Lakes Hotel and Spa

5.0 star property
Luxury hotel with 15 hot tubs and full-service spa

Photo gallery for Lakes Hotel and Spa

Front of property
Penthouse Suite with Roof Top Hot Tub | Terrace/patio
Penthouse Suite with Roof Top Hot Tub
Lake
Lobby sitting area

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Gym
The current price is AU$336
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May

Explore the area

Map
Kendal Road, Bowness, Windermere, England, LA23 3EP
  • Lake Windermere
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Bowness Pier
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • World of Beatrix Potter
    ‪8 min walk‬

Room options

Double Room, Hot Tub (Small)

Highlights

Private hot tub
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Ground Floor Double

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Exterior Suite with Hot Tub

Highlights

Private hot tub
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Exterior Double Room (Direct Access to Lakes Spa)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Exterior Suite with Hot Tub Sleeps 4

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

Exterior Cosy Double Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Two Bedroom First Floor Apartment on Two Levels with Built in Beds

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Standard Double Room, Hot Tub

Highlights

Private hot tub
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Exterior Cosy Double Room with Bunk/Twin Beds

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Lake Suite with Hot Tub

Highlights

Private hot tub
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Double Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Junior Suite with Hot Tub

Highlights

Private hot tub
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Bowness Suite with Hot Tub

Highlights

Private hot tub
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Windermere Suite with Hot Tub

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Roof Top Suite with Hot Tub

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Snug Double

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Small Double

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Room (Sleeps Three)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

Superior Room

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Family Room (Sleeps Six)

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Two Bedroom First Floor Apartment on Two Levels

Highlights

Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
Electric kettle
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single Beds

Penthouse Suite with Roof Top Hot Tub

Highlights

Private hot tub
Heating
Flat-screen TV
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Separate bedroom
Hairdryer
Bathrobes
Private bathroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Windermere

A luxury stay in the heart of Windermere awaits you at Lakes Hotel and Spa. Within just a 10-minute stroll, you'll find popular attractions like Lake Windermere and World of Beatrix Potter. Highlights at this hotel include 2 bars/lounges, 15 hot tubs and a full-service spa. .A day of pampering at Lakes Spa can include deep-tissue massages, body wraps and body scrubs along with aromatherapy and mani/pedis. The bistro, The Bar, serves British cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. At the hotel's own poolside bar, you can stop for a drink. Enjoy the indoor swimming pool, gym and sauna. Business amenities include meeting rooms and a business centre. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, concierge services and a 24-hour front desk. Buffet breakfast is available daily between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. There's also self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights within a 10-minute walk of this 5-property class Windermere hotel include Bowness Pier and Old Laundry Theatre.

What's nearby

  • Lake Windermere - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Bowness Pier - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • World of Beatrix Potter - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre - 7 min drive - 6.0 km

Getting around

  • Windermere Station - 4 min drive
  • Manchester Airport (MAN) - 102 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Pier Coffee Shop - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Lake View - Bowness - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Trattoria - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Costa Coffee - ‬7 min walk

About this property

Lakes Hotel and Spa

Luxury hotel with 15 hot tubs and full-service spa
Lakes Hotel and Spa offers its guests a full-service spa, 15 hot tubs, an indoor pool, and a sauna. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar. Public spaces have free WiFi.

Business amenities include a business centre and meeting rooms. A fitness centre, spa services, and a terrace are also featured at the luxury Lakes Hotel and Spa. For a fee, parking is available.

This 5-star Windermere hotel is smoke free.

  • 57 guestrooms or units
  • 3 levels
  • 2 bars or lounges
  • Conference rooms
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Staff members are multilingual
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Lift
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Lakes Hotel and Spa offers 57 accommodations with a safe and coffee/tea makers. 40-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels. Bathrooms include a shower, bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks and telephones. Hypo-allergenic bedding and an iron/ironing board can be requested.

Guests can indulge in a pampering treatment at the hotel's full-service spa, Lakes Spa. Services include deep-tissue massages, facials, body wraps and body scrubs. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a hot tub and a steam room. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is open daily.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Parking on site (GBP 12 per night)

Food and drink

  • Daily buffet breakfast available 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: GBP 15 per person
  • 2 bars/lounges
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • The Bar
  • The Waterbird

Things to do

  • Full-service spa
  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Sauna
  • Steam room

Family friendly

  • Indoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Multilingual staff
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Body scrubs
  • Body wraps
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Facials
  • Hot tub
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Sauna
  • Spa open daily
  • Steam room

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 40-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; check-in end time: midnight
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for buffet breakfast: from approximately GBP 15 per person
  • Self-parking fee: GBP 12.00 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards and debit cards; cash is not accepted
This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard and debit cards. Cash is not accepted. This property reserves the right to pre-authorise the guest's credit card prior to arrival.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.

National rating

This establishment has received its official star rating from VisitEngland, the National Tourist Board for England.

Property is also known as

Best Western Burnside Hotel Windermere
Best Western Burnside Hotel
Best Western Burnside Windermere
Best Western Burnside
Burnside Hotel Bowness On Windermere
Burnside Hotel BW Premier Collection Windermere
Burnside Hotel BW Premier Collection
Burnside BW Premier Collection Windermere
Burnside BW Premier Collection
The Burnside Hotel Hotel
The Burnside Hotel Windermere
The Burnside Hotel Windermere
Best Western The Burnside Hotel
The Burnside Hotel Hotel Windermere
The Burnside Hotel BW Premier Collection
The Burnside Hotel
Lakes Hotel and Spa Hotel
Lakes Hotel and Spa Windermere
Lakes Hotel and Spa Hotel Windermere

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Lakes Hotel and Spa?

Lakes Hotel and Spa offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Lakes Hotel and Spa?

As of 25 Apr 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakes Hotel and Spa on 18 May 2025 start from AU$335.97, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Lakes Hotel and Spa?

Yep, Lakes Hotel and Spa has a self car park for GBP 12.00 per night.

Is there a spa on site at Lakes Hotel and Spa?

Yep, Lakes Spa is available for guests. It has 15 hot tubs, a steam room and a sauna. You'll enjoy heaps of services like body wraps, body scrubs and facials, as well as deep-tissue massages.

Does Lakes Hotel and Spa have a pool?

Lakes Hotel and Spa has an indoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying with a coldie from the bar. The pool is open 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM.

What luxury perks are available at Lakes Hotel and Spa?

Lakes Hotel and Spa features 15 hot tubs, an indoor pool and 2 bars.

Does Lakes Hotel and Spa serve breakfast?

Yeah, our guests adore the buffet breakfast here! Served daily between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, this is the place to fuel up for a day full of adventure.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Lakes Hotel and Spa?

No, but there's an airport shuttle for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Lakes Hotel and Spa?

Yep, they've got a poolside bar and an onsite restaurant that serves British cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Lakes Hotel and Spa?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Lakes Hotel and Spa?

No, only service animals are allowed.

Lakes Hotel and Spa Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 819 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 106 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 56 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 16 out of 1005 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 8 out of 1005 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Staff & service

9.4/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely beautiful hotel with a stunning room and hot tub. The only thing that lets it down is the breakfast. In a 5* hotel, I would expect you to be able to order your eggs as you’d like them to go with the buffet style breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect 5*
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stephen

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lakes Hotel and Spa

Nice greeting on arrival and being shown to our room. Excellent location and feel of the place. Lovely facilities, although we didn't take advantage of the spa. Staff in the cocktail bar could be more attentive. Having to wait in a very empty lounge area for well over 10 mins, then having to go and ask to have drinks is poor. Food however was of a good standard.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy Lee

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lily

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Amazing stay

Gorgeous night away at this hotel couldn’t fault one thing, will 100 return
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is the second time at the lake hotel and spa and once again it didn't disappoint. Lovely room with hot tub, spa was great, staff really friendly. Great location will definitely be back. Thanks
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Excepted
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had a lovely time & really enjoyed the hotel. Great for relaxing with the spa on site & 3 great places to eat on site, we would return. However, we stayed in the Penthouse & thought this could benefit from the following; 1. Ensuring the water in the shower is a power shower (not the greatest) & the water temperature is a little erratic with scolding hot most of the time, water sometimes stopping altogether. 2. Hooks on the wall as you go in to hang coats. 3. Hooks on the back of the bathroom door As very little storage 4. A coffee machine & fridge needed 5. Larger safe. The safe was not big enough to put iPads in. All the above we would expect from a 5 star Penthouse
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fabulous hotel

When we arrived we were upgraded to a rooftop suite with hot tub, the room was absolutely fabulous, we were shown around all the facilities and then left to enjoy our stay, all the staff were very attentive nothing was to much, very friendly and approachable. I would highly recommend this hotel! Breakfast was amazing, we did venture into the spa not that we needed to as we had a hot tub but the clientele was not the best bit rowdy for our liking! The Pub was welcoming, food was fantastic all in all a great stay in a beautiful part of the country, will definitely be returning.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jackie

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were very friendly and helpful, There was a lovely view from the bar over Lake Windemere. We had a great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
It didnt meet our expectations , essential items not supplied in the room , very small bathroom , useless shower , little storage capability , window catch broken . Poor front of house communication .
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice stay and free upgrade with hot tub. Thanks. Spa very nice and relaxing
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Nima, Dore

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Good location, Very helpful staff and good service in general. Great bar, although super busy and slow service. Spa is not connected to the main building and can be an interesting adventure walking cross the car park to get there. Shame there are so many plastic flowers in the rooms and everywhere. We stayed in the Bowness Suite with Hot Tub. The Room was very very basic. Uncomfortable pillows. No Mini Bar/fridge. Smallest wardrobe for clothes and basic and small en suite. The sofa in our room was unfortunately dirty. The room had limited view which was a bonus. We dinned at the restaurant and we personally didn't like the food , It was served cold and not palatable. Spoke to a couple, table next to us and decided to go to a restaurant locally with them after as they could not eat their food that was served either.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxing stay after Christmas, stunning views from our hot tub on the balcony. Lovely hotel with a gorgeous spa, staff were very helpful and really friendly. Definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Joanna

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

8/10 Good

Victoria

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Booked this stay for a nice break after Christmas and New Year before returning to work! Hotel was lovely and clean, staff super friendly and helpful and our room was lovely and spacious. Spa facilities if staying in the main hotel are over the car park and facilities weren’t that big. But nice all the same. Overall a very enjoyable stay but not sure if it’s worth the near £400 for just the one night, but was a nice and needed reset moving into 2025.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Tracy

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Francesca

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely service with lovely rooms and a great spa
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Nicola

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
On arrival the hotel seemed amazing, greeted by the gateman and the concierge. Our room was very small and boiling hot and lacked the basic amenities like a box of tissues, no mini bar, no bottled water, enough towels for the spa and to use in the hot tub. Bathroom is very small and outdated but very clean. Large gap under the main room door letting lots of light in all night. Every time someone in a room next door flushes the toilet or runs then tap you can here or, loudly! We had a room with a hot tub and had robes we could wear over to the spa. The robes were so small neither of us could wear them. Dinner in mazumi was nice, I had pre books this before arrival but they had no record of this but we did manage to get in, food was good, but they forgot one of our mains and no cutlery provided for dessert so everything melted whilst waiting for that. Not a bad stay but for the cost there was a lot of things that could be improved. Spa was so busy there was nowhere to sit and facilities are small so was difficult to actually use anything other than the pool. Would we stay here again for £350 per night, plus food etc - no. I’ve stayed in much much better hotels for less money
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Staff are fantastic, facility’s are great and the food is fabulous.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Ruby

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Missed the mark - unless the mark is Instagram

I’ve been wanting to stay here for a long time so when another booking fell through and there was one room available at The Lakes it felt like it was meant to be. Our room was very comfortable despite being what was nicely described by concierge as “bijou” and was beautifully decorated. The staff we encountered at reception, concierge and the pub were all fabulous. Really friendly and helpful so I can’t rate them enough. So why only 3 stars? Despite The Lakes being VERY instagrammable - Bentley with a personalised number plate ready to ferry guests around, a spa lit all in low blue lighting, stunning Christmas decorations and views over the lake, the hotel misses those simple things that you’d expect of somewhere boasting the above bragging rights. Empty shampoo and shower gel at the spa meaning you couldn’t have a post spa shower, the spa was accessible through the pub which meant going through the pub in robes, the spa being freezing - hot tub was more like a bubbly plunge pool, everything was self service at breakfast - even coffee which for a hotel with its own Bentley seems completely juxtaposed. It feels like a case of style over substance which was really disappointing for us.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025