Deciding whether to book Lakes Hotel and Spa in Windermere means weighing verified guest feedback against real costs. This review draws on over 5,000 verified reviews from Booking.com, thousands more on Tripadvisor, and professional assessments from Savour Magazine to help you decide if this Lake District property justifies its premium pricing. We cover room options, spa facilities, dining, and the common trade-offs mentioned by frequent guests.
Last checked: 2026-06-21
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Location: Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District · Website: lakeshotel.co.uk · Property Type: Hotel & Spa · Key Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant, bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-21.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Booking.com listing, Tripadvisor reviews, Hotels.com listing, Expedia listing, Kayak pricing data, Savour Magazine professional review, Travelocity listing, GuestReservations.com, official Facebook page, TikTok creator video, YouTube hotel tour, UK travel Facebook groups.
We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview hotel staff, or independently verify prices across all booking platforms.
Snapshot: What verified sources show
- Located in Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, England, close to Lake Windermere’s shore (Tripadvisor)
- Over 5,000 verified guest reviews on Booking.com (Booking.com)
- Selected rooms feature private hot tubs on balconies (Tripadvisor)
- Indoor pool, multiple hot tubs, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and spa pub/bar (Savour Magazine)
| Location | Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District, Cumbria, England |
| Website | lakeshotel.co.uk |
| Property Type | Hotel & Spa |
| Key Amenities | Indoor pool, fitness centre, restaurant, bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi |
| Starting price per night | €158 (Kayak) |
| Hotel ranking | One of the largest Lake District hotels (official site) |
| Verified reviews (Booking.com) | ~5,099 at time of capture |
| Private hot tub rooms | Yes — selected rooms |
| Spa complex | Indoor pool, multiple hot tubs, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, spa pub/bar |
| On-site restaurant | Full-service dinner restaurant (Mizumi/Mizumo branding in guest comments) |
Lakes hotel and spa reviews
Across major platforms, the hotel scores consistently in the “very good” to “excellent” range. On Tripadvisor, guest reviews repeatedly highlight the lakeside setting and views as a major positive and a key reason to book (Tripadvisor). Verified Booking.com guests frequently describe rooms as spacious and comfortable, and several call the food “excellent,” saying they would dine again (Booking.com).
What this means: The hotel earns solid aggregate scores, but individual experiences vary — a fact worth knowing before you commit.
Lakes hotel and spa prices
Kayak data shows a starting rate of €158 per night. Multiple OTA listings, including Travelocity, position it in the upper segment for Windermere accommodation, marketed as luxury or 4-star-plus style (Travelocity). That premium is tied directly to the spa complex: Savour Magazine’s professional review calls the spa “well-appointed,” with a pool, two jacuzzis, steam room, sauna, plunge pool, and a pub incorporated into the spa area (Savour Magazine).
Some reviewers on OTAs suggest that guests who do not use the spa or book hot-tub rooms may perceive less value, since pricing reflects the wellness facilities (Hotels.com).
Travelocity outlines that Lakes Hotel and Spa has 15 hot tubs in addition to the indoor pool and sauna (Travelocity).
The trade-off: You pay a premium for spa access and hot-tub rooms; if neither interests you, standard hotels nearby may offer better value.
Lakes hotel and spa twin room
Twin rooms are available at Lakes Hotel and Spa. Verified guest reviews on Booking.com describe these rooms as spacious and comfortable. In-room amenities typically include free Wi-Fi and a Tassimo coffee machine, matching what the official site lists for standard accommodation.
GuestReservations.com notes that roughly half of all rooms feature private hot tubs on balconies, positioning this as a signature selling point (GuestReservations.com). A Tripadvisor pool-area feature review describes hot-tub suites as having large balconies with “great views” and “fantastic” hot tubs (Tripadvisor).
The bottom line: Twin rooms meet typical expectations. To maximise the experience, consider whether your room category includes a private hot tub.
Watch out for noise
Expedia’s listing notes that some guests mention noise issues in certain ground-floor rooms (Expedia). Light sleepers may want to request a higher floor or rooms away from communal areas.
Lakes hotel and spa restaurant
The hotel has a full-service restaurant with dinner service, confirmed by Expedia and Hotels.com listings (Expedia). Savour Magazine notes the on-site Lake View restaurant, sometimes branded Mizumi or Mizumo in guest comments, as offering well-presented dishes (Savour Magazine). A Booking.com review describes Mizumo food as “really nice” (Booking.com). Tripadvisor guests consistently praise the hotel’s food quality.
Guests can access dinner and drinks without leaving the property. The bar/lounge is also available. For those driving, the hotel is a short walk from Bowness-on-Windermere’s high street, where additional dining options exist.
The implication: The on-site restaurant earns strong marks, which is convenient for guests using the spa or staying in the evening.
Insider note on dining
Consider booking a table ahead for dinner, especially on weekends, as the Lake View/Mizumi restaurant is popular with both guests and local visitors.
Specifications at a glance
| Property type | Hotel & Spa |
| Total estimated rooms | One of the largest Lake District hotels (official site) |
| Indoor pool | Yes |
| Spa facilities | Indoor pool, multiple hot tubs, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, spa pub/bar |
| Hot tubs on-site | 15 (across spa and rooms) |
| Private hot tub rooms | Selected rooms |
| Free Wi-Fi | Yes |
| On-site restaurant | Yes (Mizumi/Mizumo branding) |
| Bar/lounge | Yes |
| Fitness centre | Yes |
| Twin rooms available | Yes |
Pros and cons: What guests consistently report
What guests praise
- Lakeside setting and views as a major positive and a key reason to book (multiple platforms)
- Spa described as “well-appointed” with extensive facilities (Savour Magazine)
- Private hot-tub rooms with balconies and “fantastic” views (Tripadvisor)
- Staff described as very welcoming and eager to help (Hotels.com)
- Food quality praised as excellent by multiple reviewers (Tripadvisor, Booking.com)
- Rooms spacious and comfortable (Booking.com)
Common pain points
- Noise issues reported in certain ground-floor rooms (Expedia)
- Some minor maintenance or wear-and-tear in corridors and older room sections (Tripadvisor)
- Value perceived as lower for guests who do not use spa or book hot-tub rooms (Hotels.com)
- Occasional service delays reported in a 2024 YouTube full-tour review
Pricing bands: What to expect
Based on Kayak data and OTA listings, rates start at approximately €158 per night. Weekend peak rates and hot-tub suite categories push significantly higher. Midweek and shoulder-season stays typically offer better value, particularly if spa access is your priority. The hotel’s pricing reflects its wellness and leisure facilities, meaning standard rooms cost less but access the same spa complex.
The pattern: To maximise value, book midweek and compare hot-tub vs. standard room rates based on whether you plan to spend time in your room balcony.
Location and getting there
Lakes Hotel and Spa sits in Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, a 15-minute walk from Lake Windermere’s shore. The nearest rail station is Windermere, approximately 1.5 miles away. Regular bus services connect Windermere station with Bowness. On-site parking is available, a useful perk given the Lake District’s limited public transport coverage outside main towns.
Getting around
Bowness-on-Windermere’s ferry terminal is a short walk from the hotel, offering access to the western shore of Lake Windermere and circular boat trips.
Alternatives worth considering
If Lakes Hotel and Spa does not fit your budget or priorities, several nearby properties offer different value propositions:
- Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa — Lakeside spa hotel on Lake Windermere’s northern shore, with a larger spa complex and multiple dining outlets.
- Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa — Set in Borrowdale valley, known for its natural setting and extensive spa facilities.
- Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa — Country house hotel near Keswick with a full-service spa and traditional Lake District character.
- Linthwaite House Hotel — Boutique hotel near Bowness with lake views but no spa — suitable for guests prioritising quiet luxury over wellness facilities.
The trade-off: Each alternative either matches the spa focus at a different price point or offers a different style of Lake District stay.
Our pick
For couples and special-occasion travellers who value private hot-tub balconies, spa access, and a waterfront setting — and who are willing to pay for it — Lakes Hotel and Spa delivers a consistent, well-reviewed experience. Midweek stays and standard rooms offer better value. Families and light sleepers may need to weigh the noise concerns noted by some guests.
Frequently asked questions
Does Lakes Hotel and Spa have an indoor pool?
Yes. The spa complex includes an indoor pool, confirmed by Hotels.com and Savour Magazine. The pool is part of the well-appointed spa area that also includes jacuzzis, a steam room, and sauna.
What amenities are included in the room?
Standard room amenities include free Wi-Fi and a Tassimo coffee machine, based on verified guest reviews on Booking.com and the official website amenities list. Selected premium rooms add a private hot tub on the balcony.
Is there free Wi-Fi on the property?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is listed as a key amenity across all major OTA listings including Hotels.com and the official site.
Are twin rooms available?
Yes. Twin rooms are offered, confirmed by verified guest reviews on Booking.com. They include standard in-room amenities.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?
Yes. The hotel has a full-service restaurant branded Mizumi/Mizumo, confirmed by Expedia and Hotels.com listings. Tripadvisor guests consistently praise the food quality. A bar/lounge is also on-site.
What is the starting price per night?
Kayak data shows a starting rate of approximately €158 per night. Weekend and premium room categories cost more.
Sources cited
- Tripadvisor — Lakes Hotel and Spa reviews
- Booking.com — Verified guest reviews for Lakes Hotel and Spa
- Savour Magazine — Professional review of Lakes Hotel and Spa
- Hotels.com — Lakes Hotel and Spa listing
- Expedia — Lakes Hotel and Spa guest information
- Travelocity — Lakes Hotel and Spa details
- GuestReservations.com — Lakes Hotel and Spa booking info
- Tripadvisor — Pool area feature review
- Lakes Hotel and Spa official Facebook — Spa video
- YouTube — 2024 full-tour review of Lakes Hotel and Spa