The Gateway Hotel
➔
➔
Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Info
Summary of reviewsThe Gateway Hotel receives consistent praise for its exceptional location, making it a prime choice for travelers exploring the Lake District and beyond. Situated close to Kendal, Windermere and Ingleton and offering easy access to the main road and motorway, it serves as a convenient and picturesque base with beautiful scenery and a serene atmosphere.
Guests often highlight the quality of food at the hotel. The breakfast selection is plentiful with a variety of hot and cold options that cater to various dietary needs. While some feel the additional charges for breakfast could be better, the overall experience is described as satisfying with superb food quality. Dinner, particularly, is a standout experience with many guests enjoying the delicious and beautifully presented dishes. The restaurant ambiance and friendly staff enhance the dining experience, making it a memorable part of the stay.
The rooms at The Gateway Hotel are highly praised for their cleanliness and comfort. Guests appreciate the beautifully decorated, spacious rooms with comfortable beds. However, minor concerns include small TVs and tight staircases, particularly in some top floor and attic rooms. Despite these issues, the overall consensus is that the rooms contribute significantly to a positive stay.
Cleanliness is generally a strong point of the hotel with many commenting on the spotless rooms and well-maintained common areas. The staff receives exceptional reviews for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Families traveling with children and pets feel especially well cared for, reflecting the staff's adaptability and dedication to guest satisfaction.
The WiFi and parking facilities are deemed adequate with reliable internet service and ample free parking making the stay convenient. Families find the hotel to be especially accommodating with well-designed family rooms featuring bunk beds and ample space for both children and adults. The beds are noted for their comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep for most guests.
The Gateway Hotel is often recognized as meeting the standards expected of a four-star establishment, offering luxurious and comfortable accommodations at a fair price. It is particularly noted for being dog-friendly with policies that make it a welcoming environment for pets and their owners.
Overall, The Gateway Hotel stands out for its exceptional location, high-quality food, comfortable and clean rooms and outstanding staff service, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers in the area.
Categories
Guests often highlight the quality of food at the hotel. The breakfast selection is plentiful with a variety of hot and cold options that cater to various dietary needs. While some feel the additional charges for breakfast could be better, the overall experience is described as satisfying with superb food quality. Dinner, particularly, is a standout experience with many guests enjoying the delicious and beautifully presented dishes. The restaurant ambiance and friendly staff enhance the dining experience, making it a memorable part of the stay.
The rooms at The Gateway Hotel are highly praised for their cleanliness and comfort. Guests appreciate the beautifully decorated, spacious rooms with comfortable beds. However, minor concerns include small TVs and tight staircases, particularly in some top floor and attic rooms. Despite these issues, the overall consensus is that the rooms contribute significantly to a positive stay.
Cleanliness is generally a strong point of the hotel with many commenting on the spotless rooms and well-maintained common areas. The staff receives exceptional reviews for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere. Families traveling with children and pets feel especially well cared for, reflecting the staff's adaptability and dedication to guest satisfaction.
The WiFi and parking facilities are deemed adequate with reliable internet service and ample free parking making the stay convenient. Families find the hotel to be especially accommodating with well-designed family rooms featuring bunk beds and ample space for both children and adults. The beds are noted for their comfort, ensuring a good night's sleep for most guests.
The Gateway Hotel is often recognized as meeting the standards expected of a four-star establishment, offering luxurious and comfortable accommodations at a fair price. It is particularly noted for being dog-friendly with policies that make it a welcoming environment for pets and their owners.
Overall, The Gateway Hotel stands out for its exceptional location, high-quality food, comfortable and clean rooms and outstanding staff service, making it a highly recommended choice for travelers in the area.
Dog Friendly Hotel
This hotel welcomes dogs and offers a garden and terrace, providing space for dogs to relax. The on-site restaurant also adds convenience for pet owners.
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
The Gateway Hotel provides complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms. It is known for its welcoming ambiance and comfortable accommodations, ensuring guests can stay connected while enjoying their visit.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel provides free self-parking facilities for guests, ensuring a convenient stay.
4-Star Hotel
The Gateway Hotel is well-situated with easy access from the M6 and a short distance to the Lake District peaks. The hotel is known for its amazing food, friendly staff, and reasonable prices. Its location is convenient, being five minutes from Kendal town center and ten minutes from Lake Windermere.
Family Friendly Hotel
Cheap Hotel
Small Hotel
Guest Reviews
Situated in an enviable spot, The Gateway Hotel offers an exceptional location appealing to travelers intent on exploring the Lake District and beyond. It serves as an excellent base for anyone making their way to Scotland or delving into the local sights around Kendal, Windermere and Ingleton. The hotel is praised for its easy access from the main road and proximity to the motorway, making it a straightforward drive from various destinations.
Guests repeatedly highlight the beautiful scenery and picturesque surroundings, noting the serene and homely atmosphere of the property. The hotel stands just outside Kendal, facilitating quick trips into town while maintaining a peaceful setting perfect for relaxation. It's conveniently close to local attractions, outdoor excursions and scenic vistas, fittingly described as the Gateway to the Lakes.
For those seeking practicality, the hotel's location is highly valued for its convenience with many guests appreciating its position near a farm market and a charming cafe. Despite being close to the main road, the tranquil environment and superb views provide a refreshing retreat. Whether stopping for a night on a northbound journey or planning a more extended stay to explore the Lake District, The Gateway Hotel stands out as a spotlessly clean, centrally located lodging with easy access to popular destinations and friendly, helpful staff to enhance the stay.
The breakfast at The Gateway Hotel has received generally positive feedback from guests, though some areas could use improvement. Many found the breakfast selection to be plentiful with a good range of both hot and cold options. Guests appreciated a variety of choices, including continental breakfasts that were described as good value, delicious and meeting various dietary needs. The quality of food was often praised with several guests noting the superb and first-class nature of both breakfast and dinner meals.
However, there were some criticisms, including the additional charges for breakfast, which some found steep. A few guests were disappointed with the limited selection of cereal and bread and some vegetarian guests found the options lacking. There were also mentions of specific issues like rubbery eggs and bagels that seemed stale. Despite these few drawbacks, the overall consensus pointed towards a satisfying breakfast experience, bolstered by a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.
At The Gateway Hotel, guests had overwhelmingly positive experiences dining at the in-house restaurant, frequently describing the food as excellent, beautiful and divine. Many noted the quality and taste of the dishes, calling out memorable meals such as the Friday evening roast and the garlic mushrooms. Visitors often chose to dine at the hotel's restaurant multiple times during their stay, citing consistency in the fantastic food quality.
The supper served in the bar was repeatedly praised for being delicious and perfectly cooked. Even with a more limited dinner menu, the offerings delighted many with yummy and exceptional dishes, especially the burgers, which were a standout. However, some guests noted a desire for a more extensive menu.
Restaurant ambiance was generally well received with positive remarks about its presentation. Additionally, the friendly and great staff contributed to the enjoyable dining experiences, making both guests and their pets feel welcome. Despite a few critiques about the expenses and limited vegetarian options, the overall sentiment was that the food and its value for money were beyond expectations.
Even breakfast received favorable comments, often described as lovely with superb selections and an extra touch of hospitality, like cooking an extra sausage for one guest's dog. On rare occasions when the restaurant was closed, guests missed out on the usually fantastic meals, but those able to dine at the hotel found it to be a highlight of their stay.
The Gateway Hotel's rooms received high praise for their cleanliness and comfort. Guests consistently described the spaces as spotless, beautifully decorated and spacious, often noting how well-kept and well-furnished they were. Many enjoyed the tasteful decor and the added touches that made the rooms feel luxurious and cosy.
Spaciousness was a common highlight with several guests appreciating the roomy and comfortable beds, particularly in the larger family and deluxe rooms. Families especially valued the separate kids areas in the family rooms. The bathrooms, described as excellent and spacious, also contributed to a pleasant stay for most visitors.
However, some issues were noted; several guests mentioned the TVs being particularly small and the tight staircases leading to the upper floors. Some rooms, especially those on the top floors and in the attic, were considered cramped and had sloping ceilings. A few rooms were described as cold or overly lit at night due to exterior lighting.
While the cleanliness was generally excellent, a handful of reviews mentioned specific issues such as high touch points not being adequately cleaned or rooms needing a deeper clean. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus was that the rooms were impressive and contributed significantly to the positive experience at The Gateway Hotel.
Guests at The Gateway Hotel have generally found the beds to be very comfortable with many praising the comfort and quality of their sleep. Phrases like "comfortable bed," "beds were comfy," and "the most comfortable bed I have slept in on holiday" highlight the positive experiences of many visitors. The hotel offers a variety of bed types, including double beds, bunk beds, super king-sized and standard double beds.
However, there are mentions of a few isolated issues such as old and uncomfortable mattresses, insufficient bedding which made it cold at night and difficulties sleeping for some guests. Some rooms have beds under sloping ceilings or small double beds, which might not be ideal for everyone. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the majority of guests have enjoyed their stay, attributing a good night's sleep to the comfort provided by the beds at The Gateway Hotel.
The Gateway Hotel generally receives positive remarks regarding its cleanliness. Guests frequently comment on the spotless and very clean rooms, highlighting the hotel's extensive cleaning standards. Many appreciate the beautifully decorated rooms that contribute to a pleasant and comfortable stay. Common areas such as the kitchens and public spaces are also described as clean and well-maintained.
However, some negative points are noted. A few guests found issues like dog hairs on the bedding and sticky table utensils. Cleaning staff appeared tired to some visitors and certain rooms needed a more thorough deep clean. Specific complaints include a dirty corridor, mouldy or musty smells and signs of wear such as broken toilets or unwashed tea cups in rooms.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall impression of The Gateway Hotel remains favorable in terms of cleanliness, making it a generally clean and comfortable choice for travelers.
The reviews of The Gateway Hotel consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the staff. Guests frequently describe the staff as friendly, helpful and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment of arrival. Despite some mentions of their numbers being sparse, the staff's professionalism and dedication more than compensate with many reviewers noting they couldn't do enough for the guests.
The front of house manager, mentioned specifically by name, along with the ladies at the reception and restaurant, have been identified as particularly pleasant and helpful. Their cheerful disposition and readiness to assist set a positive tone for visitors. Families, including those traveling with toddlers and pets, felt well cared for, underscoring the staff's adaptability and enthusiasm to provide superb service.
Many guests pointed out that the staff were not only responsive but also went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The overall sentiment reflects a deep appreciation for the team's efforts with descriptors such as wonderful, kind and amazing frequently appearing in the feedback.
Even new staff members are praised for their brilliant service, suggesting that the hotel maintains high standards of training and guest satisfaction. Minor criticisms such as a lack of porterage or glasses in rooms are outshone by the overwhelmingly positive remarks on the staff's friendliness and helpfulness.
In essence, The Gateway Hotel's staff are a cornerstone of its appealing guest experience, consistently receiving high marks for their exceptional service and warm hospitality.
The Gateway Hotel provides guests with varying WiFi experiences. Many guests found the WiFi to be reliable and adequate for their needs. Notably, some reviews mentioned the WiFi as being very good, ensuring a positive experience for those who depend on internet connectivity. However, it's important to note that there were instances of slower speeds and even occasions where WiFi was not available. Overall, while the WiFi at The Gateway Hotel may not be consistently perfect, it generally meets basic requirements and offers a satisfactory service for most guests.
The Gateway Hotel offers numerous positive aspects regarding its parking facilities, making it a convenient choice for travelers. Guests consistently note the ample and plenty of parking available, ensuring that finding a spot is rarely an issue. Free parking at the hotel adds further value to the stay and the hotel's well-situated location in Kendal enhances overall accessibility. Reviews also highlight easy parking and adequate parking conditions, reinforcing that cars are well accommodated.
The Gateway Hotel stands out as a prime destination for families seeking an enjoyable and accommodating stay. The hotel receives high marks for its family-friendly atmosphere and warm welcome, which begins at check-in and extends through the entirety of the stay. Guests consistently mention the friendly and helpful staff, who contribute significantly to the positive experience.
Families particularly appreciate the well-designed family rooms, which are described as lovely, fantastic and ideal for both children and adults. These rooms often feature bunk beds that delight younger guests, along with sufficient space to accommodate four adults comfortably. Some family rooms even come with an adjoining room for kids, offering additional privacy and convenience.
While a few reviews note that some family rooms can feel cramped, the overall sentiment is that the hotel provides a great environment for younger guests and their parents. The Gateway Hotel is frequently lauded as a wonderful place for families to stay with amenities that cater specifically to their needs.
The Gateway Hotel has garnered reviews praising its commendable and fairly luxurious facilities and services, aligning with the expectations of a four-star establishment. Guests have described the quality as exceptional and top-notch, highlighting the exquisite comfort of the rooms. The friendliness of the staff and their willingness to assist have also been noted positively, contributing to a professional and welcoming atmosphere.
Many former guests appreciated the cleanliness and tasteful decoration of the rooms, finding them consistent with a high-rated hotel. The dining options, which include a bar and restaurant, have also received positive feedback for their quality. Descriptions such as exquisite, fancy and high-rated depict an overall positive guest experience.
While some reviews pointed out that The Gateway Hotel falls short of the four-star mark, it is evident that the majority of guests were satisfied with the comfortable accommodations offered at a fair price. The establishment has managed to meet the expectations of many who seek a four-star hotel experience, though there's a suggestion of room for improvement towards consistently achieving this standard.
The Gateway Hotel stands out for its dog-friendly approach, attracting numerous guests who appreciate inclusive policies for their pets. The hotel offers great accommodation options specifically catered to guests traveling with dogs, ensuring that both pets and their owners have a comfortable stay. Many reviews highlight that dogs are allowed to stay and are genuinely welcomed. The pet-friendly environment extends throughout the hotel, enabling guests to bring their dogs down to dinner, adding to the convenience and comfort.
While some minor issues with cleanliness, such as dog hairs and paw prints on bedding, were noted, the overall sentiment emphasizes the hotel's commitment to being dog-friendly. Guests with dogs found plenty of space for their pets and expressed intentions to return with their furry companions in the future. The hotel’s welcoming atmosphere for both humans and canines, even if it posed a slight challenge for those with rooms on upper floors, was appreciated.
However, it’s worth mentioning that guests without dogs might prefer not to mix with those traveling with pets. Despite this, The Gateway Hotel remains a notably dog-welcoming establishment, creating a home-away-from-home experience for pet owners and their beloved dogs.
Location Show Map
Location
Guests repeatedly highlight the beautiful scenery and picturesque surroundings, noting the serene and homely atmosphere of the property. The hotel stands just outside Kendal, facilitating quick trips into town while maintaining a peaceful setting perfect for relaxation. It's conveniently close to local attractions, outdoor excursions and scenic vistas, fittingly described as the Gateway to the Lakes.
For those seeking practicality, the hotel's location is highly valued for its convenience with many guests appreciating its position near a farm market and a charming cafe. Despite being close to the main road, the tranquil environment and superb views provide a refreshing retreat. Whether stopping for a night on a northbound journey or planning a more extended stay to explore the Lake District, The Gateway Hotel stands out as a spotlessly clean, centrally located lodging with easy access to popular destinations and friendly, helpful staff to enhance the stay.
Breakfast
However, there were some criticisms, including the additional charges for breakfast, which some found steep. A few guests were disappointed with the limited selection of cereal and bread and some vegetarian guests found the options lacking. There were also mentions of specific issues like rubbery eggs and bagels that seemed stale. Despite these few drawbacks, the overall consensus pointed towards a satisfying breakfast experience, bolstered by a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.
Dinner
The supper served in the bar was repeatedly praised for being delicious and perfectly cooked. Even with a more limited dinner menu, the offerings delighted many with yummy and exceptional dishes, especially the burgers, which were a standout. However, some guests noted a desire for a more extensive menu.
Restaurant ambiance was generally well received with positive remarks about its presentation. Additionally, the friendly and great staff contributed to the enjoyable dining experiences, making both guests and their pets feel welcome. Despite a few critiques about the expenses and limited vegetarian options, the overall sentiment was that the food and its value for money were beyond expectations.
Even breakfast received favorable comments, often described as lovely with superb selections and an extra touch of hospitality, like cooking an extra sausage for one guest's dog. On rare occasions when the restaurant was closed, guests missed out on the usually fantastic meals, but those able to dine at the hotel found it to be a highlight of their stay.
Rooms
Spaciousness was a common highlight with several guests appreciating the roomy and comfortable beds, particularly in the larger family and deluxe rooms. Families especially valued the separate kids areas in the family rooms. The bathrooms, described as excellent and spacious, also contributed to a pleasant stay for most visitors.
However, some issues were noted; several guests mentioned the TVs being particularly small and the tight staircases leading to the upper floors. Some rooms, especially those on the top floors and in the attic, were considered cramped and had sloping ceilings. A few rooms were described as cold or overly lit at night due to exterior lighting.
While the cleanliness was generally excellent, a handful of reviews mentioned specific issues such as high touch points not being adequately cleaned or rooms needing a deeper clean. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall consensus was that the rooms were impressive and contributed significantly to the positive experience at The Gateway Hotel.
Beds
However, there are mentions of a few isolated issues such as old and uncomfortable mattresses, insufficient bedding which made it cold at night and difficulties sleeping for some guests. Some rooms have beds under sloping ceilings or small double beds, which might not be ideal for everyone. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the majority of guests have enjoyed their stay, attributing a good night's sleep to the comfort provided by the beds at The Gateway Hotel.
Cleanliness
However, some negative points are noted. A few guests found issues like dog hairs on the bedding and sticky table utensils. Cleaning staff appeared tired to some visitors and certain rooms needed a more thorough deep clean. Specific complaints include a dirty corridor, mouldy or musty smells and signs of wear such as broken toilets or unwashed tea cups in rooms.
Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall impression of The Gateway Hotel remains favorable in terms of cleanliness, making it a generally clean and comfortable choice for travelers.
Staff
The front of house manager, mentioned specifically by name, along with the ladies at the reception and restaurant, have been identified as particularly pleasant and helpful. Their cheerful disposition and readiness to assist set a positive tone for visitors. Families, including those traveling with toddlers and pets, felt well cared for, underscoring the staff's adaptability and enthusiasm to provide superb service.
Many guests pointed out that the staff were not only responsive but also went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. The overall sentiment reflects a deep appreciation for the team's efforts with descriptors such as wonderful, kind and amazing frequently appearing in the feedback.
Even new staff members are praised for their brilliant service, suggesting that the hotel maintains high standards of training and guest satisfaction. Minor criticisms such as a lack of porterage or glasses in rooms are outshone by the overwhelmingly positive remarks on the staff's friendliness and helpfulness.
In essence, The Gateway Hotel's staff are a cornerstone of its appealing guest experience, consistently receiving high marks for their exceptional service and warm hospitality.
Wi-Fi
Parking
Family
Families particularly appreciate the well-designed family rooms, which are described as lovely, fantastic and ideal for both children and adults. These rooms often feature bunk beds that delight younger guests, along with sufficient space to accommodate four adults comfortably. Some family rooms even come with an adjoining room for kids, offering additional privacy and convenience.
While a few reviews note that some family rooms can feel cramped, the overall sentiment is that the hotel provides a great environment for younger guests and their parents. The Gateway Hotel is frequently lauded as a wonderful place for families to stay with amenities that cater specifically to their needs.
4 Star
Many former guests appreciated the cleanliness and tasteful decoration of the rooms, finding them consistent with a high-rated hotel. The dining options, which include a bar and restaurant, have also received positive feedback for their quality. Descriptions such as exquisite, fancy and high-rated depict an overall positive guest experience.
While some reviews pointed out that The Gateway Hotel falls short of the four-star mark, it is evident that the majority of guests were satisfied with the comfortable accommodations offered at a fair price. The establishment has managed to meet the expectations of many who seek a four-star hotel experience, though there's a suggestion of room for improvement towards consistently achieving this standard.
Dog Friendly
While some minor issues with cleanliness, such as dog hairs and paw prints on bedding, were noted, the overall sentiment emphasizes the hotel's commitment to being dog-friendly. Guests with dogs found plenty of space for their pets and expressed intentions to return with their furry companions in the future. The hotel’s welcoming atmosphere for both humans and canines, even if it posed a slight challenge for those with rooms on upper floors, was appreciated.
However, it’s worth mentioning that guests without dogs might prefer not to mix with those traveling with pets. Despite this, The Gateway Hotel remains a notably dog-welcoming establishment, creating a home-away-from-home experience for pet owners and their beloved dogs.
No, The Gateway Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Gateway Hotel.
Yes, The Gateway Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Gateway Hotel.
No, The Gateway Hotel doesn't have a gym.
Location Show Map
More Options
