Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa

I never expected to write a review like this. But then again, I never expected an experience like that! Let me say this upfront, the Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa didn't just meet expectations, they created magic ✨ Offering something more than comfort or luxury, they helped create a memory, one that will last forever. And for that, I owe them more than five stars. I’d planned something a little different for someone special. A weekend of ten surprise mini-dates. Playfully called #SuperDate, it was designed to unfold in chapters, each one delivered in a sealed envelope, each one building on the last. It was spontaneous and structured at the same time, like a scavenger hunt for connection. Dates 3 to 8, the centre of the story, took place at Lodore. And those were the ones I couldn’t have pulled off without the team. I’d booked on instinct alone, but from the first email, their warmth told me I’d chosen the right place. I could feel the care before we’d even stepped through the door. Jodie helped me coordinate every moment, the spa times, the dinner reservation, the Rasul Ritual, the breakfast slot, even leaving room for surprises. I never told her the full story at the time, but she rolled with it, piecing it all together so that I didn’t have to stress. It’s rare to feel like someone’s on your team when you’re just a name on a booking system. But that’s what she did. When we arrived, Marcell smiled as if he already knew the full story. Lynn’s face lit up too. Subtle, sincere. There was a beautiful energy at reception, it felt like being welcomed home to a place you’d never been before. And the little moments added up. Cara from the spa smiled knowingly when I got locked out of our room and joked, “Don’t worry, we’ve all been following along.” That hit me. We weren’t just guests. They were quietly cheering us on in the background. And that made everything feel a bit more real. A bit more magical ✨ Dinner at Mizu? Phenomenal. Impeccable service, incredible food, and two actual otters swimming past right next to us. I swear. You couldn’t plan it better. Then there was the violinist, playing the most beautiful soundtrack to the weekend. At one point, she played directly into my phone camera with a warm smile. I was so caught off guard I stopped recording and sheepishly walked away. Later, we crossed paths again and had a lovely chat. She’d seen me walking in earlier with my guitar and said she’d hoped to speak to me. That simple exchange became one of our favourite talking points over dinner. Music really is a language of connection. I want to say this clearly for anyone considering whether this place is “worth it.” It is. It’s not just the spa facilities or scenery (both of which are out of this world!). It’s about people. It’s about intention. It’s about the way they don’t just tolerate eccentric plans like mine, they support them. Facilitate them. Enrich them. And for the hotel staff reading this - you should know what your work meant. Thi

Booked a room on a Sunday evening at a cost of £212 enquired about using hotel Spa as a guest reception told me it was an additional £20 per person for 2 hours use of spa facilities. Felt a bit mean when already paying £200+ for the room but prepared to pay it for some R&R. When I contacted the Spa they said had some availability at 4.30pm - 6.30 pm but it would be £40 per person for the 2 hours. Perhaps it is me but this feels like Ryanair style profiteering and layering up the prices….really unhappy and soured the experience.

We arrived early and were greeted well by reception and given a rope and bracelet. Treatment was very relaxing ( electrical facial). We had a ‘complimentary’ drink in the package , which of course I paid a lot for as part of the package so nothing complimentary about it, it was limited menu but the drinks were nice. The bar area is through the spa and nice. Lunch was in the Mizo restaurant , now it’s a 2 course menu and the option for veggies it’s extremely poor. They had a stir fry noodle option on the main menu, which you would have to pay extra for. I don’t think it would hurt to have more veggie options on the menu, they had 2 main out of 7, which was ramen and a platter not impressive. The waiter couldn’t care less. Would it hurt to say you can have the stir fry noodles instead at no extra cost? I thought this was very poor. The spa itself has a big pool, and various steam and sauna rooms. It wasn’t as big as I thought, I was disappointed they didn’t have more and they didn’t have smaller jacuzzi spa pools. Also find it strange you have to book the spa time as every other spa I’ve been too you go to the spa whenever. Was really quiet in the morning and super busy in the afternoon so it wasn't about controlling numbers. Overall, a nice spa if I came again (which I doubt as there are better spas near me) I wouldn’t bother with lunch. £380 is quite steep as well.

What has happened to the Spa reception staff and therapist? I have been going every year for many years snd this time was a disappointing experience. Reception staff kept me waiting as they were on a phone call for a long time and didn’t acknowledge my waiting, so my treatment start time was rushed and delayed. Therapist needed training as I felt the massage was not up to standard. She walked into the room when I was getting dressed after my treatment even though I said wait as I wasn’t dressed. She then offered me water and a little pudding and deliberately spilt the pudding and was passive aggressive when I questioned reception keeping me waiting, saying well they have to answer the phone. Just very unprofessional and not the standard I expect from Ladore!

The setting for this hotel and spa in my opinion is second to none. The hotel is welcoming (including walkers and dogs). Rooms are quite expensive but food and drinks are reasonably priced for this type of establishment. We enjoyed the spa especially the outdoor pool. The food in the Mizu restaurant was different and very tasty and the service excellent. We weren’t disappointed with the view from our room so if this is important to you make sure to book a room with a view. Very convenient for the launch around Derwentwater and the bus through Borrowdale for walking.

We booked The Lodore for my husband's 40th birthday as it's on the circular walk route around the derwentwater and looked lovely online. We were a little unsure after mixed reviews but we were really impressed during our whole experience and would love to return. We enjoyed our complimentary drinks (prosecco or soft drink - shame a beer option was not included) and then we ate in Mizu restaurant and enjoyed the skewer platters, gyoza and desserts. The hotel grounds were beautiful with lots of seating areas. Our room was nice and clean. Breakfast options were plentiful - sat by the window for a wonderful view! We booked for the morning spa session and it was wonderful. Lots of different rooms and the heated pool had bubbles and a magnificent view! We loved walking up Catbells and drove up to surprise view for both sunset and sunrise. We also walked down to the Chinese Bridge and swam in the river which was crystal clear and very refreshing! All in all a fantastic trip - one we will remember and one we'd love to repeat!!