Rothay Manor

Rothay Manor, nestled in Ambleside at the heart of the Lake District, is celebrated as a luxurious country retreat that seamlessly blends Regency-era charm with contemporary boutique elegance. This Michelin Key Selected property consistently garners high praise for its exceptional dining, attentive service, and stylish, comfortable accommodations.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Rothay Manor is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their experience as "wonderful," "exceptional," and a "warm hug." It consistently receives high scores for location, cleanliness, comfort, and staff, with many expressing a strong desire to return. The hotel is often seen as a special Lakeland oasis, ideal for relaxing breaks.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Rothay Manor:

• Service & Hospitality: The friendly, attentive, and welcoming staff are a recurring highlight, often going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay.
• Dining Experience: The award-winning restaurant is a significant draw, earning 3 AA Rosettes and a Michelin Plate. The quality and innovation of the food, from breakfast to dinner, receive widespread acclaim.
• Design & Ambiance: Following a recent boutique makeover and a reported £1 million refurbishment, the hotel boasts smart, stylish, and tasteful interiors that blend bold patterns, rich colors, and antiques with a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. Log fires add to the inviting feel during colder months.
• Dog-Friendly Amenities: Rothay Manor is exceptionally welcoming to dogs, offering dedicated dog-friendly rooms, a dog washroom for muddy paws, dog beds, treats, and even specific dining areas where canine companions are welcome.
• Location: Its position on the outskirts of Ambleside provides a peaceful setting while remaining within easy walking distance of the town centre and Lake Windermere, offering superb access to numerous walks and local attractions.
• Modern Amenities: Guests appreciate the free Wi-Fi, ample parking (including EV charging points), and thoughtful touches like a boot room for cleaning up after walks.

3. Room Quality

Rothay Manor offers 23 individually designed boutique bedrooms, available in both the main house and the newer Pavilion Suites.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms are consistently described as large, spacious, comfortable, and stylish, featuring huge, plush beds, luxurious fittings, and tasteful decor that often incorporates rich jewel colours and sophisticated palettes.
• Features: Many rooms come with freestanding baths or hot tubs, walk-in showers (often monsoon showers), fluffy bathrobes and slippers, and complimentary high-quality toiletries (such as Noble Isle or Bath House products). Some rooms also boast private terraces or balconies with garden views.
• Technology: Rooms are equipped with satellite TV (often with Sky), flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea/coffee making facilities with local treats.
• Accessibility: There is at least one fully accessible bedroom on the ground floor of the Pavilion building, featuring specific facilities like wide doors, ample space for wheelchairs, and a DDA compliant wetroom.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Rothay Manor is a highlight, largely thanks to its 3 AA Rosette restaurant, Rowan, and its focus on modern British cuisine using high-quality, seasonal, local ingredients.

• Dinner: The restaurant offers both à la carte and Signature Tasting Menus. Guests rave about the innovative and delicious cooking, with dishes showcasing precision and influences from Japanese and Scandinavian techniques. Notable dishes have included perfectly cooked lobster tail, Herdwick hogget prepared three ways, pan-roasted halibut, and exceptional desserts like dark chocolate mousse and blackberry soufflé. Pre-dinner canapés and homemade bread are often praised. There's also the Brathay Room for a slightly less formal, dog-friendly dining experience with a dedicated menu.
• Breakfast: The breakfast receives outstanding reviews for its quality, variety, and locally sourced produce. Guests particularly enjoy the homemade compote, granola, fresh fruit, pastries, and the full cooked Cumbrian breakfast.
• Afternoon Tea: A superb afternoon tea is also available, often described as a must-try.
• Bar: The hotel features a discreet and friendly bar offering a comprehensive wine list and signature cocktails.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Rothay Manor is consistently highlighted as a strong point, with staff being described as warm, friendly, attentive, helpful, and professional. They are commended for making guests feel welcome and at ease, going out of their way to assist with everything from hiking routes to local recommendations. The team's dedication contributes to the overall relaxing and welcoming atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

Rothay Manor enjoys an "ideal" and "perfect" location on the outskirts of Ambleside, a picturesque market town.

• Proximity: It's just a short walk (approximately 5-10 minutes) to the centre of Ambleside, offering access to shops, pubs, and restaurants. Lake Windermere is also within a 10-minute walk, providing opportunities for lakeside strolls and cruises.
• Attractions: The surrounding fells and lakes offer endless opportunities for walks, hikes, and outdoor activities, with trails directly accessible from the hotel. Nearby attractions like Rydal Mount, Brockhole, and Beatrix Potter's Hill Top House are easily reachable.
• Transport: While driving is an option with free on-site parking, the area also has good public transport links, including a bus stop directly outside the hotel, making car-free exploration possible. Windermere train station is about a 15-minute taxi ride away.
• Accessibility: The hotel is situated on a level site with good, level pathways to both the town and the lake, including lowered curbs for easy wheelchair access.

7. Value & Pricing

Rothay Manor is generally considered to be on the higher end of the pricing spectrum, but guests often deem it "top-notch" and "worth the money" given the quality of the experience.

• Price Range: Nightly prices for twin/double rooms typically start from around £240, while suites can range from £400 to £650 per night. A 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately £260.00. These prices are subject to change and may be higher during peak seasons.
• Inclusions: Breakfast is usually included in the stay. Dinner prices vary, with a two-course meal costing around £64 and three courses for £79, including chef's snacks, amuse-bouche, and bread. The Signature Menu is priced at £110 per person, or £165 with wine pairing. Afternoon tea is approximately £29 per person.
• Sentiment: While some note that the food can be expensive, the overall sentiment is that the quality of food, service, and accommodation justifies the cost, especially for a special occasion or a luxurious getaway.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, a few minor criticisms and recurring issues have been noted by some guests:

• Dining Choice Limitations: For guests staying multiple nights and dining exclusively at the hotel, the restricted choice on the Signature Menu, even with excellent cooking, can become "a little tiresome."
• Restaurant Atmosphere (at times): Some diners have found the main dining room's atmosphere to be "gloomy" or lacking a "buzz" on quieter, darker evenings, with tables set too far apart. However, others describe it as having a "lovely ambiance."
• Slow Service Between Courses: Occasionally, service between courses has been described as "painfully slow."
• Portion Sizes (Cheese Course): One specific complaint highlighted microscopic portions for the cheese course, especially considering a £9 supplement.
• Room Upkeep (Minor): While generally excellent, some older rooms or communal hallways in the main building have been noted as potentially needing refurbishment to match the newer parts of the property. Minor scuffs or worn carpets have also been mentioned.
• TV Functionality: A very occasional complaint about a non-working TV in a room has surfaced.

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