Cumbria Grand Hotel  

We had to make last minute booking for the Bank holiday weekend. I knew it could be bad, as it was the last place left and available on Bookings.com, but I did not expect such bad experience. It cost us £240 for one single and one double room B&B for what is the worst hotel I have ever stayed. The hotel is the most run-down and miserable place to stay. It looks huge Victoriana white elephant castle on top of a hill. Location is good, but that is the only good thing about it. Built in 1880, I believe it was last refurbished in 1960s. It looks like the set of a horror film. The carpets are so worn out and dirty you want to weep. Rooms are dated and smelly, beds small and creaky, bathrooms dirty and covered with stains, wooden furniture is all in stains. The only bright thing are 10-yr old plastic flowers. Telephones don't work. You can hear more of less everything in neighbouring rooms. Not a good idea. Someone was vigorously cutting the grass with a strimmer that made noise as small airplane from 10-11.30am!

The reception is as welcoming as a long-forgotten bedlam. I half expected to see Boris Carloff jumping out of the woodwork. The receptionists girls, age about 17, are sweet and kind. But do not expect them to take responsibility for any of the shortcomings in the hotel. I asked why the phone was not working, and why they made such noise on their busiest day of the year - Bank holiday Sunday, the manager sat in his room and gave the receptionist instruction 'Don't give her a discount'!!! I challenged him to come out of hiding, but he was arrogant and denied they were cutting grass that day. His name is Karl Malcolm. Please avoid this unpleasant man. He also admitted he is not interested in my feedback....... I hope someone from Strathmore hotels who own the place, reads this and actually does something about it. Shame on you for running hotels like this! This place could be much better if you do something about it. Few other bits. Evening entertainment. We visited the bar after 10pm. Mostly people in their 70s and 80s. I kid you not, there was this 25 stone man in Hawaian shirt and skimpy shorts - it was revolting! The worst disco I have ever seen, led by a man in his 50s who was talking as if he will fall asleep.... Breakfast was ample but greasy. The room with beautiful views was cramped with furniture and dusty. 25-acre gardens claimed the advert. There is only a small space in front of hotel which is tended. The rest, including the part at the back is covered with tall shrubs and impenetrable. You can see rubbish as well. The West wing. We tried to go to the top of the hotel to see the bay. On the 3rd floor we couldnt see any windows, so I went to the right from the lift to have a look. although is said 'Private'. Oh dear! The whole wing is in the state it was probably in the 1930s, derelict and abandoned! At the end, I couldn't wait to get out of jail. Please, do not spend your money for such disappointing experience. Maybe this will help the place to change.

Pet friendly, exceptionally friendly staff.

Hotel rooms a little tired, could do with painting, doors updating etc.

The staff were very friendly, efficient and helpful.

The hotelhas seen better days and is no longer 'grand'.

The gardens and wild life.The views over the bay magnificent,The beds were comfortable.

My main concern was at breakfast there was lots of choice on the hot buffet but the food was cold there was no way it was at the right temprature.The room was comfortable. I don't think the bathroom cleanliness was up to standard.The carpets on the corridoor in places were well worn. I think in a hotel with so many bedrooms should have some smoking rooms on my booking it said non smoking room preffered as though i been asked which made it seem like you had some rooms for smoking

views

Past its best

Better than we expected. It has some bad reviews,and until you get inside most are valid. Inside the staff are welcoming and the decor and cleanliness are acceptable. The food and service are normal for a 3 star hotel.

When we arrived we were made aware of a party the next night, a Saturday. We asked to change rooms out of the way of the likely traffic. This was refused because the linen necessary had not arrived! We were kept awake by noise in the corridor until 2am Sunday morning.

Staff very friendly and helpful

Hotel is looking a bit tired, our room had stains from leaks all over ceiling, plus cobwebs. No shower or working wifi in public areas. Room 26.

the hotel was much better than i expected,i had read some of the reviews but feel they were unfair, yes the hotel has seen better days,but it is still easy to see the luxury of yesteryear and the main parts of the hotel were clean, welcoming and comfortable, the trip to the ballroom was quite sad really it showed a bygone era that could be an asset to the hotel. Ballroom dancing is now very popular and this kind of facility is not available in many hotels, a bit of TLC on the approach to the ballroom, some lounge area instead of the table tennis table and improved toilets in that area and i think the hotel would be on to a winner. the veiws from most of the dining room and lounge are stunning but need to be promoted more by the pruning of some of the trees,, obviously a pool and spa facilities would be a huge boost but the cost may be prohibitive. all in all a pleasant surprise,and excellent value for money , would i go again, yes, would i recommend it, probably demending on what my friends were looking for, if they do decide to upgrade your ballroom and hols dancing weekends, particularly for begginers, let me know i will be first on your list,

the first sight of the hotel is a bit like arriving at the workhouse, it is huge and very grey it is is need of an upgrade, painting and a few flower boxes would be a big improvemnt. our room was on the ground floor and although there were lace curtains, at the windows, walkers could see into our bedroom ans bathroom so we have to have the curtains drawn most of the time, our bathroom was nice but our other guest had room 28 and the mustard bathroom was not very appealing ,and using the sink tucked behind the door required an interesting manouver ,i think the hotel missed a trick in not giving out information about the grand,both its history and it facilities, i found the tennis courts and play area but it could have been promoted more as an asset,

The view from the balcony was nice.

The rooms are seriously outdated - lovely peach ! need refurbishment. The bed was extremely uncomfy. Despite advising we would be arriving early no room was ready also there is no dedicated luggage area as advertised - only behind the reception counter. We only stopped for one night - at a wedding the night before and the cleaners woke us up in the morning despite check-out not being until 11.00 am. I would not recomend this hotel because it is not value for money - the rooms should be around £40 - £60 max for this standard, not £97.00 per night ! No comparison to the Netherwood Or Graithwaite Manor nearby.

Clealiness of room - all corners and under the bed were unhoovered. Left towels on floor of bathroom in a pile to be replaced. Same towels were put back on rail and were still damp at 7 pm. Tea/ coffee facilities only allowed for one cup per person per day. Had to ask for more milk in order for us both to have tea.

choice of menu in the restaurant on an evening was very good, and breakfast the chioce was also very good. the staff were always pleasant and helpful.

the room was clean and tidy,but it had dim lighting also in the bathroom,it could do with a lick of paint and general updating.

completed form handed in to reception on departure.