The Rutland Arms Hotel, Bakewell, Derbyshire

We had a lovely few days at the Rutland Arms hotel while attending a wedding. The staff were excellent and helpful, and the room was comfortable and very clean. There was plenty of choice at breakfast, which was delicious, and the evening menu also had lots to choose from at a range of prices. Highly recommend.

The car park is across the road and might feel a bit tight if you arrive later, though there’s probably another parking option since the hotel is in the town centre. We only stayed one night and wished we could have stayed the whole weekend. The public rooms have an old-fashioned look, with polished dark wood and walls full of paintings and prints. Staff were polite and helpful throughout. Our double room was spotless, with tea and coffee, a coffee machine, bottled water, and a handwritten welcome note on the writing pad. Some reviews call the rooms a little small, but here it just meant there was no bedside cabinet on one side of the bed. The bathroom was spotless too, with a modern, powerful shower and heated towel rail. We ate well in the bar, then had coffee in cosy chairs while chatting with friends. Breakfast the next morning was cooked to order, with lots of options, and came promptly. Cereal, toast, and fruit juice were there to help yourself to in the large dining room, which had the same polished wood and pictures on every wall. We’ll certainly be back.

The staff were unbelievably helpful, warm, and kind. They couldn’t do enough for us. This place has huge character, and inside the stunning hotel feels like stepping back in time. We ate in the main restaurant, which is beautiful, and the food was gorgeous. Breakfast was just as stunning, both the food and the service. If you want to stay somewhere that feels like real Bakewell, stay here. We loved it and are definitely coming back. Thanks to all the staff for making our stay perfect.

The hotel’s decor is great, and it’s a nice place to sit with a glass of wine in the evening. We had a very nice stay in one of the annexes. The room had good facilities and was very clean, and the staff were excellent, from reception through to the bar and coffee shop. The only small thing is that a throw or blanket on the bed would have been useful for extra warmth.