Just been back to Skelwith bridge Hotel again. First time since change of management. Everything good as usual, although the staff didn't seem quite as enthusiastic and the food wasn't quite as good as before, although the evening meals were still good to excellent (all excellent previously). If you want lots of space in your bedroom go for a superior room, the standard rooms can be a bit cramped, depending which one you get. Great location for access to walks from Coniston, little langdale and great langdale. Also virtually next door to Chesters - a cafe and gift shop that does superb lunches (we ate there at lunch on all 4 days!)

This wasn't our first stay but was the first time we'd spent New Year in the hotel and as usual we weren't disappointed. A previous reviewer described it as a comfortable pair of old shoes and that is spot on, don't expect the world and you'll be fine. Our room was most acceptable although this must be the last bastion of the clingy shower curtain, even Premier Inn have sorted that one! The food is good and there's plenty of lounge space to sit about and just think about your next meal. This visit we noted a lot of guests with dogs indeed the hotel encourages them and allows them everywhere except the restaurant, dogs we don't mind but wish their owners would realise we aren't all as keen on them as they are.

If you are a regular, you know precisely what you will get, just like those old shoes, neither gleaming nor fashionable, but homely and comfortable. Food never really changes,you won't die of excitement, nor will you starve It remains however excellent value, sometimes ridiculously so, in this area of hotel pretentiousness, it is by far the best value for money.

Don’t come here if you have a taste for the lavish or extravagant and expect every last facility and accommodation.
There is nothing much around this hotel but stunning scenery and a multitude of river forest and hill walks and only minutes by car are the honeypots of Ambleside, Coniston and Hawkshead. The corridors are like a rabbit warren and some of the rooms are a little small. There are only a few channels on the TV and the wi-fi doesn’t seem to reach very far; it’s also pretty much inaccessible by mobile ‘phone so you can be as cut off as your wish.
However the place is utterly charming, unpretentious, welcoming and unfussy.
Whenever we've stayed we've gained the impression that the staff genuinely want to have you enjoy your stay as you would wish, rather than to fit in with their agenda.
A wonderful warm atmosphere in winter and idyllic in summer. Helpful and attentive staff and simply mouth-watering food in the restaurant.