Hapimag Burnside Park Apartments

We had another lovely stay at Hapimag, with a great cottage in a great location. The gentleman at check-in was really nice. Electricity seemed expensive, though, and the woman at checkout was cold, unpleasant and dismissive when I reported two items that needed attention before the next visitors arrived. She shouldn't be customer-facing or front of house. That somewhat spoiled what had been a really good trip.

The toilet flush didn't work, so we had to put up with a dirty toilet for a day. No one was at reception when I arrived, and there were no instructions, so I had to make an international call to check in. The hotel took no action after I complained, and everyone disappears after 4 pm, with no service after that. The room photos and type advertised were wrong, and I was assigned a different room. My booking showed a balcony, but the one I got had none. The manager said he didn't know the hotel was being listed incorrectly. The bed wasn't the advertised king or super king either. Worse, the double bed was broken, so one of us had to sleep on the floor. This is one of the worst hotels you can find in Windermere. Trust me, don't book it if you want a peaceful stay in such a lovely town.

The apartment was clean, tidy and well equipped, but had no view at all. Electricity is now charged separately, without meter readings or a stated rate per unit, and bringing a dog costs another £50. There's also a £150 indemnity deposit on arrival in case of breakages. This is a Time Share resort now run and owned by Hapimag, and expensive. The annual maintenance fee keeps going up, to about £500 for this small apartment for one week. You can no longer use the adjoining hotel's spa, which was a major reason for buying into the Time Share scheme. No one wants these 'cottages'; you can't even give them away. Surrendering your 'week' costs three times the annual maintenance fee. It used to be a very nice, friendly resort under the old management. It isn't now.

The spa, swimming pool, stains and steam were enjoyable and very well maintained. The accommodation itself was to a high standard and well looked after, and the staff were friendly and helpful. It's well placed for local pubs and only minutes from the lake. I'll definitely return.