Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa

Hotels
•
Macdonald Hotels & Resorts
7.6 (2660 reviews)
23 Church St , Bowness-on-Windermere , gb

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Children allowed

Facilities

Health or beauty spa nearby
Electric bicycle charging station
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
Lift / Elevator
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Spacious rooms
Friendly reception staff
Cons:
Freezing pool
Poor service
Unclean bathroom towels
High parking fees
Chaotic breakfast experience

Categories

Cleanliness
6.68
Bathroom towels were reported unclean, affecting the overall impression of cleanliness.
Service
8.15
Mixed sentiments; some staff were noted as unhelpful and slow, but some were praised as friendly.
Location
9.19
Consistently praised for its stunning location and convenient access.
Room Quality
8.64
Spacious rooms noted, but some issues with heating may affect comfort.
Amenities
6.67
Facilities like the pool and sauna were reported as disappointing and in poor condition.
Value for Money
7.13
High parking fees and poor breakfast service raise concerns about value.
Food and Beverage
6.68
Breakfast service was chaotic, with long wait times and poor food quality reported.
Overall Experience
7.65
Disappointing overall experience due to numerous service and facility issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-10 06:43

Property Description

Luxurious Accommodation
Indulge in the elegant rooms at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa, each equipped with modern amenities and picturesque lake views. Relax in plush robes and enjoy complimentary toiletries for a truly pampering stay.

Culinary Delights
Savor the exquisite flavors at the award-winning restaurant, offering a menu filled with locally sourced ingredients. Unwind at the Terrace Bar and Lounge with delightful light meals or classic afternoon teas, perfect for a leisurely break.

Relaxation and Wellness
Take advantage of the state-of-the-art leisure center, complete with a gym, swimming pool, and rejuvenating spa facilities. From the calming sauna to the indulgent beauty treatments, immerse yourself in a world of tranquility and luxury.

Experience the epitome of luxury and relaxation at Macdonald Old England Hotel & Spa. Book now to secure your tranquil getaway by Lake Windermere.

Important information:

The credit/debit card used to book a pre-paid rate must be presented to reception on arrival at the hotel. Please note that failure to do so will result in an alternative payment method being required.

Please note that extra beds are only possible in certain room types and must be confirmed by the property prior to arrival.

Please note that the elevator cannot take full size wheelchairs, making the Restaurant not accessible for guests in wheelchairs.

For guests staying on a Dinner, Bed and Breakfast rate you can enjoy a £30 allowance per adult towards food and children’s meals are charged as taken

When booking 7 rooms or more, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: MAN

Property Policies

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Groups

    When booking more than 7 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs GBP 20 per day.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 13 years old to 14 years old stay for £25 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children up to and including 12 years old stay for free when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

7.6
Based on 2660 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.68
Service: 8.15
Location: 9.19
Room Quality: 8.64
Amenities: 6.67
Value for Money: 7.13
Food and Beverage: 6.68
Overall Experience: 7.65
J
Joanne • couple • gb
10
2026-03-28 • via Nuitee
G
George • couple • gb
8
Beautiful hotel.Morning receptionist could do with a smile on her face.
Pros:

Perfect and beautiful location

Cons:

Was horrible cold wet day and heating not on when we would have liked.

2026-03-26 • via Nuitee
A
Adam • couple • gb
5
Pros:

Good location

Cons:

Additional charge for parking of £25 per day . Shower was poor quality had to hold it still whilst using it .Long wait for breakfast cold toast burnt breakfast , staff were very slow to take our orders had to go and ask someone to take the orders as we waited 45 mins .

2026-03-23 • via Nuitee
G
Glenn • family_with_children • gb
4
Pros:

We had to wait an hour and 35 minutes to get our breakfast

Cons:

Breakfast disappointment could’ve been organised better more selection on it no glasses run out of orange juice

2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
J
Jodie • couple • gb
8
2026-03-22 • via Nuitee
L
Lee • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Staff above and beyond. Beautiful hotel

Cons:

The location epic

2026-03-21 • via Nuitee
F
Fletcher • couple • gb
9
Pros:

The breakfast was excellent and the main evening resturant was also good

2026-03-17 • via Nuitee
E
Emmie • family_with_children • gb
5
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Bit tired

2026-03-16 • via Nuitee
T
Thomas • couple • gb
7
2026-03-15 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • couple • gb
8
2026-03-14 • via Nuitee
H
Helen • extended_group • gb
6
Disappointing
Pros:

Well located hotel on the shore of Lake Windemere.

Cons:

The building feels old and tired. We had 2 rooms both with poor mattresses.

2026-03-13 • via Nuitee
C
Claire • couple • gb
9
Lovely stay with amazing views
Pros:

Lake views are amazing !
Breakfast was lovely sitting looking onto the lake.
Spa is nice, steam, sauna and ice room. Good size pool.

Cons:

Bathroom was dated and quite small.
No jacuzzi or water jets.
Car park is £25 extra

2026-03-08 • via Nuitee
S
susan • family_with_children • gb
8
2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
M
Martin • couple • gb
8
2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
D
Donna • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
J
Julie • solo_traveller • gb
9
2026-03-03 • via Nuitee
M
Melanie • couple • gb
6
Had a lovely stay but this was mostly due to the company and location I can’t really say it was due to the hotel
Pros:

Amazing location, clean spacious room. Room had a beautiful view

Cons:

Bedroom was unbelievably hot and had no control. Breakfast was basic at best which was disappointing. No fresh fruit other than watermelon, no choice of milks or yoghurts and only two gluten free options of cereal, no baked goods or sausages or hash browns. I asked for a vegetarian breakfast and was given two pork sausages as they were gluten free, my husbands scrambled eggs were riddled with shell and not small pieces. £25 a day for car parking when it’s a basic parking lot was a joke and check in at 4 pm seems quite late compared to anywhere else I’ve stayed

2026-03-03 • via Nuitee
H
Haoyue • couple • gb
8
2026-03-02 • via Nuitee
J
Jonathan • couple • gb
8
2026-03-02 • via Nuitee
C
Curtis • couple • gb
8
2026-03-01 • via Nuitee