Stayed on business. Staff very accommodating in every respect. Food and rooms brilliant

This is my 1st review, after feeling compelled to write it after a fantastic long weekend break at this place. This is lovely hotel benefiting from a recent full refurbishment after the Cumbrian floods in 2009, the decor and furnishings in the reception areas, bars and restaurants are 1st class, the rooms are spacious, and again very well appointed (modern but opulent and comfortable). The service from the staff couldn't have been bettered; we booked up through travelzoo, but there was never any hint that we were getting a reduced level of service or a downgraded package; unusualy the word ''travelzoo'' was never mentioned once by any member of staff. We had full choice of the restaurants a-la-carte menu during our 3-course evening meal, and the food was to die for, one of the finest dining experiences we've had! The breakfast was again 1st class, with excellent choice on the cooked menu (we stayed 3 nights and I tried, something different each morning and it was all excellent). Even Cockermouth itself was a lovely surprise; we could not recommend this place enough; we'll be going back again soon.

We have stayed at the Trout twice before, and the third visit this January was no-where near as good as last January- what a difference a year makes!

The restaurant used to be the crown jewel of the Trout- but has now become rather average- with terrible service from some staff. One evening, we had to wait in the bar for over an hour after placing our order- and when the food came, it was very ordinary. The portions for the starter were laughably small- 1 teaspoon of Lobster and 1 of cray fish on a lettuce leaf isn't good value at £10.

One particular waiter could do with some customer service training- he seemed to have a very poor attitude with very little personality. At 1 meal we observer this waiter squeezing the bread rolls in full view of us (which was rather off-putting), and then leaning over people to serve food.

The Trout used to be a special treat, it seems to have slipped into being just another hotel unfortunately. I don't think I'll bother going back for the time being. Hopefully things can be improved before it's too late.

We stayed at The Trout when we attended a function a Cockermouth. This place has been refurbished since it was flooded 2 years ago. The hotel is clean and very comfortable and it's location allows a 'good base' upon which to explore the Lake District. Well worth staying here