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Reviews of The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

4 out of 5
The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group
Lake Road, Ambleside, England

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 135 out of 237 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 73 out of 237 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 20 out of 237 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 4 out of 237 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 237 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.4/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Chris

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great location very friendly staff and very comfortable surroundings would definitely recommend
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brenda

Travelled with partner
I liked the cleanliness of this property, and the staff were very friendly and helpful at all times. The only problem being a lack of a lift. My husband and I were staying in a beautiful luxury room with a beautiful view over the lake. However as my husband has a problem with walking, he was struggling to get up 3 flights of stairs to get to our room-number 31.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

8/10 Good

Rob

Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Had a grand time at The Waterhead in the week before Easter. Hotel was very comfortable, and our dog was made to feel welcome. It was a good base to explore the Windermere area.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Guest Experience on 5 Apr 2024
Thank you for your feedback. We would love to welcome you back.

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Travelled with partner
Liked: Amenities
A fantastic getaway! We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Guest Experience on 18 Mar 2024
Thank you for your feedback. We would love to welcome you back soon.

10/10 Excellent

Sally

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Guest Experience on 2 Feb 2024
Thank you for your rating. See you again soon.

8/10 Good

Conrad

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely view
Food was mediocre, management poor. Room was lovely, checkin was crazy. Its impossible that no room is ready for check-in before 3pm. If you arrive in peak season how can possibly 40 rooms be checked in at 3pm. ?expect a long wait .
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Guest Experience on 2 Feb 2024
Thank you for your feedback. I apologise if we were unable to meet your expectations on your recent visit. Guest satisfaction is a top priority of ours, we always encourage guests to notify us of anything they may need so we have the chance to correct it. We hope to see you again and provide you will our true experience.

6/10 Okay

Ian

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Sadly nothing unique anymore. The Waterhead Hotel was the jewel in the crown of former owners English Lakes. Unfortunately now it is a very average pub with rooms and you could be in any one of the numerous Inn Collection establishments. A very disappointing experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Tomasz

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel not for 4 stars but 3 max !
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 14 Nov 2023
Thank you for your feedback. I apologise if we were unable to meet your expectations on your recent visit. Guest satisfaction is a top priority of ours, we always encourage guests to notify us of anything they may need so we have the chance to correct it. We hope to see you again and provide you will our true experience.

10/10 Excellent

Steven

Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 14 Nov 2023
Thank you for your feedback. We would love to welcome you back.

10/10 Excellent

Vicki

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Newly renovated situated right on the lake and near the ferry terminal it is a great base to explore the lakes district. The bedroom was large and comfortable the staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful and are clearly making an effort to ensure a great stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 14 Nov 2023
Thank you for the review. We couldn't be happier you enjoyed your stayed and we hope to see you again soon.

8/10 Good

Connie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The staff were really good at looking after us and their customer service was great. However, the glass cover for the bathtub wasn’t great as it let a lot of water out when having a shower.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 14 Nov 2023
Thank you for taking the time to send us your feedback, it is always gratefully appreciated. We are delighted you had a great experience with us. Your comments will be passed on the team, both positive and constructive. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

6/10 Okay

ANDREW

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Poor food service
Our bathroom hot tap took atleast 4/5 minutes to produce hot water, which was frustrating. We had supper on our first night and my wife's choice of curried cauliflower with coconut rice with almonds and raisins was a disappointment, as was the waitresses reaction. There were no almonds or raisins and a very weak coconut flavour. The waitress spent her time making excuse after excuse when we mentioned this, from "you must have had a batch without too much milk" to telling us "how interested she was in food,as she used to be a chef" Eventually she agreed to talk to the chef, who she called Dave. The excuses now included " its a new menu" to " he forgot to add the almonds and raisins " Her attitude throughout was indifference and was clearly suprised when i stated that we would not be eating at the hotel the following night. Not once did she offer a practical sollution to this issue but made embarrassing reasons why the food was not as advertised. Our dinner with drinks cost £58, so they lost atleast that amount for our missed night. Things go wrong, but its how you deal with them that are remembered .
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 14 Nov 2023
Thank you so much for letting us know about your concerns. We’re sorry that we failed to make your visit as enjoyable as it could have been. We will keep your feedback in mind moving forward. We hope you give us another chance. We will do our best to deliver the exceptional stay we know we can.

10/10 Excellent

Antony

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A lovely Inn with views across lake Windermere.
Location: Fantastic Room 19: Fantastic, clean, roomy, really good bathroom and quite. King-sized bed was realy comfortable. The Inn was well presented, a really nice place for a meal, however, the menu was limited, could be better but the food we had was really good. Breakfast was a serve yourself buffet or continental. The buffet was nice english breakfast food but not very hot. Staff were excellent, very helpful, chatty and keen to be of service. Overall, an excellent location and a good hotel. The memu for the bar meals could be improved!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 16 Oct 2023
Thank you for taking the time to send us your feedback, it is always gratefully appreciated. We are delighted you had a great experience with us. Your comments will be passed on the team, both positive and constructive. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable and charming
Something of a warren of a place, with steps and limited elevators. But if you can manage stairs, it's comfortable and charming. Busy, all-day food service in the bar/dining room. Ask for a room with a lake view.
View from a bedroom
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 16 Oct 2023
Thank you for your feedback. It is greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back.

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing hotel, location, food and staff
Amazing hotel, staff, food, service, location. This hotel and its staff made my mum and I’s stay just absolutely perfect. Thank you
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 16 Oct 2023
Thank you for passing on your feedback. We could not be happier that you had a fantastic stay with us. We hope to see you very soon.

10/10 Excellent

Gillian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 13 Oct 2023
Thank you for your rating. See you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Pauline

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Everything was fantastic. Room, staff, food.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 3 Oct 2023
Thank you so much for your recent review. It made our day!

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
A warm welcome , staff were helpful and friendly . Perfect place to stay .
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 28 Sept 2023
Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are so happy that you had a great time with us!

4/10 Poor

M

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice environment as new but otherwise poor overall
The stay was for business. I needed to check in earlier than 3, I arrived at 14:40 and was initially told I couldn’t check in. However Connor worked very hard to accommodate me and did manage to get me booked in after checking with housekeeping. I understand staffing is right as nobody actually lives in the lakes anymore but 3pm check in is too late, especially with a 10:30 check out deadline, especially at the price. I went off to work and due to being emergency services was later arriving back. I would’ve liked a pint but they don’t serve after 11, despite it being a hotel. Surely a night porter can serve? You’re a hotel, get a longer licence. Was kept awake by staff talking outside under my bedroom, was woken up early by delivery lorries crashing metal plates in the morning around 7am so didn’t sleep well at all. Breakfast was mediocre but the coffee was lovely. Female on duty at breakfast was friendly but didn’t seem at all bothered that I wouldn’t stay again. Just smiled and said thank you for staying. Furnishings and building were good as only just opened but leaves no choice for customers as they now own half of ambleside. Everywhere looks same. Staff shouldn’t be allowed to park in customer parking as tight enough without that.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 28 Sept 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. All feedback is greatly appreciated to help enhance our guest’s experience. Our aim is to stay true to our pub roots and provide a comfortable, relaxing Inn where everyone would like to eat, drink, sleep, and explore from. Your comments will be passed on to those relevant and we hope to welcome you back soon.

10/10 Excellent

David

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The parking is terrible. Everything else is great
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
Thank you for your feedback. We would love to welcome you back.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location
Very welcoming staff, excellent food reasonably priced. Only, downside our room was looking out at a wall with a skip near our window which generated additional noise. Along, with blocked gutters. Other issue was access with suitcases to our room, not advised of back entrance so had to carry suitcases up the stairs.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. All feedback is welcome, both positive and constructive. Your comments will be passed on to those relevant to be reviewed. We hope to see you again soon.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.

8/10 Good

Philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The shower did not work no hot water no matter what time of day. The electric log effect fire did not work in bedroom. It had been refurbished but the enamel of bathroom sink chipped .
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Please accept my apologies for the bad experience, I fully understand your frustration. I will ensure your feedback is passed on to the team. We hope to see you again and give you the customer experience we pride ourselves on

2/10 Terrible

Ben

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
Oh No! It seems we have missed the mark on this occasion. Please accept my apologies, we hope to see you soon and provide you with our true guest experience.

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
Thank you for your rating. See you again soon.

8/10 Good

JungMin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall convenient given the surroundings- close to the pier for cruises. Food is very good at the restaurant. Complementary English breakfast was amazing.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
Thank you for passing on your feedback. We could not be happier that you had a fantastic stay with us. We hope to see you very soon.

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 15 Sept 2023
Thank you for your rating. See you again soon.

2/10 Terrible

Alan

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
Oh No! It seems we have missed the mark on this occasion. Please accept my apologies, we hope to see you soon and provide you with our true guest experience.

4/10 Poor

Rod

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Room with balcony was excellent, staff were friendly and helpful, where possible, location at lakeside was lovely. Didn't like check-in. It wasn't clearly signed, we arrived with many others from around the country in the pouring rain around 2.30 but we were firmly advised that we all had to wait until 3.00 before checking in (discretion?). Didn't like the fact that one evening we were told at 8.30 (when the kitchen closure time was 9.00) that no desserts were available for anyone as the kitchen was "swamped".
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
We appreciate your feedback. As a company, we are always looking at ways to improve our guest experience. Please note, your comments will be passed on to those relevant and we hope to welcome you back.

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to visit the LAkes
Upon arrival we were told the hotel had only re-opened the week before following refurbishment. It certainly looked that way and was looking excellent. Our room was a king size with lake view so perfect, and the bed was comfortable. Bathroom was also in great condition. Stayed 4 nights and everything went to plan. Ambleside is a beautiful part of the Lake District. Only two disappointments otherwise a 5 star review would have applied. Staff at check in were very unhelpful. We arrive 2 hours early and were informed check in was 15.00, so no problem there. Went back to hotel at 14.45 and was bluntly told check in was 15.00, even though the barman did comment to staff it was 14.45. Tried again at 15.05 and one person called another to help with check in, but they said they were busy. Then they checked to see if a room was available. Thankfully a very helpful Jacob came to the rescue and swiftly checked us in. The only other comment is breakfast can sometimes be cold, depending what time you come down. This again can be expected, but it would be helpful if the plates to put your breakfast on were hot!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Sept 2023
Thank you for taking the time to send us your feedback, it is a pleasure to read some lovely comments regarding our staff and Inn. All feedback is encouraged, we are always looking at ways to improve our customer experience. I will ensure the team are in receipt of your kind words and your feedback will be reviewed. We hope to see you again very soon.

6/10 Okay

MR SATWANT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Far too expensive. Def not value for money
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 14 Aug 2023
Thank you for leaving us feedback. We are disappointed to hear that your experience was not a positive one.

8/10 Good

Jerry

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very comfortable stay. Great food and staff.
Newly refurbished, the rooms were large and had everything you needed. Evening food was expensive. Good breakfast options. Helpful staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from Guest Experience on 7 Aug 2023
Thank you for taking the time to post your review. We are so happy that you had a great time with us!

4/10 Poor

Wai Ming Dickens

Travelled with group
Room is small, breakfast with limited selection, everything is extra, with the room rate of £200 per night I expect a better breakfast !
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 16 Oct 2022
Thank you for your feedback. I will ensure your feedback is passed on to be reviewed, however, we would always encourage our guests to let us know of anything unexpected, so we have the chance to correct any issues. We hope to welcome you back in the future.

8/10 Good

simon

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 16 Oct 2022
Thank you for your rating. We hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Frances

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 27 Sept 2022
Thank you for your rating. We hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 26 Sept 2022
Thank you for your rating. We hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Overnight stay
Great service great location and charming hotel
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 14 Sept 2022
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Feedback from our guests is valuable. We are pleased you enjoyed your stayed and we hope to see you again soon.

8/10 Good

Lawrence

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The hotel was fine but lacking in small details for a four star rating in my view. Some details on the website do not match the information in the hotel. However it’s adequate for a short stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 14 Sept 2022
Thank you for your feedback. It is greatly appreciated. We hope to welcome you back.

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing short break
Amazing view, really friendly and happy staff, food was phenomenal, the only slight negative was the younger managers sharpness to staff members, shouldnt really de shouting at his staff in front of the guests, other than that the break was fantastic
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 14 Sept 2022
Thank you for taking the time to send us your feedback, it is always gratefully appreciated. We are delighted you had a great experience with us. Your comments will be passed on the team, both positive and constructive. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

8/10 Good

Riaz

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Aug 2022
Thank you for your feedback. It is greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back.

8/10 Good

Melanie

Travelled with family
Friendly staff
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 23 Aug 2022
Thank you for taking the time and passing on your feedback, it is always gratefully appreciated. We are delighted you enjoyed your experience with us and look forward to seeing you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We will definitely go again
Fantastic hotel to stay in and wonderful friendly staff.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 15 Aug 2022
Thank you for taking the time and passing on your feedback, it is always gratefully appreciated. We are delighted you enjoyed your experience with us and look forward to seeing you again soon.

8/10 Good

Erdi

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 15 Aug 2022
Thank you for your rating. We hope to see you again soon.

6/10 Okay

Elizabeth

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 16 Aug 2022
Thank you for your rating. We hope to see you again soon.

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very picturesque well maintained property with fantastic views. Quiet of a night. Room was comfy and clean. Staff are great.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 10 Aug 2022
Thank you for passing on your feedback, we pride ourselves on our customer experience and the high-quality standards we thrive to maintain. We could not be happier that you had a fantastic stay with us. We hope to see you very soon.

10/10 Excellent

Glenn

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 10 Aug 2022
Thank you for your rating. It is greatly appreciated. We hope to welcome you back.

6/10 Okay

Gunasagaran, Singapore

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Well situated next to the lake. Housekeeping was below standard. Beds were not well made. One day the room was not made either.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 10 Aug 2022
Thank you for your positive and constructive feedback. I will ensure your feedback is passed on to be reviewed. Guest satisfactory is a top priority of ours and we are always looking at ways to improve our guest experience. We hope to welcome you back in the future.

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 10 Aug 2022
Thank you for your rating. We hope to see you again soon.

8/10 Good

Tracy

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was very nice, right across the street from the lake. They state in the description there is no elevator, but there are no bell boys either. Had to haul our luggage up two flights of stairs. The room was clean, but no coffeemaker or A/C. The restaurant was understaffed so we had to order at the bar. Overall a nice stay, just a few inconveniences. You can’t beat the view!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2022
Response from Guest Experience on 10 Aug 2022
Thank you for your positive and constructive feedback. I will ensure your feedback is passed on to be reviewed. Guest satisfactory is a top priority of ours and we are always looking at ways to improve our guest experience. We hope to welcome you back in the future.