Where Luxury Meets Superior at The Lakeside Hotel & Spa
When we meticulously judge or analyse something, we put pen to paper or mentally take note and tick those austere bijou boxes. There are many factors that deem a hotel superior in state; like location, grounds, facilities, Fine Dining, rooms, interior and service. Although all utterly important, what profoundly matters, is the overall experience and how it feels. ‘Feels’ being such a simple short word but comes with the ability to make a simply colossal impact. The feeling you get when you step from gravel onto the welcome mat, at The Lakeside Hotel, is truly quite something spectacularly superior indeed – a true Luxury Four Star Hotel.
Let us take you through the wonderful world this hotel hideaway has created, within the very heartbeat of the brilliantly beautiful Lake District.
Stepping into the hotel foyer is like stepping back in time to a bygone age of dark polished wood and sumptuous fabrics filled with a sense of nostalgia and locked with memories. Traditional country-house elegance that is sensitively combined with a clever contemporary twist and met with comforting smiles from the receptionists. Glide through the majestic rooms, take in the characterful furnishings and be inspired by the rich shades of perfumed flowers. These buds are lovingly grown within the hotel’s grounds, handpicked and arranged by their florists, where they find new homes on gleaming table tops and adorning their grand piano. Loose yourself in the luscious Lakeland view relaxing in The Conservatory, take Afternoon Tea on The Terrace and find homely comforts in The Ruskin Bar. Take a moment to Fine Dine through the evening, in the opulence that is The Lakeview Grill Restaurant and the John Ruskin’s Brasserie. Thanks to Head Chef Richard and his passionately creative a la carte menu, their eateries have fast become two of the best restaurants in Windermere. First impressions are extremely important to any hotel, but for such a grand luxurious hotel as this, it comes with such sophisticated ease. For within the walls of The Lakeside Hotel, you will always find the warmest of welcomes awaiting you.
Picture-perfect grounds are one of the key factors when awarding a ‘superior’ label. Faultlessly dwelling proudly within its’ lordly estate of luscious bottle-green grass and a rainbow of flowers, is The Lakeside’s gardens by the shore. A floral palette of dreams from whisky-warm yellows to bold shades of pink, said colours reflecting prettily in the Windermere Lake. You might even spot Roger, the in-house gardener and green-fingered extraordinaire, tending and preening here and there within the award-winning gardens. For it is here you will find escapism and solace among the flora and where you can envelope yourself in the tranquillity by the shores of the Lake. Dangle your legs from the jetty, where sweet swans bob along the ripples, as you happily sip from your cool flute of bubbles.
It is not a common accomplishment to find a classic luxury four star hotel in the Lake District with a spa, that is both postcard-worthy and delivers quite the unique relaxing experience from its’ knowledgeable and professional therapists. Don your fluffy stark white robe, step into those soft fleecy slippers and shuffle over to the Aveda Spa for a taste of pure sanctuary, wellbeing and mindfulness. Relax, recoup and unwind your senses within the only destination spa of its’ kind in the Lake District. Quite simply a Lake Spa with a difference. Indulge oneself in an abandonment of pampering treatments in serenity, that will ensure rejuvenation of body and mind. After your peaceful journey, take time and make time to swim and swirl beneath the warmth of the pool, sit soundly in the Swedish sauna, revel in the jacuzzi, enjoy the eucalyptus steam room and maybe tone here and there, at the gym.
Deliciously deluxe rooms are a newfound rarity; however, The Lakeside Hotel have dedicated themselves to creating unrivalled rooms brimming with the character and charm, you only ever really get within a superior hotel. Their Ultimate Lakeview Rooms enable you to sleep by the Lake with voluptuous panoramic views, that offer a restful night’s sleep. Close your eyes within a queen double room surrounded by a luxurious interior, antique goodness and velvety rich drapes, so you can feel splendidly cosy under smooth crisp sheets. There is also an exceptional room with an additional personal terrace, to relish in a quiet and peaceful breakfast, with a distinctively delightful outlook. This hotel has a taste for the finer things in this crazy world we live in and does not underestimate the importance of a much-needed break of relaxation. Relaxation in the form of Egyptian cotton silky soft sheets, delicate feather pillows and huge Hungarian goose down duvets. They have a pretty plethora of other luxury abodes to laze within; including Woodland View Rooms, Lakeland View Rooms, Country House Rooms, interconnecting rooms and family rooms. Their Exclusive Lodge Suites deliver a welcome retreat overlooking the serene shores and primly nestles amongst the hotels’ exquisite estate. They encompass a private patio, lounge, sauna, large bathroom and picture windows for a scene that will make you smile. Whichever chamber you chose, you will find wonderful sleep filled with dreams and contentment, so you arise refreshed and ready to explore the whimsical Windermere Lake.
What does it mean to experience Fine Dining in the Lake District?
Even though five-star hotels are only obliged to present such an impeccable service, The Lakeside Hotel happily embraces this niche with passion and pizazz. When day meets night, the lamps make way for candlelight, the table linen is decorated with the finest of flowers and our vintage wines are retrieved from their cellar, it is time for the silver-service to commence. Head Chef, Richard Booth’s infatuation with fresh local produce and natural flare for sourcing Cumbria’s unique and undoubtedly divine seasonal ingredients, makes for an interesting succulent Fine Dining occasion. Head to the John Ruskin Brasserie for a more informal mood and contemporary taste, with glasses of local ale and perhaps a tumbler of gin or two. Either choice displays outstanding food of vivid hues, intoxicating flavours and visually stunning plates. Above all, it is the food alone that takes centre stage and is designed to inspire and invigorate all at once.
Personality cannot be taught or duplicated by the big hotel chain down the road, customer service is an incredible art form of excellence that is expected within a luxury hotel. The Lakeside Hotel’s staff are more than just a team, they are a family and lifeline of this amazing place. With easy genuine smiles, classic service, unbeatable knowledge in their specialty and ensuring that all guests receive the same superior experience daily, is the biggest tick of all. The kind of service that gives you a sense of comfort, which allows you to feel completely at home, and the type that makes you feel special and cared for, during your stay. Relate and be captivated by their stories and tales of The Lakeside Hotel and listen to their advice and recommendations from the menu and wine list. From the little gestures made by the chirpy and cheerful porter to the revival of an almost obsolete silver-service, is quite the quintessentially English novelty of today. A true reflection of how definitive customer service should be undertaken and why this hotel is one of the best places to stay in the Lake District.