Station Lodge

We chose this at short notice because it cost less than the other options, and the location was excellent, a couple of minutes on foot from Windermere town’s shops and restaurants. The room was basic but functional, with a comfortable bed and enough space, though the small high windows made it feel a bit like a cave. It would do for a night when all you need is a place to sleep. There was little space for clothes, just a small chest and a short hanging rail, so we lived out of our bags. Our double room could also have used water glasses and a second bedside table with a lamp and socket. The emergency light by the door stayed on all night, so the room never got dark. The bathroom needed a shower shelf, hooks, a toilet roll holder and a sink plug. A hot water heater problem left one shower scalding and the next stone cold. There’s no reception or staff on site, and everything is handled remotely with door codes. Finding the place and getting in was easy, but parking is wherever you can find a space on a nearby street. We’ve stayed in worse, though better attention to detail and maintenance would quickly improve it. There’s not much to be done about the lack of an outside view. A step above a basic hostel.

After a two hour drive, I’d hoped for a last chance to relax, as I was 29 weeks pregnant. We struggled to get into the room, and after finally getting in I tried to shower because I was uncomfortable from the drive. The water turned freezing before I’d even washed. I then learned it takes 40 minutes to heat back up between showers. I tried to find the “free spa,” but there was barely any information in the room and communication with the owners was terrible. I had to leave after 20 minutes and drive two hours home to get comfortable. I tried several times to sort it out by text and email, and requested a refund through bookings, but got nothing. I paid £86 for a night I couldn’t stay. I’d highly recommend avoiding this place. It felt unprofessional and completely put me off trying something like this again.

The WiFi was out, which meant the TV was unusable, and the showers smelled musty. A random scream from somewhere woke up me and my friend, and the stairs felt like a death trap.

The staff were really helpful and accommodating, and the room was spacious and easy to get into. You get what you pay for, and I really can’t complain: there was a comfy bed and a clean, new bathroom. A good place to rest your head in the Lake District.