“Don't have a room over the entrance of the hotel!”

Arrived at hotel to be told no spa facilities as they had a fire. No prior notice of this and no offer of compensation. We had specifically booked the hotel for this. The main lounge area is its best feature, large bay windows over looking the lake. The room we had was comfortable until the night time to be kept awake all night by the bar/night club next door and the taxi rank outside the window. We asked to be moved rooms at 3am to be told by the night porter it wasn't possible. The next morning we spoke with the maanger and he delt with our complaints straight away and we moved rooms over looking the lake. Don't have a room over the entrance of the hotel otherwise you will get no sleep!

“Would highly recommend”

The hotel was in a perfect location for the lake and the town. Hotel staff were extemely helpful and friendly. We were very happy and comfortable in this hotel. Would like to return.

“Excellent, fantastic, worth every penny..... is that enough for you??”

The Macdonald Old England Hotel was a fantastic place to stay. We were greeted at the door, they offered straight away to fetch our bags for us. Our room was ready, so we dropped bags straight away, and went exploring. The hotel staff were friendly, and the hotel facilities were great. The pool, suana, steam room, ice room and shower experience were definitely worth a few visits. My partner and I only stayed for 4 nights. We had a continental breakfast included every morning and there was plenty of variety. We were offered a cooked breakfast at extra cost, but the continental was more than enough. I would thoroughly recommend staying here, Bowness is a beautiful part of England and this hotel made our stay all the more enjoyable. You can't beat a glass of wine, sitting in front of a fire, looking out over Lake Windermere. Very very satisfied, would go back in a flash!

“Very nice hotel”

The location of the hotel is perfect. It is situated right at the eage of the lake. If you sit at the lounge you can see the lake. The staff is very friendly and helpful, although they have forgotten us at the restaurant in the hotel and brought our food late. The room was clean and very nice with everything that a traveller needs. It also has a spa. I will highly recommend this hotel to others.

“Nice Quick Getaway”

The hotel is in a cracking spot in Bowness, close to everything that you would want. The hotel amenities are great, ensure you make the most of them! The only downside of the Hotel was the experience in the room. Our Feature Room wasn't cheap for one night and although the furnishings and the view was great, it isn't the best when you can hear next door in the shower or having a moment on the toilet. It sort of takes the edge off a romantic moment when you think you've left the tap on when it is actually next door.... The restaurant looks very nice but we decided to eat at the White House which is literally 2 minutes around the corner from the hotel. I cannot recommend that place highly enough. The food was superb and the service was pleasant and informative. Really Really nice restaurant to eat in... Generally, a very nice relaxing trip.

“A very elegant hotel, in a fabulous position overlooking the Lake.”

A lovely hotel in a perfect spot. We had a fabulous room overlooking the Lake. We stayed at the hotel for dinner, the food was very good, albeit a bit expensive for what was served, as were the drinks. Staff extremely helpful and friendly.

“Brilliant Bowness Break”

Ideal base for a luxurious little break in the lakes. The hotel, built in Victorian times has been tastefully brought up to date without losing any of its original grandeur. However it's the uninterrupted view of the Lake and busy marina which will hold your attention as it is visible from almost every window. The staff are generally fairly young and are smart and polite. One of the best things about the hotel (especially if it's raining, which at some point it will be) is the spa and pool area which are of an exceptional standard and are largely underused by the mainly older guests. Breakfast is a continental buffet style with a wide selection and is served in a lovely room, again with great views across the lake. Bowness is pretty small with a sort of alpine feel to it, there are many bars and restaurants to choose from all of which are within walking distance of the hotel. The only real gripe with the town is that during peak season and weekends the traffic can become a bit of a bore so think carefully about the time you will be starting/finishing any journeys. Also the hotel uses a gated car park a street or so away, this requires a magnetic card to open it which you get from reception upon check in. Overall this is a lovely oldstyle hotel with a picturesque view and modern facilities.

“very impressive hotel, but not exactly our type”

Stayed with my dad over New Year who came to visit me in the UK. At check-in we were offered a choice btw a twin without lake view and a double with one. We chose the latter one and the room is impressively big with large bathroom, great power shower, free cable internet connection and Sky Sports channels on TV. On the 2 floor, but view not exactly on the lake, rather on roofs of small buildings in hotel's backyard, behind which a bit of lake was observable (though I booked on 7 Dec specifically requesting “upper floor with lakeview”). Heater was very close to bed, which couldn't be moved. With cold weather we had it full on and sleeping right next to it wasn't too comfortable. Continental breakfast wasn't impressive and we had to pay for a portion of fried eggs. On the night of 31 Dec access to hotel's own terrace (which has a great view on the lakeside and fireworks) was limited to guests with packages. All in all, the hotel is great in a magnificent setting, I would stay there again, but imho it's not worth it at the Christmas / New Year tariffs. Over this festive period there's definitely a feel of "apartheid" sort of attitude to guests without packages. We also had to leave a day earlier due to personal circumstances and the receptionist categorically refused to hear any excuses or reasons and to refund the night we didn't stay, citing hotel policy etc. I would expect this class of a hotel to have a more tolerant and understanding approach to extenuating circumstances.

“Macdonald Old England hotel, Bowness On Windemere”

Everything was great at the hotel, it's situated right on Lake Windermere with stunning views of the lake from the dining area. I recommend this hote! Though it is expensive, i got a great deal and saved loads through the internet. Travel by train was fine, and you can get to other parts of the Lake District by bus and the bus stop is a 2 minute walk from the hotel. There are many little shops, restaurants and tea rooms within walking distance. And with all the snow we had it was still a great place to go.