Waterhead Hotel
Waterhead Hotel descritpion
Next to Coniston Water, Waterhead Hotel has lawns running down to the lake shore and a restaurant with spectacular mountain views. The center of Coniston is a 2-minute walk away.
With views of the lawns to the lake, The Waterhead lounge bar offers local ales, light snacks and afternoon tea. Mountain View Restaurant offers a menu featuring local cuisine.
All of the bright rooms with private bathrooms at Hotel Waterhead have a TV, free toiletries and tea/coffee facilities. Some rooms have mountain and lake views.
The Coniston ferry stops close the grounds and there are bus stops at the front of the hotel. In the English Lake District, Coniston Water offers lake cruises and there are walking routes close by. There is free private parking.
Recommand
Low rates——No booking fees • Save money!Best price guarantee — enter dates to see these prices!
14 properties in Coniston——Including hotels, apartments, villas and more.
Manage your bookings online——Sign up for a FREE account·View a single booking.
239 independent reviews——We verify all reviews from guests who've stayed at Waterhead Hotel. Find out more about Booking.com Reviews.
The staff speaks English——Waterhead Hotel's staff speaks:Polish,English
Booking is safe——When you book with us your details are protected by a secure connection.
Facilities of Waterhead Hotel
Outdoors ：Grounds
Pets ：Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar | Snack Bar
Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).
Services ：Room Service | Packed Lunches | Laundry | Meeting/Banquet Facilities | Fax/Photocopying
General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Facilities for Disabled Guests | Elevator | Heating | All Spaces Non-Smoking (public and private)
Languages Spoken ：Polish | English
Reviews for Waterhead Hotel
Review 1：ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Review 2：loved the views and settings, spacious comfy rooms, and the convenience of a bus stop outside which we used to go to hawkshead and ambleside.PERFECT
Review 3：nothing negative in particular, found it strange that one couldn't eat in hotel if not pre-booked when booking stay.
Review 4：an enjoyable first visit. location is lovely
Review 5：Nothing not to like.Good Hotel I feel it was good value for money
Review 6：Considering so many dogs and walkers with muddy boots the hotel was very clean.Staff on reception went beyond the call of duty to please us. All staff friendly and polite cleaning staff dining room everyone was helpful and friendly
Review 7：No wifi in the room was a serious turn off as it's a remote area and customers do expect in room broadband. Floors were squeaky and rooms werent sound proof so no privacy. Not every room has a nice view including mine.
Review 8：Good location, good service and nice breakfast.
Review 9：Could have done with the room being warmer. Came back late so had to use front door key which didnt work. Fortunately someone answerd the phone.
Review 10：Location size of the room
Review 11：the dinner menu is a bit overpriced for what you get, given the abundance of good nearby alternatives. Basically the hotel is clean and tidy although a bit tired in places. Room rate on the other hand was competitive. Service/staff also were fine.
Review 12：good parking, a short walk to the town, close to lake. A good base for a short walking break, which is what a lot of guests will be doing. Room comes with all the usual facilities.
Review 13：The noise in our room was unbearable from the kitchen, road and room above, considering this was classed as a suite we didn't feel this was acceptable. At breakfast they ran out of all vegetarian options so I could only have cereal when I had paid for breakfast to be included. The staff member I spoke to most about my issues wasn't local to the area and was covering holiday for another member of staff and was from a sister hotel and was unsure on lots of information.
Review 14：The local area had nice places to eat.
Review 15：Dinner menu limited and repeated next evening. Breakfast was spoiled by dried-out bacon and sausage which had been under heat lamps for some time.
Review 16：Very pleasant staff. Excellent response to problem with shower. Location at head of lake
Review 17：Friendly & very helpful staff. The food is as good as ever. It's been 3 years since our last visit but standards have been at least maintained.
Review 18：The service at breakfast was appalling and also the quality of the food was terrible. We entered the dining room at 9.20 and had to wait 20mins before ordering toast. We then ordered a full english and had to wait 40 mins. It was poorly cooked and certainly not worth the wait. We were still in the dining room at 10.40am and it was a good job I had asked for a late check out. It spoilt the whole experience of staying at the hotel. When I complained I was told, everyone arrived for breakfast at the same time.
Review 19：The location of the hotel
Review 20：Dinner also very good but portions a little small for me. Sorry for leaving a day early nothing to do with you, just had car trouble.
Review 21：Very nice hotel,lovely grounds and view. Breakfast was great. Would come again.
Review 22：We were under the impression that our booked room had dual aspect with full frontal view of the lake. We double checked just after we booked. I'll never re-use that hotel. Website description of the rooms should be totally clear. We had trouble with the shower. We asked for more heating but it was inadequate. One of the staff was very helpful.
Review 23：The surroundings
Review 24：Room decoration tired. Very poor water pressure in shower. Shower cubicle small.Not great choice for breakfast.Overpriced
Review 25：Lovely location. Staff friendly
Review 26：We did have trouble flushing the loo in our bathroom! Forgot to mention it to the staff when we left. We only stayed one night.
Review 27：Beautiful location and gardens and nice room. Had an excellent evening meal in the restaurant and enjoyed breakfast too.
Review 28：If I had to say something negative it would be the portions of food at breakfast, but that could be me being greedy, and the room in terms decor was just ok. But I am really trying hard to make these negative comments
Review 29：Very clean and friendly hotel with beautiful Gardens. Hotel has lots of character. Staff extremely friendly and polite, giving a professional service. Food is of very high quality, although on the pricey side for me
Review 30：Maybe the carpeting could do with a little more attention before someone trips up .
Review 31：Location was excellent, ambiance was excellent, food was very good. Staff were very very helpful.
Review 32：The location was on the lake with great views from the window. The staff were friendly and the room was clean and well presented. It was also close to both the centre of the village and hills for walking.
Review 33：Discovered that we had to pay for an extra elderly dog to come - but overall they were very kind, breaking the 'rule' about dogs in suite - as I had mentioned on booking The breakfast staff were very slow - straight/miserable faced, they were not on the ball, we had to ask for glasses, bowls etc - they had left the least nice table for us near door - instead of clearing and relaying a window seat which would have been lovely There was no food in the restaurant the night we stayed, as they had booked a big event - this required us to leave and me to drive - annoying - it would have been nice if they had been willing to let residents have supper in a corner of the bar Light bulbs didn't work in sitting room desk light
Review 34：Beautiful location, lovely kind and helpful receptionist, excellent breakfast. Comfortable bed
Review 35：The staff were all very friendly and more than happy to answer our questions. The establishment was well maintained and the room was beautiful with an amazing view.
Review 36：Wifi was only in bar.
Review 37：Staff were positive and made it a relaxing stay. The gardens were a great place to stroll and take in the views. Ideal location to stroll into Coniston and be a away form the bustle in the midle of the day.
Review 38：Probably would have scored better, but given a room at the back of the hotel, overlooking a roof with fumes from the kitchen below blowing into the room
Review 39：Location
Review 40：Reception was just badly trained, everything was a problem to them from check in to ordering food and a beer , signing for everything is ridiculous ,waiting staff trying but systems stop them from giving good service. They weren't busy but had 4 people waiting to order food and drinks at bar and refuse to let you order drinks at your table.
Review 41：Food was good , evening meal great.
Review 42：The main bar is dreadful and not at all welcoming. There are nails sticking out of the walls where pictures have once been hung. We had a night cap here on Sunday night and the young man serving us couldn't have been more sullen had he tried...SMILE - WE ARE ON HOLIDAY!!!! - The hallways are very very dated and in need of some new carpet & decorating. Don't be expecting a power shower....Its just a warm trickle of water.....
Review 43：Lovely location. Most of the staff are lovely. Grounds superb. The breakfasts are amazing as are the staff on duty. Lovely 5 minute stroll from the Hotel into town. Gorgeous pubs here on the square with excellent menus.
Review 44：The en-suite was a bit of a disappointment with the shower pressure very low and the decoration was dated compared with the room.
Review 45：the staff were friendly and helpful. The bedroom was comfortable and recently decorated. Good breakfast.
Review 46：Asked for rooms close together - if I'd known the suite room was outside in separate building and second room was top floor of main building I wouldnt have booked. My son's room had dirty waste surfacing from the shower drain, and my room (the junior suite) had strong paint fumes and radiators wouldnt come on. Not impressed and wouldnt recommend.
Review 47：bed quite comfy and breakfast was good.
Review 48：1st room smelt of bleach.....next room on middle floor. There is no sound proofing so no good if you want a good night's sleep. Room was also far too hot.
Review 49：Leaving???
Review 50：We were put into what can only be described as a ground floor annex, which faced on to the main road. We could hear every sound and step from the people above us (not their fault) and couldn't open the window because of traffic noise and also security. Also, we were told to use only the side entrance to the annex and not to go through the hotel with the dog! Dog friendly (not at all). Although we had booked for three nights B & B I was taken ill during the night and we had to leave quite early after just one night. We were refunded one night, but turned out extremely expensive as we didn't even have breakfast. Staff were not interested and offered no help whatsoever.
Review 51：Location.
Review 52：Friendly staff and good food. Good quality lake room 5 is recommended. Wonderful location and views of Old Man from dining room. A very pleasant two nights.
Review 53：We had a "suite" which was two rooms and bathroom. Furniture in the sitting room was really uncomfortable and maybe hand downs from another area of the hotel (or maybe Gumtree?). Mattress completely without side support and bathroom although functional in a bit of a decline. Better and far cheaper accommodation options in the village
Review 54：Breakfast and most of the staff were excellent and friendly - nice grounds
Review 55：The receptionist didn't offer a password to free wi fi when I have asked on my arrival and he said the wi fi doesn't work in every room but where I have stayed in guest house ( big one), the wi fi worked everywhere
Review 56：Good menu but a bit limited if staying for a few days as it does not change much. Excellent food and presentation though
Review 57：The location close to the lake and the very friendly staff.
Review 58：Service on the days we stayed was slow; perhaps the staff were inexperienced. Mistakes were made on our bill but they were corrected with good grace and apologies
Review 59：Very pleasant location; comfortable rooms; meals were good.
Review 60：Room looked over road, & shower very small & not alot of pressure
Review 61：Quite & the bed was massive & comfy. Just a short walk into Coniston itself.
Review 62：Waking up to a view of the lake with hills and sheep and lambs grazing, after a very comfortable night's sleep. And the walk through the grounds to the lake with bluebells underfoot.
Review 63：The staff were very welcoming and helpful. The breakfast and afternoon tea were both great quality and freshly cooked/baked. The location was perfect close to the lake with beautiful grounds.
Review 64：Unfortunately they didn't allow our dog into bar area, so we had to go elsewhere for drinks.
Review 65：Our room smelt very drainy so we reported this to reception and they moved us to another room without any question. Excellent breakfast and service in restaurant.
Review 66：Had a lovely bright room overlooking the lake. Enjoyed our three course meal in the hotel in the evening and being able to take the rest of our wine into the lounge to enjoy afterwards.
Review 67：The manually operated lift which only accessed the first floor.
Review 68：Location,access to boats, cleanliness, comfort, restaurant, waiting staff, superb views, attractive well maintained grounds
Review 69：We didn't dislike anything but we did think the evening meal portions were very small . Although the food was very good we were still hungry after considering how much we paid for the meal and had to get some other food from a pub in the village after . But again the food was very good as was the breakfast
Review 70：The views and the place in general
Review 71：Apart from breakfast, the food although well presented was disappointing, bland and not worth the price. We paid for a suite but it was not worth £145 per night. Needs a good revamp. The lighting is dim, our windows faced onto a main road, the furniture and carpet have seen better days, upstairs floorboards creaked so much we could hear people getting out of bed to go to the loo! The shower drainage was slow causing it to overflow, the shower pressure was very poor and we expected a few more or at least a better selection of teas, coffees and milks in a suite.
Review 72：All the staff were lovely. The hotel is in a beautiful location with lovely gardens leading down to the jetty. We stayed in a suite located outside the main building but the rooms we did see in the hotel looked fresh and well decorated.
Review 73：Nothing to report, as far as negatives go.
Review 74：The location is stunning, and hotel itself was lovely, with an immaculately cleaned en-suite, and bedroom. We could not have wished for more friendly staff. The quality of the food was superb.
Review 75：Packet bought gnocci at dinner was very disappointing since one would expect home made in such an hotel. However my friends meals were good. Poor effort for vegetarians.
Review 76：Location, staff and setting. Comfort and warmth in the bar on arrival.
Review 77：The only downside was the checking in procedure, it does state you can check in at 3.00pm, we arrived at 2.45pm and had to wait the 15 minutes before we could check in albeit the rooms were ready.
Review 78：Location was excellent for a weekend retreat. The evening meal in the restaurant was exceptional, together with the breakfast which you order just what you require and its served at your table.
Review 79：Our room was on 1st floor next to the stairs and lift making it rather noisy which unsettled our dog.
Review 80：Lovely location and nice grounds. Convenient for the village. The staff were very welcoming and friendly.
Review 81：Nothing it was a pleasure to stay at Waterhead hotel. We will definitely be coming back.
Review 82：The room was decorated to a high standard and the bed was so comfy. The staff were really friendly and the breakfast was excellent.
Review 83：Soup was only Luke warm . radiator in room 20 not big enough for the room so room quite chilly as weather was cold. tiles on bathroom floor very cold on your feet as only towel radiator in the en suite.
Review 84：The quilts on the bed were to die for lovely warm and cosy. Lovely mountain view from window. Lovely new en suite bathroom Lots of room. Good car parking facilities. good value if on the GBP 55 deal
Review 85：Guest information folder or receptionist when placing room service breakfast order, did not mention an additional £5 per person charge. Was not impressed when we came to check out. They just added it on to our bill, which was a bed and breakfast rate. Disgraceful!
Review 86：I liked everything about this hotel. The location is excellent, staff are very helpful, clean comfortable room and a delicious quality breakfast. Have stayed here a few times now and will without a shadow of doubt be returning.
Review 87：The food did not live up to expectations. The waiting staff were very pleasant but the variety and quality of the food was lacking. We ate in the dining room for our first evening and then decided to give it a second chance the next day - the dessert was definitely much better but the main course was not good.
Review 88：The locaion was very good with easy parking and very welcoming staff. The outlook from our room was excellent with views over the lake.
Review 89：Decor was dated and tired looking internally. Shower in our room was less than powerful. Gardens needed attention.
Review 90：Bed was very comfortable, staff helpful and friendly and breakfast was fine.
Review 91：car park got a bit full
Review 92：the location was very good and the staff went out of they way to help you and to make the stay very nice and it was good food and good vale for money
Review 93：No negatives in my opinion.
Review 94：We really enjoyed the proximity to Coniston Water, which is what my husband was interested in, as he has a passion for the history of Bluebird.
Review 95：No shelf or cupboard in the bathroom to put toiletries on, and no bath, only a shower :-( Also it was quite noisy, a big party were in, so not the hotels fault. Restaurant menu and standard of food was good, however a bit expensive in my opinion.
Review 96：I like the fact that the bed was a very comfy, super king size and the linens were lovely. Location is excellent, staff were friendly and welcoming. Ample car park too which matters.
Review 97：Food a bit overpriced but as I said it was good quality. Floors a bit creaky from room above woke up a few times however only to be expected in such an old house.
Review 98：Loved the location,staff very good,free and easy feel even though you were in a hotel the location was great for all parts of conniston the water, and the village.Food excellent quality and served well did take a little time, however worth waiting for. Already booked a return visit.
Review 99：The breakfast experience could be improved.
Review 100：The views were excellent and the location superb. The food at dinner was sublime and the service to match. The duty manager was excellent. * Thoroughly recommend walking down to the lake pier!
Review 101：car park was full on arrival -but this is a minor point -would not wish them to lose garden to enlarge it
Review 102：lovely old building with lots of character. Nice quiet relaxing atmosphere
Review 103：One vegetarian option for dinner in this day and age! And it was penne pasta in tomato and basil sauce - yes it had some goats cheese, but otherwise pretty much what I cook the kids for tea when I can't be bothered. Didn't really feel like paying £13.50 for that. In the end I had the only veggie starter (beetroot and goats cheese salad - good job I like goats cheese and didn't want a starter AND a main), which was very nice. But take note - vegetarians do exist these days and they do want dinner. Even many meat eaters like to pick meatless options from time to time. Rather than bunging one thing on the menu and thinking "veggie box ticked" chefs should think "is this something I would happily pay money for?"
Review 104：The room was fine - small for £82.50 for a single, and with a strong smell of cooking through the one tiny window, but it is the Lakes and I guess that's what you pay. I was attending a sporting event with an early start and the staff started breakfast an hour early so those attending could eat, which was good of them (they were certainly not obliged to do this).
Review 105：Cleaning of rooms in the afternoon- obviously the hotel policy- this was inconvenient. Bedding not changed-even though the visit was for four nights.
Review 106：Excellent location. Staff very attentive and helpful-they were wonderful Good meals and well served
Review 107：Our stay was too short!
Review 108：A view of "Old man of Coniston" from bedroom window and a jetty to catch the boat at the rear of hotel. Short safe walk along cycle path to the town. Pleasant bar area. Good breakfast. Friendly staff. Well maintained, bright shower room. Comfortable bed and pillows. A Lovely Hotel.
Review 109：Room was cold due to radiator not working - BUT the lady on the desk brought an electric heater.
Review 110：Minutes away from the town centre. Great gardens and building Room comfortable
Review 111：The room we stayed in was opposite the main stairwell to Reception & the Restuarant. This meant it was a little noisy in the morning.
Review 112：Contemporary decor, good breakfast, lovely location on lake side. Short walk to village with good pubs.
Review 113：we had two room's, one no 23, very satisfied, the other was a junior suite, which wasn't worth the money, the room was at the rear of the hotel, with access from outside, it was near the hotels waste skip, and on the roadside, on the ground floor, you could hear everything from the room above, the clatter from rubbish going in the skip, plus traffic noise, just about ensured a sleepless night, and there was a used blanket thrown in the wardrobe, which left us feeling the room cleaning had been skimped on. at checkout, which was 7-0 am when the reception opened,( we had things to do elsewhere at that time), at 5mins to seven, the receptionist who had just arrived pointed out to me that she didn't start until seven, and suggested i came back at eight, when i told her i was checking out at seven she reluctantly agreed to help me, after along glance at the clock before she did. She also told me i should have sorted my checkout the night before, however i pointed out to her that my internet booking said pay on departure, and how would i know any different. So i left this hotel with not the best impression.
Review 114：location, we only stayed the one night, and didn't arrive until after 8 in the evening, and left at 7 in the morning, so we basically just slept at the hotel.
Review 115：Breakfast service was a little slow and inattentive, though breakfast itself was fine. Maybe put butter on the buffet, have coffee / tea available freely? Couldn't get into the WiFi We were surprised to find the restaurant closed on Saturday evening "because of a wedding party".
Review 116：We found Waterside a very comfortable stay.the location is beautiful with pretty Lakeland views, and the room was great, with a very comfy bed. We especially liked the bar opening on to the garden just by the lake. It's also great to be able to stroll up into Coniston.
Review 117：Right next to Coniston Lake, so a gorgeous backdrop to the morning and evening. Easy to get out and walking around. We had a courtyard apartment and this was nice and quiet.
Review 118：the grounds of this hotel lead straight onto Coniston lake - wonderful location and great nature - swans with cygnets and ducks with ducklings even a resident heron or two
Review 119：The slow service at breakfast was a pain.
Review 120：The suite and the scenery was beautiful. It was the best nights sleep we've ever had. Can't wait to go back again.
Review 121：Cannot think of anything I did not like.
Review 122：Exceptional staff that could not be more helpful friendly and efficient! The room was very comfortable and tasteful. The breakfasts were fabulous, both in choice and taste. I shall be staying there again and would recommend it to anyone.
Review 123：I wish we'd stayed another night. We only stayed one night as a stop on our way up to Scotland.
Review 124：We checked in 9:15, just after they had finished serving food, however they asked if we had eaten and they offered to make us food. Lovely staff, very welcoming and accomadating. The views at the back and the front of the hotel are just beautiful.
Review 125：Poor quality of evening meal which was not value for money Hotel needs to make clear that it is 800 metres from village centre
Review 126：Good standard of room with disabled facilities Easy parking
Review 127：Nothing at all!!
Review 128：This Hotel is located in a lovely setting, ideal for a walk to the village of Coniston or down to the lake. All on the flat and perfectly safe from traffic. Superbly comfortable room with a magnificent bed.Staff most helpful and attentive. Interestingly it is a not-for- profit business and so any the profit is put back into the hotel for improvements etc. This approach is reflected in the high standard of maintenance and furnishings. I am about to book again!!
Review 129：Unfortunately no sun parasols, with hot sunny weather, you could have appreciated the outdoor more. A quiet room takes priority over a room on first floor, the lift only goes to first, if you have mobility problems would ask for a room on first floor.
Review 130：The room on second floor was excellent, bright and recently decorated. breakfast was plentiful and tasty.
Review 131：Fresh linens folded on the floor. Wifi with apple products is apparently impossible in the rooms and barely available whilst sitting directly adjacent to router. Communication between staff is sketchy.
Review 132：Staff was very friendly, if inefficient. Food (breakfast) good. Dinner good, but very limited menu. Great location
Review 133：Bit shabby and dated throughout . VERYcreaky floorboards in bedroom above - could hear every step of occupant ! Some road noise despite asking for quiet room . Was surprised breakfast doesn't start til 8 00am unless you pre book(apparently ) None of which would put me off booking again
Review 134：Helpful welcoming staff. Really comfy big bed. Superb bed linen n towels. Lovely Dining room, really well presented with v good staff and good breakfast ,
Review 135：The beds were narrow and there was a loose plug socket by one of the beds which meant a lamp didn't work.
Review 136：The courteous and friendly staff. The breakfast choices. The location and the cleanliness.
Review 137：If have to be really picky couldn't get on the wifi, but didn't ask. So this may not be a problem.
Review 138：The whole ambiance, lovely building in stunning setting. Friendly, attentive staff, and very pleasant breakfast.
The Fine Print
Breakfast for children aged 13 years and younger costs GBP 6.50 per child per night. This is payable at reception upon check-out.