The location of the hotel is the main factor for me. The building itself is well maintained and does not reflect it's age! The staff, service and menu were excellent.

Having a business background, cleanliness is always a major factor I look out for as it promotes the building and those who run it. My only criticism of the hotel I have are the room windows which had not been cleaned on the outside for quite some time. Similarly, the glass canopy over the entrance was looking almost neglected. First impressions are made immediately upon arrival and a clean glass canopy would make all the difference. Clean building windows make a huge difference to presentation.

The Shap Wells Hotel is a gem of a place in the lake district. The room we stayed in was large. it's was booked as double but the bed was more like a king size and really comfortable. We slept really well and the sound of the stream running by was so relaxing. Food was amazing, the staff were really friendly and could not do enough for you. Place was really clean and the price was really good too. The shower in the bathroom was powerful. The red squirrel walk was amazing and they come so close to you. My partner and I loved the place and will definitely come back.

One of the roads that the sat nav brought us into the hotel by has more pot holes than the surface of the moon. It's not fair to the hotel as its owned by British rail and they won't fix it. Use the hotels private road when you are stopping though and that is perfectly fine.

Hotel was absolutely beautiful both inside and out. Staff were very attentive and helpful. Small issue with having to.wait about 10 minutes to book in and saying that breakfast was only served until 9 am, which is unusual in my experience, it might have been helpful to state that when I booked for a 9am sitting, that that was the last slot. I admittedly woke in plenty of time but then nodded off until about 9.20, but didn't think much of it, presuming.( wrongly), that I'd just fit in at 9.30 or so. The staff were very helpful and I got.most of my breakfast sorted which was lovely, but I'd suggest that s its unusual, that it's pointed out that 9am is the last shout for brekky. Otherwise, all was excellent. And the dark skies and total silence at night, was surreal. Definitely would stay again.

Nothing really. Just those couple of minor niggles suggested above.

For a dog friendly room, we were in it was exceptional quality, clean warm, and if this was a dog friendly room, then the hotel rooms must be amazing, the breakfast was very good , staff amazing very friendly and couldn't do enough for you , I would be coming back definitely, the location was fantastic, I really can't say enough about the place, I was sceptical at first when booked and read the reviews, but honestly, they are out if date reviews as nothing like they say and I can honestly say this

Nothing, it's fantastic would 110% recommend

The property was built in the 1800s so has a lot of the charm and old features , creaky floor boards , amazing staircase yet has been sympathetically decorated and updated with a glass lift which you have to experience . It’s only 2 floors but the staff work with values of making your stay a wonderful experience and they have a number of events at very reasonable prices , with a coach firm that offers regular excursions and also drops customers for a nights stay plus event such as the murder mystery which I was working on that evening. The rooms are compact but have everything you need and ours was very comfortable and clean with a view of the hills. Breakfast was tasty and plenty of choice and the fact that within a short walk you can experience a red squirrel conservation site and a stunning waterfall view was an amazing bonus . Lovely weekend

The 2 roads in to access the property are old roads , one from the M6 being smoother . You will think you are heading nowhere then over the brow of the hill you will see the hotel nestled in the bottom of the valley. If I was being picky I’d say biscuits in the room would add nicely to the tea and coffee making facilities.

I'm a wildlife photographer and the main purpose of the trip was to photograph Red Squirrels. We didn't even need to leave the hotel grounds to do so! Lovely hotel with beautiful woodland surroundings. Not the most modern hotel, but full of character and we like that. The staff were friendly and very helpful. We hadn't informed the hotel that we were bringing our little Jack Russell because there we weren't prompted to do so on Booking.com's online form, but that wasn't a problem, because we were moved to a dog friendly block only yards from the Red Squirrel woodland! I guess we were lucky that there were dog friendly rooms available at the time, so my advice would be to mention it in the comments section on the booking form if you are bringing pets.

No complaints, I read the reviews beforehand and everything was as expected.

Another fantastic stay at this hotel, It was a 50th birthday treat for my partner, I asked if they would put some 50 balloons and 2 bottles of cider (we don't like champagne lol) in a bucket of ice in our room which they did, I asked if they would have a couple of vanilla slices with candles for our pud, nothing was too much trouble for them, exceeded my expectations, Sam and all the staff were fabulous, always very friendly and helpful,the food was excellent ( compliments to all the chefs). We went on the red squirrel walk, saw loads of them, beautiful waterfalls. Thank you for another wonderful stay, and huge thank you to all the staff 👏👏 xx

Hotel has a lot of period features and lots of character. Bedroom was spacious, comfortable and clean.

Very poor breakfast , no alternative as tea and coffee ,no hot chocolate available . At the breakfast buffet It could be filled in advance before the hot dishes became empty. Unfortunately there were flies because of the hot weather and the cereals and yoghurt were uncovered.

It was nice and quiet, my room was lovely and in a very peaceful area, it had all it needed to make a very pleasant stay. The staff were lovely, super friendly and excellent customer service. Food was very very nice, I had roast beef first night and steak pie the second and the breakfast was fantastic with a great choice. I went on the red squirrel walk saw 3 of them eating nuts, took pictures and videos, beautiful, I went on a lovely walk, beautiful waterfalls, scenery. I would definitely go back again.

It depends on what type of stay your looking for, if you want nightlife not the place to stay. I just wanted somewhere to chill and relax, was perfect for me.

Pleasant, characterful, hotel. Off the beaten track but in great surroundings with red squirrels abounding in the woods. Good hearty cooked breakfast buffet. Very handy for the M6 and clearly many visitors return time after time.

Couldn't get cold water from the bathroom sink tap. Apparently it's to do with the hot and cold pipes being next to each other. Had to buy a big bottle of water so we'd have drinkable water in the room.