The Ennerdale Country House Hotel is highly regarded for its superb and strategic location, nestled in picturesque grounds ideal for exploring the Lake District. This historic building, surrounded by serene gardens, offers guests stunning views and a rich ambiance, making it an excellent base for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. The hotel’s proximity to major attractions such as Scafell Pike and Wasdale Head and its convenience for walking the Coast to Coast trail, adds to its appeal.
Breakfast at the hotel receives frequent praise for its quality, variety and value for money. Guests particularly appreciate the delicious cooked dishes, friendly service and special touches for pets, such as extra sausages for dogs. Dinner experiences are more mixed with commendations for food quality and value tempered by critiques of menu variety and occasional overcooked dishes. Service at dinner can be slow, although the dining room’s grand setting adds a touch of elegance.
Rooms at the Ennerdale Country House Hotel are spacious and comfortable with many offering direct garden access, which is especially convenient for guests with pets. However, the décor is dated and some rooms exhibit maintenance issues like faulty locks and inadequate lighting. Cleanliness is generally good, though deeper issues such as black mold and persistent dust have been reported, indicating a need for renovation.
The hotel's staff are consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism, contributing significantly to guests' positive experiences. Exceptional service is a recurring theme with staff often going above and beyond to assist.
Wi-Fi performance is reliable in public areas but can be poor in the rooms. Parking facilities are excellent with plenty of free, easily accessible spaces available.
Guest experiences with the beds vary with many enjoying a good night's sleep on comfortable and spacious beds, while others report issues with hard or lumpy mattresses. The hotel's dog-friendly policies are highly appreciated with extensive gardens and dedicated areas for pets, ensuring both owners and their companions have a pleasant stay.
Overall, while The Ennerdale Country House Hotel offers a charming and serene environment with a strong service culture, it would benefit from significant refurbishment to address its dated décor and maintenance issues.
The Melbreak Hotel is frequently lauded by guests for numerous reasons, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking a tranquil and enjoyable stay. Nestled in a stunning location, it offers a perfect base for exploring the Lake District and the Cumbrian coast with guests praising its breathtaking views of the mountains and proximity to Cockermouth. Despite being a bit remote, the balance of seclusion and accessibility makes it ideal for travelers with a car.
The breakfast at the hotel is a highlight for many guests, described as lovely, excellent and outstanding with generous portions and quality produce. The pleasing layout and scenic views from the breakfast area enhance the dining experience. Similarly, the evening meals at the hotel's Conservatory restaurant receive significant praise with guests noting the exceptional quality, variety and value of the food, along with an impressive wine selection and enjoyable dining ambiance.
Rooms at The Melbreak Hotel are consistently described as lovely, clean, comfortable and modern. Guests appreciate the spaciousness, high standard of refurbishment and fantastically comfortable beds. The hotel's overall cleanliness and maintenance are frequently highlighted with the entire property presenting a bright, modern and welcoming atmosphere. The staff's friendliness and helpfulness contribute significantly to the positive experiences of many guests, ensuring a warm and inviting environment.
Overall, the combination of a stunning location, outstanding food, clean and comfortable rooms and exceptional staff makes The Melbreak Hotel a standout choice for travelers seeking a memorable and enjoyable stay.