Rothay Manor Hotel Review | Hotels Above Par

"Set in Ambleside among the fells, this boutique retreat pairs regency bones and a vision-in-white exterior with patterned, highly stylized wallpapers, pastel walls, and slick loungers piled with cushions to deliver the relaxed vibes owners Jamie and Jenna Shail intended; the contemporary glow-up can misfire, with ill-thought corridors that feel more retirement home than weekend blockbuster and a flurry of scuffs and worn carpets that beg seasonal touch-ups. My Fairfield suite embodied demure, upscale modern elegance—garden wallpapers, box windows framing greens, and a roomy claw-foot tub—with a massive, soft bed that was a symphony of pillows, though the TV didn’t work and a few wall marks distracted. In the dining room, British grub with northern flair (think suet dumplings) arrives via a seasonal, local menu heavy on prime cuts—venison, chicken, beef—alongside hearty triple-fried chips and garden veg; earthy flavors shine, but the contemporary takes can overcomplicate, proving simple is better. Breakfast is the standout: a spot-on fry-up, smoked haddock, eggs any way, and excellent breads and preserves. This is walking country and I was encouraged by staff to hit the trails that start at the door—wellies to borrow from the boot room—or drive for bigger hikes; I also liked that it’s a 10-minute walk to Ambleside pier for Windermere Lake Cruises to Bowness. Overall, it reads as elegant country-club on the lake and a contemporary spin on the English country house that some will love and others won’t, backed by a bar, restaurant, and gardens, with 23 rooms from about 270 USD a night." - Luke Abrahams