The Borrowdale Hotel

The Borrowdale Hotel descritpion

In the Borrowdale valley, this charming hotel has traditional rooms, and is surrounded by picturesque Lake District scenery.
Built in 1866, The Borrowdale Hotel still retains many original Victorian features. Some of the bedrooms feature a four-poster bed or lake views.
With open fires, the lounge bar and sun room are open for light lunches and afternoon teas. The Borrowdale restaurant features a fine menu and friendly staff.
Guests have free use of the recreational facilities at the Borrowdale's partner hotel, nearby.

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Facilities of The Borrowdale Hotel

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace

Pets ：Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Breakfast in the Room

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Newspapers | Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)

Languages Spoken ：Slovak | Romanian | Polish | English

Reviews for The Borrowdale Hotel

Review 1：Excellent location with lovely friendly staff, good food and a relaxed atmosphere nice fires and ball gown to walking gear dress code that all would feel comfortable with

Review 2：Room was not cleaned properly with used toiletries still left, glasses with lipstick and finger marks, spoons unclean since last used. Bed was collapsed in the middle. Avoid room 4 at all costs.

Review 3：Reception staff were very friendly and tried to help. The bar staff were morose and uninterested in the customers

Review 4：Welcome by office staff could have been warmer. French martini requested in bar was unlike any ever sampled previously!

Review 5：Very comfortable hotel in an excellent location with excellent food

Review 6：Felt that the quality of the bathroom shower facilities were rather archaic. Our shower hose pressure was quite poor. Would expect a higher standard for the price of our room which was suppose to be a 'premier' twin room. Bathroom was in need of updating. Room was ok, comfortable but not vacuumed on a daily basis.

Review 7：Staff were very good polite, helpful, professional, uniforms were very tidy and clean. Excellent restaurant with great food, silver service, menu choice and comfort. Bar and conservatory comfortable. Good menu choices again and free evening coffee/tea.

Review 8：No Cell/Mobile Coverage and wi-fi only available able in area of the bar. No elevator unless in disabled rooms (at back of hotel) are booked. Some rooms have 4 flights of stairs to climb.

Review 9：Great food, service and staff. Superb location.

Review 10：Rooms small, towel rail was scalding hot, the wash basin had a glass shelf above it and was lethal, not much cupboard space and bathroom was tiny.

Review 11：Well fitted out rooms

Review 12：Over heated, very dated and stuffy. When will hotel breakfasts have decent bread rather than dried out cardboard?

Review 13：Friendly staff in a beautiful location.

Review 14：room 3a was far to hot probably due to the proximity to the drying room.we spent 3 nights with the window fully open sleeping on top of the bed.

Review 15：lovely hotel,fantastic staff ,pity about the hot room spoiled a nice stay

Review 16：Service in bar restaurant poor due to lack of staff - very noticeable when compared to main restaurant. (Like a number of hotels) only one flannel in a room where two are booked in.

Review 17：Location. Friendliness of staff.

Review 18：We came back at 2.30 in the afternoon to rest but our room had not been entered -- bed unmade, untidy, bathroom not done, great mess in the passage outside. The previous day the bathroom had not been done, and though I commented on this, the next day was much worse. Thought the picture of the hotel a bit fake, as it is really on a busy road, whereas the picture makes it look as if it is set back from the road.

Review 19：The hotel is very comfortable with nice sitting rooms, lovely conservatory, pretty gardens for sitting out, and excellent food. Especially nice atmosphere in the breakfast room. Lovely bedroom and luxurious bathroom

Review 20：The cost and value for money. The room was tiny and the Wifi only worked in reception. The Tv had two channels. £152 per night inc breakfast - way overpriced.

Review 21：GF breakfast was great

Review 22：View from room was of a converted garage and a gas cylinder tank. Had a knock on the door at 945am and the cleaning lady just unlocked the door and came straight in! No apologies as she quickly shut the door and disappeared!

Review 23：Nice location and area, breakfast staff where nice as was the food

Review 24：Not a good room and we have been overcharged - I am in the process of trying to contact you by email over this. The carpet was stained, the sink blcoked, cobwebs all around the room, birds mess on the net curtain and the tea tray not wiped at all. that is a start!

Review 25：Location

Review 26：The peace and tranquillity mixed with the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District and the standard of the hotel made the trip a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Review 27：The facilities could be a bit more exciting, you need to make it easier and clearer about how to use the pool etc in the suster hotel

Review 28：The staff and the setting of the hotel. The food was very good

Review 29：Dress requirements for restaurant need to be made clearer to customer when booking-though food also available in bar area.

Review 30：Location -fantastic views/walks from the Hotel (also bus stop across road). Lovely hotel-spacious-old style grandeur (though not faded). Has drying room!

Review 31：The reception desk is too small and under staffed at obviously busy times. The whole reception area and welcome routines need to be reviewed as the first impression they give is not an accurate reflection of the good quality and general friendliness of the hotel. The public area/corridor carpets are seriously out of date and whilst not noticeably worn they belong to a run down seaside guest house and should be replaced as soon as possible

Review 32：Location, garden and dining, bar facilities

Review 33：It was extremely expensive. The bar meals finished at 9am and we were 1 minute late, they refused to serve us despite the fact that the dining room continued serving until 9:15. We had to drive 5 miles into Keswick for food.

Review 34：A large room with good facilities. The breakfast was excellent.

Review 35：Upon arrival we booked a table in the restaurant for our evening meal; something which we were looking forward to after 2 nights camping! However, when we arrived at the restaurant later on we were told we would not be able to dine as we were wearing jeans. All of us were dressed smart but in jeans as this was all we had because we weren't told this before or upon arrival. We did however eat in the lounge and had a lovely meal.

Review 36：Quiet location, nicely furnished rooms and good breakfast!

Review 37：Nothing really. Prefer a hot breakfast buffet to having to order ,they may do it to save waste, but this takes time.

Review 38：The room we had was of a good size,with extremely comfortable beds.There was a drying room for wet boots and coats.

Review 39：Comfortable Premier room 1A with two chairs. Good position as a walker for using buses and boat to get to your start point and then good for walking back to the hotel.

Review 40：The staff were top class and could not do enough to help you. Spacious bedroom and drink making facilities were available. Breakfast were excellent, and evening meal's , we will book again.

Review 41：Given room no. 43 rear/side view overlooking the bins. We explained to reception my husband had a bad chest and could we move to floor 1 plus we hadn't paid £361 to overlook the bins. Eventually she changed our room to room 9 on 1st floor which was much smaller but a lovely view. We enjoyed our stay there, but may not stay again.

Review 42：The location was excellent. We were supporting our son Robert who was running the Bob Graham challenge, so handy for Keswick.

Review 43：A fire alarm sounded at 7.30 am and we had to evacuate the hotel. The evacuation was badly organised as the staff didn't evacuate and I'm not sure all the guests did either - no roll call was taken. Check in and check out could also be better. When checking-in, we were encouraged to book a table in the restaurant even though we didn't have an opportunity to look at the menu (menu in the bar area offered a better selection). On check-out, our bill was incorrect and it took some negotiations before it was amended. Other guests were also complaining about a midgie infestation in their rooms.

Review 44：This is a very comfortable hotel, set on the banks of Derwent Water and a short drive to Keswick. Our room was very comfortable with all the amenities we required. Breakfast was delicious - served fresh.

Review 45：ever tried cutting aldente asparagus with a fish knife ? not easy. Luckily, the receptionist offered to help us upstairs with our luggage otherwise it could have been a problem.

Review 46：the staff ,the room , the food ,the atmosphere, everything really. It is a well run hotel spacious, and I like their attention to detail.

Review 47：The more senior staff were good, but tended to be dry in manner and lacked the friendly enthusiasm of the junior staff. The hotel didn't seem to want to cater for children, which I think is a shame. Otherwise it is an excellent hotel and one I would recommend.

Review 48：I thought the hotel had a very warm feel and pleasant atmosphere, The hotel was clean and very nicely decorated. The young staff were extremely pleasant and delivered an enthusiastic welcoming service. The more senior staff were good, but tended to be dry in manner and lacked the friendly enthusiasm of the junior staff.

Review 49：The Wi-Fi is very poor.....why not tell residents up-front rather than allow residents to waste time seeing if there is a device problem. Décor really aged Generally overpriced and over-rated - sorry!

Review 50：Good breakfasts

Review 51：Waitress informed us that the chef wouldn't be happy about 1 couplejoining us for breakfast a little late as they were expecting a table of14 at any minute. Surely a good chef could cope?!

Review 52：Nice room. Comfy bed.Bar staff efficient and friendly.

Review 53：i felt the room was over priced some guests were dressed unappropriatley for the resturant. the same guest we saw trying to climb over the bar later in the evening. i believe they were there to celoebrate a 21st

Review 54：location evening meal and service were sublime

Review 55：Staff where not friendly/interactive, the price was too high for the standards you receive. Mould in the bathroom, for £200 a night you expect to see mould! £50 a night I would! Food was bland. The views..... Well we had one of the main rooms out the front and all we could see is a house in front of us and dirty windows to look through.

Review 56：Size of room, double aspect windows

Review 57：This is true service with old fashioned style. It isn't 'quirky', smart casual dress for dinner, silver service all the way, but just a real treat. Whatever your age group if you are prepared to be a tad formal you will enjoy this hotel. As for the location, can anywhere be better than Borrowdale!

Review 58：Still overpriced but we have come to expect that in the Lake District.

Review 59：The room was spacious and clean , a large bathroom with superior fittings.We were in a room outside of the main hotel which was quiet and peaceful. Beautiful setting and beautiful weather made the stay perfect.

Review 60：Lack of premium strength ale. But good choice of local ale all the same

Review 61：Hotel is set in a noise black spot which is exactly what we were after. The surroundings are picture book as are the internal details. The food is A+ which goes in hand with all the staff.

Review 62：As we are frequent visitors to the hotel and know many of the staff we always feel as if we are 'at home'again as we we see the hotel at the bottom of the hill and heave a sigh of pleasure.

Review 63：Not sure about the split dining room.

Review 64：The staff were courteous and helpful. The evening meal and breakfast were to a high standard and well served The staff knew what they were doing not like a number of places we have visited!

Review 65：You have taken away the nibbles on the bar.

Review 66：I always love the location driving down the borrowdale valley is like driving home. Love the refurbishments especially the bedrooms. The food was great and well served by curteous staff. Glad to see the cheese trolley is still used.

Review 67：Food and drink were not cheap. No heating in the drying room - a big omission in the Lake District at any time of year.

Review 68：Bar and restaurant offered good choice of menu options. Good beets on tap. Well located for Borrowdale and its surrounding fells as well as fow Keswick.

Review 69：Food in conservatory only average.Stain in toilet - not cleaned properly which was a shame as otherwise the room and bathroom were spotless and public rooms perfectly clean.

Review 70：Friendly staff particularly Cath in charge of restaurant. Very dog friendly. Newly refurbished room and public rooms. Beautiful location.Excellent breakfast.

Review 71：The bathroom was a little bit on the compact size and space for luggage was limited but adequate.

Review 72：The double bedroom was comfortable and clean with good facilities. Modern décor and quality furnishings made for a very pleasant nights sleep.

Review 73：The hotel failed to Bill me for a 1/2 bottle of wine £25 and emailed me after I arrived home for the outstanding amount while at the same time messaging me for future business offering a free bottle of cava. I spent over £400 at the hotel this stay and thought it was a bit mean to pursue me for payment for a half bottle of wine. Grace x x

Review 74：The room the my husband and I had was very comfortable.

Review 75：Nothing

Review 76：Haven't been to the Borrowdale for several years but it's now better than ever. Quiet location, quality (and choice) of food terrific: staff and service impeccable. We'll be back.

Review 77：Room and bathroom tiny. I had considered room for wedding night gift to young couple but would have been very disappointed by size and lack of luxuries for price. During stay on first day we had no hot water so had to have cold shower. Staff relatively ambivalent about problem - no attempt made to compensate or apologise by management.

Review 78：Food lovely, staff friendly, comfortable room. Nice selection of tea and biscuits!

Review 79：Disappointed where our table was in restaurant for dinner, opposite door to kichen. Table seemed an odd size for two. No comfortable atmosphere in restaurant and we seemed to be hurried along. Others diners commented on this too.

Review 80：Cleanliness was second to none. Staff pleasant and helpful. Lovely garden. Great to have lots of parking.

Review 81：Fine hotel with proud tradition. Clean, comfortable , gt walks Nearby. Highly recommend. Excellent breakfast, evening meals very good but portions on the small size

Review 82：Room was a tad small for the price, we had a classic. It was a warm night but the windows opened well. Only snag was the cawing of crows at 4am!

Review 83：We liked sitting in the beautiful well kept gardens and having a delicious lunch and bar snack. The staff were well informed and professional. Plenty of staff to serve breakfast.

Review 84：poor room which was supposed to be the best

Review 85：good country house hotel with traditional feel excellent food/ choice in conservatory dining roomand

Review 86：Calm and quietness in the hotel. No-one rushing around.

Review 87：no but room could have been a bit bigger

Review 88：position

Review 89：Food and nobody asked if it was ok View Small room Dirty toilet Used shower gel left in shower

Review 90：everything

Review 91：Good food, excellent location, comfortable bed

Review 92：Rated 4 star, more 3 star. Expensive!

Review 93：Pricey

Review 94：comfort

Review 95：Restaurant

Review 96：Room 9 a lovely room with view but a bit on small side.

Review 97：Friendly and helpful staff especially in dining room. Decor and cleanliness.

Review 98：Lack of elevators. Slow and unstable WiFi.

Review 99：Excellent location, near the wood and lake. Victorian era atmosphere. Friendly staff.

Review 100：Excellent staff great

Review 101：View

Review 102：Staff not friendly or well informed. Overpriced for size of room and level of service.

Review 103：Location fabulous

Review 104：Decor tired Breakfast average

Review 105：No dislikes

Review 106：Location, Building, history behind the hotel, convenience, breakfast. The cleanest bathroom I have seen in any hotel in many years.

Review 107：Comfortable and relaxing. Staff very attentive. Location beautifull. No mobile access which was brilliant!

Review 108：Fab setting excellent friendly staff absolutely loved it

Review 109：Head Waiter miserable.

Review 110：Nice location.

Review 111：Nothinglux

Review 112：Great great, very good food excellent service and very friendly staff

Review 113：Couldn't afford to stay longer!!

Review 114：Lovely relaxed environment with great staff. Excellent food too!

Review 115：The room was very comfortable, the meals good, the staff very friendly

Review 116：Ambience - peaceful and restful

Review 117：Twin room wasn't very big

Review 118：Very nice hotel. Good location. Pleasant staff. Excellent food.

Review 119：Poor breakfast service

Review 120：Good food.

Review 121：Good service and friendly and at tentative staff

Review 122：Service was very good staff are really friendly and helpful

Review 123：Front desk staff was not friendly.

Review 124：The history of the hotel and area were very interesting.

The Fine Print

The Borrowdale restaurant features a fine menu of locally sourced and fresh food, and friendly staff. Restaurant dress code is smart casual; no jeans or trainers.