The Riverside

Hotels
8 (2288 reviews)
Stramongate Bridge , Kendal , gb

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities
WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Fitness center
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Excellent location by the river / central
Very friendly and helpful staff
Good restaurant / food
Lovely views from rooms
Underground parking available for some guests
Cons:
No air conditioning in rooms — very hot for some stays
Room cleanliness issues (dust, mould, unclean sheets, spiders)
Hotel and rooms feel tired / in need of refurbishment
Parking limited or unreliable for a hotel of this size
Value for money concerns relative to room condition
Small beds and some maintenance issues (noisy doors, broken fans)

Categories

Cleanliness
6
Multiple guests reported poor cleanliness: dust, mouldy silicone around baths, paint peeling, sheets not fully clean and spiders in rooms. Cleanliness is a clear weak point.
Service
10
Staff repeatedly described as very friendly, helpful and attentive (help removing spiders, upgrades provided, warm welcomes) — service is a major strength.
Location
10
Consistently praised: central, next to the river, close to the train station and town — location is an outstanding asset.
Room Quality
6.5
Mixed to negative: several reports of tired, dated rooms, noisy doors, funny smells, small beds and maintenance issues (bath fan not working, spray beyond shower screen). Some rooms were spacious or upgraded, but inconsistencies lower this score.
Amenities
6.5
Amenities are mixed: gym and (unused) pool were acceptable, but recurrent lack of air conditioning, limited/frustrating parking and absence of refrigerators in some rooms reduce the score.
Value for Money
6.5
Guests were divided: some called it good value, others felt it was poor value given dated rooms and extra issues — overall value leans below target.
Food and Beverage
9
Food and restaurant received many positive mentions (excellent restaurant, delicious meals); breakfast opinions were mixed (adequate to good, with a few complaints about tinned fruit).
Overall Experience
9.5
Overall sentiment is positive due to excellent location, strong service and good food; several guests said they'd stay again despite some room/cleanliness issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-08-12 22:17

Property Description

Riverside Hotel in Kendal town centre
Most of the rooms offer stunning views of the River Kent, equipped with satellite TV, tea/coffee facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy local produce at the Riverview Restaurant sourced from the hotel's Victorian kitchen garden.

State-of-the-art Leisure Club
The hotel boasts a leisure club with a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, hot tub, gym, and exercise studio for guests to unwind and stay active during their stay.

Convenient Location
Located just 250 metres from Kendal Railway Station and a 10-minute drive from the M6 motorway, the Riverside Hotel offers easy access to explore Windermere, the Yorkshire Dales, and other nearby attractions.

Ready to experience a blend of historic charm and modern amenities? Book your stay at Riverside Hotel now!

Important information:

Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 2288 reviews
Cleanliness: 6
Service: 10
Location: 10
Room Quality: 6.5
Amenities: 6.5
Value for Money: 6.5
Food and Beverage: 9
Overall Experience: 9.5
C
Carolyne • family_with_children • gb
4
Disappointing
Pros:

Pool area was ok, a couple of broken tiles around the seating area and floor looked like it could do with a good scrub.

Cons:

I booked this hotel based on recent reviews but we were very disappointed. The hotel is very tired and dated looking overall, yellowing and chipped paint in hallways. We booked a family room, which was a good size but ridiculously hot and other than a desk fan provided in the room there was no way to turn down the heating. We opened the windows but there was a lot of late night noise. Carpet was ripped in places and it was quite grubby I thought for what we paid. There were 3 of us staying but the room was set up for 2 people, extra towels and cup we asked for never arrived.

2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
S
Saye • couple • gb
8
Very attractive site.
Pros:

We had a small dog so couldn't use the restaurant. We were served by a member of the bar staff who collected the food that we selected from his memory of what was available

Cons:

It would have been nice to see the food in the buffet

2026-08-22 • via Nuitee
M
Marian • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
P
philippe • solo_traveller • fr
8
Pros:

Personnel très agréable (accueil, service au dîner et petit déjeuner).
Chambre spacieuse avec vue sur la rivière.
Grande salle de bain.

Cons:

Ménage fait très superficiellement. Poussière et toiles d'araignées. Peu acceptable pour un hôtel de ce type.

2026-08-21 • via Nuitee
C
Christine • couple • gb
5
Nice staff but room poor and outdated.
Pros:

Location.

Cons:

No towels, complimentary toiletries or toilet rolls in bathroom on arrival.
Plug in air freshener hidden under shelving, gave me a headache and feel nauseous until until I located it and removed and opened windows

2026-08-20 • via Nuitee
S
Satoru • couple • jp
8
2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
C
Claire • couple • gb
8
Pros:

Great breakfast

2026-08-19 • via Nuitee
A
Anthony • solo_traveller • fr
10
Looking forward to coming back
Pros:

Great location for the lakes and great staff, Kendal is a great town for pubs and cafes etc , good secure parking on site

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
K
kevin • couple • gb
3
needs a good look at itself
Pros:

the room was available as booked

Cons:

very shabby - desperately needs a make over; flaking paint on woodwork, bed not comfortable.
Room very hot and although had window open was very noisy due to drunk people on riverbank opposite.
Pool was open to non-resident paying patrons so very busy and children dive-bombing etc.
Car parking limited and again due to lack of management of car-park were not enough spaces.
on fourth floor and one very small lift.
room doors slam badly.
the bistro downstairs has at least seen a decorator but is soul-less and loud.
really not a great advert for kendal

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
A
Andy • solo_traveller • gb
8
Excellent facilities and ideally placed to explore the Lakes and beyond
Pros:

I liked the location near the town centre and the adjacent car park. I was impressed with the gym facilities and the pool. The bar and riverside terrace were great.

Cons:

AC in the rooms would have helped, but that is a minor point. The shower spilled over onto floor, again only a minor point

2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
K
Kerry • family_with_children • gb
7
2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
I
Ian • solo_traveller • gb
8
2026-08-17 • via Nuitee
E
Edwyn • couple • gb
5
Cons:

Very Hot, no air con, poor choice of meals, all sold out mid week 😳

2026-08-16 • via Nuitee
K
Keith • solo_traveller • gb
5
Nice but very warm
Pros:

Friendly staff, nice bar and pool, and good breakfast

Cons:

Room was unbearably hot with no means of cooling. Rools also very outdated compared to pictures advertised (which isnt really an issue)..But literally the hottest hotel room ive stayed in and struggled to sleep. Granted it was a hot day but its 2026 and cooling devices are readily available

2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
A
Andreas • family_with_children • de
8
2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
D
Debra • couple • gb
7
Nice hotel and location but avoid in hot weather
Pros:

Location and staff excellent

Cons:

No air con. During the current heatwave this was a problem. There was a fan but it just blew hot air. It was therefore uncomfortable and we had no sleep

2026-08-14 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Excellent location. Very good parking. Good choice for breakfast.
Very good choice of toiletries, beverages and biscuits in room.

Debs the lovely receptionist who sorted out our request for an extra night with great efficiency.

Cons:

Coffee at breakfast rather bitter

2026-08-13 • via Nuitee
E
Elen • couple • gb
7
Cons:

No air con

2026-08-13 • via Nuitee
T
tony • couple • es
9
Pros:

Spacious room great view

Cons:

Nothing

2026-08-12 • via Nuitee
T
Tracey • extended_group • gb
7
2026-08-12 • via Nuitee