Lakes Spa Apartments

We had a lovely stay and would come back. The staff were friendly, and we were grateful for the extra pillows they brought for my heavily pregnant partner. On a short walk, we could reach the town centre, and there's also a car service if needed. Our superior double room was spacious and clean, with a comfortable bed, two sofas and a huge TV. It overlooked the terrace and lake, and I think it was room 306, so it may be worth politely asking for that view when booking. The room was warm but not too hot during the heatwave, even without air conditioning, and a substantial fan was provided. Oddly, there was no soap dish. We enjoyed the terrace views over Windermere lake in the heat, and used the spa for an hour. It was small but had what we needed for a short relaxing break. Breakfast had a good selection too. Thanks to the staff for looking after us.

The room itself was beautiful, clean and fresh, and we were very pleased with the food and service at the Asian restaurant. Breakfast the next morning was very good too. But the rest of our one-night stay at the Lakes Hotel and Spa was disappointing for the amount we paid, including for a room with a balcony hot tub. We asked about checking in early because we only had one night and wanted to make the most of it. We understood that check-in was at 3pm, but I do think guests paying so much for a hot tub room should at least be able to pay extra for an earlier arrival, as other hotels and spa resorts offer. We had a lovely walk into Windermere, then tried the spa, which felt extremely small, stuffy and warm, with very few options. At the pub we paid almost £40 for six small plates and two large Cokes. The food was terrible, clearly reheated rather than fresh, and the portions were tiny. When we mentioned it, someone just seemed confused and replied, 'oh okay.' A few hours after getting into our lovely room, guests next door became so loud we could hear everything happening in their room. It made my partner and me very uncomfortable. Given the price and those problems, I don't think this should be a 5-star hotel. It's very overpriced, and I wouldn't recommend it or return.

The rooms were clean and really nice, and the service was good. A very friendly cat wanders around the property. We were served Prosecco at check-in, which was a lovely touch. I wouldn't call it a 5-star hotel, but it definitely deserves 4 stars. It's the place to stay in Windermere.

The coffee at the spa bar was great, and I loved the hot tub in the room. But service and attitude from staff in general were very poor, and I wouldn't stay here again. The hotel doesn't live up to the number of stars it claims. Our food arrived soggy and cold. The bedding was stained, and we expected housekeeping to change it. Instead, the woman who'd served us in the restaurant came to our door to do it, still wearing her restaurant uniform. That felt unfair to her and showed poor management. The dressing gowns were all the same size. The men in the bar by the spa looked like they were wearing mini dresses, then my husband tried one and found it tight and short too. I dread to think how that would make someone pregnant, plus size, or conscious of their image feel. There was no water, fridge, shower cap, tissues, notepad or pen in the room. Room service also wanted an extra £10 tray charge to bring drinks to the hot tub, and parking cost £12 extra. If the service matched the hotel's claimed 5 stars and the other issues weren't there, I could understand a £10 tray charge for exceptional rooms and service.