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Reviews of Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa 4 stars

23 Church St, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3DF, United Kingdom

#16 of 16 hotels in Bowness-on-Windermere

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 2423 hotel reviews

7.6

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.3

  • Comfort

    8.5

  • Location

    9.5

  • Facilities

    7.9

  • Staff

    8.4

  • Value for money

    6.6

  • Free WiFi

    7.5

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 18 April 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Balcony Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Breakfast was great had dinner 1st night and paid £30 for a steak which looked like a minute steak not worth the money ate out on the 2nd night it was the only issue we had so it was a shame

    Location and facilities

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 16 April 2024

    7.0
    Very traditional English hotel, great location
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Super Deluxe Suite
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Tired, needs an upgrade Water not hot enough for a good bath or shower even after complaining every night

    Great location

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 11 April 2024

    7.0
    good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    nice hotel nice place

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 10 April 2024

    9.0
    ideal location and great for a nights stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Balcony Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Swimming pool could have been warmer

    Staff were very warm and attentive, food was lovely and great location

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 April 2024

    7.0
    Beautiful building And location some very easily rectified points let it down
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    There were no toiletries in the room except some shower gel which was lovely but I would expect in a four-star hotel at the Price we paid body lotion, shampoo and conditioner. The room and decor was a little tired and needs a refurbishment. There was absolutely no atmosphere in the bar or the restaurant and it was my birthday so I was a little disappointed. Somebody ting on the piano would have been nice. On the Saturday afternoon there were lots of noisy children in the pool which really spoilt the spa ambience. In fact it wasn’t like a spa it was more like a kids play area. Or drinks would’ve been nice in the spa area also.

    The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. Breakfast was good and so was dinner the ambience and the location was excellent. The spa was good, but the sauna was out of order.

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Too expensive for what it is. Especially the bar prices! Absolutely ridiculous. Breakfast is better at Premier Inn.

    Location

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2024

    8.0
    Very good hotel, friendly staff, but drinks very over priced.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Super Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Over priced alcoholic drinks very expensive.

    Good breakfast lots of choices

    Stayed in April 2024

  • Reviewed: 1 April 2024

    8.0
    Great hotel, fabulous location and very comfortable room!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Family Room 3
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    The sauna wasn’t working. But we still enjoyed the steam room and ice room.

    The location was good. V comfortable and well furnished bedrooms. Lovely breakfast . We enjoyed the spa facilities. The bar had lovely views of the lake, even in the rain. The staff were also very friendly and helpful.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 31 March 2024

    7.0
    Overall it was good 90% of the staff were polite. And room was fine but overpriced as whole
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Wasn’t happy with the staff that worked in the spa reception was quite rude. And the fact the sauna wasn’t working and wasn’t mentioned before I payed for the reservation which actually persuaded me to purchase the room.

    Good location and pleasant room. Also good breakfast.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 31 March 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Couldn't go to the spa as there was no gowns for us to use in the room, tissue box only had 1 tissue left in it. Ordered breakfast to be delivered to our room for 9.45- 10 am and didn't arrive till 10.15 had to check out at 11

    Hotel was really nice great stay

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 30 March 2024

    9.0
    Great stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bar staff weren't always around, often saw people waiting 5 minutes or more for someone to appear, though to be fair it was out of season. But for a 4 star hotel, we sometimes had to wait for staff to appear, which is OK, but could have been better.

    Location was superb. Hotel very comfortable,. Parking in disabled bay was a bit tight, and you can't reserve a space. Staff were very helpful

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 25 March 2024

    7.0
    Hotel is extremely clean and the staff were fantastic. Even at breakfast when they were clearly short staffed. Unfortuna
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Looking at the back end of a takeaway from my window

    Extremely clean and welcoming

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 24 March 2024

    7.0
    Pleasurable location, staff and food. Pool freezing and rooms could do with refresh
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Rooms and main reception room looking tired and cobwebs all over

    Perfect location

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 21 March 2024

    9.0
    Lovely place to stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    N/A

    Lovely breakfast

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 20 March 2024

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Super Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Tired looking decor. There seemed to be a shortage of staff making check-in quite a slow process.

    Staff were really friendly and helpful, and the food was great. Lovely swimming pool but the water was a little cold.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2024

    8.0
    Very comfortable and friendly.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Balcony Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Balcony had a brick wall instead of glass.

    Location and staff.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 18 March 2024

    7.0
    Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Standard King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    the spa was disappointing - no hot tub

    breakfast good and excellent service

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 March 2024

    7.0
    Nice break, great views just wish service was better
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Balcony Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Service wasn’t great, only 1 on reception on a Saturday, we checked in at 4pm which states checking in time we waited a while and party’s behind us even longer was about 4-5 bookings waiting. The bar is lovely but they had menus that customers are to use but with old pricing? so your charged more then advertised, this is on the wines which didn’t affect me but I was present when a customer asked why been charged more with price book in her hand and was told “ they are old menus they needs updated” so was still expected to pay more then stated (if this was me I definitely would of called for a manager and refused to pay the £3-£4 extra on top of what’s advertised) why have these old menus out several of them with old pricing?? staff look fed up having to explain as this isn’t their fault but this is wrong and needs sorted… again not enough staff serving only 1 on the bar 2 maybe if their around long enough…. Breakfast wasn’t great, I was pleased it was a cook to order as I don’t like buffet style but again service and not enough staff we waiting 20-30 mins for our order to be taken which we had find someone to order as they just either forgot or just to busy. Breakfast menu isn’t great but was ok, we like a hotel with great service which is why I do pay a little more, but with chain hotels this does happen more often

    Area was perfect, great location. Good size hotel, decor suited the hotel had a grand feel to it, room with balcony was definitely the right choice for us, room was comfortable clean views were great.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 17 March 2024

    8.0
    Very enjoyable.
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Super Deluxe King Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Water in the pool and in the bath/shower in our room needed to be warmer.

    Location and ambience of hotel. Lovely food.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 8 March 2024

    8.0
    Peaceful and Tranquil
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Super Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Bed was a little bit too soft as were the pillows, but it wouldn't stop me from booking again.

    Fantastic views from the bedroom windows. All the Staff in the restaurant were very friendly. Location is excellent for strolling to the Lakeside.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: 26 February 2024

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Group
    • Deluxe Twin Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Breakfast was top class and location was perfect

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 February 2024

    7.0
    Pleasant stay but poor value for money
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Super Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Sauna was shut. Decor outdated & the chairs in the bedroom in poor quality (cracked leather).

    Well located and a comfortable stay. Bed was comfortable and bathroom and shower was lovely

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: 22 February 2024

    8.0
    Hotel is a luxurious treat but the extras for parking make it expensive
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Standard Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    On our first visit a few years back, we received valet parking and the cost was reasonable. You now have to park away from the hotel at a cost of £20 per night. We parked ourselves nearby and paid £20 for three days.

    Hotel is always clean and tidy. Nice, pleasant staff; in particular the young man on the bar in the evening. Breakfast environment is lovely and with a view!!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: 19 February 2024

    7.0
    not happy.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Super Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    switching room on the 2nd day and was told the super deluxe rm 124 would be ready asap,so after checking out of 1st room at by 11 o'clock the we couldn't get into the super deluxe room at until bang on 16.00hrs. very disappointed. There was no fridge in the room and it didn't have a walk in shower. ( super deluxe rm cost me over £300 pounds with parking) I expected better) the only thing I could say it was the views you were paying for.

    the location and view.

    Stayed in February 2024

Showing 1 – 25

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