This report is on behalf of a group of some 10 walkers, mostly from Buxton Rotary Club. In 2006 we decided to look for a hotel in the northern Lakes. We short-listed and visited about 10 hotels. The Lairbeck attracted us because it has a good proportion of single & twin rooms, a quiet location, was well situated and was in our price range. We were impressed by the initial welcome and the standard of accommodation, so we made a reservation.
During our first 3-night stay in 2007, Jennifer, Malcolm and their staff made us most welcome and provided excellent personal service. The fare was just what we were looking for - good traditional breakfasts, wholesome packed lunches and good evening meals with very presentable wines, all at realistic prices. The rooms were warm and comfortable. Drying arrangements for our gear worked well.
On our return in 2008, we were welcomed like old friends. We had a most enjoyable stay and are looking forward to our third visit in 2009.

Malcolm and Jennifer's personal touch made for a restful stay as they anticipated our needs and made us feel very welcome. It is an intimate hotel, beautifully located above Keswick with great views of Skiddaw and Derwent Water. Close enough to Cat Bells to walk, while Keswick itself is a stroll of 10-15 minutes! The whole hotel is clean and comfortable, especially the beds - very important after a long fell walk.

On our first visit enticed by various descriptions, we arrived to a greeting which included the news that the award winning dinner we had been encouraged to book for on the Sunday night was "unavailable" due to lack of demand. This in spite of making the reservation and paying a deposit in advance. An attempt to join a few guests being catered for at dinner on the Saturday night was thwarted by an apparent lack of bought in provisions. The 'hotel' we read about and thought we'd booked suddenly was just a 'Bed & Breakfast' place. We expected better service than this.

Our accommodation was clean and acceptable with breakfast being OK except for a watery fruit juice.

The house is located next to Keswick School on the outskirts of the town and is on a downhill slope.

We shall look elsewhere next time.

We chose the hotel based on a combination of price and the TA reviews. We weren't disappointed. The hotel is very quiet and picturesque and the rooms named, themed and spotlessly clean. The owners are as helpful as you'd wish for with an emphasis on customer service. The one problem we had was dealt with by the owners quickly and without a fuss, so not a problem at all.

The location is just outside of Keswick with a 10 minute walk through the park into the town centre.