Shap Wells Hotel
➔
➔
Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Info
Summary of reviewsShap Wells Hotel is celebrated for its exceptional location, nestled in a tranquil setting with stunning natural surroundings near the Lake District and conveniently located off the M6 motorway. The picturesque scenery includes meadows, woods and scenic views, making it an ideal retreat for peace seekers and nature enthusiasts. The hotel's historic charm and traditional decor enhance its inviting atmosphere, balancing seclusion with accessibility.
Guests generally have positive experiences with the breakfast, often described as delicious, superb and varied, catering to different dietary preferences with generous portions. The service is generally quick and efficient despite minor inconsistencies. Dinner experiences are more mixed with praise for freshly prepared, tasty dishes and generous portions, though some guests note a limited menu and inconsistent quality. Service during dinner could also improve, especially during busy times.
The rooms offer varying experiences with many guests highlighting comfort, cleanliness and lovely decor. Some rooms, however, are noted for needing refurbishment with issues like outdated fixtures and occasional cleanliness concerns. Communal areas like lounges are appreciated for their comfort and grandeur, providing pleasant relaxation spaces.
Cleanliness reviews are mixed—while many guests find the hotel clean and well-maintained, others mention issues such as cobwebs, dust and musty odors in some rooms and bathrooms. Ensuring consistent cleanliness and maintenance could enhance the guest experience.
The friendly and helpful staff significantly enhance the hotel's welcoming atmosphere. Positive interactions with reception, bar and restaurant staff are frequently noted, although occasional understaffing can lead to service delays and some inconsistent guest experiences.
Wi-Fi availability is varied with strong connections in some public areas but unreliable service, especially in rooms further from the main building. Guests relying on stable Wi-Fi for business purposes might find this a challenge.
For families, the hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere with activities like red squirrel spotting, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. Family rooms vary in condition with some guests noting issues with room assignments and conditions. The closure of certain amenities due to COVID-19 has also been a disappointment for some.
Bed comfort varies with some guests finding the beds exceptionally comfortable while others experience issues with softness, lumpiness or outdated mattresses. The variability suggests that different rooms offer differing levels of comfort.
The three-star hotel is appreciated for its British charm, picturesque views, good value for money and facilities that meet expectations, making it a practical choice for family holidays. The hotel’s business facilities are well-regarded, particularly for meetings and conferences, providing a productive environment for business travelers.
Overall, Shap Wells Hotel is a compelling choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat with beautiful natural surroundings and convenient access to the Lake District, offering a generally positive experience despite some inconsistencies in room quality and service.
Categories
Guests generally have positive experiences with the breakfast, often described as delicious, superb and varied, catering to different dietary preferences with generous portions. The service is generally quick and efficient despite minor inconsistencies. Dinner experiences are more mixed with praise for freshly prepared, tasty dishes and generous portions, though some guests note a limited menu and inconsistent quality. Service during dinner could also improve, especially during busy times.
The rooms offer varying experiences with many guests highlighting comfort, cleanliness and lovely decor. Some rooms, however, are noted for needing refurbishment with issues like outdated fixtures and occasional cleanliness concerns. Communal areas like lounges are appreciated for their comfort and grandeur, providing pleasant relaxation spaces.
Cleanliness reviews are mixed—while many guests find the hotel clean and well-maintained, others mention issues such as cobwebs, dust and musty odors in some rooms and bathrooms. Ensuring consistent cleanliness and maintenance could enhance the guest experience.
The friendly and helpful staff significantly enhance the hotel's welcoming atmosphere. Positive interactions with reception, bar and restaurant staff are frequently noted, although occasional understaffing can lead to service delays and some inconsistent guest experiences.
Wi-Fi availability is varied with strong connections in some public areas but unreliable service, especially in rooms further from the main building. Guests relying on stable Wi-Fi for business purposes might find this a challenge.
For families, the hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere with activities like red squirrel spotting, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. Family rooms vary in condition with some guests noting issues with room assignments and conditions. The closure of certain amenities due to COVID-19 has also been a disappointment for some.
Bed comfort varies with some guests finding the beds exceptionally comfortable while others experience issues with softness, lumpiness or outdated mattresses. The variability suggests that different rooms offer differing levels of comfort.
The three-star hotel is appreciated for its British charm, picturesque views, good value for money and facilities that meet expectations, making it a practical choice for family holidays. The hotel’s business facilities are well-regarded, particularly for meetings and conferences, providing a productive environment for business travelers.
Overall, Shap Wells Hotel is a compelling choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat with beautiful natural surroundings and convenient access to the Lake District, offering a generally positive experience despite some inconsistencies in room quality and service.
Accessible Hotel
Shap Wells Hotel has several bedrooms specifically adapted to accommodate guests with disabilities. The hotel offers disabled access and egress, with ground floor availability and ample free parking.
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Gym
3-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Shap Wells Hotel garners praise for its exceptional location, characterized by a tranquil, secluded setting amidst stunning natural surroundings. Situated just off the M6 motorway, it provides a convenient stopover for travelers journeying between the South and Scotland, while also offering easy access to the Lake District.
Guests frequently commend its picturesque scenery, which includes meadows, woods and scenic views, along with a stream running near the property. The area is noted for its charming rural appeal and the presence of red squirrels, making it ideal for nature walks and peaceful breaks.
The hotel's historic charm and traditional decor complement the beauty of its grounds, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests. Despite its remote and quiet location, the hotel remains easily accessible, striking a balance between seclusion and convenience.
Overall, Shap Wells Hotel is celebrated as a serene retreat in the Cumbrian fells, perfect for those seeking peace, picturesque landscapes and proximity to both the motorway and natural attractions like the Lake District.
Guests of Shap Wells Hotel have generally expressed positive feedback about the breakfast experience at the hotel. Many reviews highlight the quality and taste of the breakfast, describing it as excellent, delicious and superb with good ingredients and preparation. Words such as great, fantastic and brilliant are commonly used, indicating a high level of satisfaction. Guests appreciate the home-cooked, English-style breakfast offerings and the buffet format which allows for a variety of choices.
Several guests commend the generous portions and the wide range of options available, catering to different dietary preferences including vegetarian choices. The cooked breakfast is often praised for being tasty, hot and plentiful, while the cold buffet offers good selection and quality. The breakfast service, described by some as quick and efficient, further enhances the dining experience for many guests.
However, not all experiences were perfect; a few reviews mention limited choices, early closing times of the breakfast buffet and occasional issues with food temperature or presentation. Instances of slow service due to busyness and occasional reports of specific items like scrambled eggs poorly prepared, hint at some inconsistencies.
Overall, Shap Wells Hotel's breakfast is typically well-received, combining a pleasant atmosphere with a satisfying meal to begin the day. The combination of good food and friendly service leaves the majority of guests with a positive impression.
Shap Wells Hotel offers a mixed dining experience, featuring freshly prepared dishes with good quality ingredients that many guests found delicious and enjoyable. The portions served are generally generous and plentiful, providing good value for the money. However, opinions on the food quality vary significantly; while some travelers praised the excellent and tasty meals, others were less impressed, describing the dinner as average, basic or even poor.
The menu appears to be limited with some guests noting a lack of variety and options, especially for those with specific dietary needs like vegans. Despite the limited selection, the traditional home-cooked style appeals to several visitors and the meals, including roasts, have received commendations for their flavor.
Pricing is another point of contention. While some diners feel the food is good value, others find it pricey, especially considering the mixed reviews on quality and portion size. The service has room for improvement as it is often described as rushed with dining hours ending relatively early at 8 pm.
In summary, Shap Wells Hotel's dinner options offer a mix of positive and negative experiences. The food is mostly well-received for its taste and portion sizes, but the limited menu and service inconsistencies might leave some diners looking for more.
Shap Wells Hotel offers a variety of room experiences for its guests with many highlighting the comfort and spaciousness of the accommodations. Guests often describe the rooms as clean and comfortable with ample amenities to meet their needs. Some rooms are noted for their lovely views and beautiful decor, contributing to a pleasant stay.
However, several guests mention that some rooms are in need of refurbishment with outdated fixtures and occasional maintenance issues like cobwebs, damp smells and creaking floorboards. The hotel's decor is considered charming but could benefit from modernization in certain areas. Room sizes vary with some finding them spacious and others feeling cramped, especially for couples.
There are also mixed reviews about room cleanliness with some rooms being spotless while others had issues such as cobwebs, dampness and occasional sightings of bugs. The warmth and friendliness of the hotel staff frequently compensate for minor inconveniences, making the overall experience more welcoming.
The communal public areas, such as the lounges, are spacious and grand, often described as comfortable places to relax. The rooms near the bar with large leather armchairs seem to be particularly well-received.
For those considering a stay, note that rooms in different parts of the hotel may offer different experiences with some in more modernized conditions than others. While the hotel's charm and character are frequently praised, potential guests should be prepared for a mix of both well-maintained and slightly dated rooms.
Shap Wells Hotel offers a mixed experience when it comes to bed comfort. Many guests found the beds in the rooms to be very comfortable and the bed linen exceptionally clean, soft and well-maintained. However, there are numerous mentions of the mattresses being too soft, lumpy or in need of replacement. Some guests noted that the beds were on the smaller side, which might not cater to everyone's preference for space. While several reviews highlighted the beds as being extremely comfortable and conducive to a good night’s sleep, others experienced discomfort due to the beds being either too old, noisy or having uneven springs. The hotel seems to excel with some rooms’ bedding while falling short in others, indicating variable quality across different accommodations.
Shap Wells Hotel's cleanliness has garnered mixed reviews from guests, reflecting varied experiences with their rooms and common areas. On the positive side, many guests found the overall cleanliness to be satisfactory with several noting that their rooms were very clean and well cared for. The hotel itself was often described as clean with some guests highlighting spotless rooms and tidy spaces. The common areas also received praise for being clean.
However, a number of guests reported issues that detracted from their stay. Some rooms were noted to have cobwebs, dust and stains with specific mentions of musty odors and mold in bathrooms. The presence of dead flies and sticky spots on carpets also marred the experience for some. In several instances, bathrooms were specifically criticized for not being cleaned thoroughly with grimy floors and mildew being common complaints.
The hotel's decor seemed to contribute to the perception of cleanliness with several guests describing the rooms and bathrooms as dated or in need of deep cleaning. Issues like dusty furnishings, broken lamp shades and a general need for maintenance were frequently mentioned.
Despite these issues, there were still many who found their rooms clean and comfortable and the staff’s efforts to maintain cleanliness were generally appreciated, though it was noted that a more rigorous cleaning routine and possible updates to the facilities could enhance the guest experience.
The staff at Shap Wells Hotel are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Many reviews highlight the positive interactions with staff, who were described as polite, accommodating and efficient. The reception staff were generally praised for being welcoming and pleasant and the overall demeanor of the workers was warm and inviting. Bar and restaurant staff were also mentioned favorably, often described as cheerful and hard-working.
However, some reviews indicated that the hotel was understaffed, leading to overworked and stressed employees who, at times, struggled to maintain the level of service expected. Instances of unhelpful and rude behavior from some of the reception and management staff were noted, suggesting inconsistency in guest experiences. Despite these issues, the majority of feedback emphasized the staff’s dedication to ensuring a pleasant stay with some going above and beyond to assist guests.
Overall, while there are areas that need improvement, particularly in staffing levels and training, the commitment and friendliness of many staff members significantly enhance the guest experience at Shap Wells Hotel.
At Shap Wells Hotel, Wi-Fi availability varies significantly across different parts of the establishment. While guests can enjoy strong and free Wi-Fi in certain areas, the connection in the bedrooms, especially those away from the main building, tends to be unreliable. Some reviewers noted that the Wi-Fi in public areas was satisfactory compared to the often sketchy or non-existent connection in their rooms. Visitors seeking stable Wi-Fi for business purposes might find the lack of coverage challenging, particularly considering the absence of Wi-Fi in some annex rooms and poor connections in others. Despite these inconsistencies, the hotel does advertise the availability of Wi-Fi, though it may not extend comprehensively throughout the entire property.
Shap Wells Hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere for families looking to explore the surrounding area. Notably, families have found delight in spotting elusive red squirrels nearby, an activity that adds a unique charm to their visit and keeps children entertained. The hotel is accommodating to families with young children and even pets, making it great for those traveling with little ones and dogs. Family rooms are available in various configurations, including options with double and single beds to cater to different needs, though some reviews mention inconsistencies with room assignments and conditions.
Despite a generally friendly and helpful staff, the hotel's family rooms have received mixed feedback. Some guests have appreciated the comfort and family-friendly atmosphere, while others have noted issues such as rooms reeking of smoke, outdated decor and misleading room photos. There have been specific concerns about rooms being too dark or small and family rooms being scattered across different floors.
The hotel also faced limitations due to COVID-19, such as the closure of the games room, which left some children disappointed. On the whole, Shap Wells Hotel provides a decent base for a family holiday, especially if wildlife spotting is on the agenda, but prospective guests might want to clarify room conditions upon booking.
Shap Wells Hotel exudes a notable British charm, capturing a quaint yet appealing atmosphere. The hotel's picturesque views add to its allure, offering guests a scenic experience. Over time, the hotel has seen several improvements, reflecting positively in its overall condition. While it maintains a three-star rating, it offers good value for money, making it an enjoyable option for family holidays.
The facilities are deemed impressive for its category with clean rooms and excellent chef-prepared meals that are considered good value. Although basic, the accommodations and amenities meet the expectations of a three-star establishment. Guests find the breakfast and dinner to be satisfactory, aligning well with what is expected for its rating.
Despite needing some attention to cleanliness, the reasonable pricing and the overall pleasant experience make Shap Wells Hotel a compelling choice for a comfortable stay.
Shap Wells Hotel is praised for its suitability for business travelers with numerous reviews highlighting its efficacy as a base for work-related activities. The hotel offers good facilities for meetings, conferences and general business services. Many guests found the conference rooms and board rooms particularly accommodating for day conferences and official gatherings. The location is noted for being ideal and quiet, which contributes to a productive environment for business stays. Reviewers frequently mention that they would opt to stay at Shap Wells Hotel again for their business needs, indicating a strong satisfaction with the overall business amenities and services provided.
Shap Wells Hotel presents a mixed experience in terms of accessibility for guests with disabilities. On the positive side, the hotel is equipped with a lift which provides access to different floors and there is a ramp available for disabled usage in certain rooms. The hotel is described as conference-friendly and viable for coworking, suggesting a level of accommodation for guests in a professional capacity.
However, there are several challenges that guests with disabilities might face. Elderly visitors and those with limited mobility might struggle with stairs, as several areas of the hotel require negotiating them. Specific reviews highlighted the limited availability of elevators and noted that the hotel is not entirely suitable for disabled visitors. Reports mentioned that certain guests found it difficult to navigate the stairs and manage accessible routes.
Overall, while Shap Wells Hotel has made some efforts to improve accessibility, particularly with the provision of a lift and ramp, there remain significant challenges that could make it difficult for elderly or disabled guests to fully enjoy their stay.
Shap Wells Hotel offers an accommodating experience for travelers with dogs, consistently highlighting its dog-friendly policies and facilities. The hotel provides specific rooms for dog owners, ensuring a comfortable stay for both guests and their pets. Pets are welcomed warmly with convenient amenities such as dog biscuits and a dog-friendly dining area provided. Guests appreciate the ease of taking their dogs along with good walking areas and easy walks in the hotel grounds for dog duties.
While the hotel does impose an extra charge for pets, the overall reception for dogs is very positive with many reviews noting the comfortable and welcoming environment. The hotel staff are commended for their friendliness and helpfulness with dogs. Although dogs are not permitted in the main dining room, they are allowed in the bar and other designated areas, making it convenient for pet owners.
The hotel's pet-friendly policy even includes accommodating returning guests with small dogs in the main hotel building and there is a cozy atmosphere where guests can relax with their dogs in front of a coal fire. However, some guests did mention issues with cleanliness in dog-friendly rooms, such as dog hair on the floors and carpets, suggesting a need for more rigorous cleaning protocols.
Overall, Shap Wells Hotel is well-regarded for its dog-friendly nature, suitable for travelers looking for a welcoming environment for their pets, despite a few minor issues related to room cleanliness and policies on pet access within the hotel.
Location Show Map
Location
Guests frequently commend its picturesque scenery, which includes meadows, woods and scenic views, along with a stream running near the property. The area is noted for its charming rural appeal and the presence of red squirrels, making it ideal for nature walks and peaceful breaks.
The hotel's historic charm and traditional decor complement the beauty of its grounds, creating an inviting atmosphere for guests. Despite its remote and quiet location, the hotel remains easily accessible, striking a balance between seclusion and convenience.
Overall, Shap Wells Hotel is celebrated as a serene retreat in the Cumbrian fells, perfect for those seeking peace, picturesque landscapes and proximity to both the motorway and natural attractions like the Lake District.
Breakfast
Several guests commend the generous portions and the wide range of options available, catering to different dietary preferences including vegetarian choices. The cooked breakfast is often praised for being tasty, hot and plentiful, while the cold buffet offers good selection and quality. The breakfast service, described by some as quick and efficient, further enhances the dining experience for many guests.
However, not all experiences were perfect; a few reviews mention limited choices, early closing times of the breakfast buffet and occasional issues with food temperature or presentation. Instances of slow service due to busyness and occasional reports of specific items like scrambled eggs poorly prepared, hint at some inconsistencies.
Overall, Shap Wells Hotel's breakfast is typically well-received, combining a pleasant atmosphere with a satisfying meal to begin the day. The combination of good food and friendly service leaves the majority of guests with a positive impression.
Dinner
The menu appears to be limited with some guests noting a lack of variety and options, especially for those with specific dietary needs like vegans. Despite the limited selection, the traditional home-cooked style appeals to several visitors and the meals, including roasts, have received commendations for their flavor.
Pricing is another point of contention. While some diners feel the food is good value, others find it pricey, especially considering the mixed reviews on quality and portion size. The service has room for improvement as it is often described as rushed with dining hours ending relatively early at 8 pm.
In summary, Shap Wells Hotel's dinner options offer a mix of positive and negative experiences. The food is mostly well-received for its taste and portion sizes, but the limited menu and service inconsistencies might leave some diners looking for more.
Rooms
However, several guests mention that some rooms are in need of refurbishment with outdated fixtures and occasional maintenance issues like cobwebs, damp smells and creaking floorboards. The hotel's decor is considered charming but could benefit from modernization in certain areas. Room sizes vary with some finding them spacious and others feeling cramped, especially for couples.
There are also mixed reviews about room cleanliness with some rooms being spotless while others had issues such as cobwebs, dampness and occasional sightings of bugs. The warmth and friendliness of the hotel staff frequently compensate for minor inconveniences, making the overall experience more welcoming.
The communal public areas, such as the lounges, are spacious and grand, often described as comfortable places to relax. The rooms near the bar with large leather armchairs seem to be particularly well-received.
For those considering a stay, note that rooms in different parts of the hotel may offer different experiences with some in more modernized conditions than others. While the hotel's charm and character are frequently praised, potential guests should be prepared for a mix of both well-maintained and slightly dated rooms.
Beds
Cleanliness
However, a number of guests reported issues that detracted from their stay. Some rooms were noted to have cobwebs, dust and stains with specific mentions of musty odors and mold in bathrooms. The presence of dead flies and sticky spots on carpets also marred the experience for some. In several instances, bathrooms were specifically criticized for not being cleaned thoroughly with grimy floors and mildew being common complaints.
The hotel's decor seemed to contribute to the perception of cleanliness with several guests describing the rooms and bathrooms as dated or in need of deep cleaning. Issues like dusty furnishings, broken lamp shades and a general need for maintenance were frequently mentioned.
Despite these issues, there were still many who found their rooms clean and comfortable and the staff’s efforts to maintain cleanliness were generally appreciated, though it was noted that a more rigorous cleaning routine and possible updates to the facilities could enhance the guest experience.
Staff
However, some reviews indicated that the hotel was understaffed, leading to overworked and stressed employees who, at times, struggled to maintain the level of service expected. Instances of unhelpful and rude behavior from some of the reception and management staff were noted, suggesting inconsistency in guest experiences. Despite these issues, the majority of feedback emphasized the staff’s dedication to ensuring a pleasant stay with some going above and beyond to assist guests.
Overall, while there are areas that need improvement, particularly in staffing levels and training, the commitment and friendliness of many staff members significantly enhance the guest experience at Shap Wells Hotel.
Wi-Fi
Family
Despite a generally friendly and helpful staff, the hotel's family rooms have received mixed feedback. Some guests have appreciated the comfort and family-friendly atmosphere, while others have noted issues such as rooms reeking of smoke, outdated decor and misleading room photos. There have been specific concerns about rooms being too dark or small and family rooms being scattered across different floors.
The hotel also faced limitations due to COVID-19, such as the closure of the games room, which left some children disappointed. On the whole, Shap Wells Hotel provides a decent base for a family holiday, especially if wildlife spotting is on the agenda, but prospective guests might want to clarify room conditions upon booking.
3 Star
The facilities are deemed impressive for its category with clean rooms and excellent chef-prepared meals that are considered good value. Although basic, the accommodations and amenities meet the expectations of a three-star establishment. Guests find the breakfast and dinner to be satisfactory, aligning well with what is expected for its rating.
Despite needing some attention to cleanliness, the reasonable pricing and the overall pleasant experience make Shap Wells Hotel a compelling choice for a comfortable stay.
Business
Accessible
However, there are several challenges that guests with disabilities might face. Elderly visitors and those with limited mobility might struggle with stairs, as several areas of the hotel require negotiating them. Specific reviews highlighted the limited availability of elevators and noted that the hotel is not entirely suitable for disabled visitors. Reports mentioned that certain guests found it difficult to navigate the stairs and manage accessible routes.
Overall, while Shap Wells Hotel has made some efforts to improve accessibility, particularly with the provision of a lift and ramp, there remain significant challenges that could make it difficult for elderly or disabled guests to fully enjoy their stay.
Dog Friendly
While the hotel does impose an extra charge for pets, the overall reception for dogs is very positive with many reviews noting the comfortable and welcoming environment. The hotel staff are commended for their friendliness and helpfulness with dogs. Although dogs are not permitted in the main dining room, they are allowed in the bar and other designated areas, making it convenient for pet owners.
The hotel's pet-friendly policy even includes accommodating returning guests with small dogs in the main hotel building and there is a cozy atmosphere where guests can relax with their dogs in front of a coal fire. However, some guests did mention issues with cleanliness in dog-friendly rooms, such as dog hair on the floors and carpets, suggesting a need for more rigorous cleaning protocols.
Overall, Shap Wells Hotel is well-regarded for its dog-friendly nature, suitable for travelers looking for a welcoming environment for their pets, despite a few minor issues related to room cleanliness and policies on pet access within the hotel.
No, Shap Wells Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Shap Wells Hotel.
Yes, Shap Wells Hotel welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Shap Wells Hotel.
Yes, Shap Wells Hotel has a gym.
Location Show Map
More Options
