Macdonald Leeming House Reviews

I have nothing bad what do ever to say about this hotel a part from not staying longer! Me and my partner just got back from a two night stay for my 30th and it was the best little trip we have ever had! Hotel is beautiful with beautiful views even better then the photos, rooms/beds are very comfortable we had a side room which I loved just felt that little more private only thing was there was no fridge to put my champagne 😂 but the staff were amazing I'm sure they would off gave us ice if we would off asked, they couldn't do more for you with smiles on their faces, but the best bit about the whole stay was the food!!!! It was absolutely amazing, the best food I've ever eaten (The beef cheek is out of this world). I'm not one for going back to the same place as I love going to New places but we will most definitely be staying here again in the future Thanks for making our stay perfect

We first visited Leeming House in September 2022 where I was proposed to on that visit. The experience was so exceptional we both commented on how we could very happily get married there, which is exactly what we did, our perfect elopement in May 2024. The whole experience was out of this world, from the location, the accommodation, amazing staff (special mention to Lesley who organised our day and Ben who looked after us as part of the wider team) nothing was too much trouble, the food was incredible, we really were treated like royalty, we couldn't have wished for anything else, a truly better than perfect day! Paul ❤️ Emma

We stayed here through a Secret Escapes Deal for two nights, including dinner. We were looking forward to a luxury stay with fabulous food in a wonderful location, as advertised by the hotel website. We paid over £500 , so we were expecting a premium experience. However I am disappointed to report that the only premium thing about the stay was the view and location. As wonderful as that was, my husband and I left Leeming House this morning, feeling somewhat let down. There were many positives about our stay and it would be remiss of me to overlook these in this review. Therefore, I must point out that the member of staff in the restaurant, particularly the two polish ladies were excellent , very professional, warm and friendly. There was an older gentlemen we encountered during breakfast who we also found to provide excellent service. Furthermore, we found the bed and pillows to be very comfortable and the shower hot and powerful. The robes were warm and soft and there was a good selection of tea, coffee and shortbread biscuits in the room. We enjoyed our room's location on the ground floor, looking out on to the lake and beautiful gardens. The building is beautiful and has lots of character. As previous reviews state , the room was a tired and dated. The heated towel rail didn't seem to work. There was a rather shabby and patchy paint job on the wall as you stepped in to the room. The chair on the patio was broken. However we could have overlooked these issues and rated this hotel much more highly if we hadn't have been so disappointed by the culinary offer. A three course dinner was included in our deal , but according to the menu £35 for a single course. A price I would be happy to pay if the food was up to par. There are a litany of issues with the food, including a lack of crab flavour in the crab 'doughnuts', a tasteless cheese soufflé, and 'salad' of tomato and mozerella containing 4 halfs of cherry tomato and half a marinated artichoke. The Affogato with baileys and espresso came with a dribble of espresso and what can only be described as a thimble of Baileys. I've enjoyed Affogato in many different restaurants and yes, it is a 'lighter' dessert, but come on Chef, I know you are worried out GP but this is just tight. On the first night, we pondered what a 'Streamed Duck Egg Sponge' could be...could it be some new culinary technique? After he had ordered it, my husband and I realised it was a spelling mistake, he would be getting a 'Steamed ' pudding. No problem, its one of his favourites. Unfortuntley it resembled a packet 'Microwave Mug Cake'. Overdone at the top and not quite cooked underneath. On the second night, hubby went for the cheesecake which he enjoyed to be fair. The menu had been reprinted with some other options , the spelling error however, remained. 'Streamed Duck Egg Sponge' anyone? We preferred breakfast, however t he supplements for Avacado and Salmon seemed excessive. The meanie chef was at it again, offer

The hotel staff were exceptional and made the stay very memorable. The hotel room was very clean with a beautiful view to the gardens from a balcony. Lovely linen and comfortable beds all added to a good nights sleep after a day of walking up Helvellyn.

The room was lovely, balcony with lake view, very peaceful and relaxing. Breakfast was amazing, fresh and good quality ingredients. Service from all the staff was amazing. Being able to walk down to the lake for wild swimming before breakfast was just fantastic. We will be back Leeming House.

Lovely hotel in a lovely spot with very friendly staff. Room was clean & well kept. Food was very good and the beds were comfy. The views over Ullswater were exceptional and it was very easy to get to - just off the M6 and one clear road. Can’t wait to go again.

We went for a weekend The setting is beautiful The staff are nice especially Bassell at reception who is outstanding. Made us feel very welcome and has excellent knowledge of the locality. Bassell’s hospitality skills are second to none. On a downside the building is dated. Breakfast was good however restricted and the supplementary charges are excessive for the prices they have already charged for the stay. We routinely stay in hotels which are rated as 4 & 5 star and breakfast is much more sumptuous and extravagant. The price charged for the stay isn’t reflected in what guests should be receiving. We paid for lakeside views but we got 10% views of the lake so please check this if this is the option you opt. Saving grace is the setting and the staff.

Stayed here for one night the grounds and views are beautiful and very tranquil. The hotel itself is sadly dirty and very tired. The hotel looks and feels like a care home. Needs a complete revamp, the bar food is ok but the breakfast was awful. Not worth the money much nicer places to stay. Very expensive for what it is. The hotel staff and waiting staff were all excellent however and work hard and very friendly. Sadly though would not return.

We booked at short notice for a special anniversary getaway, enticed by the beautiful views of Ullswater. We were not disappointed in that regard. The room with a balcony was comfortable and clean and the view fantastic. Staff were friendly and the receptionist sorted out a problem for us with little fuss. It is worth mentioning that the bar meal portions are on the small side and the breakfast is expensive for what you get. The full English is laid out nicely but is petite: one egg, a small rasher of bacon, one sausage, half a black pudding, half a flat mushroom, half a tomato, a tiny potato cake, one piece of sliced bread and a measure of butter. Other options like avacado on toast or salmon and scrambled egg demanded a hefty £6 premium. In the room, the towels are soft and warm but the bathrobes less so. The complentary shampoo & soap are fixed to the wall.

Had a wonderful 3 night stay in March with family at Leeming House. Beautiful location - the friendliest staff (remember Joe in particular) in reception / bar / restaurant Will definitely book again in the future - thank you for a great short break Very close to great walks too!

We had an amazing stay at Macdonald Leeming House for a short family break. The staff were so friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble for them. We had a lovely spacious family suite with a separate sleeping area for our two children which was great. The food at the restaurant was amazing and also the food at the lounge area was tasty. It is around a 5-minute walk to the lake and the hotel is situated in beautiful surroundings. We would love to stay at this hotel again.

This is an absolute gem of a hotel tucked away on the shores of Lake Ullswater. The welcome from the staff was generous and warm. The room was really nice, even though we had the cheapest room in the hotel. The food was fantastic. Really well-cooked and impeccably presented. The grounds are very traanquil. The Views up the lake are to die for.

The staff at Leeming House are unfailingly helpful and friendly.... each time feels like a homecoming to a very beautiful home ! Monica in particular is a big favourite...although I dont want to be unfair to the others, I run courses there regularly and my course delegates love it too ! I come back again and again!!

Excellent relaxing weekend stay in this beautiful friendly hotel. Big thanks to all the wonderful staff who made us feel so welcome and looked after all weekend. The food was amazing both breakfast and dinner the chefs really take pride in what they do, and everything tasted beautiful. The front of house team were excellent at what they did very professional and a pleasure to watch making you feel so welcome I would definitely recommend anyone to stay here for a great relaxing time Thank you