A lovingly converted Victorian gentleman's country residence on the outskirts of Appleby in Westmoreland. Full of Victorian fussiness with dried and silk flowers and a plethora of unremarkable pictures in the public areas but some lovely touches.
Loved the mixture of traditional Victorian wardrobe complete with trunk atop in the bedroom and an in bath tv!!
Small leisure centre that wasnt worth getting into my cossie for as the pool only allowed four strokes from one side to another.
Breakfast excellent. Evening meal somewhat overpriced and smallish portions which didnt include a selection of vegetables. Nice cheeses, I dont do desserts so cant comment on them.
Our room was very warm,even with the heating off and window open in January which meant poor sleep. I dont know if the location over the hall area and the fabulous open fire accounted for this

The location of this hotel is stunning and the staff, and owners who are'on the job',are all very helpful and attentive.
The hotel has an excellent website detailing its many awards and amongst the considerable guest information available at the hotel is a whole folder of thank you letters dating back some time.
So in summary, although the hotel is 'pleased with itself' it has every right so to be.

My grandparents taught at a prestigious boys' boarding school on the outskirts of Edinburgh. My memories of it are filled with happy times. I remember the smell of wood polish, the sound of willow cricket bat against leather ball, the creaking of huge ancient oak doors, and the joy of running down wood floored corridors playing hide and seek with my grandfather.

Staying at the Appleby brought back all those wonderful memories. Staff who are polite and helpful. A building filled with a sense of peace and quiet. Unobtrusive lighting. Paintings and pictures on the walls that make you want to stop and linger, rather than rush on by. It brings a sense of returning to a bygone age where manners and civility were important qualities, rather than bolted-on extras.

You'll find roasting hot open wood fires here, warming you up on a cold winter's night. You'll be warm everywhere you go - no scrimping on the heating here! Comfy sofas aplenty are available to just sit and... Well, and nothing. Just relax and wind down in the peace and quiet, with the sound of the crackling fire gently sending you to sleep.

If you feel the need of it, there's a roasting hot steam room, a lovely relaxing jacuzzi, and a plunge pool to cool off in. The pool is not really for swimming - its more of a splash pool although it does go to a depth of six feet.

The rooms are simple, but comfortably presented. Our room had two comfy armchairs to relax in, and the door opened onto the garden area. I would imagine that in summer this would be delightful. It provided easy access to the garden for star gazing under a clear winter's sky.

The beds were really comfortable. And oh the joy of having a duvet that is not just mere millimetres thick as so many places have! No, you'll be more likely to be throwing the duvet off due to the warmth of the room, rather than shivering in the cold! The pillows too were comfortable and supportive, and the curtain completely covered the patio door - and was fitted with blackout to make for a really good night's sleep.

The restaurant food although expensive, is delicious, and served up in a polite and unobtrusive manner. The menu varies daily and includes a lot of local produce. Breakfast too was just right.

To sum up... I loved it. I slowed down. I relaxed. I felt my worries lift off me and I relished the atmosphere of gentle calm and contented peace that I felt here.

I didn't want to leave.

Starting with the very warm welcome from the receptionist the staff here are excellent and very helpful with advice and service. The hotel, as you would expect of a "Manor", has grand but warm and comfortable rooms in the public area in which to relax together with bigger than average bedrooms and bathrooms and large comfortable beds. Common to its age soundproofing is not perfect but a good nights sleep was certainly enjoyed. The dinner menu is varied and the food cooked and presented to perfection. Breakfast is cooked to order and is also outstanding. The hotel is located in a very quiet spot within easy reach of the town (2 or 3 mins by car) and very handy for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside. First class!

We have just returned from a 3 day stay at Appleby Manor. The hotel is very comfortable, lots of sofas and roaring log fires. The food was wonderful, the staff friendly and attentive, nothing was too much trouble. We stayed in a garden view room which was a good size and also very comfy, two arm chairs etc. Super views across the fells from the dinning room a really lovely stay!