Stayed here in Jan 2012... great location next to Lake Ullswater, very old fashioned style service which may not suit everyone.... four star hotel with 5 star London prices on food and beverages... The "inclusive" dinner on the DBB rate is not really what it seems... if you want a bottle of mineral water, some vegetables and a desert with your meal, expect to be paying £25 per couple extra.... £31.00 for a bottle of NZ Sauvignon blanc which can be picked up in a supermarket for around £7.00, over £3.00 for a can of cola etc....

I agree with some of the previous reviewer's comments regarding the staff... all extremely polite and efficient, but mainly from Eastern Europe which didn't do much to reinforce the hotel's Lake District authenticity... I thought Breakfast was very good and well presented... waiter/ess service on the hot food, quality ingredients, and self-service cold buffet.

All in all, had a very pleasant stay here, but would say that the hotel is generally overpriced for what is actually on offer.

I had stayed to this hotel many years ago when it was a Forte heritage. Macdonald hotels have had this for 5 years. I could not believe that nothing and I mean nothing had changed in 15 years! After some discussion on the telephone we were offered a rate which included afternoon champagne and cream tea and an upgraded superior room. The room (no 3) whilst very clean had nothing superior about it, a flat screen tv which only had reception for 2 or 3 (snowy) channels. Evidently, Sky had been removed due to cost and replaced with free view?
The patio door to the balcony was from the 1970's and did not lock. The two chairs did not make seating for comfortable TV viewing.
The staff whilst all very polite and helpful consisted of 100% non UK or local people, this was only a problem when we asked about local places and time and distance to find them, likewise we asked about certain alcoholic beverages being sold and there was no product knowledge. The managment should give all staff proper training, but especially those from overseas who would not have local knowledge.
We were offered a 5 course dinner, this was a disasterous experience as we were placed two tables away from a young family with screaming children, running up and down the dining area, jumping about etc. No attempt was made by the parents to control them and worse nothing was said by the restaurant staff. We were forced to move tables, the meal was very poor. A green pea starter in a thimble size glass which tasted more like a washing up liquid, prawn cocktail was served in a dish and lemon and tomato has been so thinly sliced it was inedible, this prawns were as small as shrimps (uk version). Main course consisted of 3 choices pasta, coley fish (usually bought to feed to cats in Uk) and something else so boring I cannot recall.
The desert was a typical defrosted offering and sorbets. Generally it left one feeling disappointed and wanting something to eat. In fact we were actually contemplating doing such.
The breakfast experience was little better, same screaming kids, but fortunately at the other end of the room, cooked breakfast was rationed, one table spoon of egg, beans and greasy fried bacon. The toast was served too late or or too early and was cold, when we asked for more coffee it was met with raised eyebrows.
Not once in the whole experience did we see anyone of senior management and this is not a hotel which offers good value, comfort, good food or an enjoyable experience. I feel sorry for the staff who tried their best and were clearly embarrassed but "needed a job".

Just returned from a winter break at Leeming House - our first visit since 2006 and we did notice some changes. Firstly the DB&B terms now allow £25pp against the a la carte menu as opposed to a three course meal in the past. In reality this restricts you to 2 courses unless you pay the extra. Indeed, if you opt for steak or some fish dishes you cannot also get a starter or desert within £25. In addition the a la carte menu revolves every two days so restricted choice if you stay more than a couple of days.I also noticed that the white table clothes have now gone. No doubt a sign of the economic climate but it has made the restaurant less visually appealing.That said food quality was excellent as was breakfast which is extensive.
Our room overlooked the lake and since our last visit a number of trees have been removed which has enhanced the view.No complaints about the bed or bathroom where we had a power shower contrary to some other reviews. The room was kept spotlessly clean the only minor irritation being the need to request extra toiletries rather than them being automatically replaced. I would also mention that the bathrobes had seen better days. The Hotel intself has an old fashioned charm - yes some of the furniture is a little tired but I feel it actually adds to the ambience. Location is of course outstanding and amongst the best in the Lake District. As for the staff they were excellent. Special mentions go to Oana on reception for a natural charm and enthusiasm. Apart from acting as receptionist she doubled up on occassions in the dining room unprompted "in order to learn additional skills and add to her hotel knowledge". In the restaurant Arek was cheerful and warm - always prepared to give an honest opinion on the menu and offer suggestions. Well done to both - they were a credit to their employers. Overall we enjoyed our stay as much as ever. If you want night life and on site facilities then Leeming House is not for you. If you are after peace and quiet in a superb location with good food then Leeming House fits the bill. The hotel is probably overpriced bearing in mind the DB&B terms-I suspect the location and lack of immediate competition commands a premium. The drink prices are 5 star not 4 star although the price of wine is reasonable.However,we will undoubtably return again- probably in summer 2013. I think we may then opt for B&B terms and eat out given the light evenings.In conclusion I would say that nothing much has changed since our first visit in 1999 - but then neither has the Lake District or its beauty and as a consequence Leeming House and the Lake District seem to blend perfectly with each other.

Despite an advance booking for afternoon tea we had to hunt around to find our own place to eat and then rearrange the furniture so that we could sit down. The table was rather small for three of us. There was a good selection of food. Service was adequate.

The setting is beautiful and the hotel comfortable but there are better value places to have afternoon tea in this area.