Hydro Hotel

A friend recommended we try the Hydro when he heard we were visiting the area and we were delighted to find a real home from home in this popular destination. We invariably find that the reception we get on arrival says a lot about a place and this held true at the Hydro, for the warmth of the welcome was matched only by the cosy log fire in the front lounge, which has great views out across the lake. Our accommodation was comfortable, the food was great and we found the location really convenient for touring around this delightful area. Those of you who know Windermere will know that it is not one for those who shun a bit of hill walking when out shopping and the same applies to the Hydro, since what one gains by way of superb views tends to be balanced out by a fairly invigorating walk back to the hotel from the Lakeside. But if you are still reasonably young and fit we have no hesitation in recommending that you visit this charming, traditional English hotel when you're next in the area.

Booked into the Hydro for a one night stay. The room had a great view, but not much else was good about it. The outside of the heotel appears to need a paint. The room has old funiture in it, the bed needed a new matress, it has spings coming out of it. The shower didn't have any hot water. The room was cold, and the heating didn't seem to make a diference. We used the swimming pool, they wanted to charge us a pound for fresh towels. The changing area was dirty, and hadn't been cleaned. The ladder leading into the pool weren't screwed down properly. The jacuzzi didn't work. There was no life guard on duty, and the water was cold. They did have video cameras on the pool with a screen behind reception, I never saw the receptionist look once at the screen. The hallways of the hotel had wall paper pealing all over. Also smelt of damp in places. The staff were polite, but not running to help sort any problems out. I wouldn't recommend this hotel, and definitely won't be returning.

I stayed at the Hydro with my husband and two children for a lovely Spring break in the Lake District. Whilst the weather was not the best (unfortunately hard to guarantee), the hotel did make up for it. We were looking for a 'family' hotel that would suit both me and my husband and two boys of 8 and 10. We certainly found the hotel very comfortable. The bedrooms were nice, although not over the top and we much enjoyed the view over Lake Windermere. The bar area, sitting rooms and dining rooms were also good. Food was very good and the waiting staff were very keen to please. My children thought that this was great and got on very well with several members of the staff. In particular they enjoyed the breakfast buffet, with full English breakfast. I was happy to let the children walk around the hotel on their own as I quickly got a sense that the staff were watching out for them. We all enjoyed the recently build leisure facilities with pool and jacuzzi. The children also had great fun with other children guests in the family games room. There is no doubt that we will return. I felt that we got very good value for money and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

This is a superb hotel with magnificent views of the surrounding Lakes and Mountains. The rooms are clean and spacious. The staff are friendly and efficient. The menu is varied and food is cooked to perfection. The wine list is extensive and caters for all price brackets. We have no complaints and will definitely return again and have no hesitation in recommending the Hydro to our family and friends. Keep up the good work.

After a personal recommendation from friends, we chose The Windermere Hydro for a weekend break in the New Year. Our first impressions were very good, with a warm welcome from the helpful Receptionist. The room was extremely spacious & airy with tasteful, traditional furnishings & all the facilities that you would expect of a 4* hotel. The en-suite was equally impressive with a large corner bath/shower & contemporary fittings. We had a stunning view of Lake Windermere too & overall, the room was clean, comfortable & relaxing. Our evening meal in the Restaurant was excellent, beautifully presented & served by attentive staff. The location of The Hydro couldn't be better for strolling around Bowness, the shops & jetty being only a short walk away. Even though we didn't get time in the end to use the hotel's spa, we did take a look at the swimming pool & were very tempted. All in all, we had a very enjoyable weekend away in this lovely hotel & would recommend it to others.

I booked this hotel for one night for the Easter weekend. I thought £55 was quite pricey so was expecting a really nice Hotel. My first impression was that the outside of the Hotel could do with a revamp but was looking forward to my stay. That didnt last long - the room we got was dingy, the bathroom tiny and the TV was minute with a terrible reception. Oh I havent mentioned the breakfast - the bacon was like rubber, there were no baked beans and the scrambled egg was inedible. The customer service from some of the staff also left a lot to be desired. There are a lot better places to stay in Bowness which wont make you feel like you have been short-changed. Wont be going back.

If a diamond is the hardest substance known to man, then the bed in room 165 must come a close second. If the engine in a GP Ferrari is the noisiest engine the world has ever made then the fan in the bathroom in room 165 must run close behind, and just like the Ferrari engine it runs and runs and runs for 10 minutes after being switched off. However, if a book were to be written entitled ‘Beautiful Car Parks of the world’ the Hydro’s car park would be the UK’s entry. The view as you get out your car leaves you spellbound. The chandeliered walk to your room makes you feel like royalty, walking in the steps of the Queen and Prince Philip in some Palace somewhere, until of course that magical mystery tour unexpectedly commences. After all who would have thought Rooms 160-168 have their own lift tucked away in some corner on the second floor without any signs to direct you. We stayed at the start of April 2006, the rooms were spotlessly clean, the location of the hotel excellent, as was the value for money, and the food good. Apart from the fears of having a 2am loo break with a cricked neck the hotel was excellent and I would definitely recommend it.

Just returned from a 2 night midweek break booked at the last minute. Paid £50 for DBB per night with btl of wine with dinner on first night. Upgraded to lake view room for extra £5 - well worth it. Dinner old fashioned style 5 courses including steak, venison, salmon etc. We enjoyed the new pool and gym area - nice and quiet. Staff all very efficient and friendly. Only down side was a damp smell at the rear of the hotel but did not affect main areas. Outside could do with a lick of paint, but it is an old building. Inside clean and comfortable. Not modern and trendy but definitely great value. Would return. Good location.

just have too say that after all the bad publicity for the hydro i was not looking forward too staying here however it was my friends 40th birthday and 8 of us were going for the murder mystery weekend and what a fabulous time we had the staff couldn't do enough for us and looked after us brilliantly will definately return thanks for a wonderful weekend

I stayed at the Windermere Hydro recently in January but have stayed many times over the past few years. The hotel is actually a former Victorian Hydro Treatment works - an old fashioned Spa if you like and as a result, the building is very old so if you're looking for a clinical modern building, it isn't the right place. But for old fashioned tradition and atmosphere, nothing beats it. The food was five star with different menus and an excellent wine list but remained reasonable in terms of cost. The rooms are all well fitted out with good taste and although I have had better rooms than others, you can request a room overlooking the lake for a little extra which is well worth it. I have also had functions there in the past which are well put on - excellent buffets and a lovely purpose built room really make for a good atmosphere. In short I'd definitely recommend it!