Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I'm a little confused by the tariff, are the rates per person, per room or for the whole stay?

The rates quoted on the tariff are all per room per night i.e for 2 people for each night of their stay

(1 person in a single room).

Check in and check out times.

Rooms should be ready by 2pm, however, if you wish to arrive before this, we are happy to store luggage for you until your room is available.

On your day on departure we ask that rooms are vacated by 12 noon.

What are your booking conditions?

For all bookings except Special Interest and Christmas and New Year, a deposit of £80 per room is taken to confirm the reservation. If the booking is cancelled more than 14 days before arrival, the deposit will be refunded. If the booking is cancelled within 14 days of arrival, the deposit will only be refunded if the room is relet. 

For the Special Interest holidays, a deposit of £150 per person is taken and this will only be refunded if the room is relet. Cancellation insurance is available.

For details of the deposit required for Christmas and New Year, please see the specific 'Christmas' and 'New Year' pages.

What are the differences between the room types i.e. standard, superior and suite?

All the rooms are spacious with comfortable seating, ensuite bathrooms - most with bath and separate shower, tea and coffee making facilities, T.V., radio, hairdryer and telephone, with the standard rooms have either 5' or 6' double beds (twins have 2 x 3' single beds). Superior rooms are slightly larger than the standard rooms, all with 6' double beds (twins have 2 x 3' single beds), with most having a balcony that looks out over the garden towards Wansfell, while Room 14 is a lovely superior room in the new wing which has its own private terrace.

All of the suites offer extra space and privacy, with a fridge as standard and bath robes provided.

The Fairfield Suite (in the main hotel building) and the Loughrigg Suite (in the grounds private terrace and parking) have 2 bedrooms and separate lounge, although the second bedroom in Fairfield is only suitable for children.

The Wansfell Suite, which is also in the grounds with private parking, has an open plan lounge and bedroom.

I'm coming to stay by train. Can you tell me where the nearest station is?

The nearest main line station is at Oxenholme (Kendal) with a local service connection through to Windermere, which is approximately 4 miles from the hotel. There is a taxi rank outside the station and also a bus stop, but if you let us know what time youwill be arriving we are happy to arrange for a taxi to meet you.

Will I be able to get around easily without using the car?

The hotel is within easy, level walking distance of both the centre of Ambleside (5-10 minutes) with its shops and restaurants, and Lake Windermere (10-15 minutes) where you can take a cruise on the lake from Waterhead. You can even make a day of it by having a day ticket which allows you to get on and off at various places around the lake and can include a visit to the Aquarium of the Lakes and the Lakeside - Haverthwaite Steam Railway. There are many circular walks that can be done from the hotel and if you wish to venture further afield the area has a good bus service.

Do we need to book dinner prior to arrival?

It is not necessary to book dinner prior to arrival but we cannot guarantee to have a table available at the time you prefer if you book dinner on arrival.

Is there a full vegetarian menu?

There is always one vegetarian option on the menu. An alternative option is available on request.

Do you cater for special diets?

Yes, we do. However, we would be grateful if you could let us know your requirements prior to arrival.

What time are meals served?

Breakfast is served from 8.15 - 10am; Morning coffee from 10am - 12 noon; Lunch from 12.30 - 1.45pm; Afternoon tea from 3.30 - 5pm and dinner from 7.15 - 9pm.

Is the restaurant open to non-residents?

Yes, non-residents are welcome if there is space available in the restaurant.

Do I need to book High Tea for my children in advance?

It is best to pre-order High Tea, especially for your first evening to ensure we have all the options available. High Tea is served in the Dining Room between 6.15 - 6.30pm each day, or can be taken in your room if preferred.

Are children allowed in the Dining Room in the evening?

We serve dinner each day between 7.15 - 9pm which can be a little late for young children. As a general rule we discourage children under 7 from the dining room in the evening, however, we do offer a choice of High Tea options for our younger guests. We have an excellent baby-listening service and will try to arrange for a babysitter for you if required. If children are difficult to settle, we will always serve you dinner in your room.

Do you allow dogs in the hotel?

Only assistance dogs are allowed into the hotel.

Do you have a dress code for Dinner?

The dress code for dinner in the restaurant is 'smart casual' i.e. no jeans or trainers.

Do you have single rooms?

We have just one single room situated on the ground floor of the hotel, but we are happy to offer single occupancy of a double room.

Is the hotel accessible for anyone in a wheelchair?

Yes, the whole of the ground floor is easily accessible to anyone in a wheelchair. There is a dedicated wheelchair entrance at the side of the hotel, or alternatively we have a portable ramp for the single step at the main entrance. Once inside, the lounges, dining room and reception are all on one level. There are 2 rooms specifically adapted for wheelchair users - one in the hotel and a suite in the grounds - both of which have roll-in showers and shower chairs are available. Further details available under 'hotel' on the website.

Do you have internet access at the Hotel?

There is access to wi-fi connections in both of our lounges. This is available free of charge to our guests.

Is there any parking at the hotel?

Yes, there is plenty of free on-site parking at the front of the hotel and also in the overflow car park at the side.

Do the bedrooms have a lake view?

No, although only a 5 minute walk from the head of Windermere, the hotel faces in the wrong direction for the rooms to have a view of the lake.