Deals of the day
Château de La Chèvre d’Or
Nature is everywhere at Château de la Chèvre d’Or. There are lots of different gardens filled with sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, flowers, herbs, trees and shrubs. The area is perfumed with the scents of jasmine, bougainvillea and roses. The magnificent colors create a framework that blends into the horizon and the sea…
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is a luxury boutique hotel with an exquisite design inspired by music. To compliment the musical concept, master designer Zoltan Varro’s vision was to simultaneously recreate the rich, lavish atmosphere of a historic Hungarian palace while also embracing visitors in the warmth and comfort of a private residence…
Cliveden House
Cliveden House is a privately owned 5 Red Star award-winning hotel, and sister to the world-renowned Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa in Hampshire. Our story is one of over 350 years of powerful personalities, iconic parties and scandalous affairs. Built in 1666 by the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, as a gift to his mistress, Cliveden House has remained a pinnacle of…
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera
In the beautiful and protected island of Formentera, Gecko Hotel & Beach Club was set out for like-minded individuals to unwind, connect with oneself and nature and above all celebrate life. Gecko brings to Formentera a new form of hospitality that unites our love for the island, the beach life and the elegance of a time in the past that continues to inspire us. Our clublike restaurant, in front of the Migjorn beach, offers a…
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery
In search for unique places, sometimes you need to get off the main roads. However, let them lead you to Bale, Istria. Then slow down and follow the road that gets narrower with every mile, as nature draws closer. Slow down even more, and then make a turn into the white road. As the iron gates of the Meneghetti estate open up in front of you, stop for just one moment – and realize that the magic actually appears off the…
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris
La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris, a 5-star hotel in the centre of Paris, offers you a unique stay in a typically Parisian atmosphere. The building was built in 1907 by the Hennessy family, during the enchanting interlude offered by the Paris of the “Belle Époque”. Reflecting this magical era, our luxury hotel in Paris embodies a certain French art de vivre. La Clef Champs-Élysées Paris enjoys an idyllic setting and immerses you in the…
Cocos Hotel Antigua
Perched on a lush green hillside, encircled by miles of heavenly blue sea and sandwiched between two gorgeous white sand beaches is COCOS Hotel, an all inclusive Antigua resort for couples and adults only. This rustic yet romantic and cozy boutique resort is located on the sunset side of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Antigua and comprises of a collection of 35 quaint wooden Cottages positioned on a pictoresque…
Kudadoo Private Island
Kudadoo’s renowned eco-consciousness and sleek design extend to the Maldives island’s 15 over-water residences where your uninterrupted enjoyment of the private island charm and the splendid natural surrounds are the norm….
Il Sereno Como
Il Sereno brings a new era of luxury to the banks of Italy’s iconic Lake Como. Awarded the title of “Most Anticipated New Luxury Hotel Opening in 2016” by Luxury Travel Advisor magazine, Il Sereno’s ethos of understated elegance presents a freshness to this well-established destination. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Wallpaper* Magazine Designer of The Year 2015, the all-suite hotel promises modern style and an authentic…
Boutique Hotel Die Alpbacherin
The history of DER ALPBACHERIN began in the former Angelika house. Some time ago, in the middle of Alpbach, at house number 405, stood the small bed and breakfast “Haus Angelika”. Georg and Lisa ran them with a lot of love. The success proved you right and so the desire for a new place for more guests was born. A dream came true. Together with daughter Valentina and her boyfriend Thomas, plans, dreams and…
Azulik Tulum
In the heart of the Mayan jungle, a revolutionary project is about to redefine human evolution. A new vision of the future that is guided by ancestral knowledge and creates community is beginning to shape up.The VILLAS of AZULIK Tulum are built in harmony with the Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea. With no electric light, A/C, or television, we present nature as our main amenity, setting the perfect mood for a…
Il San Pietro Di Positano
The San Pietro di Positano is more than a hotel. It is a journey within a journey, where memories are created and never forgotten. A haven of peace, immersed in nature, this elegant home harmonises old-world traditions of hospitality with contemporary, understated luxury. Escape to this small slice of paradise suspended between the sea and sky. Carved into the cliff overlooking the mediterranean Sea, our rooms are a…
Laucala Island Fiji
A private island refuge in the South Pacific, Laucala unites dramatic rainforest-laced landscapes and white sandy beaches with unparalleled levels of luxury and privacy. No expense has been spared at the exclusive tropical hideaway, where 25 Fijian-styled villas are set amid coconut plantations, beside deserted beaches and atop the island’s volcanic mountains, overlooking fertile coral reefs and endless jungle. Style and…
Cavo Tagoo Santorini
The exclusive Cavo Tagoo Santorini, twin of Cavo Tagoo Mykonos is located within walking distance from Fira and just a few kilometers from Oia, the resort offers luxurious suites, spectacular sunsets over the sea and a personalized service exceptional. All Suites are modern and feature a hot tub or private pool on the terrace style, design details, 43-inch LCD satellite TV, patio or terrace with stunning panoramic view…
Bawah Reserve
A gorgeous tropical paradise surrounded by a blue ocean, Bawah Reserve sits in sheltered seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in the remote Anambas Archipelago, Indonesia. This pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area is surrounded by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs, which cater to outdoor adventurers looking to indulge as well as those looking to relax in paradise…
Mnemba Island Lodge
Steeped in culture and history, Zanzibar enticed adventurers, seafarers and traders from far and wide. Known as the spice island, from the centuries old trade of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon, today the Zanzibar Archipelago is still bathed in the heady scents of spices and traditional dhows still drift across the horizon. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside…
Casa Casuarina Miami
Casa Casuarina was built in 1930 by Alden Freeman. Alden Freeman’s father, Joel Freeman was Treasurer of The Standard Oil Trust (also known as Rockefeller’s Company) and left Alden a fabulous wealth when he passed away. That gave the young and wealthy Alden the opportunity to retire at the age of 27 from being an architect and travel all over the world. Alden was also a descendent of the Mayflower on his mother’s side…
Palazzo Navona Rome
The innovative Palazzo Navona Hotel fully deserved of its role as being amongst one of the most qualified 4 star Hotels within the city “centro”, capable of fulfilling its own lifestyle qualities to satisfy even the most demanding guest. The intimate and charming ambience emits a feeling of almost magic by creating a special atmosphere which pervades this residence surrounded by its historical-art and ancient Roman…
Relais Borgo Santo Pietro
Situated in the heart of Tuscany, Relais Borgo Santo Pietro was once a healing stopover for medieval pilgrims. Today it continues to provide a sanctuary for modern souls, merging a 5 star luxury hotel and spa concept with a ‘farm to plate’ philosophy on a 300-acre estate. A sumptuous feeling of home pervades the 800-year-old luxury farmhouse hotel, with its worn leather armchairs pulled up around open fires, fresh flower…
Juma Amazon Lodge
With its prime location in one of the most remote and preserved regions of the Amazon Rainforest, Juma Amazon Lodge is an intimate and inviting property harmoniously nestled into the forest environment which defines it. Juma Amazon Lodge features 19 intimate bungalows seamlessly nestled into the lush surroundings of the Amazon Rainforest. In order to accommodate the water levels of the wet season…
Villa Principe Leopoldo Lugano
Live in a fairy tale, surrounded by prestige and nature. Imagine contemplating Lugano’s beauty in a princely residence. The former private home of German Emperor Wilhelm’s brother in law, the Villa is located on a picturesque promontory called the Collina d’Oro (Golden Hill), whose views and location are the best kept secret in town. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live in a legendary home, a stay…
Piccolo Hotel Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino, surrounded by the typical luxuriant vegetation of the Liguria Riviera, among the crystal clear water of Portofino and the blue sky, is a piece of art of the reception, unique of its kind. A hidden jewel, that has to be searched end discovered. Obtained from a refined period villa, today it is a boutique hotel, and from its generous terraces, a breathtaking view onto this exclusive stretch of coast…
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The Royal Mansour can be counted amongst the few establishments in the world that defy hotel excellence. Just a few steps away from the famous Jemaa El Fna square beats the heart of the Marrakesh Palace, offering travellers the unique concept of a medina within a medina.
Each area has been designed to intuitively take guests on a sensory journey. Take a step into the secret and sumptuous history of one of the…
Villa Belvedere Taormina
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful and charming boutique hotel, located at just a few minutes from Taormina’s lively town centre and from the world-famous Greek-Roman Theatre, which are both reachable by walking through the inspiring and panoramic Duca di Cesarò Botanic Gardens. The hotel benefits of wonderful views over the sea, the bay of Naxos and Mount Etna. The hotel has always been…
Nestling at the foot of Shepherds Crag in the pretty Borrowdale valley at the tip of Derwentwater, the Borrowdale Hotel opened its doors in 1866 – just a year after the railway reached Keswick and Victorian visitors began exploring the Borrowdale Valley.
As one of the first Coaching Inns, it gained a reputation for fine hospitality and was patronised by H.R.H. Prince Arthur, The Prince of Wales. Today, that tradition of great hospitality and a warm welcome continues in this four star Lake District Hotel.
From the moment you arrive, you will enjoy the unique and welcoming atmosphere created by the friendly General Manager and her team. From real log fires, deep pile carpets and comfortable armchairs and sofas with plenty of cushions, to the daily newspapers, fresh floral displays and the tick of the Grandfather clock chiming away.
The Graves family welcomed ‘The Borrowdale Hotel’ into their unique group of 6 Lake District Hotels in 2008. Since then, the hotel has been transformed by ongoing refurbishments, remaining sympathetic to its character and allowing tradition and personality to pervade – like the original 41 room bells that hang in the hall.
The comfortable lounges invite you to relax and enjoy a rest after a day on the fells or a boat trip from Keswick – perhaps with a spot of afternoon tea or a drink before dinner.
The elegantly contemporary look, marrying oak panels with modern furnishings of the lounge bar create a welcoming space, to enjoy morning coffees, lunches, afternoon teas and early evening bar meals.
Step into the bright conservatory which looks out to the historic Victorian veranda and pretty gardens while the fells beyond provide the perfect vista for relaxed informal eating.
Later in the evening it’s somewhere you can enjoy a pre-dinner drink and after dinner coffee with petit fours and perhaps a brandy in front of the roaring fire. The elegant dining room also features glass fronted doors which entice guests into the wine tasting cellar that boasts a comprehensive wine list.
THE HISTORY
The Borrowdale Hotel has been taking guests since 1866 and was one of the first coaching inns built in the Borrowdale valley, remaining a favourite for returning guests ever since. The Graves family bought the hotel in 2008 starting a new era in the hotel’s history. Many old features still exist in the hotel, most notibly the old bells opposite the reception.
Previously the hotel was owned and run by Peter Fidrmuc, his parents Jean and Günter Fidrmuc purchased the hotel in 1973. Peter reflected on his time with the hotel and said “When we took over, there were no phones in the bedrooms and no central heating!”
The hotel still has copies of adverts from the hotels first 20 years in which they proudly advertise “hot, cold and shower baths and collection by Omnibus from Keswick station!”.
We have pictures throughout the hotels 140 year history and some original invoices too. One of the earliest adverts for the hotel can be found in an 1879 publication “Gates Ewe Shepherds Guide for Cumberland and Westmorland and Lancashire”.
The gardens were created at the same time as the hotel and the Cherry and Magnolia trees, planted the same year, can still be seen today. “Rarely do they both flower at the same time but it seems that the Magnolia tree has quite a following” said Kit Graves, Director.
“In April and May we have quite a few lunchtime visitors who come specially to see the Magnolia in bloom. While it never flowers for long, it is a beautiful sight while it does!”.
It is the history of the hotel that is fascinating. In its early days the hotel was patronised by “H.R.H. Prince Arthur, The Prince of Wales and other leading nobility of Great Britain”.
The Borrowdale Hotel has passed through several owners. The first were the Italian Cesari family who moved to the Lake District from Inverness, Scotland. The hotel includes an article from 1908 which discusses a fire which did £60 of damage!
The Askew family ran the hotel and a coaching company that took guests to and from the station, and the original coaching timetable is part of the hotels collection. The Coward family and the Goodfellow’s have also been proprietors – some old photographs of the hotel highlight the name changes.
During the early part of the 20th century two well known sisters were in charge – Mabel Leyland and Elsie Whittaker who ran the hotel during the Second World War. Elsie’s son Peter Whittaker (a previous owner of Treeby and Bolton, Keswick) took over before passing it to his brother Michael. It was Michael who then sold it to Jean and Gunter Fidrmuc at 5pm on 19th April 1973.
ROOMS & SUITES
The best of the old traditions; appealing rooms, superb hospitality and fine fayre have been maintained and preserved at the Borrowdale Hotel. In our 40 bedrooms modern comfort is paramount and the rooms live up to today’s expectations of comfortable beds, rich coloured fabrics, flat screen TV’s and bright, clean bathrooms.
In addition to single and double rooms there are also family suites and four easily accessible ground floor rooms specially designed for less able guests with car parking immediately outside the door.
The hotel is also happy to welcome well behaved dogs in a number of rooms – a custom dating back to when the hotel opened in 1866. Rest assured that our bedrooms are cleaned to a very high standard so if you’re not a dog person you won’t even know there’s been one in the room! We also have rooms which we don’t allow dogs in, please let us know when you book if you would like one of these rooms.
DINING
Elegant dining, tempting menus and personal service – ingredients that make the restaurant popular with residents and locals alike. The menu is prepared with the finest fresh, local ingredients and includes a traditional roast carved by from our silver carving trolley.
The finest of food deserves the finest of wines, so through glass doors in the restaurant a stunning walk-in wine cellar displays our wine and champagne collection, cased in beautiful rich wood.
CONSERVATORY & LOUNGES
The lounge, conservatory and garden offer the perfect location to relax and enjoy morning coffee, lunches, light bites and afternoon tea. Open throughout the day to everyone, your four-legged friend can join you whilst you dine.
The veranda was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, allowing guests to take tea and admire the views. Visitors today now have the option of taking a seat in the new look conservatory!
Enjoy morning coffee or a light lunch with stunning scenery any day of the year – and what finer place to have a truly traditional Lakeland Afternoon Tea? Perfectly prepared sandwiches, scones and divine cakes, a truly indulgent treat.
GARDEN ALFRESCO DINING
The pretty landscaped gardens have been admired for over 140 years and the ancient Magnolia attracts garden enthusiasts who return each year to see this magnificent floral triumph.
Where better to see the sun set over Cat Bells mountain range – made famous by Beatrix Potter’s Miss Tiggywinkle (even more extraordinary when you know that Miss Potter was born the year the hotel first opened).
Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, as well as light bites throughout the day from our seasonal lounge menu with a wide range of speciality coffees, teas and herbal teas as well as alcoholic beverages including cocktails and real ales.
DELICIOUS SUNDAY LUNCHES
You can’t beat a traditional Sunday lunch; a meal fit for a King, or Queen with delicious juicy roasts, fluffy Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy. At the Borrowdale Hotel, we’re famous for our traditional Sunday roast, where the meat is carved right from the silver carving trolley in the elegant restaurant.
Our carving trolley has been wheeling its way round the restaurant for the last 35 years and is still in use today, bringing the carvery, the chef and some old-fashioned theatre to the dining table.
AFTERNOON TEA
The relaxing atmosphere of the Borrowdale Hotel makes it the perfect place to enjoy afternoon tea. The cosy atmosphere of the lounges with their roaring fires offer a wonderful spot to indulge in a luxury afternoon tea during the winter months. Or in the warmer months the conservatory and gardens are a bright alternative with beautiful surroundings and views to the fells.
