The Riverside

We had an easy check-in and checkout, and all the staff were welcoming and pleasant. Breakfast was excellent, with a good cooked selection, and the price was very reasonable. The room was quiet, with a river view and a comfortable bed. Tea, coffee and biscuits were provided, along with shower gel and shampoo, and the shower was decent. Lovely hotel right beside the river.

The restaurant has a modern, cosy feel, but the menu is small and mostly standard pub grub, which doesn’t match the smart surroundings. The food was okay. With its location, it needs a signature dish to attract more people than hotel guests. Since Kendal is so close, you’re better off eating in town, which is a shame because the restaurant itself is lovely. The location is handy for central Kendal, just across the river, and the free on-site parking is very convenient. The hotel sits in a lovely spot by the river, with many rooms and both restaurants looking out over it. Some outdoor seating above the river would be lovely in summer. Our stay included the health club. The large gym, pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna were all clean and quiet. The room and bathroom were adequate, with a firm mattress and a nice river view. The hot buffet breakfast by the river was good too. For one night, it was good value for the free parking, short walk into Kendal and spa access. A refreshed restaurant menu could bring more business to this well-positioned hotel.

The sauna and steam rooms were top notch, and the pool facilities are amazing. That’s what swung it for us, so we’ve already booked again. The hotel is right in the heart of Kendal, and hotel guests get the facilities and parking for free.

Apart from the booking issue, our stay was very pleasant. I booked two nights through Booking.com, then noticed I’d got the dates wrong and cancelled straight away before rebooking the right dates. I didn’t realise at first that I’d been charged the full amount for cancelling. At reception, I asked a gentleman with a foreign accent to look into it. He said he’d send an email, but I wasn’t confident he would, and it seems he didn’t. I’d only moved the dates a week earlier, so I don’t think a cancellation fee was warranted. Instead, I ended up paying double for two nights. Thanks for the help from the gentleman at reception, much appreciated. Between Booking.com and the Riverside Hotel, I’m down £185.