Holbeck Ghyll Country House

Breakfast was the reason this ended up at three stars instead of two. The menu had plenty to choose from, and the senior waiter was attentive, experienced and professional. Dinner service was a different story: the staff seemed untrained and below four-star standard. They didn't know we'd booked a set menu, had no mint for mojitos, brought the wine list only by the third course, and the list itself was marked up with crossings-out and scribbles. The food was tasty except for a dry, eggy soufflé with none of the promised cranberries. We heard there were staff shortages and inexperienced people on duty, so perhaps we'd caught a bad day, though other reviews mention standards slipping too. We'd visited nine years ago and came back because of our fond memories. The building is beautiful, and the view of Windermere from the window seat is stunning. It has faded glamour and could use some updating, but I like Victorian and Edwardian decor and can overlook peeling paint or worn carpets. On our earlier visit, the hotel felt quite grand and the staff were professional in an old-school way. I read that management has changed and the hotel chose to become “more accessible and less posh.” That sounds to me like diplomatic wording for cost-cutting in a tough time for hotels and catering. A hotel still needs trained, attentive staff. I hope Holbeck invests in them and brings back some of its former glory.

The staff made a real difference to our stay. Everyone was warm and chatty without seeming intrusive, and Kyle went above and beyond at breakfast. Another staff member, whose name I didn't get, had a great conversation with me about the hotel's eco credentials, which seemed very good, and the local environment. Breakfast was included, with continental and cooked options, and the quality was excellent. We stayed while the restaurant was closed. We came for the setting, and it lived up to that. The grounds are spacious and well kept, with a stream along the northern edge, sheep grazing nearby, and a path into woodland where wood anemones and wild garlic grow. We had a room at the top of the house overlooking the lake, with a breathtaking view. We also enjoyed doing the circular walk to Wansfell Pike from the hotel grounds, as listed on the hotel's walks page. The room itself was comfortable and peaceful, and the bed was great. The building is lovely and clearly old, so keeping it modern while preserving its historic features must be a challenge. Still, our room felt tired, with peeling wallpaper and obvious wear. The plumbing was the main problem: draining the bath temporarily pushed some waste water back into the shower, and it smelled bad. We told the staff, who said they'd look into it, so I hope they fix it. The rest of the hotel has plenty of space to relax, with seating areas and a bar. We'd definitely stay at Holbeck Ghyll again, though our room didn't quite match the rest of the experience and some guests might find it below par.

The manager brushed off our complaint with a condescending apology and a ridiculous excuse that the hotel had no editorial control over Booking.com. One staff member told us they get complaints all the time and essentially catfish guests. The main hotel looks nice, but we were put in a tired, dated lodge behind it, nothing like the photos on Booking.com. The walls were paper-thin and we could hear everything from the neighboring lodges. If we'd known what to expect, we wouldn't have booked. It felt like completely false advertising.

We booked one night and had afternoon tea at 1.30 on Sunday, but it was a bit skimpy, with no salad or crisps. Breakfast was cold. The hotel looks like a great old place for weddings.