In my very humble opinion the Lake District in Cumbria is an area like no other in England, unrivaled in landscape, romanticism and sheer beauty. Have you ever been somewhere and don`t want it to end? WELL I HAVE!!!!!!.................its called Lyzzick Hall Hotel, just a little way out of Keswick sitting at the foothills of skiddaw, England`s third highest mountain. OMG! what a little gem. I love, love, love this hotel.
A few years ago I organised a few days away with my husband and decided to go to the Lake District as it was meant to be great if you enjoy walking. We had never been before so thought we would try different areas, different walks and staying in three different hotels.
We felt lucky as the sun was shining, the first two hotels had been very nice and we had been on some beautiful walks, but now were due to stay in our third hotel and what "On Paper" was the least Snazzy. However this I feel is testament to the saying "Its not over till the fat lady sings" (I think that`s right) as a good hotel is not merely about its size or top of the range spa but about the atmosphere, staff that makes you feel special and you know there`s half a chance that they may even recognize your face again throughout you stay.
As it was the only three star Hotel we weren`t expecting much but were very surprised when we turned into the driveway. The sun was shining and it was hot outside. We were both dreaming of a cold lager after our third hike. We checked in with no problems and it was instantly noticeable how welcoming and pleasant the lady on reception was....dare I say we felt quite at home. We sat outside in the sunshine on the terrace where other groups of people were enjoying afternoon tea. We both had a Peroni and a packet of dry roasted nuts (Oh we`re easy pleased), overlooking the mountains with the heat of the sun on our faces. Well, what more could anyone want? The scenery really was something else. How lucky were we!?!. What a Treat.
The hotel is family owned which does become obvious throughout you stay. Nothing seemed too much trouble. The staff actually have a conversation and seem genuinely interested in your life and where you are from. The lady that was working behind the bar was going on holiday the very next week and staying in a hostel in my home town. How funny was that? What a coincidence! I said that I would look out for her but of course I didn`t see her, but the banter was good anyway. Its just having that little bit of interest that makes you want to come back.
The hotel itself is very tastefully decorated in a traditional style with a sprinkling of designer flair, in-keeping with a period manor house. The bedrooms, unlike a standard chain hotel (which can be very samey) are very comfortable and continue the classic vibe which oozes charm and sophisticated country Luxury. Our only criticism of the room would be that the televisions could be a little bigger........although, I have to say that this would not be a problem for most people but I am of the opinion that if you have a television in a bedroom you have to be able to see it if you are lying in bed or whats the point? However this is my own little issue.
On arrival you are asked whether you will be staying for dinner and if so what time you would want to eat? This took us by surprise as it was only mid afternoon "I don`t Know!" We thought it a little strange at the time as it took us off guard. But may I add that this was the best thing EVER for us! We had to make a decision and stick to it, with no shall we go at this time or that time? We had a time, the night was organised.......... "Oooh it was like a date!"
Later that afternoon I went for a swim. I don`t know what it is but I love to go for a swim when staying in a hotel. I do like to test all amenities. The pool is placed to the side of the hotel and although the pool itself is not the most luxurious, it is surrounded by glass doors with the most spectacular scenery you could ever wish to see.
It was so relaxing, especially when the doors were open, getting that inside/outside feel. There is also a Sauna and a Jacuzzi but I will say at this point that both of these I found a little dated and if there was an area that could be improved in this hotel this would be it. But all in all I Had the the view and the place to myself.......Sheer Bliss.
At 7.30pm we arrived in the downstairs bar from where we were called to dinner. As we were mainly on a walking holiday I did not pack going out clothes and although we were clean, we were also very casual (to say the least) and I was increasingly aware that others were alot more formal. "Oh no.... I feel under dressed". My Husband asked whether I thought he should have worn a shirt (instead of the t-shirt he had on)..................mmmmmm YES was the answer. I seemed to get a feeling that everyone was staring. Which is of course total rubbish as no-one cared or even looked in our direction. Phew! But I did pledge that if we ever returned we would dress up a little. Did it really matter? Probably not!
Well now I would like to tell you about the food. What a delight and may I add, a surprise. It was a little fancy and have to say that some things we didn`t even know what we were eating but it was spectacular! Green dots, orange dots, red things, squidge of this and a swirl of that....OMG it was exciting. I couldn`t eat another thing. We were then escorted to a lounge and seated by an open fire where we were served coffee and tea from silver pots with a serving of homemade fudge. A few more tipples and we were ready for bed and needless to say I slept like a log!
The next morning I went for a further swim and a walk around the very well tended gardens to work up an appetite. Breakfast was waiter served and very traditional with an extensive array of dishes on offer. We both had the full english which was a very well set out, appetizing looking breakfast.
Time for Checkout! I won`t tell you a lie , I did not want to leave. As soon as we left I knew we would be back.
Since then we have been back a further four times in different seasons. I feel my favourite time was at Christmas/New year which lent itself to a very Christmasy, wintery stay. We have however questioned whether there had been a change of Chef as the food seemed a different style compared to the first time we stayed but equally as nice. However all things considered it continues to be Just Perfect for us.
I hope anyone who reads this enjoys it as much as we do. Thanks for reading.
A few years ago I organised a few days away with my husband and decided to go to the Lake District as it was meant to be great if you enjoy walking. We had never been before so thought we would try different areas, different walks and staying in three different hotels. We felt lucky as the sun was shining, the first two hotels had been very nice and we had been on some beautiful walks, but now were due to stay in our third hotel and what "On Paper" was the least Snazzy. However this I feel is testament to the saying "Its not over till the fat lady sings" (I think that`s right) as a good hotel is not merely about its size or top of the range spa but about the atmosphere, staff that makes you feel special and you know there`s half a chance that they may even recognize your face again throughout you stay.
As it was the only three star Hotel we weren`t expecting much but were very surprised when we turned into the driveway. The sun was shining and it was hot outside. We were both dreaming of a cold lager after our third hike. We checked in with no problems and it was instantly noticeable how welcoming and pleasant the lady on reception was....dare I say we felt quite at home. We sat outside in the sunshine on the terrace where other groups of people were enjoying afternoon tea. We both had a Peroni and a packet of dry roasted nuts (Oh we`re easy pleased), overlooking the mountains with the heat of the sun on our faces. Well, what more could anyone want? The scenery really was something else. How lucky were we!?!. What a Treat.
The hotel is family owned which does become obvious throughout you stay. Nothing seemed too much trouble. The staff actually have a conversation and seem genuinely interested in your life and where you are from. The lady that was working behind the bar was going on holiday the very next week and staying in a hostel in my home town. How funny was that? What a coincidence! I said that I would look out for her but of course I didn`t see her, but the banter was good anyway. Its just having that little bit of interest that makes you want to come back.
The hotel itself is very tastefully decorated in a traditional style with a sprinkling of designer flair, in-keeping with a period manor house. The bedrooms, unlike a standard chain hotel (which can be very samey) are very comfortable and continue the classic vibe which oozes charm and sophisticated country Luxury. Our only criticism of the room would be that the televisions could be a little bigger........although, I have to say that this would not be a problem for most people but I am of the opinion that if you have a television in a bedroom you have to be able to see it if you are lying in bed or whats the point? However this is my own little issue.
On arrival you are asked whether you will be staying for dinner and if so what time you would want to eat? This took us by surprise as it was only mid afternoon "I don`t Know!" We thought it a little strange at the time as it took us off guard. But may I add that this was the best thing EVER for us! We had to make a decision and stick to it, with no shall we go at this time or that time? We had a time, the night was organised.......... "Oooh it was like a date!"
Later that afternoon I went for a swim. I don`t know what it is but I love to go for a swim when staying in a hotel. I do like to test all amenities. The pool is placed to the side of the hotel and although the pool itself is not the most luxurious, it is surrounded by glass doors with the most spectacular scenery you could ever wish to see.
It was so relaxing, especially when the doors were open, getting that inside/outside feel. There is also a Sauna and a Jacuzzi but I will say at this point that both of these I found a little dated and if there was an area that could be improved in this hotel this would be it. But all in all I Had the the view and the place to myself.......Sheer Bliss.
At 7.30pm we arrived in the downstairs bar from where we were called to dinner. As we were mainly on a walking holiday I did not pack going out clothes and although we were clean, we were also very casual (to say the least) and I was increasingly aware that others were alot more formal. "Oh no.... I feel under dressed". My Husband asked whether I thought he should have worn a shirt (instead of the t-shirt he had on)..................mmmmmm YES was the answer. I seemed to get a feeling that everyone was staring. Which is of course total rubbish as no-one cared or even looked in our direction. Phew! But I did pledge that if we ever returned we would dress up a little. Did it really matter? Probably not!
Well now I would like to tell you about the food. What a delight and may I add, a surprise. It was a little fancy and have to say that some things we didn`t even know what we were eating but it was spectacular! Green dots, orange dots, red things, squidge of this and a swirl of that....OMG it was exciting. I couldn`t eat another thing. We were then escorted to a lounge and seated by an open fire where we were served coffee and tea from silver pots with a serving of homemade fudge. A few more tipples and we were ready for bed and needless to say I slept like a log!
The next morning I went for a further swim and a walk around the very well tended gardens to work up an appetite. Breakfast was waiter served and very traditional with an extensive array of dishes on offer. We both had the full english which was a very well set out, appetizing looking breakfast.
Time for Checkout! I won`t tell you a lie , I did not want to leave. As soon as we left I knew we would be back.
Since then we have been back a further four times in different seasons. I feel my favourite time was at Christmas/New year which lent itself to a very Christmasy, wintery stay. We have however questioned whether there had been a change of Chef as the food seemed a different style compared to the first time we stayed but equally as nice. However all things considered it continues to be Just Perfect for us.
I hope anyone who reads this enjoys it as much as we do. Thanks for reading.
Comments
Post a Comment