lounge after dinner and sit next to the big open fire, which is lovely. The spa is very good (although the pool, sauna and steam room are small) and both the range of treatments and the friendliness of the beauticians make it a wonderful experience. Make sure you book your treatments well in advance though (at least a month in advance) as they get booked up very quickly. The staff were mostly nice although we encountered a couple of "no can do" responses from two of them, but the duty manager stepped in to resolve our requests very swiftly and always with a smile. We would recommend it to anyone who wants a special week-end of relaxation and beautiful natural settings.

My husband and our two daughters aged 4months and 2years have just returned from a two night break at Armathwaite Hall. We felt relaxed and welcome from the moment we arrived, as those of you with small children will know you can often be made to feel like social outcasts when staying in hotels. Armathwaite Hall is a beautiful building both inside and out and we have been quite bewildered by some of the comments on this website. We stayed in a deluxe room, and found it to be very pleasant, with lovely decor and furnishings. The food on the first night we found to be good although not outstanding, however the second night was far superior and we wondered whether this could be attributed to a change in chef? We would highly recommend this hotel to families with children of any ages, as you will be made to feel totally comfortable, without having to worry about tuts and sighs of staff who dont allow children to do as they do. We are very impressed with the family friendly attitude, and also acknowledge the importance of parents responsibility to ensure that their children are well behaved in such surroundings. Well done to ALL the staff!

Just come back from Armathwaite Hall, which from the reviews posted here we expected to be amazing (and justify its price tag). We were excited on arrival to drive up the wooded drive and see the impressive building. Lovely reception area, then up to our room. Our hearts sank. It was small, overlooked a roof & car park and had an ancient TV (which couldn't get a proper signal). Moving through to the bathroom, we were angry. It was a plastic avocado coloured "suite" like my Gran had circa 1988. The floor was crappy lino. The shower was cold (complained twice - no feedback or repair). Not a 4 star room by any stretch of the imagination - we have stayed in quite a few hotels of this class and ALL of the others were way better, room-wise. On the positive side, apart from the room, the hotel was great - lovely food, spa facilities and lounge rooms. On a romantic break, though, the room is key, and this was a big let down. Our advice if you book here - pay a little extra for the better rooms, and specify a view of the lake.

I took 8 couple to this hotel for the weekend of 7th/8th Oct. 2005 to celebrate my 50th birthday. nothing but nothing could be faulted. The professionalison of the staff, quality of the food and excellent and clean accommodation was of the highest of standards. Stunning and scenic setting, idyllic. I have stayed in hotels in all continents and the standard set by Armathwaite Hall is a benchmark to which all hotels should aspire and aim - many many thanks- we shall return very soon. PMM

Staying at Armathwaite Hall is truly a magical experience, its location is spectacular with magnificent views of Bassenthwaite Lake, the food is absolutely wonderful and the level of customer service from a very friendly group of staff is nothing less than outstanding. I have just spent my second weekend there in 3 months and will definutely be going back.

What a marvellous weekend we have just had at this stunning hotel.Armathwaite Hall is a byword for style, elegance, comfort and relaxation - very few hotels nowadays have these traits. From the moment you arrive to when you leave the staff are so helpful and polite without been overbearing. The facilities are excellent and the scenery is stunning which all goes to create a wonderful hotel. We would recommend everyone to try one of Paul's flambe dishes they are out of this world. Keep up the good work