The Riverside

Kendal 54.33050200, -2.74170300 , Stramongate Bridge (Show on Map)
8.1
Very Good


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Summary of reviewsThe Riverside Hotel in Kendal has garnered primarily positive reviews across various categories, marking it as a commendable choice for travelers seeking a charming and accommodating stay.

The location is a standout feature with guests lauding its picturesque setting right on the riverside, offering stunning views of the River Kent. Its central position allows easy access to local attractions, bars, restaurants and shops with the added convenience of nearby train and bus stations. This accessibility, coupled with free parking, makes it an ideal base for exploring both Kendal and the broader region, including the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. Visitors consistently find it perfect for both leisure and business stays, appreciating the serene atmosphere and scenic river views.

The breakfast at The Riverside presents a generally good experience, characterized by quality and variety, earning praise for its delicious, freshly cooked items and generous buffet options. Positive aspects include good service and a friendly staff, enhancing the picturesque dining atmosphere. However, some guests noted inconsistencies in food quality and preparation, along with concerns about the pre-booking requirement and pricing.

Dinner at the hotel is mostly well-received with guests praising the quality, taste and reasonable pricing of the food, especially pub-style dishes like pie and mash and rump steaks. The Tannery Bar is highlighted for its clean environment and good evening meals. Nonetheless, some guests found the restaurant's menu limited and the ambiance outdated.

Rooms at The Riverside are widely appreciated for their spaciousness, cleanliness and comfortable beds. Family rooms are particularly noted for being generously sized with necessary amenities. While some rooms could benefit from redecorating and improved temperature control, guests typically find the accommodations more than adequate for a comfortable stay.

Cleanliness generally meets high standards with many guests praising the spotless conditions of the rooms and public areas. However, occasional lapses in maintenance, like sticky tables in the restaurant and dated decor, were mentioned.

The staff at The Riverside receives high marks for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Guests consistently commend the staff for their courteous and efficient service, noting that specific members made notable efforts to enhance their stay.

Wi-Fi service at the hotel is a point of mixed feedback with many guests finding the connection reliable and strong in common areas, while others experienced inconsistent connectivity in rooms.

The hotel's gym facilities are well-regarded, providing modern machines and free weights in a well-equipped environment. Some minor maintenance issues were reported, but overall, guests enjoyed the convenience and quality of the gym.

Pool and spa facilities also receive positive feedback with guests appreciating the cleanliness and relaxing environment. Although the pool is sometimes crowded or cold, the amenities like the hot tub, steam room and sauna contribute to a satisfying leisure experience.

Families find The Riverside particularly accommodating with spacious family rooms and attentive staff making it a favorable option for those traveling with children. Kids enjoy the family pool area and other amenities, although some guests noted thin walls as a minor issue.

Overall, The Riverside Hotel stands out for its excellent location, friendly staff and comfortable accommodations, making it a compelling choice for a pleasant and enjoyable stay in Kendal.
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in Kendal, this hotel provides access to the nearby golf courses, including Carus Green Golf Club and Kendal Golf Club.

Historic Hotel
Situated by Stramongate Bridge in Kendal, this hotel features a historic building with a traditional atmosphere. It offers a comfortable stay with a touch of local heritage.

Dog Friendly Hotel
This historic, family-owned hotel offers a selection of dog-friendly rooms with riverside views. They charge a small fee per pet per night and have 51 rooms that allow dogs. The hotel also features dog-friendly dining in Tanners, allowing dogs to relax with their owners while enjoying the scenery.

Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Located in Kendal, The Riverside provides access to the town's bars and pubs.

Hotel with Gym
This hotel has fitness facilities.

3-Star Hotel
The Riverside Hotel is very well-regarded, offering an indoor pool and a bar. It provides a relaxing experience in Kendal.

Hotel with Indoor Pool
The hotel features a state-of-the-art leisure club which includes an indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a spa tub, providing a range of wellness options for guests.

Hotel for Honeymoon

Family Friendly Hotel

Hotel with Swimming Pool

  Heated Pool    Indoor Pool  


Hotel with Heated Pool

Room Types
Double Room Features include a 32-inch flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities. Most rooms have beautiful views over the River Kent.

Family Room Features include a 32-inch flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities. Most rooms have beautiful views over the River Kent.

Twin Room Features include a 32-inch flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee making facilities. Most rooms have beautiful views over the River Kent.

Suite Each large, spacious, modern suite features stunning views of the River Kent or the old ruins of Kendal Castle. The rooms includes a 32-inch flat-screen TV, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
The Riverside Hotel in Kendal receives overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding its location from numerous guest reviews. Nestled right on the riverside, the hotel offers picturesque views of the River Kent, enhancing its charming and serene atmosphere. Its central setting makes it incredibly convenient for guests to explore the local attractions, bars, restaurants and shops, all within walking distance.

The hotel's proximity to both the train and bus stations adds to its accessibility, making it an ideal base for those looking to explore the broader region, including the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales. For those traveling by car, the hotel provides the added perk of free parking, a notable convenience mentioned by many guests.

Guests find the location perfect for both leisure and business stays, appreciating the short walk to the town center and the ease of access to local amenities. The scenic river views from the rooms and public areas, such as the bar terrace, add to the hotel's appeal, offering a tranquil retreat right in the heart of Kendal.

In summary, The Riverside Hotel stands out for its strategic position, making it a top choice for visitors who value beautiful views, centrality and ease of access to both local and regional attractions.

Breakfast
The breakfast experience at 'The Riverside' hotel presents a mixed bag according to guest reviews. Many travelers praised the breakfast for its quality and variety with specific mentions of delicious and freshly cooked items, well-cooked and abundant servings and a generous buffet offering both cooked and continental choices. There is also appreciation for the picturesque setting and lovely atmosphere at the breakfast venue, which undoubtedly enhances the dining experience.

Positive aspects often highlighted include good service, friendly staff and a variety of breakfast options. Some guests were particularly fond of specific items like brown bread, cereals, yoghurts, bacon and sausages. The vegan breakfast was noted as good value.

However, there are also notable criticisms. Some guests encountered problems with food quality, citing instances of lukewarm eggs, overcooked bacon and generally unappetizing items. Reports of cold or poorly prepared food were not uncommon and a few guests mentioned a lack of fresh fruit and healthier choices. Another point of contention is the requirement to pre-book breakfast the night before, which some guests found inconvenient. The breakfast service was sometimes described as rushed or disorganized and the necessity to pre-order seemed to lead to delays and incomplete orders on occasion.

The cost of breakfast was another downside for many with several reviewers pointing out that it was not included in the room rate and considering it overpriced for the quality offered. Despite these negatives, many guests still found the breakfast to be good or very good overall and the lovely views and setting added to their positive experiences.

Overall, while 'The Riverside' offers a generally good breakfast experience with some excellent aspects, it appears that consistency and value for money are areas needing attention.

Dinner
The Riverside hotel offers a mixed experience when it comes to dining with many guests finding positives despite some recurring issues. The dinner menu has a decent range and there is a good selection of drinks at the bar. Guests often praised the quality and taste of the food, noting that meals in both the restaurant and bar areas were generally good, reasonably priced and enhanced by excellent views from the terrace.

Highlights include delicious pub-style dishes like pie and mash and highly praised rump steaks. The wine list is also well-received for its reasonable pricing. However, some guests pointed out that the menu feels limited and could benefit from more variety, especially for vegetarians. There were occasional complaints about specific dishes not being available or meals not being thoroughly cooked, leading to a few disappointing dining experiences.

The Tannery Bar, in particular, received commendations for its clean, tidy environment and good evening meals, even though some found the bar menu uninspiring and portions small. The terrace overlooking the river is a popular spot for enjoying a meal or drink.

On the downside, the main restaurant was sometimes perceived as gloomy and outdated with food quality occasionally not meeting guests' expectations. Some guests faced rudeness from staff and found the restaurant pricey for the quality provided. Limited availability of food options on certain nights, closures and pre-ordering requirements for breakfast were also mentioned as minor inconveniences.

Overall, while there were negative aspects, many guests still enjoyed their dining experiences at The Riverside, making it a generally good option for meals if one is aware of its limitations.

Rooms
The Riverside hotel has garnered largely positive feedback from its guests, particularly regarding the spaciousness and cleanliness of its rooms. Many visitors appreciated the comfortable accommodations and noted the lovely riverside views available from several rooms. Family rooms, in particular, were highlighted for their generous size and the inclusion of amenities necessary for a comfortable stay.

Noteworthy mentions include the quality of the beds, which many found to be very comfortable, the availability of good seating arrangements and the overall cleanliness of the rooms. There were also several compliments about the pleasant and accommodating staff, further enhancing the guest experience.

However, some guests did point out areas that could use improvement. Some rooms appeared a bit outdated and could benefit from redecorating. Issues such as dated furnishings, lack of air conditioning and occasional problems with room temperature were mentioned. Instances of noise from adjacent rooms and other maintenance issues were also noted.

Despite some criticisms, guests generally found the rooms to be adequate for their needs with some describing their stay as meeting everything necessary for a comfortable weekend. The hotel’s picturesque location by the river, coupled with the spacious, clean rooms, makes The Riverside a notable choice, especially for visitors looking for a serene and pleasant stay.

Beds
The beds at The Riverside hotel generally received praise for their comfort and quality. Guests consistently described the beds as very comfortable, using terms like comfy, super comfy and the most comfortable slept on in a hotel. Clean bedding and towels were also noted, which added to the overall positive sleeping experience.

Rooms at The Riverside were tidy, featuring spacious layouts and comfortable furnishings. Many reviews highlighted beds that provided a restful night's sleep, enhancing the overall attractiveness of the accommodations.

However, there were some mixed opinions about bed softness. A few guests mentioned that the mattresses were too soft, particularly those dealing with specific health issues like osteoarthritis. Likewise, some guests found the pillows to be too high and the duvet too thick, which led to hot nights.

There were occasional criticisms about bed size and configuration. Some guests found the double beds small or were displeased with two singles pushed together. Despite these drawbacks, the beds were noted to be generally comfortable and complemented by helpful staff and ample in-room tea and coffee.

Overall, while a small number of guests had specific complaints about bed size and softness, most found their sleep experience at The Riverside to be highly satisfactory due to the comfortable and clean beds.

Cleanliness
The Riverside hotel receives mixed reviews regarding cleanliness with many guests praising the establishment for its high standards. Numerous reviewers highlight that rooms are consistently clean, spacious and comfortable with several mentions of spotless conditions. The public areas, including the lobby and carpets, receive commendations for being well maintained.

However, some feedback points to areas needing attention. Issues include sticky tables in the restaurant, mouldy bathroom grouting and dated decor. A few reviews describe problems such as grimy pool areas, uncleaned steam rooms and a lack of regular room cleaning. Additional concerns involve dusty surfaces, cobwebs and occasional insect nuisances.

While the hotel generally maintains good cleanliness in its rooms and common areas, there are sporadic concerns about the upkeep of specific facilities and furniture. The combination of high standards in room cleanliness and occasional lapses in maintenance marks the overall experience at The Riverside.

Staff
The reviews of The Riverside hotel depict an overwhelmingly positive impression of the staff. Guests frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful and approachable with a particular emphasis on their courteous and professional demeanor. From reception to dining and bar service, the staff consistently received praise for their politeness, efficiency and willingness to go above and beyond to assist guests. Specific staff members, like Henry, stood out for their exceptional service. Despite a few mentions of disengaged waiting staff and issues like slow service due to being understaffed, the overall sentiment remains highly favorable. Many guests felt welcomed and well cared for, noting that the staff’s supportive and attentive nature significantly enhanced their stay at The Riverside. These consistent accolades highlight the staff's role in ensuring a pleasant and satisfying experience for hotel guests.

Wi-Fi
The Riverside offers a varied experience when it comes to Wi-Fi with a mix of positive feedback and areas for improvement. Many guests appreciated the good Wi-Fi signal and connection, highlighting its availability and reliability, particularly in common areas such as the bar. Free Wi-Fi is also a notable perk that was mentioned by some guests. However, the Wi-Fi service appears to be inconsistent with reports of poor or variable connectivity, especially in the rooms and suites. While some found the internet service to be adequate and reasonable, others experienced slower speeds or outages during their stay. Overall, it seems the hotel provides basic Wi-Fi service, but its reliability can differ depending on the location within the premises.

Gym
The Riverside hotel offers gym facilities that have generally received positive feedback from guests. Many appreciated the modern, well-equipped gym with both machines and free weights available. The gym is described as fully stocked and sufficient to meet workout requirements. Visitors enjoyed the convenience of having the gym, along with the pool and spa, readily accessible onsite. Highlights include the availability and quality of the gym facilities with several guests noting that the gym looked great and met their needs. However, there was mention of some rusty equipment, suggesting a need for occasional maintenance. Overall, guests were satisfied with the gym and enjoyed its complementary use.

Pool
The Riverside hotel boasts a variety of pool and spa facilities that tend to leave a positive impression on guests. Many find the pool areas lovely, relaxing and clean with additional amenities such as a hot tub, steam room and sauna enhancing the overall experience. Despite the pool being frequently described as small and occasionally overcrowded, guests appreciate the well-organized and functional nature of the swimming facilities. The indoor pool is particularly noted for its reasonable cleanliness.

Families seem to enjoy the pool area with children engaging in swimming lessons and having fun, though space and crowding can be an issue at peak times. There are mentions of the pool being too busy or even freezing cold on certain occasions. Still, compliments about the friendly staff and the well-maintained facilities are recurrent themes.

The availability of free access to the pool for hotel guests is a noticeable perk and the blend of the pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna contributes to a satisfying leisure experience. While some visitors express a desire for a larger pool, the overall sentiment remains favorable, making the pool and accompanying amenities a significant highlight of the Riverside hotel stay.

Family
The Riverside is highly regarded for its family-friendly features, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with children. Guests frequently mention the spacious and comfortable family rooms, which seem to be a major highlight. These rooms cater well to larger groups, providing ample space for young families and accommodating family sizes up to three or more.

The hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere for families and the staff is noted for their attentive and caring service, ensuring that each family member feels looked after. Kids appear to enjoy their stay immensely with many guests noting how much their children loved the experience.

One of the standout amenities is the family pool area, including a children's pool, which adds a significant bonus to the stay. The swimming warm-up pool lessons, although sometimes inconsistently available, receive positive feedback when offered. The facilities are generally open and inviting, serving as excellent venues for family activities and events.

However, it's worth noting that some reviews mention thin walls in the family rooms, which can lead to disturbances from neighboring rooms. Additionally, a few guests found the room sizes to be a little small for larger families.

Overall, The Riverside is a solid option for families looking for a warm and accommodating stay, filled with activities and facilities suited for kids of various ages.

3 Star
The Riverside hotel provides a solid three-star experience that meets guests' expectations for budget-friendly stays. Most reviews note that the price paid is excellent for a three-star rating and the overall experience aligns well with what one might anticipate from this category of accommodation. Guests consistently found the rooms to be suitable and as expected, attributing primarily positive feedback to the hotel's services and facilities.

The hotel maintains a consistent three-star service with food offerings deemed appropriate for this rating. Some reviews mentioned that the decor could be the reason behind the three-star rating, suggesting a need for updates. Nonetheless, the general sentiment is that the hotel delivers an excellent value for its rating, making it a recommendable choice for those seeking economical and reliable stays.

Heated Pool
The Riverside's heated pool garnered mixed but generally positive feedback from guests. Many highlighted the pool's cleanliness and appreciated its effective heating, noting specific mentions of its comfortable temperature. The pool's heated feature was frequently praised with some finding it even warmer than expected. While there were occasional mentions of the pool being colder than desired, overall, it served its purpose well, offering a cozy and pleasant experience for visitors.

Indoor Pool
The Riverside hotel features an indoor pool that guests found to be reasonably clean and readily available. While there were mentions of a cold water pool in the spa area, the indoor pool's cleanliness and functionality received positive notes. Heated pool efficiency was particularly highlighted. Overall, the indoor pool was described as sufficient and met guests' needs.

Historic
The Riverside is a historic hotel situated by a notable historic site, featuring unique architecture that resonates with its heritage. Guests appreciate its strategic location, providing remarkable views of the nearby Castle. An old building originally, it has been skillfully converted into a modern hotel while preserving its historic charm. The spacious rooms and stylish en suite bathrooms add a touch of contemporary comfort to the classic elegance of the hotel. Maintenance by past architects is evident in the well-preserved structure, blending history with modernity seamlessly.

Honeymoon
The Riverside offers an enchanting escape for honeymooners, highlighted by its romantic suite selection, including a luxurious bridal suite perfect for those special occasions. Guests frequently mention having a fabulous break away with many young couples drawn to the hotel’s appealing honeymoon packages. The breathtaking views contribute to a wonderful stay, ideal for celebrating a wedding anniversary or simply enjoying a romantic getaway. The overall experience is defined by an excellent break, making The Riverside a favored choice for couples seeking a memorable, intimate retreat.

Dog Friendly
The Riverside has earned high praise for its dog-friendly facilities, creating a warm and welcoming environment for both pets and their owners. Numerous reviews highlight the hotel’s accommodating and friendly attitude towards dogs, making it an ideal choice for pet owners looking to travel with their furry companions. The rooms specifically cater to the needs of dogs, ensuring that pets feel comfortable and happy during their stay. Guests appreciate the hotel's policy of allowing dogs in certain areas, including the dining room, while maintaining a balance to ensure that dogs do not interfere with the comfort of other guests. Overall, The Riverside offers a pet-friendly environment that pleases both dogs and their owners, making it a top pick for travelers with pets.


Yes, The Riverside has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.

No, a spa isn't available at The Riverside.

Yes, The Riverside welcomes dogs.

No, parking facilities aren't available at The Riverside.

Yes, The Riverside has a gym.

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