Macdonald Leeming House

I've got mixed feelings about this place. Nobody can deny how pretty the setting is with its spectacular views, but the hotel is certainly a little tired in places and needs touching up. Food and service was ok, and the staff were pretty friendly, but I think you'd be a little disappointed if you paid the full price.

The building was lovely and the whole setting is very picturesque having beautiful gardens and the option of going all the way down to the lake's edge. They also have private fishing, but everything considered I thought it was a little overpriced.

The rooms were shabby and in need of repair, every floorboard moved and made a loud noise when walk upon. Great if you want to know when your neighbours go for an early breakfast. The only thing holding the floorboards in place seemed to be the well worn carpet, which in some places only the mat remained. Wall paper is slowly peeling for the walls and balcony doors do not lock. Despite listing 12 to 15 television stations in the room guide, only 5 were actually functioning.
Worst of all, was the mattress on the under sized double bed. It was FOAM! A hotel experience last endured at a budget (£15/night/room) motorway hotel.
The tea and coffee and bath facilities provided were very basic and limited. I would strongly recommend taking your own shampoos, conditioners, body wash, tea, coffee and milk supplies.
Breakfast was an experience in itself. The first time I have been told that a full English breakfast does not come with scrambled eggs (just fried). Picky I know - but when I'm on holiday and have the time to enjoy breakfast, I'd like my eggs scrambled.
Upon leaving, we were presented with a hotel bill with services listed in a way that not even the receptionist who had prepared the document could explain. It eventuated that there were several "discretionary" staff tips for services it was unclear whether we had received.
Overall, Leeming House presented itself as a budget hotel you would expect to find near King's Cross or Paddington train station, offering cheap accommodation to migrant workers.
Definitely not a 4 star hotel and for value for money and falls well short of the mark. Stay elsewhere if you are having a break in the Lakes District.

Great service in the restaurant. Good views of Ullswater from our room.