I arrived half an hour early before check in, however the staff were able to check if my room was ready and they let me check in early. (Not that that would have been an issue but it was a lovely gesture) Room was clean and cosy, with a beautiful view. I also liked the fact that the room key was an actual "key" and not one of those electronic cards as they can be problematic. The hotel has a cabinet of helpful leaflets of local attractions and a folder of local walks which was great. The full English breakfast was delicious, a great start to the day before a big walk. Car parking was easy and there were plenty of spaces. I had dinner in the bar on my last evening and it was lovely. Even though signal for mobiles is limited the hotel's WIFI is excellent. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable peaceful stay, as a solo traveller, it is nice to stay in a hotel that is welcoming and accommodating. I read previous reviews for this hotel, and one of the most common "gripes" other visitors had was the lack of tv signal... perhaps this is just my personal opinion, but when I'm away for a peaceful break I wouldn't expect to be using a tv. It's nice to be cut off for a bit.

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Pretty much everything! The room was clean, comfortable, warm and had everything we needed, plus a pretty view. There was a decent shower and a good quality hospitality tray. Dinner was really nice, my only slight comment would be that the choice was a bit limited for non meat eaters, all the specials were meat, and I don't like spicy food. However they kindly doubled up the fishcake starter for my main, and that and my son's duck special were amazing, also the puddings were excellent. Breakfast was also excellent, a good choice of juices, cereals, fruit and yogurt on the side and a range of cooked items. Our hot croissants, my poached egg on toast and my son's partial English were faultless. All served by friendly and helpful staff at a very reasonable price, with parking on site. I hope to return with my husband before too long.

Just the odd minor thing as above. Plus my bed was a little soft for me, but my son said his was perfect and he had the best sleep he's ever had in a hotel.

Fantastic staff, extremely helpful and facilitated our early morning departure without any hint of this being an inconvenience or problem. The breakfast is superb and the attached pub/restaurant provided a wide range of hot food options in the evening (gets very busy so table reservation advised). We also appreciated being given a fan for our room since we happened to be there during a Lake District rarity, extremely hot and dry weather. Wonderful location, convenient for walking and has short drives to Ambleside and the like. Chesters is next door, so for those seeking vegetarian or vegan food, it's a great choice for a snack or something a little more substantial. We're neither, but the food is delicious and highly recommended by us.

The mirror in our bathroom was only suitable for people around 5ft tall - never seen a bathroom mirror so low down on the wall. Made shaving a bit awkward. Huge bath though, ideal for soaking away those aching hiking muscles. We didn't have a problem with it, but be aware that there is no lift so lugging cases upstairs is the only option.

Friendly, food was excellent and service outstanding. I was pleasantly surprised to get a room upgrade which was lovely! I got a warm welcome which was appreciated as I didn’t arrive until 8pm after a long drive. The hotel was peaceful and welcoming and a lovely stay for a couple of days on my own. It was also a bonus there was a fab walk to a beautiful waterfall, river and views into the mountains which was 10 mins away - which was a lovely start to the day!

Nothing

Rooms were perfect, cosy and warm and beds very comfortable. Breakfast was nice but felt the choice was a little limited as there was poor vegetarian/ vegan options. My poached egg was more like a soft boiled egg as the yolk was not runny. The choice of fruit and cereal on the buffet table was really good though.

Breakfast choices were a little limited for vegetarian/ vegan. Maybe a choice of a cooked vegan meal such roasted squash and spinach with pumpkin seeds and chilli would mean they were catered for. My husband was disappointed that there was no pancake option.

The staff were so friendly and welcoming to me and my little dog. The dog can go pretty much anywhere and for breakfast you they make you up a table in the snug area of the bar so you don't have to leave your dog in your room The hotel is right by a couple of great walks (Rydel caves and Grasmere circular) and there is a lovely little cafe next to the river too. Plenty to do if you are looking for a couple of days in a really peaceful part of the lakes with your dog to explore some long moderate walks or just to chill out.. Great breakfast and your dog even get a sausage!

Nothing

Although the hotel is a bit older, my room was quiet, clean and comfortable with newly renovated bathroom. Both dinner in the adjoining pub and breakfast in the dining room were excellent. Parking available and staff very friendly and welcoming. There's a lovely walk just around the corner from the hotel along the river to pretty waterfall.

Not a big thing, but both the TV and the power shower could only be turned off at the mains even though they could be turned on in the usual manner (i.e. TV remote, button on the power shower). Strange but not a showstopper.

Pure little Gem. I've stayed many places in the Lakes whilst walking so I am happy with just a bed for the night. At this price it is what I expected (like most others)... what a lovely surprise. 😍 Clean, inviting and wonderful views. Staff welcoming, lovely sitting areas and even a walking room available to dry off if coming in from the fells. Also breakfast included in the price and a decent check in and out time. Will definitely be staying again and bringing my Beagle as they even allow dogs! And free parking. Good and free WiFi.

Nothing, although some travellers may think parts are dated. I liked that old fashioned feel as it is in line with the Lakes. Don't expect phone signal and TV signal allows for about 5 channels, however that was stipulated and WiFi was more than adequate to make calls on WhatsApp

Room clean & comfortable & my wife liked the bathroom products, breakfast excellent service & food quality. Had dinner on 2 nights of 3 night stay food excellent & would recommend just eating in the bar.

Bathroom clean & functional. Beginning to show signs of ageing & could do with an update. More coffee would have been appreciated in the room, but reception was able to give us more.

The lady at reception was very helpful and went out of her way to address a problem that I had when booking via Booking .com. The breakfasts were very good but the surprise was the standard of food in the The Talbot Bar. Vegetables were cooked just right rather than the over cooked kept warm variety that is so common these days. There was also some imagination and flair to the presentation and sauces that were original and very tasty and complemented the dish. Definitely compliments to the chef and his team. My first stay at this hotel was in 1974 and I have enjoyed every stay since then.

The one chair that was in the room was squeezed in between the bottom of the bed and the wall leaving little room to get past. A smaller chair would have been better. The television was on the window sill so the curtains could not be closed while the television was on. The television was quite old and did not receive a lot of channels or an HD signal. This meant that the local stations were not available as they are only transmitted in HD. Important to walkers etc. for weather forecasts.