Hipping Hall is a 17th century house close to Kikby Lonsdale. It is tastefully renovated and decorated on the inside with quirky rooms and an intimate feel.
Having checked out the website and read numerous positive review on trip advisor, we felt the need to see for ourselves, so we set to the beautiful Lakes District.
It was like the stresses of the working week melted away as we pulled into the driveway and saw this lovely hotel and its small but lovely grounds.
Rates include dinner, bed and breakfast as well as tea/coffee and home made biscuits on arrival - what a lovely start to what would be a relaxing weekend.
There are 9 room options including 3 cottages. For our stay we chose room 3. Whilst one of the smaller rooms in the hotel we were happy with our choice as it was cosy, had fabulous views over the garden and had a great bathroom.
All rooms are decorated in muted tones with Vi-spring beds, meaning a comfy nights sleep.
The hotel provides good quality toiletries, bath robes and bottled water in room as well as free newspaper of your choice.
Please note - there is no mini bar, tea/coffee making facilities or fridge in the room, but the idea of the hotel is as a retreat where all of your needs can be taken care of. You wouldn't want to be going out to eat as the food here is fantastic !
Meals were served in the impressive dining hall with a large wood fire place. There is a decent range of options available on the al a carte menu - we would have loved to try them all but decided on the scallop entree and the lamb loin main.
Breakfast is included - a decent sized menu is provided and you can order whatever you like and have it cooked fresh - a welcome change from standing in those canteen like queues waiting for some stale baked beans that have has some egg and half a sausage dropped in them.
The smoothies were amazing, the full English was delicious and the quality of the produce for all meals was beautiful.
The hotel is great for relaxation and romantic getaways. With attentive staff, intimate feeling, relaxed atmosphere and great food. AND, it is so nice to see owners who have kept such a lovely property in original condition and with many original fixtures BUT have been brave enough to make the necessary changes to allow modern amenities and clean, fresh contemporary feel to the rooms.
Too often hotels in older style buildings feels that EVERYTHING including the carpet, crockery and linens should be from the same age - might attract the retirees, but in this now heavily competitive market it will not attract the experienced traveller.
Although the grounds were a liitle smaller than expected, we were very impressed during our visit and would definitely return. Hipping Hall deserves all accolades received on trip advisor.
