Langdale Hotel and Spa grounds
I spent a weekend away at the four-star Langdale hotel and Spa in one of the properties beautiful Ultimate Collection guestrooms. It has 56 rooms and is one of the Lake District’s finest hotels, set on a breathtaking woodland estate with gorgeous greenery, wonderful walkways and water features, and a number of spacious timeshare properties and self-catering lodges. Here’s all about my experience at the charming hotel.
Check-in
Driving towards the hotel, it is easy to see why guests of the Langdale Hotel and Spa would choose to stay here; it’s out of the way, quiet and has a restful location.
Entering the dimly-lit car park, at this point there was only one challenge I had faced; driving to the hotel after dark (I arrived to check-in at 8pm). However, my GPS was a true friend on this occasion, perfectly mapping out my route along all the narrow roadways and helping me to arrive at the hotel without any trouble at all.
It was great to know that the Sat Nav and even Google street view all have up-to-date routes to the Langdale hotel and Spa, which means that visitors wanting to arrive in the evening, after a hard day’s work, needn’t be put-off by the properties private location, which itself is only a short 10-15 minute drive from Lake Windermere.
The hotel entrance is simply decorated with the natural woodland theme being carried in from the outside. The reception desk was free and a couple of staff members quickly came to my service. While going through all the usual check-in procedures, a courteous member of staff made his way around to me and kindly offered to carry my bags up to the room – a simple but very welcomed gesture.
At check-in you will be asked to sign in with your name, home address and your car registration number (if it is in the hotel’s car park). This is very normal of hotels to do for safety reasons. Check-in was smooth and the staff very friendly; their welcoming approach was something, after a fairly challenging drive, that I appreciated very much.
Room
Room 103 was to be my home for the weekend – an incredibly beautiful, homely and inviting space facing towards the back of the hotel, which sleeps two adults.
This stunning room is part of Langdale’s new ‘Ultimate Room Collection’ and upon entering the room I felt only what could be described as, the way the children in the Narnia chronicles must have felt when they saw the huge wardrobe.
Yes, 103 greeted me with smooth mahogany wardrobes and behind each one was a treat; there was a desk and chair with complimentary water and fruits behind the first double doors, storage space for clothes with hangers, a safe, an iron and an ironing board behind the next, a minibar area with fair-trade refreshments, including tea, coffee, hot chocolate, flavoured tea, biscuits and a fridge, followed by more storage space along with another large overhead compartment that housed the LCD flat screen TV, which has a host of Freeview channels and radio stations for guests to enjoy. There was a real delight in opening every door to see what was hidden behind each one.
Upon entering the room, the concierge advised me that I had the ‘biggest bathroom in the hotel’ – but where was the bathroom? Again, on the theme of Narnia, I found the spectacular bathroom suite behind another set of double-doors that in plain view looked like a large wardrobe. And finally the masterpiece that is 103 was complete; the bathroom had the biggest Jacuzzi bathtub I have ever laid eyes on, a roomy power shower, plenty of fresh towels and luxury toiletries by beauty brand Elemis which I found to be relaxing and a refreshing boost for my skin.
The room was decorated to a very high standard in a luxury yet contemporary style, furnished with a cosy Sealy bed made up with down duvets and Egyptian cotton linen, and comfy side chairs for you to take rest. I very much liked the fact that guests can take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi access, this was a win for me as many hotels in such private locations very rarely have internet or mobile network reception, yet the Langdale has both.
The quality of the mattress, pillows and all bedding was superb, making for a comfortable night’s sleep. Other room amenities and features include an adjustable thermostat, hairdryer, restaurant/bar and room service menus, information on the history of the hotel/spa facilities/local attractions and more in a ‘guest information’ book as well as a telephone to call reception or to make outgoing calls.
There is ample storage space, a delightfully comfortable bed, an out-of-this-world bathroom, and lots of useful information, all tucked away in this ergonomically, stylish and trendy room. For me, room 103 epitomised the exclusivity and distinct location and hospitality that the Langdale offers.
Hotel
The Langdale Hotel and Spa really has something to cater to every visitor’s needs. If it’s relaxation you’re after then look no further than the hotel’s spa, which I found to be the perfect antidote to cure autumn blues and the perfect place to de-stress.
An impressive range of leisure and relaxation facilities is available, including a 20m UV-treated swimming pool complete with massage seat and whirlpool spa bath, a steam room, Sanarium, tropical shower, deluge shower and lounger chairs. I spent a wonderful few hours using the leisure facilities; the pool made for an enjoyable swim and the whirlpool Jacuzzi was great for a laid-back end to my afternoon. The leisure club also features a gym – perfect for any fitness buffs that want to sneak in a quick workout.
If you want to reach total bliss, head to the spa where you can choose from a number of reinvigorating treatments by Elemis or Anna Semonin – the choice is yours. If you have booked to stay in the hotel it is advisable to book treatments in advance to avoid disappointment upon arrival (as I was unable to book a free slot for a treatment during my stay).
If you’re a foodie then be prepared to have your taste buds treated. The Langdale offers four original dining options, including: Purdey’s Restaurant, among the finest of any of the Hotels in the Lake District that welcomes non-residents too; The Terrace Restaurant, offering bistro style food in a relaxed bar setting adjacent to the spa, serving delicious finger food like nachos and garlic bread; Hobson’s Bar, a cosy Kurt Schwitters influenced design offering a wide range of beers, wines and spirits as well as tea, coffee and an excellent menu; and Wainwrights' Inn, a traditional Lake District pub with award-winning Real Ales log fires and a hearty menu ideal for walkers and climbers. Langdale’s dining options all use great local food. The hotel supports local producers who offer a wide range of high quality ingredients – this is another one of the many wonderful appeals of the hotel.
If you fancy staying in your room, maybe tucked in the huge bed watching television, then fear not, the best thing about the hotel is that it offers in-room dining with a late-evening food menu, which you can find in your room.
The Langdale also offers a choice of high-quality 4-star bedrooms in a variety of styles. The 56 rooms are all themed differently with contemporary designs influenced by the Lake District, including; The Lakeland Signature Rooms, The Attic Feature Rooms, The Waterside Feature Rooms, the Family Rooms and the newly added Ultimate Collection Rooms. Again, every room type is specifically designed to cater to your needs, for example, a couple on a romantic getaway may opt for an Ultimate Collection Room, while two friends may go for the trendier Attic Feature Rooms and families in the Family Room – the choices are endless.
Service
The service and hospitality I experienced at the hotel was nothing short of outstanding. The staff was helpful, observant, and very friendly, and always greeted guests with a smile.
I had the pleasure of dining at Purdey’s restaurant, a warm and welcoming dining space. The staff members here were exceptionally competent in their roles. Everyone I spoke to was attentive and friendly and strived to provide a quick and smooth-running service, not to mention the food was simply delicious – I had Fettucini of Wild Mushrooms and a selection of homemade ice cream for dessert.
When using the leisure facilities, my pound coin got stuck in a broken locker, and in an instant a staff member came in and gave me a pound to use in a different locker. The immediacy and forthcoming approach to helping guests was a staff quality I really appreciated.
The housekeeping at the hotel is also a big plus. Both days there were a fresh supply of towels and toiletries placed in the bathroom and the beds made-up with new pillows and a piece of peppermint cake left for each guest – a small but kind gesture that made my stay all the more comfortable.
Location
Probably the best thing about the Langdale, for me, is its exclusive location. Personally I had a lot of catching up to do on rest and sleep, so the quiet area with its breathtaking woodland setting with streams and tarns was just what I needed for a relaxing getaway. There is no road noise, no streets full of people, no apartment blocks and work buildings, just peace and quiet.
However, the great thing about the Langdale is that it is in fact within a good proximity to a lot of the areas attractions such as Lake Windermere, The World of Beatrix Potter, Grizedale Forest, South Lakes Animal Park, Lakes Aquarium, Kendal Museum and many more. All are just a short drive away.
For those who want to embrace their surroundings and get up close and personal with nature, the Langdale offers a number of outdoor pursuits and excursions such as various nature trails and Lake District Walks, specially designed for guests, each walk has comprehensive directions and a useful map for you to follow.
The Langdale also offers a more fun way to explore the Lake District – in an electric car, dubbed a ‘Twizy’. It’s cleaner, greener and tons of fun, and you can hire one from the hotel reception for £10 per hour. Alternatively, join in with the hotel’s ‘Fresh Air is Free’ campaign and discover what amazing things there are to do right on the doorstep of this accommodation, on foot.
You can absorb yourself in local culture and landscapes, and the hotel has even put together six local attractions that can be accessed via foot from The Langdale Estate – just ask for the information and any member of staff will be willing to help.
Downfall
It’s very difficult to fault my time at the Langdale Hotel and Spa, if I had to be picky, I would say that the view from room 103 was slightly disappointing as it looked over the car park and the Waterside feature rooms. It would have been nice to have a view of one of the pretty water features on the Langdale estate. However, I never really spent more than a minute looking out of the window, and this was usually when drawing the curtains in the morning and evening.
Verdict
Quiet, quaint and a very special hotel, the Langdale is a breath of fresh air offering a much-welcomed escape from everyday life. My stay at the Langdale was more relaxing and pleasant than it could have been.
Don’t be put off by the hotel’s remote location as the drive there is more than worth it, especially because the whole estate is simply stunning. The staff and service is impeccable with guests’ needs being responded to promptly and politely. Everyone I came across was friendly and enjoying their time at the hotel. I only wish to have had a window with a view, thought this is more of a personal request that paying guests can make when booking their chosen category of room at the hotel.
Though the hotel has a reputation for leisure travellers, I say that if you’re looking for a unique place to house a conference or business meeting, then the Langdale is the perfect place to invite colleagues, discuss work and take rest. It has a variety of comfortable meeting and conference rooms all decked out with the latest technology to meet your business needs.
But whether you’re looking for a romantic break to the Lakes, a celebratory group affair, an action-packed family holiday or a spa retreat with friends, the Langdale’s idyllic location can meet all the needs of every type of getaway. It is also an ideal base from which to explore the Lake District, combining all you need from a tranquil retreat, away from the stresses and strains of daily life, with an exceptional place from which to sightsee and investigate the local area.
The combination of design, quality and setting leads me to say that, in comparison to other stays in the Lake District, the Langdale Hotel and Spa is the finest and most unique accommodation you’re likely to find in this area.
For more information on the Langdale Hotel and Spa, or to book a room, go to www.langdale.co.uk
Have you stayed at this hotel or another Lake District hotel? Tell us about your experience in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
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Shabana Adam @Shabs_A