Waterhead Bay, Ambleside, United Kingdom | (888) 616-5829
Minutes to Lake Windermere
Spacious and lovely rooms, some with balconies and lake views
Breakfast is included with the room rate
Pleasantly cheerful interior courtyard with a garden
Free Wi-Fi throughout
On-site restaurant has a bar
Smoke-free property (con for some)
On-site laundry facilities
Parking is free
Additional fees for pets (though very dog-friendly hotel)
Breakfast gets mixed reviews
No minibars or mini-fridges in rooms
No pool, spa, or fitness center
This family owned-and-operated,
pet-friendly boutique hotel in the Lake District is just a short walk from the
charming village of Ambleside and across the street from the shores of
Waterhead Bay. The 30 clean and comfy rooms differ in size and decor, and many have lake views
and/or balconies. Breakfast is included and served until noon, allowing guests
to sleep in or to rise early for walks along the lake. The lovely restaurant and bar
are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the menu mixes traditional
Cumbrian influences with modern British foods. Overall, this is an excellent mid-range option for couples looking for a quiet retreat on the lake.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
A popular and relaxing stop for Lake District vacationers
The Regent Hotel is lakeside living with a
friendly vibe. Most guests are in town for a holiday escape and thus people are
happy to converse in common spaces. From the outside, the hotel looks like a cozy Tudor-style house with a shingled roof and whitewashed walls. A wrought-iron sailboat flowerpot greets
guests on their way in and the lobby is bright and blue, with turquoise walls
and love seats topped with accent pillows. Manned by a welcoming staff, the
reception area is modern and decorated with golden and metallic hues as well as a
fireplace. There are no hallways per se as rooms are accessed from separate
outdoor entrances, but the property feels safe. With the lake right across the
street, most people are here to take advantage of the picturesque
surroundings. Kids are welcome, but dogs are a more common sight as this is a pet-friendly hotel.
Location
On the bay in Waterhead, about a mile from downtown Ambleside
Located on Waterhead Bay near the northern
edge of Lake Windermere, The Regent is just minutes from the cute restaurants,
bars, and shops of Ambleside -- an ideal location for exploring the Lake
District overall. A lake walk path can be found right next to the property, allowing guests
to meander shoreside while enjoying the panoramic views of the water and Langdale
Pikes across the street. The ferry to Bowness-on-Windermere is also here, and visitors
are just a two-minute walk away from Borrans Park and Bird House Meadow.
Though there’s a road running right outside the hotel, traffic noise is
generally not an issue, especially at night. Parking at the hotel is free.
Rooms
Varying sizes and decor, some with lake views
The
Regent’s 30 guest rooms range in size from Standard units to family-sized
spaces, and the decor varies as well. Some rooms are more contemporary with
slate-colored walls, tiles, and modern fixtures. Others feel a little more
country, like the Sail Loft, which has an angled wooden ceiling with a skylight and light-blue decor. Family-sized rooms have separate bunk beds for the kids and a few suites
are bi-level or have furnished balconies/patios. Spotless bathrooms have spa-grade toiletries made in Scotland and a variety of amenities,
ranging from walk-in showers to shower/tub combos to hot tubs. (If you have a
preference, ask.) Flat-screen
TVs, electric water kettles, and plush robes are also included in each room. Wi-Fi is free.
Features
Pet-friendly property with free breakfast (served late) at lovely restaurant/bar
If
you'd like to sleep in on your vacation but don't want to miss the free
breakfast, you're in luck because The Regent serves hearty Lakeland fare
until noon daily. This extremely pet-friendly hotel will even make breakfast
for your dog if you ask, though additional fees apply for pet stays and are
limited to Courtyard rooms. While there’s no on-site fitness center or pool,
there are plenty of walking trails and parks nearby. There isn't a dedicated business center either, though there is free and fast Wi-Fi throughout the
property. The
on-site restaurant -- open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner is pleasingly decorated with mauve and burgundy accent walls. The chef takes advantage of fresh, local ingredients
for the menu, which blends traditional Cumbrian and modern British cuisine. Guests
can also partake of the extensive wine list and a variety of beverages found at the full bar. Laundry services are available for an additional charge.
