March 2024 by Matt McKean
Well what can i say, the hotel is in a great location with stunning views next to Brockhole so going for a stroll around the grounds of the hotel or around Brockhole is great if you take your four legged friend with you and watching wild deer early evening is always a special moment.The cream tea was very nice and the scones lovely but being advised that there is an extra charge for a cappuccino is really not on for a hotel that is priced as it is.The rooms are ok and clean and the staff are welcoming on arrival and whenever we met them around the hotel.Now here comes the unfortunate BUT with our one night stay (bed and breakfast), breakfast is poor at best and barely sufficient, let me explain:- Our Tea and Coffee was lukewarm and we were not offered anything but tea or coffee, no Cappuccino, no decaf, just tea or coffee. Along came the toast, lukewarm and not like it had come from a toaster anytime soon but at least we had options of white, wholemeal or mixed.We waited, we waited, we waited and ate the toast as by this time it was just getting cold and assumed the cooked breakfast wasn't coming anytime soon.Along came the cooked breakfast which honestly I was somewhat surprised about when I saw it and it took me back to hotels in the 80's.- A quarter of a potato pancake, very hard and I gave up trying to cut it. It was lukewarm.- Two pieces of bacon which had been very over-grilled and very hard. It was lukewarm.- One sausage and yes, it was lukewarm- Half a tomato, lukewarm.- A small slice of black pudding, very dry, again lukewarm.- The smallest ramekin of baked beans, lukewarm- A poached egg which was very very overdone, no runny yolk and looked like it had been waiting around for sometime.- And finally, a small amount of sliced mushroom that again looked like they had been waiting around and were lukewarm like the rest of the cooked breakfast.We were not asked when we ordered breakfast how we wanted our eggs (which is the first time in many years i've not been asked) and waiting for well over 15 minutes for something lukewarm is really very disappointing (i wasn't the only one waiting and i wasn't the only one who told their partner that it was as good as cold and had been waiting for the cooked breakfast longer then ourselves). We were told that we had to book our breakfast slot the night before to stagger the breakfast to help the chief but this didn't seem to make any difference based on our waiting time and our experience with what was on our plate.Now here is where customer service really really makes a difference, when you're leaving, nobody was rude but but nobody, absolutely nobody asked if everything was ok with our stay..... We were charged the additional £25 for our very small little dog (which is ludicrous when she is the size of a baby but that?s a whole other issue when £25 is a quick win for the hotel when there is very little that can justify the £25 charge it?s not like the hotel charge for babies who can be just as (and are most likely more) messy and just (and more often) more noisy who had been no trouble at all, made no mess or been noisy and was handed the invoice and we left.I was excited to try this hotel, it was a christmas gift and a chance to kick back for a night as we know the location and ambleside very very well. We always make the most of any situation but this could have been so much more but sadly it wasn't and we left feeling deflated by a hotel in a lovely location with great views but it was only that lovely location that made it for us and unfortunately it's not a hotel we will not return to.Sorry Cragwood, I can see I?m in a minority on my comments but my experience is my experience and lukewarm is lukewarm and lack of options for hot beverage is just unexplainable..Walkability: Close to Brockhole on Windermere and Ambleside for evening meals.
March 2024 by Kenneth Moyse
Nice hotel and easily earned its 4star rating, we enjoyed our stay. The staff were all very pleasant and helpful. Some lovely walks in the area and plenty to see and do.
March 2024 by ANN LITCHFIELD
Bizarre fire escapes in rooms , potentially allowing strangers into your room. Also, the smallest bathroom ever. Sit on the loo, and you touch the wall and bath.
February 2024 by Ian Ward
Absolutely lovely hotel with amazing hardworking staff always on hand.
February 2024 by Beverley Hoyle
An amazing location, views to die for. Cream tea was delicious. The Room overlooked the lake Windermere only downfall of the room was the curtains absolutely filthy with damp hence why I didn't put 4 stars otherwise it would have been full stars for everything.
February 2024 by chris furlong
My better half purchased this through Groupon as a treat and we both really enjoyed it, although the drinks and food are a little expensive for what is served.
February 2024 by Michelle Myers
Cragwood is a beautiful and special place a group of us went for Sunday lunch in memory of a very special couple who had spent 2 joyous occasions there - their sons wedding and their Ruby wedding. The staff and Albert the manager were brilliant and the food was fab. You feel as if it is your home we had a lovely sunny day and it was lovely sitting on the terrace watching the kids and adults playing boules, croquet and football.
February 2024 by Ben Rush
Characterful hotel in a converted old country house. Handy location for Windermere and is set in some lovely grounds right on the lake. We went for an off season wkend in Jan, and we're really taken with how friendly the staff were, and how doggo friendly *everyone* was - if you have dogs, it's an amazing place to stay. You can stay in any of the rooms with a dog (or two as we did) and they're allowed most places except the restaurant. The old "grand hall" is now a bar and spacious set of rooms with log fires, comfy seating, and views over the grounds.Some of the hotel is a bit dated, but only to a kinda-charming degree rather than a fawlty-towers one. The bedrooms are apparently all different, our lake view room was spacious and lovely but it was a bit disappointing to have the view obscured by condensation half of the time. It also never got turned down - we thought the hotel had made a mistake (there are the usual signs about towels in the bath if you want them replaced etc) but apparently they don't offer a room turn down service, which seems really strange. If I wasn't turning down rooms as a hotel of this calibre, I'd make it clear from the outset (and provide more toilet rolls!)We weren't able to book into the restaurant (do it before arrival if you're thinking of eating there) but the bar has a small food menu available all day which was decent quality. There are a bunch of restaurants a short drive away in town too.Overall we really enjoyed our stay, as did our doggos. Would definitely visit again.
February 2024 by Wendy Rowley
Spent weekend at this beautiful hotel.The staff were fabulous and friendly and the food very very good.Would highly
January 2024 by Beverley Hewitt
Beautiful location just outside Windermere (driving distance) with beautiful views of the lake and walks in the grounds to the shore of Windermere. Staff lovely can't do enough for you. Rooms clean well decorated and have everything you could need. Very dog
January 2024 by John Limer
Firstly the restaurant food and staff were wonderful. A real credit to the hotel. The 2 stars omitted are for the room and uninterested receptionist. The room was very tired and not worth the net figure of circa £200. Decor was tatty and furniture worn and in need of replacement, which was confirmed by reception when checking out. These rooms should be discounted as it is very unfair to charge the same as refurbished rooms. Breakfast staff were pleasant and helpful. Minor issues being burnt bacon and hard poached egg. The welcome upon arrival was poor as if we were an inconvenience and the.lady with blond hair gave the impression that she would be anywhere else but there. Upon checking out the same lady was initially quite pleasant. However when asked about our stay we were honest as above about the room, then the bill was presented from.the restaurant. We had booked DBB via Virgin experience which was no problem and we knew extras from our dinner were payable. Unfortunately, the hotel had charged twice for a bottle of wine. When this was highlighted the receptionist abruptly queried are you sure you did not have 2 bottles. Why would we query this it was not the case. We.felt our integrity was being questioned. Not a pleasant experience. I feel customer care skills were lacking here. Recommend the restaurant but until confirmation that all rooms are refurbished I wouldn't rush back. If this review is quired by the hotel I will be happy to back this up with a phone call.
December 2023 by kenneth rushton
First time at this hotel but definitely not the last fabulous food ,Great service from the staff with fabulous views of the lake will have to return in the summer to to enjoy the gardens and walks surrounding the
December 2023 by Mr Jolly Lives Next Door
A truly lovely place.One night on a work trip, comfortable room and bed, great choice of teas and coffees in the roomVery good dinner and excellent breakfast, and what a stunning view.Slightly odd route from reception to the bar but that just added to the charm of the placeAnd finally, a very civilised check out timeDefinitely going back for leisure
December 2023 by Rhod Porch
Five stars do not do this Hotel justice. We held our daughters wedding here last week and were blown away by the level of service, care, attention to detail. Its amazing location and the hotel itself is just beautifully kept and decorated with flair and style. Special thanks must go to Hannah the Wedding Organiser who ensured every tiny detail was just perfect. The strength of this hotel is the warmth of the staff - every single staff member loves working there and this shows in the level of service. The food is out of this world and a credit to the chef and his team. Well done Cragwood you are a star and a gem of a hotel in the Lakes. From a very proud Dad who watched his beloved daughter get married in a hotel that cares for its guests and truly understands how to care for a family that wants a 'perfect' wedding Cragwood you delivered and exceeded at every level. Well done Cragwood and we will be back on their first anniversary.Rhod Porch
November 2023 by Matt Trainor
Come back every year as this place is the best. Superb staff, food and rooms. You won?t regret it!!
