Rothay Garden Hotel & Riverside Spa

Rothay Garden Hotel & Riverside Spa descritpion

In beautiful Grasmere, Rothay Garden is a luxurious 4-star hotel with a stylish 2 AA-Rosette restaurant, stunning designer rooms and a riverside spa. There is free private parking.
Following a major redevelopment, Hotel Rothay Garden offers luxurious rooms with bathrobes, mineral water and flat-screen TVs. The rooms offer free Wi-Fi internet access.
Overlooking 2 acres of grounds, the candlelit Conservatory Restaurant at Rothay Garden provides award-winning food, using local, seasonal produce. A generous Lakeland breakfast is served each morning.
In the English Lake District, Rothay Garden Hotel was built in 1856 and is a short walk from Grasmere’s lake. Rydal Water is just 1.5 miles away and Ambleside, Windermere and Kendal are within easy reach.

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Facilities of Rothay Garden Hotel & Riverside Spa

Outdoors ：Grounds

Pets ：Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink ：Bar | Breakfast in the Room | Restaurant with Dining Menu

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

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

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

Reviews for Rothay Garden Hotel & Riverside Spa

Review 1：We stayed for 1 night mid week in january 2016 and chose this hotel because of the great location. we had walked past it before and thought it looked lovely and we were right. the room was a double and absolutley lovely, really comfortbale, lovely decor and beautiful bathroom. we loved that the taps were in the middle of the bath so we could have a comfortable bath together! the spa was really gorgeous, there is a large plunge jacuzzi, aromatherapy room, sauna and heated beds. it was lovely and quiet, for a while we were the only people there and then it was just us and one other couple. we had a fantastic dinner as well, i had a lovely salmon starter and lamb for the main, beautfifully presented and perfect portion size, dinner was followed by petit fours and tea/coffee in the lounge/bar which was a really lovely touch. such a nice place to site i felt completely relaxed. one of the best hotels i have stayed in, in a while! would highly reccommend and would definitley stay again.

Review 2：spa was closed for monday and tuesday with no prior notice # scrambled eggs were slimy at breakfast massage was only available booked in advance and in your bedroom Spa was nice on the one night we could use it £150 per night B & B was overpriced

Review 3：Location

Review 4：It was difficult to get one of the lounger's in the spa

Review 5：Staff were very friendly. Food in the restaurant was excellent. Apparently the hotel had been flooded 2 weeks before our stay and you wouldn't have been aware of it such was the excellent standard of repairs etc

Review 6：The pillows are awful, really hard and thin - take your own with you.

Review 7：It was a lovely hotel with gorgeous hotel rooms, modern but cosy, and surprisingly amazing food. The restaurant was lovely and we had one of our best meals ever there - the bar snack and 'afternoon delight' menu also left me spoilt for choice for afternoon tea. The spa also added to what was a perfect break away

Review 8：asked for a room with a view and we were in a v nice room but overlooking the roof of the dining room

Review 9：ambience and quality of service and approach, excellent food and lovely dining room

Review 10：We stayed at the Rothay Gardens hotel, during one of the worst storms (desmond) in quite a number of years for Grasmere. We were overwhelmed at the how the staff were so helpful, professional and accommodating. We will return and cannot recommend more highly this perfect little spot in the Lakes.

Review 11：The floods!! Spoilt the weekend really and spa in hotel closed but not the fault of the hotel .

Review 12：Rooms were fab! Lovely location and nice helpful staff :)

Review 13：It is certainly not the cheapest place to eat although the food is of a high standard, the only other minor gripe was the gaffer tape holding the outside light together in the river side suite we stayed in

Review 14：What's not to like about the Rothay? the location nestled in between some great fells right next to the river is fabulous. The rooms are of a high standard and spotlessly clean and the Spa adds that bit extra to your stay. Excellent evening menus in the restaurant and during the day in the bar. The hotel staff were very friendly and helpful.

Review 15：Only thing we did not enjoy was the pillows but that is personal taste.

Review 16：The staff were fantastic and could not do enough for you. The owner was always on hand with useful information with the flooded roads. Food was great and choice of wine that will everyone happy. Really enjoyed the spa and is a great addition to the hotel.

Review 17：From the moment we arrived the hotel and sarroundings seemed as beautiful as expected... The level of care and attention from all staff was second to none. The room was more than satisfactory with balcony overlooking grassmere's sarroundings. The thing that stood out in our stay was the level of cuisine and quality of food on offer during our stay. All in all a very comfortable stay.

Review 18：The aromatherapy room in the Spa was a bit underwhelming but the rest of the spa was great.

Review 19：The food was amazing, the staff were so friendly and hospitable and the place was spotless! I had a fantastic hour long massage from Katie which was first class!

Review 20：Room had two sloping ceilings where it was very easy to bang one's head. Mattress too soft.

Review 21：Great location and staff couldn't be more helpful. Restaurant was quite good.

Review 22：Not having choice over dinner, either a four course meal at £40 or snack in bar. We were made to move from one section of bar area to another in order to have snack. Room very small and far too warm, affecting sleep.

Review 23：Excellent location and very good refurbishment.

Review 24：Check-in was awful. The member of staff behaved as if she was inducted us into a prison. I fully expected her to tell me to empty my pockets and sign for my possessions. Other English members of staff were somewhat unsmiling and unfriendly. Not sure if that was just me not understanding "bluff northerner" style but the Eastern Europeans on staff were, as ever, perfectly OK. The restaurant only offered 5 course set menus in the evening. The only alternative was to eat from the bar menu in the lounge or select from the room service menu. Quite odd really and we noticed that most of the places in Grasmere with pretentions to "high" quality were doing the same so eating a la carte in the evening was limited to only 2 or 3 three restaurants. Fortunately these were very good.

Review 25：Grasmere is an excellent place to stay for exploring the Lake District. Much quieter than places such as Ambleside or Windermere. The guest lounges were very pleasant.

Review 26：Although delicious and well presented, would prefer a little more variety in dinner menu.

Review 27：Location great for accessing grasmere and local area, staff friendly, hotel dining good. Relaxing atmosphere, warm and welcoming

Review 28：Staff very helpful from our welcome to our check out. Lovely room overlooking the river with delightful balcony. Breakfasts superb, fresh orange juice , good choice of proteins good service. Our two evening meals were a joy and reasonably priced

Review 29：Service in the Bar and Resturaunt was very slow , almost non existant in the bar - Had to search for staff . Breakfast was mediocre at best , Expensive evening meal was pretentious and dissapointing . Bathroom very tired( Shower screen ready for the skip ,Floor grouting had been badly covered with Grey decorators cork , Shower pressure was very low ) . Spa was ok but the vent above the Jacuzzi was filthy, thick with dust and dirt , Aromatherapy room pointless and fragrence free ,

Review 30：Location was great . Lots parking . Red sqirrels in the garden . Nice lounge/Bar area .

Review 31：It's not cheap, but worth it. You won't be able to connect to wi fi outside in the garden

Review 32：Location was beautiful, close to lots of lovely walks and the staff were really helpful in providing maps and routes. The food was absolutely superb, everything that we had was gorgeous

Review 33：The staff was excelant, room excelant, position excelant, so whats not to like. We are no longer are big eaters, we only had two starters each, plus two drinks, price oh dear. My first breakfast, bacon and eggs, the bacon was over cooked and the eggs freshness ? The further breakfast up to standard.

Review 34：In reality we did not like very much, more important, we really ENJOYED our stay, negatives, see aside.

Review 35：It is undoubtedly an excellent hotel but this is reflected in the charge of £220 per night, B & B plus £80 for dinner. This is at the top end of the scale, but it is a great place in a lovely location.

Review 36：This small hotel has an ideal balance between friendliness and efficiency. Formality is at a minimum and the staff appear to really enjoy their work. The uprated room had a view over the garden. When the staff fopund that we were celebrating our Golden Wedding they produced a special dessert dish with congratulations piped on the plate.

Review 37：There was a tiny number of things noted such as a stain on the valance sheet on the bed and poor grout in the tiles in the bathroom. Very minimal complaints though.

Review 38：The setting is fantastic. Gardens are beautiful and well maintained. Spa was just lovely and staff were all very helpful and accommodating. Couldn't fault it.

Review 39：Only negative comment is that bookings.com say no pets allowed but hotel does allow them in ground floor rooms but not on premises. Disappointed as I always choose a hotel with no pets.

Review 40：Very friendly and helpful staff. Room was lovely and clean. We had a terrace with table and chairs overlooking garden. Food was great and spa is small but lovely and relaxing. Spa faces onto garden and river!

Review 41：Initial mix up over room, asking us to move after night one. This was sorted out though and the hotel admitted this was their error, not booking.com

Review 42：What can I say, just a fantastic hotel/spa for a chilled out break Last minute booking, so took a chance, but we just weren't disappointed. Hotel room was lovely, staff were courteous, we did have a slight hiccup when we were advised that we'd need to move for our second night (an error in their booking system) but this was resolved and the manager made up for things with the birthday message (see photos) The spa is great and was quiet as it was for guests only, loved the hydrotherapy pool. The dining was also excellent, yes it's maybe a tad more expensive than other places but well worth it ... and as someone who is constantly berating places for lack of veggie options, this hotel has its own full menu .... wonderful We will most certainly be back

Review 43：Evening meal seemed a bit rushed. Lots of staff on hand ready to take your plates as soon as you'd finished. Not much time to relax between courses.

Review 44：Very relaxing atmosphere. Staff were so helpful and accommodating. The treatments for my wife were amazing and great value for money.

Review 45：Slight problem with a leak into the room during a torrential storm and water run off from the roof onto the patio area in room 19.

Review 46：Excellent service, friendly staff, comfortable rooms, great location, superb food.

Review 47：For a suite the riverside(cant see the river inless you leave the room) was small and french windows overlook adjoining apartments rooms so privacy not assured and guests can smoke outside your room sometimes I imagine(there was a cigarette packet wedged in the wall outside. The carpet was heavily stained and due for renewal to rate it a £240 a night room.

Review 48：The spa is underated on reviews and is excellent a real treat especially the hydro bath. Cant fault the staff and gardens

Review 49：Bed wasn't very comfortable.

Review 50：Not very much we didn't like... Fantastic hotel, spa was an added bonus.. Came away relaxed and happy what more could we ask for?

Review 51：Staff were well attired,courteous and efficient. Food was excellent, as was the cleanliness. Facilities could not be faulted throughout. We have booked again for September!

Review 52：Highly recommended could get to lots of places and nice village down the road for the evening.

Review 53：Every thing did my home work before leaving and we enjoyed the hotel location scenery and every thing else.

Review 54：I think calling this room a suite is a bit overstated.Price was about a third too much for type of room.Tariff was £60 less the following week.

Review 55：Peaceful location with lovely gardens.

Review 56：The bed wasn't the best however I couldn't fault the rest of the hotel.

Review 57：Staff were very accommodating with my wife's dietary requirements. The hotel facilities were excellent and it was the relaxing break we were looking for.

Review 58：The only small thing was that the duvet was not wide enough. It just stretched to the edge of the bed when no one was in it so felt too narrow when we were both in bed.

Review 59：Views from room and spa, delicious food, very helpful staff, decor, cleanliness, gardens. Too many things to mention!

Review 60：The roof gables in our room cut in to the usable area in both bedroom and ensuite and after 3 nights it began to feel a bit cramped. We had to be careful not to bump our heads.

Review 61：We enjoyed our stay, the hotel is just lovely. Staff were great and the breakfast selection and fine dining was excellent. We would definitely stay again but just not in the same room.

Review 62：Nothing

Review 63：Just had a really enjoyable one night stay in this hotel. Great location for walking, and just enjoying grasmere. Lovely spa, nice setting, great breakfast ... And very handy to be able to park in grasmere.

Review 64：no lift , for a 3 storey building, and to carry cases up stairs is not really acceptable. not a place for walkers/ climbers to stay.

Review 65：Cleanliness, quietness, eventually at night

Review 66：Spa is a bit small for the number of guests- but this is a very minor point in an otherwise excellent review

Review 67：Comfortable room. Extras such as tea tray, toiletries, and bottled water were generous and of excellent quality. Spa facilities fabulous. Breakfast freshly cooked

Review 68：Unfortunately we found our room particularly hot, with no thermastat to change this.

Review 69：The spa was amazing after a hard days walking. Also the breakfast was on point, on time and perfectly cooked, super yummy. The staff were lovely and polite, would truly love to go back.

Review 70：The hotel is in a fantastic location surrounded by beautiful scenery. The spa is wonderful, so relaxing. The breakfast we had was delicious. The staff were all very friendly and helpful.

Review 71：Very poor communication of desk staff, one of lady staff at the desk was very rude and not helpful,no update given of reported defects in room 1, and to end it all the cooked breakfast on my last day was cold. Not what I would expect for £220 per night very disappointed

Review 72：Nothing to fault at all!

Review 73：Everything about this place! The amazing spa, incredible breakfast (you get to order from a menu!), beautiful rooms, gorgeous gardens, beautiful rooms and comfortable bed. Grasmere is easily my pick of the towns in the Lake District and this is an easy 5-10 minute walk to anywhere in Grasmere, including the gingerbread shop which is a must visit! Would love to visit again!

Review 74：The bed is far too firm, and that is coming from someone who prefers a former mattress. Also the rooms are very small for the cost.

Review 75：The staff are excellent and made the difference

Review 76：Nothing negative to say

Review 77：The hotel facilities were comfortable and spotless and the food was excellent! Staff were friendly and very helpful -the perfect peaceful getaway set in gorgeous gardens!

Review 78：Stony cold silence in breakfast room, whispers of other guests. A little light music would have helped. Very disappointed with Cumbrian breakfast, pink sausage, pale pink bacon, toast delivered well before rest of food; poor coffee; just didn't match surroundings unfortunately.

Review 79：Beautiful surroundings, tinkling brook outside patio. Sumptuous room and bathroom. Short walk into village plenty of restaurants, but book before.

Review 80：If you don't want to dine in the restaurant, eating in the lounge would not be very convenient.

Review 81：Helpfulness of the staff. Excellent breakfast. Spacious room. Location

Review 82：Did not get the room I booked been here several times booked a room with a balcony as a surprise for my partner and was given another room

Review 83：Great location great spa fantastic wine

Review 84：The food was very good but for a selected palette. Sometimes plainer food food works just as well as what I call "presentation" food. And when I dared to ask for baked beans for breakfast, the young man's face was a picture when he explained "I'm sorry but we don't serve baked beans".

Review 85：The room and it's facilities. Extremely clean and comfortable. The spa was excellent although a small pool would have been a bonus.

Review 86：bed was rock hard, noise from upstairs room was unacceptable we could hear every move walking across the floor or moving chairs etc...

Review 87：Great location plenty of parking space

Review 88：The pipe work within the room was quite noisy during the early hours of the morning as the heating got to work.

Review 89：The facilities were great in a lovely setting. Staff were excellent and helped wherever possible. Katie, the masseuse, gave my wife a great massage and helped her remove the knots from our long walks!

Review 90：Attentive service, ideally situated in picturesque surroundings, the food was well presented and delicious. The staff were the best we've experienced in a number of years, this made our stay that extra bit special.

Review 91：Food was absolutely disgraceful and the fact we were sat in the corner out the way was very bad we could only see the walls and door when othere guests were enjoying the garden views! Maybe because we werent white??

Review 92：Staff were friendly!

Review 93：Only the weather

Review 94：The staff were so friendly and helpful, room was excellent and food delicious. Spa was great if a little small but the whole stay was perfect, we will be choosing this hotel again.

Review 95：Mix up as hotel somehow had us booked in for previous day but all was sorted without any fuss.

Review 96：Couldn't fault the hotel. Staff really friendly, room spot on and breakfast really nice. Spa is a great way to relax with lovely views and my partner had a treatment and loved it!

Review 97：Set price dinner menu-no cheaper alternative offered so had to eat out one night as too expensive to eat at the hotel for both nights

Review 98：Jacuzzi, comfortable room, wonderful location

Review 99：Wifi wasn't working but to be honest that was a blessing! Made me lift my nose away from a screen for an entire weekend.

Review 100：Location was spectacular, breakfast delicious - particularly impressed with the veggie cooked breakfast, spa was good, room was sumptuous.

Review 101：The weekend we were there the wifi was off -but only because they were switching to faster fibre optic broadband (actually good to have a rest from the internet!)

Review 102：Bedroom was very comfortable and well equipped. Staff friendly. Spa lovely.

Review 103：Rooms very noisy on floor above until 2am and room tired and not cleaned and replenished as would expect for 4* rating. The bed was hard and duvet cover not big enough.

Review 104：Enjoyed location and excellent breakfast.

Review 105：Excellent location, friendly and helpful staff -nothing was too much trouble for them, excellent food, beautifully looked after building and lovely spa.

Review 106：Showers not working in spa. No lift to attic rooms.

Review 107：Excellent food . Friendly helpful staff. Lovely spa to relax in after a day of walking. Pleasant room. Fantastic. Double shower .

Review 108：There was nothing to dislike

Review 109：I really don't know what to say about this hotel. It's the first time I've been really satisfied. The room was fantastic

Review 110：Nothing really but it would have been nice to sample some draught beers in the bar instead of just bottles.

Review 111：Riverside room was as you would expect right on the river, great view! Room was lovely and very quiet. We had an evening meal and a breakfast and all the food was excellent.

Review 112：bedroom was slightly small but I suppose even so it was quite adequate

Review 113：The food was excellent and the surroundings inside and out was good. Staff were extremely polite and helpful

Review 114：The only thing I didn't like was the set £40 menu at night in dining room. Would be nice on second evening to maybe just have a main course instead of 4/5 courses. There is a light lounge menu till 6pm..

Review 115：The hotel sits at end of village and it is a short stroll in. We had a suite which was lovely, patio doors open onto beautiful garden. Spa facility is great with nice views to the hills from jaccuzi. Nice on a winter afternoon..The food is good albeit nouvelle cuisine maybe not everyone's choice !!!

Review 116：The mattress was too firm, a little softer would have been nice

Review 117：The food was refined and delicious. They have a great value for money 4 course menu. The spa was great and not overcrowded. The room was spacious. Staff were very attentive and helpful.

Review 118：Very hard to pick any holes, bathroom was a little bit tired, they can bring people in for spa treatments but don't have any on staff (not a problem but worth knowing)

Review 119：Breakfast & food from the restaurant (we ate there one evening) was properly excellent, staff were very friendly & helpful, room was large & comfortable, Spa was good too

Review 120：Unable to book a single Saturday night.Given the time of year it was a surprise that you could not book just a Saturday night.Apart from that a very nice hotel that we will return to again.

Review 121：Excellent friendly staff and very comfortable rooms.being December the outside weather was cold but the hotel was warm and welcoming.Dinner in the restaurant although not cheap was very good?We required an early breakfast before the dining room was open and the staff went out of their way to make sure we gota hot breakfast before the journey home.

Review 122：not there long enough to try the spa!

Review 123：Friendly staff, only ate breakfast in the restaurant but it very good in a lovely room. Nice touches, restful stay,

Review 124：The WiFi signal is not great (which they do forewarn you about) but we didn't find this a problem as were there to enjoy the outdoors.

Review 125：The hotel itself is excellent but the staff and overall service is what really makes it a great place to stay. They are all friendly and efficient.

Review 126：The bedroom lighting was a bit dim also the resturant was dark in the evening could not see what was on your plate - I have nothing wrong with my eye sight

Review 127：We thought the menu choices were excellent The Chef's were very accomplished Chris the General Manager runs a very good team Well done

Review 128：1)Wine list would benefit from some half-bottles, which would encourage people to try the excellent wines available. 2) Room was fine, but felt a bit gloomy because of dormer window.

Review 129：Excellent dinner, well-run hotel, with relaxed feel.

Review 130：Room was fairly small with sloping ceilings so felt rather cramped and dark.

Review 131：Comfy bed, excellent breakfast served in lovely light restaurant overlooking garden with hill views. Short walk into Grasmere where most walks start.

Review 132：Stayed in the Loughrigg Suite,room quite cold due to poor heating system,which didn't seem to be able to be fixed.

Review 133：Location,staff,breakfast and a lovely spa.

Review 134：Lovely location,food was excellent,both breakfast and dinner!Room was comfortable and clean.Raxed atmosphere. Came for a special occasion and we both thoroughly enjoyed our stay.Will definetly be booking again soon!

Review 135：Staff have not organised control of guests leaving their towels on the hot beds while using the jacuzzi facilites, so I stood around with nowhere to sit down. Breakfast: Citrus fruit could be fillited so that guests don't have to fight with the membrane. A chunk of smoked haddock, oozing white deposit was dumped crudely on top of curried rice.

Review 136：The comfort of the public areas and our room. Helpful and well trained staff. Evening meal was creative and delicious. Breakfast: wide range of choices and excellent English full cooked breakfast.

Review 137：Perfect location, surrounded by fells, and the river Rothay running past the window, makes for a unique Lakeland experience.Staff are excellent. delicious food, served in a lovely restaurant, coffee relaxing in the lounge, Spa is great relaxation after along walk.

Review 138：room was too small for price, bathroom wall rm 26,had paint peeling and damp, not really good enough for a 4 * hotel, not as clean as it could have been, carpet wasn't hoovered in the 4 days we were there! piped music the same every evening, and not loud enough especially in dining room for dinner which was spoiled because you could hear other peoples conversations, not relaxed enough, non played at all during breakfast which was way too clinical for us.

Review 139：fantastic food, chef should be given credit, good bed, spa was fantastic after a long walk but could get crowded, efficient service, quality of bed linen, nice decor in bar area was really lovely, fab location

The Fine Print

The hotel does not accept American Express.Please inform Rothay Garden Hotel & Riverside Spa of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details provided in your confirmation.