The Borrowdale Hotel

The hotel is a charming retreat, widely celebrated for its stunning location in the heart of the Borrowdale Valley, offering unparalleled access to scenic walks and breathtaking views of the surrounding fells and lake. Its exceptionally dog-friendly environment is a signature feature, allowing pets in most communal areas and providing a welcoming experience for four-legged companions. This makes it an ideal choice for walkers and dog owners who wish to explore the Lake District with their pets. Couples and families seeking a peaceful and comfortable base for outdoor adventures will also find the hotel highly suitable. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff and the overall cleanliness of the premises. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from service areas for a quieter experience, and be aware that while the hotel offers convenient on-site dining, exploring nearby restaurants can provide alternative culinary experiences.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests consistently appreciate the hotel's well-maintained facilities and inviting communal spaces. The multiple lounges are a highlight, often featuring real fires that create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. The bar area is also well-regarded, offering a good selection of drinks in a comfortable setting. The beautiful garden provides a delightful outdoor space for guests to enjoy drinks or meals, especially during pleasant weather. While the hotel offers Wi-Fi, some guests noted occasional connectivity issues. Parking is available and generally convenient, though it can become limited during peak times, particularly on Sundays due to lunch guests. Some guests also noted the presence of EV chargers, which is a convenient addition for electric vehicle owners.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally receives high praise for its cleanliness and the comfort of its rooms. Many guests describe their rooms as spacious, well-equipped, and tastefully decorated, often highlighting the comfortable beds and high-quality linens that contribute to a restful sleep. The bathrooms are typically clean and functional, with many featuring a power shower and ample toiletries. However, some guests noted that certain rooms, particularly single or classic doubles, can be on the smaller side or appear somewhat dated in decor. Noise levels can occasionally be an issue for rooms located at the back of the hotel near service areas or those facing the main road. While some rooms offer stunning views of the fells or lake, others may overlook less scenic areas. The absence of air conditioning was mentioned by some, leading to rooms being too warm overnight.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining experience is mixed, though many guests praise the overall food quality and the pleasant restaurant atmosphere. The breakfast receives varied comments; some describe it as excellent with ample choice, including good cooked breakfast options, while others found it inconsistent, with issues like cold food, overcooked items, or limited continental options and slow replenishment of pastries. Dinner is often highlighted for its high standards, imaginative dishes, and good presentation, with some guests enjoying exceptional meals. However, a recurring theme is the perception of portion sizes being small and the overall cost of meals and drinks being high. Service speed in the restaurant can also be slow, with some guests experiencing long waits for orders. The bar offers a good selection of drinks, though some found the prices steep.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently lauded as a major advantage, situated perfectly in the Borrowdale Valley for exploring the Lake District. It offers direct access to numerous walking routes straight from the doorstep, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts. The hotel is also conveniently located for reaching Derwentwater lake within a short walk. For those wishing to visit Keswick, a bus stop directly outside the hotel provides easy and frequent public transport options, allowing guests to explore the town without needing a car. While the immediate surroundings are peaceful, some guests noted temporary roadworks or specific events that could affect accessibility at certain times. Parking facilities are available on-site, adding to the convenience for guests traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently commending their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentive service. Many reviewers highlight the staff's dedication to making guests feel welcome and well-cared for, often going out of their way to assist with requests. The check-in process is generally described as smooth and efficient. Guests appreciate the dog-friendly service, noting that staff are particularly welcoming to pets and their owners. Housekeeping is also praised for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and tidiness in the rooms. While some guests experienced slow service in the restaurant, this was often attributed to staffing levels rather than a lack of effort or professionalism from the individual staff members, who are seen as hardworking and obliging.

Additional Information
The hotel's dog-friendly policy is a significant aspect of the guest experience, allowing dogs in most areas except the main restaurant, and some guests noted that amenities like beds or bowls were not always provided despite a nightly charge. Recent refurbishment efforts have updated communal areas and some rooms, enhancing the hotel's aesthetic, though some older rooms still await renovation. Guests on dinner, bed, and breakfast packages should be aware of a meal allowance system, where exceeding a certain credit incurs an additional charge, which some found to be poor value. There is no lift in the hotel, which can be a consideration for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, especially for rooms on upper floors. Some guests also mentioned occasional issues with hot water availability in their rooms.