Grand At Grasmere — Restaurant in England

I've never left a review part way through a stay somewhere, but I can't unfortunately see how my experience will improve. Upon arrival were high expectations as greeting was 1st class and the hotel surroundings can't be beaten. But after this went downhill. Poorly maintained and not detail cleaned room. From cobwebs in corners, to a wall that is flaking away possibly due to water damage and potential mould which is no good. Dangerous chairs indoors as the legs are at an angle so one sit on them and you'd be on the floor. Patio was a great highlight, but had a constantly leaking pipe running on to it, surely this pipe should be connected to the drain which is only mere feet away. And a leaking gutter which in the rain creates a loud dripping noise. Pictures attached of these issues and as booked a 'superior lodge' were not expected. Breakfast is to me the most important meal of the day as sets you up on holiday, the experience though was abysmal after just 2 days. On day 1 was OK, but part of the order did not come, only toast but still this matters. On day 2 it was unbearably hot in the dining room and it seems the air conditioning doesn't work or is not utilised. Also on day 2 due to the heat we asked if we could instead move outdoors as was a free table. Was explained not possible even though others were sat outside, and yet 5 minutes later someone sits outside and walks in for service and is told will be right with you? Not acceptable to treat guests this way and lie. Even prior to the stay was a bit shambolic as booked when VAT was 20% and when emailed the hotel to query what was happening to my cost when VAT was cut to 5% this was never responded to. Further more the day before the stay I got an email from the hotel increasing the cost of the stay by £120?? Looking then at the new bill VAT was listed as 5%, but they just added the difference to the room rate so I was charged the same. I understand businesses have gone through some difficult times recently, but at the same time they need to be honest with their customers and say if they are passing on the VAT cut or keeping the money themselves and adjusting bills 'behind the scenes'. Have always been an honest reviewer and if look at my other reviews will often see 5* so all of this is accurate. I came here with 5* expectations after doing my research, but was woefully disappointed so 2* is the best I can offer. DAY 3 UPDATE - Some of concerns were raised with reception and apology was given so appreciated this somewhat. Was advised eating outside is an absolutely fine option. Explained that we had a dinner reservation the following night and were concerned about the heat in the restaurant and agreed to reserve an outdoor table which was appreciated. DAY 4 UPDATE - Much better breakfast experience, served by different waiter so likely helped. Did arrive for dinner which was booked and we highlighted this to the first waiter we saw that was for food and was able to have an outdoor table, though after the initial drinks order we had to get someone's attention after a patient 30 minute wait to request placing our food order. Again the place seems confused when it comes to outdoor eating. Food VS price did not match expectations and had much better meals in Lewis's bistro and Misto in Ambleside at similar price points. I rarely eat in hotels as I find them lazy with food as they feel they have a captive audience, this was my thought here. So despite an improved day 3 which after had considered a rating upgrade have still only felt comfortable with the 2* been retained. DAY 5 (departure day) UPDATE - Another hot morning in the restaurant for breakfast as air conditioning not working was advised. Asked for brown bread toast and got white. Partners breakfast order not put through so only mine arrived at 1st. Staff are very apologetic, but has just been too many times things have gone wrong so can't give the benefit of the doubt anymore. Shall not be staying again and would not recommend anyone stay here who has certain high...

My partner and I spent three nights at the Grand mid October 2022, and our stay couldn't have been better. The location is probably the best in Grasmere, the views are stunning, it is away from major roads, and you can see the Lake from the bar/restaurant and from some of the bedrooms. But even if you just see the fells, you feel like you are in the Lake District. The hotel is beautifully decorated, ultra clean, and the communal areas have a great atmosphere Staff are efficient, discreet yet friendly, chatty when you want them to be, polite, and considerate. For instance, they waited until we got up for breakfast before tidying the garden outside our bedroom. Talking of which: we upgraded on arrival (thanks to the gentleman and to the housekeeping assistant who sorted this out for us) from a very beautiful and comfortable bedroom, to another one offering a better view and a ground floor patio. It was very special. The website had warned us that the bathroom was compact, but it was fine and still had a decently sized bathtub. This is rated as a 3 stars property, yet the level of service and attention to detail is 4 stars (mind, so is the pricing). We have stayed in 4 stars hotels that were not as clean, and offered less in-room facilities than this property. For instance, even the standard room here has an expresso machine and a fridge, and the tv has Freeview Play (instead of run of the mill Freeview). Little details, but quite important ones when you stay a few days. Then there's the food. Breakfast was delicious and cooked perfectly every morning, no matter which chef was on duty. Starting the day with tasty food while looking out to the beautiful garden, the lake, the fells, and the cattle fields, is just perfect. We only dined here on the first night, the menu is quite small, but what is on it is very well executed and beautifully presented. The open kitchen area makes the dining experience rather unique too. And after finding out that every café in Grasmere charges hotel prices for their evening fares, I would be happy to just dine in the hotel next time we come back. Finally, if Covid safety matter to you, there are still hotel policies here that will reassure you: no cash payments, all tables sanitised as soon as vacated, and a continental breakfast served by the employees instead of being self-service. Congratulations to the employees for their efficiency, and to their employers for their vision. We...

As a regular at the sister hotel in Lytham St Annes, booking here was an easy choice. It is in a good location, a little back from the lake but our room had a distant view of it at the far end of a nearby field. Check in could have been warmer and was quite functional. Throughout the stay, staff were not very engaging with one exception. The room was medium size and the small en-suite was a wet room. This wasn't very effective for two people as the floor in the morning, especially for the second user, was like paddling pool so drying had to be done in the room. |It wad during a mini-heatwave and the airconditioning was not on. Opening the window encouraged flies and the hotel had no fly spray so it took two days to persuade them to put on the aircon in the room and that was only done grudgingly.|We dined on the first night but decided against another booking as the heat in the dining area (with open cooking) was excessive and again, aircon switched off. Breakfast was equally hot.|On the subject of breakfast. This is one of the star features of the Lytham Grand. Here, they ran out of Tomato juice on day 2 and 3 and all other juices except apple and orange on day 3. The croissants ran out every day well before the end of breakfast and they even ran out of ALL bread on day 2. No marmalade on day 3. Breakfasts otherwise were fine though on the third morning my "roasted tomatoes" were straight from the fridge and my complaint was ignored. The black pudding was so overcooked as to be inedible.|In the bar there was a choice of two vodkas. The prohibitively expensive Belvedere or their own label. Also on our first night they started clearing up and hounding us for drinks just after 9.00pm when it looked like they were shutting the bar. We ended up drinking at Tweedies across the road with much more personality and atmosphere and considerably cheaper.|I made these comments in my feedback but with no reponse from the hotel I am reluctantly doing this revue and I have also cancelled my stay in October at the Grand in Lytham.|I am more sad than anything as the Lytham Grand has always been my "happy place" and I had hoped to add Grasmere to that list but the lack of management engagement both whilst there and since leaving has left...