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Hosting friends from the south for a few days we decided to treat ourselves to dinner on Saturday evening. All four of us have eaten at Armathwaite a number of times before and thought we pretty much knew what to expect; a warm welcome, efficient service, great surroundings and a quality, if expensive, meal. Something of a treat, in fact. First surprise was that there seemed to be no-one on hand to greet us as we entered the building - in contrast to previous visits - but we took a seat by a roaring log fire in the spectacular lounge area and waited. After a while we assumed no-one was coming and went to the bar to order drinks which were brought out to us fairly promptly. In the meantime, my wife had approached another member of staff to announce our arrival (we'd booked for 7.30 and arrived around 7.15) and in due course menus arrived. Next we'd have expected orders to have been taken and subsequently to be escorted to our table when the food was ready to serve, but another uncertain period ensued before, some time after 7.30, someone came to show us to the dining room where we were seated and where our menu choices noted. The food came and, as expected, it was delicious. We had chosen differing starters and although three arrived promptly, my scallops took an additional three or four minutes to arrive; long enough for me to instruct the others to start without me rather than allow their meals to go cold! The main courses were served promptly and together and, as already noted, they were lovely. However, the portions - even for a fine dining experience - we all agreed were miserly. My Lemon Sole, for example, was accompanied by two, or maybe three, very small potatoes - and by small, I mean small enough to have been eaten together in one mouthful had I been so inclined! The lobster bisque which came with it was little more than a mark on the plate - a great shame because it did taste wonderful and a little more could have properly complemented the taste of the fish as, I assume, it was intended to do. Desserts were fine although the Christmas Sticky Toffee Pudding seemed to be no different to any other Sticky Toffee Pudding and, like the main courses, the portion size could have benefitted from a 20% or so uplift! Staff members were without exception pleasant, friendly and helpful but the slick efficiency we'd experienced in the past seemed lacking; at this level of dining, customers shouldn't be left waiting on arrival or uncertain of the procedure for procuring pre-dinner drinks. Nor should they be commenting on portion sizes when main courses, in particular, cost an average of £38 a time. All in all then, we left having enjoyed our evening and a very nice meal but feeling we hadn't quite had the experience we'd expected and paid for.

Once again a lovely break in this special hotel. Sleep quality would have had five stars but for the inability to provide us with a lighter duvet (even though it said in the information pack that they were available). We were given a blanket but that only just reached the sides of the bed. We were warm enough (the weather was unseasonably warm), but just not as comfortable as we could have been with a duvet. Rooms would have had five stars but the toilet roll holder had been positioned in a very awkward place so neither of us could sit on the toilet without hitting it.

The hotel is in a good location, just in the small town on Devon Lake. The room standard is 16 square meters, but it feels like it should be more than 20 square meters. Clean and hygienic. The service attitude is good, we arrived early, and the front desk gave the room without saying a word. The restaurant in the hotel is also very good and the dishes are delicious. Some local elderly people say that they have been eating in the restaurant for more than 20 years.

This is a place to stay if you want a great location and to stay in a house that has character, it was built as country retreat and its obvious why they picked the location. The greeting was warm, helpful and efficient The room was big enough but compact by modern standards, bathroom was modern and clean, extra bedding was available if required. The bed was comfortable and the area is, not surprisingly very quiet. There isn't a lift so pack light! Breakfast was good, full English available and served in a pleasant dinning room by competent staff. The bar was open during our stay but we chose the 10 minuet stroll down the driveway to the pub for dinner as it was a nice evening, walkers could probably do it in 5. We only stayed a night but I would be happy to stay longer, if you want a modern hotel this isn't the place for you, if you want charm and a sense of history it is.

After entering with some in trepidation I was pleasantly greeted by a professional friendly gentleman who took my order and booking for dinner that night. I found a lovely corner to pitch up and settle down to enjoy my pint. Some times when you just try you are rewarded. And this is one such time. Feel very comfortable in the friendly, bright, clean and well run establishment. Fully recommend a visit. And if you can stay in the hotel or camp site next door then so much the better 👍🎊👍 Foods good too 😋

Traditional Lake District hotel. Location was perfect for wandering around Keswick. My room was warm and had a lovely view of snow capped hills. Tea and coffee making facilities were available. Bed was very comfortable and facilities in the room were clean. Decor in the hotel is traditional country style. Check in was quick, a few stairs to climb to my room. The lady who served breakfast was very cheerful and friendly, despite us arriving very close to service closing. An excellent breakfast was served. The car park is small but managed to park my car and was allowed to leave it there for a few hours after check out so I could explore Keswick. A comfortable one night stay. Thank you.

Just returned home after a 6 hour journey from hell but yet again another great stay at the Lodge in the Vale. Have been coming to the Lodge for 3 years roughly now and the hospitality as per usual was top class. Perfect location for whatever your reasoning is for visiting the Lakes, whether its to climb the hills, explore the Lakes and all its beautiful surroundings or like myself, a avid plane spotter wanting to climb the hills for the low flying aircraft (when the weather allows). Rooms are consistently clean and tidy, nothing is ever too much to ask for if you need anything extra or more off if you stay for 4/5 nights etc, you get offered a mini room service half way through your stay if you require anything doing (new towels/etc). Not a breakfast eating person but always get lunch in the cafe after a morning out & about and the food is always spot on, whether you have a lovely warm soup or a toasted Panini! Already looking forward to my next trip and to seeing the brilliant team at both the Lodge in the Vale and the sister pub just down the road The Kings Head (30 seconds in the car or 10 min walk away) where Peter & his team always look after you if you’re staying with the Lodge! 5 stars isn’t enough for these guys!