North Lakes Hotel and Spa

We booked North Lakes Hotel as the final stay of our 10-day trip around Scotland. We specifically chose it because of the Relax & Dine package, hoping to unwind and relax after a busy trip. Unfortunately, it was a real disappointment and not the relaxing experience we had expected.

Check-in was at 3pm, so we were looking forward to using the spa facilities. However, we were very surprised to find that the family swim time was 2pm–6pm. We went down to use the facilities, but the noise and number of children made it anything but relaxing. There were children screaming and, with no beds available, it certainly wasn’t the peaceful spa experience we had paid for. We were told it would be like this until the end of family time.

The spa closes at 8pm, which doesn’t leave much time to enjoy it after check-in, particularly when the facilities are so busy during the afternoon. We eventually went back down later and had a swim, but it was certainly not what we had expected from a Relax & Dine package.

We couldn’t even make use of the spa the following morning because family time was 7am–11am. For a couple looking to relax and unwind, this was incredibly frustrating. We feel the spa timings and restrictions should have been made much clearer when booking the package.

To make matters worse, our room was extremely warm and uncomfortable. We had to leave the fan running all night just to make it bearable. There was also a rather annoying noise in the room.

We fed all of this back to the hotel when checking out, but overall we left feeling very disappointed, especially given the price we paid.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the relaxing end to our Scotland adventure that we’d hoped for, and we wouldn’t recommend the Relax & Dine package based on our experience.

Spent 4 days here with my teenage son and we had a ball. Used the gym, pool and spa every day and it was spotless, well stocked and everything we could’ve hoped for. The gym was perfect for avid weight lifters, and despite being a local club too was never overcrowded despite being popular. Water, dry or chilled face towels, extensive equipment, cleaning stations and plenty of natural light made using this facility effortless and fun. Dumbbells up to 30kg I think, Smith machine, barbells, cable machines and running/rowing/cycling kit for several users.

Pool was good temperature, sauna and steam rooms also perfect. All very clean and staff attentive. The two saunas are situated in the confines of the make and female changing areas so are single sex. Towels, robes, slippers provided; swimming suit spinning machine, plenty of lockers and good strong hot showers. There’s also a little cafe area by the pool, itself with an outdoor seating courtyard.

The bar is excellent, local Thwaites beers are delicious plus an extensive spirits, cocktail and wine list. Little salted popcorn dishes are provided for free, a nice touch. Staff are, again, professional and welcoming.

We are in the hotel every night and the food was very good. Burgers were moist, tasty and well provenanced. A lot of local and seasonal produce on show. The pasta dishes were tasty and sides good quality. My son had the chicken kebab one night and it was sublime. Portions were ample, maybe a little small for the price on sides, but overall the food was 5/5. I drank the Malbec with my steak pie one night and both were delicious and well paired.

The dining area and bar are very well decorated and designed; clientele very friendly and obviously popular with locals.

Our room was a basic twin but again well equipped (kettle, tea, coffee (both top quality) as well as daily biscuits if your room is made up. Each floor has a fresh milk and chilled water station which is a nice touch. The rooms are modern and mountain themed, elegantly done without too much pomp. The hotel isn’t tired and the public areas are bright in daylight but cost at night. There’s a games room for the kids and plenty of board games and indoor mini golf.

The reception is efficient and friendly and sorted out taxis/more coffee etc quickly. Room cleaning was efficient (staff were friendly and bright when changing and emptying rooms, not pushing the 11am check out as my son dawdled). The beds were very comfortable. Temperature perfect. Bathrooms very clean and well stocked.

Externally the hotel has nice grounds that are child and pet friendly with the FYR outdoor cooking set and lots of seating from tables to deckchairs and clear interest in local wildlife and insects and birds.

The wider setting is residential, quite close to the M6 but this makes easy access all be it at the expense of a lakeside view. To be honest, this wasn’t an issue and the hotel is competitive in its pricing compared to the old established Victorian edifices elsewhere.

North Lakes Hotel has a lively ambience, is pet and family friendly with a great menu and rooms. It is accessible and has the market town of Penrith 15 mins walk away. Parking is extensive and the grounds are lovely.

I’d definitely stay again but might branch out eating wise as it is quite expensive … but generally worth it. More and less expensive snacking options at the bar might be one to consider?

A great hotel with a lovely feel, amazing spa and friendly accommodating staff. Well done Thwaites and the team at the facility. 5/5

How friendly the staff were. The food was delicious 😋

On a group tour. Room was one of the best we had in 13 days. Abbey and Jorja (dining room)went above and beyond. Excellent service. Very friendly.

Great place to stay
Loverly staff , great food and a spa pool , PAY EXTRA IF BOOKED BY BOOKING.COM

In the price if you book direct by hotel

Good to read the history on Penrith Castle

breakfast was just what we ordered , value for money , the meals in the evenings were exceptional , little pricy but quality ,the service was excellent

Facilities and staff

Only thing was the steps to bar also to restaurant. Staff were very accommodating and had to manually use lift . Much easier if a ramp was in place. We use crutches and stick..

Breakfast , room , pool and gym

Nice hotel & some lovely design touches.
Fresh milk was a nice touch.

Beautiful rooms and location!

I needed a place to enjoy a relaxing weekend with my wife - and frankly, the hotel ticked all the boxes. It is an exceptionally lovely place. The dinning experience was the cherry on the cake for us - delicious meals, cozy ambience and the best staff ever - Sam (in the restaurant) was particularly exceptional with his service and all the staff were very warm and welcoming.

This is a 10/10 place that I would gladly recommend and revisit. Great value for money. Only mistake i made this time was staying for only one night (I wont make that mistake again - this is the kind of hotel you book for a looooong stay, especially if you really want to soak it all in and really relax). Oh, the spa!!! 😍 ✨️ Gorgeous 😍💕!

Overall, it was an amazing experience. I will definitely be back soon.

We had a family evening meal at North Lakes, Penrith, FYR - the food was yummy! Steaks were cooked just right for everyone. Abbey whom took care of our table, did a fabulous job - thank you for making it an enjoyable evening

Friendly staff and good facilities.

Convenient for the motorway .Very helpful staff, very good quality of food.

Excellent location, nice comfortable room, fabulous Sunday Lunch and breakfast was amazing (although they do make the mistake a lot hotels make in putting couples next to families when eating 🤦🏻‍♀️) loved the Pancake machine.

We have just returned from a fantastic stay at North Lakes Hotel.
Our two kids loved our family room and the lovely welcome pack they received along with their personalised cookies!

The room was very clean, we did comment that having our room refreshed during our three night stay would have been appreciated but understand that arrival rooms might take priority?

We would also book direct with the hotel next time rather than via booking.com as the restaurant was excellent but expensive although the food was delicious as was the breakfast!

Thank you to all the staff we encountered for being so friendly and welcoming!

L'intérieur de l'hôtel est magnifique ! Le bar, le hall, le restaurant, la piscine (et vestiaires immenses et pratiques), les couloirs... tout est beau ! On mange très bien au restaurant (nous y sommes allé les 4 soirs). Emplacement très calme et en même temps très pratique car proche de l'entrée d'autoroute (qu'on n'entend pas du tout). Chambre confortable et calme. L'eau n'étant pas incroyablement bonne, il y a des distributeurs d'eau (et de lait) dans les couloirs, avec une carafe dans le frigo de la chambre, c'est très agréable.