The Inn at Grasmere

The Inn at Grasmere is a typical country hotel that has been welcoming visitors to the Lake District for centuries. Although far from picture postcard perfect -- sporting a few less-than-attractive modern touches -- this relatively large, ivy-clad inn doesn't look out of place in its quaint village surrounds. Stepping inside, the ambience is suitably snug and homey, with mismatched furnishings, patterned rugs, and a dark-wood paneled reception desk. Parts of the ancient original stone structure are visible, though most of the interiors are a not-unpleasant mix of modern and traditional styling reminiscent of a homey, well-loved sitting room while also dotted about with the trappings of a chain hotel. Unusual for this type of hotel, there is an elevator that carries guests to one of the property's four floors, and being a particularly dog-friendly hotel means the place is rarely short of a few furry friends. 

The hotel is located right in the center of the small, picturesque village of Grasmere surrounded by scenic hills in the heart of the Lake District National Park. Grasmere itself has plenty of places to visit within walking distance, including Dove Cottage where Wordsworth used to live as well as the 13th-century churchyard where the poet and his wife are buried. The village also makes a great base for day trips to the nearby towns of Ambleside, Windermere, and Keswick, not to mention the starting point of plenty of country walks and nature trails. For those arriving by train, the nearest station is in Windermere -- 10 miles away -- while the closest international airport is Manchester, a couple hours' drive away.

The hotel has 49 rooms, most of which are decorated in a pleasant, homey fashion with flock wallpaper, antique-style furnishings, and patterned drapes. Rooms are well-equipped, with free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, electric kettles, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Traditionally-styled bathrooms are nice enough, though some are very small and toiletries are generic. While most enjoy views over the fells or village -- some even from small balconies -- a few rooms are lacking a bit of polish and are in need of a refresh. 

Relaxation and health facilities are impressive, offering a relatively large, heated indoor swimming pool and hot tub, as well as a mini-gym, sauna, and steam bath -- all free to guests, though also open to non-residents for a fee. Next door and part of the same building is the Lamb Inn -- a snug, traditional village pub serving frothy country ales in front of an open fire, while a lounge bar and conservatory provide more dowdy surrounds for drinks and afternoon tea. The hotel's Courtyard Restaurant serves a traditional full Cumbrian breakfast each morning (not always included in rate) and a table d'hôte (set menu) dinner in the evenings.