The Samling Hotel

Beautiful accommodation in tranquil setting with excellent service. Staff very attentive offering top notch service. Loved the Victorian walk

The rain! But that’s not down to samling!

Quiet. Great view on a sunny day and wonderful breakfast

Housekeeping can be more thorough. Bed linen was stained but staff did not notice and did not change it. Drinking water was not replenished automatically. Had to request for bottled water and reminded staff to bring to room. Used glasses and spoon were not washed

Great location with beautiful views.

We didn’t stay long enough

Excellent breakfast, a real pleasure. Main restaurant was closed for the week but their second restaurant was superb. Staff were amazing, friendly but not intrusive. Location is superb and views from the breakfast/dining room were breath-taking (it helped that we probably had the hottest week in living memory!). Highly recommended, we will return.

TV tech is somewhat outdated and confusing, we needed help to get it going. Coffee/tea not refilled daily without our requesting it. Some noise from adjoining room, not unbearable.

Super hôtel de charme au bord du lac. Chambre confortable, bar avec belle terrasse qui donne sur le lac. Très bon restaurant étoilé. L'équipe est top, super accueillant, conviviaux, professionnels.

Lovely ingredients beautifully presented

Nothing

A beautiful, unassuming and wonderfully charming hotel nestled above Lake Windermere. Ours was a very last-minute booking, but we were so pleased we decided to stay. From the moment we arrived, the staff were fantastic. A particular mention must go to Andrew on reception, who was incredibly accommodating in helping to arrange our helicopter landing and gave us such a warm welcome on arrival. Rebecca was another real highlight. Her depth of knowledge and passion for wine was brilliant, and if you are a wine lover, The Samling is absolutely worth visiting for this alone. The wine list is genuinely memorable; the sort of selection and depth you don’t often find outside of some of London’s best hotels and restaurants…and it is clear that the team are genuinely passionate about what they do. The rooms are good value and the dining is very good, but for us the real highlights were the breathtaking views across the Lake District, the charming and highly personable staff, and that exceptional wine offering. The Samling manages to feel intimate, relaxed and special without ever being overly formal or pretentious. A wonderfully memorable stay and somewhere we would happily return to. Very much worth a visit.

We recently stayed at The Samling to celebrate my 60th birthday and it was a wonderful experience. We were fortunate enough to have beautiful weather throughout our stay, which made the already stunning scenery and views over the lake even more breathtaking. We stayed in a junior suite called Coniston which was very comfortable and beautifully appointed. During our stay we enjoyed a lovely walk into Ambleside and took a wonderful lake cruise, both of which are highly recommended if you want to take in the local area. Our meals here were next level including breakfast but the highlight was the tasting menu. Every course was superb and the standout dish was the langoustine. To make my birthday feel even more special I was treated to a glass os 1966 vintage dessert wine. Matching my birth year was such a thoughtful touch and the wine itself was phenomenal. What truly sets the Samling apart however is the staff. Everyone was incredibly friendly, attentive and warm. It was the perfect special treat for my 60th birthday and we cannot wait to return.

Stunning location and beautiful property with wonderful artwork and special attention to detail

Weather!!

What a beautiful hotel. My husband and I have had a fantastic weekend at The Samling. Our room was excellent (Buttermere) with dual aspect views of the lake. The food was exceptional and the staff were wonderful. I can’t speak highly enough of our whole experience at The Samling and we can’t wait to visit again.

Stayed here last week on their 2 night deal which was excellent value. Absolutely lovely location, making use of a number of buildings. As all reviews will say, the restaurant has one of the best views you could wish for, food was delicious and service delightful. Vegetarian menu was so good my other half tried and enjoyed 2 things he would never normally pick. Our room was at the front of the the hotel and the views and outside space were picturesque. There were deer - and rabbits - in the extensive grounds, with walks up to Jenkins Crag behind the hotel. There was a problem with a power failure in the area on one day and I can only say that the way the hotel handled it was exemplary. The Customer Service was outstanding. Must mention the delightful reception staff Emma, Melissa and Andrew and we look forward to our return visit.

Wonderful views

Awful smell in our bedroom extremely musty. Very disappointing and spoilt the stay.

We had dinner at The Samling. Perfect setting, friendly, attentive staff and excellent food. Don't wait for a special occasion, just treat yourself. My husband said I was glowing.....loved the whole evening.

Everything

Very comfortable

The bedroom carpet was very dirty and stained

We had a lovely evening. Courageous use of flavours and spices, as I love it. From a well- thought bar with creative cocktails (we had truffle-infused bourbon), via the perfectly combined tasting menu to an impressive wine list (which is reasonably calculated): all top shelf. Friendly and attentive service. Anytime again

We had a lovely stay at The Samling. Our room had a stunning view of the lake and despite the weather being warm we were always comfortable. Rebecca and Emma were incredible hosts. They made our stay special and fun. Nothing was too much for them in helping us to relax and enjoy our stay. We enjoyed our chats with them especially about the World Cup. The food was delicious. Highly recommended.

We had the Derwent room for a night. Check in was great. Room wasn’t ready, but checked in and we went for a coffee in the lounge. By the time we had that the room was ready and the bads delivered. I say room, it was more like the ground floor of a house! Huge bath, huge shower, fabulous. Breakfast was fabulous, cereals, full English, toast, all delivered and prompt and friendly staff. The grounds are worth a couple of hours to wander, see the tree fountain in the front, amazing. Great staff, great location, great food!

Good food, great breakfast, very comfortable bed.

Never disappoints. Everything is exceptional.

Nothing

We had a superb meal at The Sailing. The staff were lovely and very professional. The food was probably the best we have ever had. So much effort went into very element of the meal. It was a lovely June evening and the view across Lake Windermere from the dining room was very special. The meal was well worth every penny.

Incredible

Everything amazing

Stayed here before so thought we’d call in for lunch and drinks, felt soulless was completely empty and we were told it was reservations only. Was a bit rude and didn’t make any business sense especially when it was empty!

Great location, beautiful grounds. Hotel was plotless and beautifully decorated.

Nothing

Beautiful hotel in a great location, but you definitely need a car to drive to hiking or lakes. Room are very clean and staff is very friendly. We stayed 2 nights. Breakfast is delicious. It looks like a beautiful place to have a small wedding. Outside gardens are lovely. Great view of lake Windermere We did not eat dinner there, we went to another restaurant - Rothay Manor which was delicious. Especially the homemade bread.

What an amazing experience. The staff were exceptional - a wonderful combination of utterly professional and very charming. Our room ('Derwent Water') was in a lovely little cottage and very comfortable. Only one very small niggle, sorry - no full length mirror. The gardens and setting are beautiful and the hotel decor is very tasteful. We dined in the restaurant, where all the tables are arranged to have panoramic views of Lake Windermere. What a way to spend the evening. The 7 course tasting menu was sublime, too. Bravo.

The views, the location, the rooms, the food are all perfect but most of all the staff who are friendly, warm and helpful always going the extra mile

Nothing

The views & food

The facilities No pool or spa

Welcoming ,service

Beautiful grounds intimate feel Would have loved a spa to use

Food

Needs an update

So helpful and even though we was late for breakfast they still cooked for us!

N/a but it needs abit of a spa - it’s the only thing missing!

It was private, friendly and welcoming

Nothing bad to say

Perfect birthday lunch at this beautiful Michelin star restaurant and what a treat it was. Lovely welcome on arrival. We had a 3 course lunch. We wanted to experience a starter, main and dessert. Lunch is between 12.15 - 1.45. Hubby started with the Torpenhow cheese & onion souffle, I had the smoked rare breed ham hockey terrine, piccalilli.. it had beautiful unexpected pops of flavour just gorgeous i ate it all. We both had for our main the salt aged beef fillet confit tomatoes, triple cooked chips hen in the woods mushroom and a green peppercorn sauce all cooked to perfection we cleared our plates ..the steak cooked to perfection and melted in your mouth, the triple cooked chips cooked just right with a lovely golden brown skin all cut perfectly. By this time we were quite full but had to keep going and couldn't resist a desert to finish off our meal. Hubby had the sticky toffee pudding with baileys ice cream, I had the chocolate, coffee device with honeycombe I was also give a portion of baileys ice cream. The little added bits accompanying the delice were delightful I kept getting little bursts of flavour just lovely. Cost £57 per person plus £10 each for steak supplement. Floor to ceiling glass windows you (with blinds if sun in your eyes) stunning views across lake windermere. We had a walk around the gardens after lunch as it was such a beautiful sunny day. We would return and highly recommend. Thank you for a memorable experience.

Wonderful hotel and views over Windermere

Set in a fabulous position with stunning panoramic views of Windermere itself and the surrounding lakeland landscape. A genuinely outstanding property.

Nothing!

We had a superb stay at this beautiful hotel, and a fabulous meal in the Michelin starred restaurant, celebrating my husband’s 70th birthday. The staff were wonderful, nothing was too much trouble. The room, the setting, the view, all sublime! I recommend this hotel wholeheartedly!

Very pleasing comfortable rooms and main house

The staff were amazing. The food in the restaurant was excellent.

Nothing.

Everything was excellent. Location, food, staff and facilities

The one quibble was that the bed was only ok. It should of been as excellent as everything else.

We were lucky enough to stay for 4 nights in Kentmere. We had a fantastic tasting menu on the Saturday with wine pairing with the fabulous Nigel. Loved the stories and knowledge. The lady we had as server on Saturday/ Sunday was equally as great. Nothing too much trouble. Andrew on reception with his local knowledge enthusiasm and maps on where to park and Norbert is always amazing at service. I will post photos of the stay as they say 1000 words

Absolutely beautiful hotel, gorgeous position and outlook. Exceptional suite.

Nothing

I had visited The Samling for lunch about 4 years ago, so I had some idea what to expect when we booked a pre-Christmas break. It was so much better than that. I have stayed in so-called top quality hotels before, but this was a revelation. The hotel really did go out of it's way to provide for our needs. The food was delicious, our room was exquisite, and all staff were so approachable and accommodating, I can't wait to go back!

Location and restaurant views

Walking from room to main building is outside and when raining not pleasant. Also hot tub could do with cover

Beautiful hotel with stunning views (when weather permits in November!). Immaculately clean luxury room (but need to get hairdryers with a cold setting?) and niggles with TV were dealt with immediately. The food on the gathering menu was simply out of this world. The crab stater and fish were incredible. The tasting menu for me however was disappointing. Having been sent the menu the week before (nice touch) I was really looking forward to it. However, the monkfish was overcooked, the lamb itself was high quality but ruined with a chicken middle (?!), an overly salty thick bacon wrap that overpowered everything and the sauce too was heavily salted. It was very quiet in the restaurant so guessing food had been left in the hands of someone other than chef. The highlight of the stay was the staff. The gardener, the handyman, Emma, Andrew and Denisa. Nothing was too much trouble. They were all highly personable yet professional and they were for me, the making of the Samling.

The staff were very professional and friendly. The restaurant view was amazing as was the original art. Great gardens and views. EV charging a bonus.

It was all lovely.

Great location and nice service

We visited for dinner on a Sunday. We were met with a warm welcome and enjoyed drinks in the lounge. Service in the restaurant was attentive yet informal. The food was great. We intended to have three courses but the starter and main (along with the G&Ts and wine!) were more than enough. We saw other diners’ desserts and they looked great. A great night out.

We had a wonderful stay, but of course the highlight was the food. Beautiful presentation, sublime flavours combined with top draw service. Your eyes don't flatter you, even though what you see raises your expectations to another level. Just perfect.

It was all perfect

A beautiful restaurant in a stunning location! Thank you for a delightful luncheon experience! Hosted by Katie, the food and wine were spectacular, my partner described his meal as the “ best fish meal he has ever consumed”. Katie was attentive, knowledgeable and fun. Rebecca the sommelier was incredibly well informed and entertaining with stories of delicious wines and vintners. Truly, luncheon AND a show, thank you!

Staff were very friendly and professional. Great location and quiet

Second Tasting menu meal was disappointing, especially the Vegetarian choice. Lack of gym and spa facilities, partly offset by hot tub

The setting is simply stunning, the building old but modern, beautifully kept. The landscape around it and the views are breathtaking.

There’s nothing to not like about the property. Someone with walking issues may struggle to use the jacuzzi and stairs but that’s about it.

Everythinv

Nothing

Beautiful hotel Stunning views

Superb tasting menu and the best Sunday lunch we’ve ever had. Service great at all times with all staff very professional and friendly. Really good wine selection. We visited on an unusually hot weekend and there was maybe a lack of good outdoor seating areas. Hotel has stunning grounds and could do with maybe a few more benches to enable guests to take in the views away from the terrace off the restaurant. Comfier/ nicer outdoor furniture and parasols etc in general would be good too. Especially as most of the rooms/ suites don’t seem to have balconies or outdoor space. Probably not an issue for most of the year but on this hot weekend it was noted. Suite we stayed in was comfortable and had a nice living area with a lovely view over the lake. A 20 minute stroll into Ambleside and possibly quicker than driving due to the traffic situation. Parking in any of the surrounding towns was impossible as so busy. Overall a very beautiful place with an exceptional restaurant and top notch staff.

Heaven on a Cumbrian hillside with the most spectacular views of Windermere of any hotel we know. Michelin food. Attentive staff. A wine list to rival London's best. Calming, elegant, modern decor. The key staff have been there since the present owners bought it 10 years ago - stability like that is always a good sign I feel. We stayed in the main building which has half a dozen suites. There are several more in adjoining buildings. We feel the price is fair value - but if you are going to bitch about it, stay away. They valet park your car - but you look after your own helicopter!

Exceptional hotel in an outstanding location. Staff were excellent and highly knowledgeable in both their areas of expertise and the details of the hotel.

Lovely menu and service with a breathtaking view. The set price lunch menu was good value, with expertly cooked and delicious food. I had the lamb while hubby had the steak. The staff are friendly and welcoming. Was a great way to spend a rainy day in the Lakes.

A golden wedding anniversary treat we will never forget. The service was first class and the food was absolutely the best we’ve ever eaten. We didn’t stay at the hotel but we would recommend the tasting menu unreservedly! Thank you Samling you didn’t disappoint!

Gorgeous place, beautiful views, lovely kind staff and a delicious meal. What more could you want for a birthday celebration?!

It’s such a beautiful special place which we have enjoyed visiting many times over the years

The view and the staffs were excellent. We really enjoyed staying.

high class service?food

no air con

Excellent

Air conditioning

We enjoyed a superb dinner at the hotel’s Gathering restaurant. We felt pampered the moment we walked in to the stylish lounge for aperitifs. Our jaws dropped at the spectacular views of Lake Windermere from the restaurant. Food and wine were excellent. Service was courteous, friendly and unrushed. All in all a great place to wine and dine in this glorious part of the Lake District.

I had lunch at The Gathering on Saturday which was a lovely birthday treat from a friend. It's somewhere I have always wanted to try and would comment on it every time I drove past along the main road towards Ambleside. The views as you drive up to the car park are incredible and although it was a dull day, the lake is still spectacular. We were taken into the restaurant from the reception area which is very modern yet still in keeping with the rest of the hotel. There are floor to ceiling windows so that every table of guests can enjoy the views. I avoided the starters as they were not to my taste but had a beautiful cod dish which was delicate and perfectly cooked and followed this with a chocolate mousse type dessert. I was also given a chocolate "Happy Birthday" plate which was a lovely touch. My friend had a cheese souffle starter and followed that with lamb. The service, as you would expect, was superb - unobtrusive yet attentive. I sadly can't recall the name of our waiter but he was Hungarian and had been at The Samling for several years. There was absolutely no rush and afterwards we wandered around the gardens to appreciate the building from the outside.

Staff were excellent. Room very nice.

Impressive location. Probably one of the best in the Lake District. Amazing views from our room, Grasmere. Peaceful too,as the hotel is well set back from the busy Ambleside road. Lots of secure parking in the grounds. Tasting menu on our first night was good, with our individual preferences catered for. We were well looked after by Rebecca and sommelier Nigel. They were both knowledgeable and fun. Would definitely go back.

A nights accommodation and taster menu meal in the Michelin star restaurant for myself and my wife was a birthday gift and what a truly great gift it was. From the minute we arrived until we left, every member of staff from reception, lounge bar, restaurant and grounds staff were so friendly, polite, helpful and welcoming. Our room was great, spotlessly clean, with great views across Windermere. The seven foot wife bed was extremely comfortable. The icing on the cake was the taster menu, which was superb, amazing flavours from every dish, really hard to pick a favourite. I highly recommended The Samling.

We had the lunchtime menu at The Gathering and the whole experience was wonderful. A very warm welcome on arrival at the front door steps and we were escorted through to the restaurant. When we walked in, my husband and I were blown away with the amazing views from our table. Ceiling to floor views of lake Windermere. All of the food was outstanding especially the scallop ceviche, cod main and chocolate coffee delice dessert. We then relaxed with cocktails in the lounge which was lovely and we were so looked after throughout the whole afternoon. We can’t wait to return. As it was our anniversary they also brought out a special anniversary plate of chocolate truffles. Thank you so much.

We were lead to believe that the restaurant had a Michelin star, but we found it very disappointing. The bedroom had a weird layout (presumably altered at some time) so one couldn’t see the TV from the bed. The staff were friendly, but we won’t be going back.

We've been visiting the Lakes for over 40 years and stayed in lots of hotel up there. So, after reading the impressive reviews of this hotel, we thought we had to try it. WOW. What a place!! The hotel, location, food, the room were all fantastic. The views were amazing. But the staff were another level. All very welcoming, friendly and very helpful, without being over bearing and pretentious. Special thanks to Emma on reception who was brilliant from the start to finish. We had a fantastic holiday here and would definitely recommend it. We will be back!!

No issues. Everything was very good.