The Samling Hotel

high class service?food

no air con

Excellent

Air conditioning

We enjoyed a superb dinner at the hotel’s Gathering restaurant. We felt pampered the moment we walked in to the stylish lounge for aperitifs. Our jaws dropped at the spectacular views of Lake Windermere from the restaurant. Food and wine were excellent. Service was courteous, friendly and unrushed. All in all a great place to wine and dine in this glorious part of the Lake District.

I had lunch at The Gathering on Saturday which was a lovely birthday treat from a friend. It's somewhere I have always wanted to try and would comment on it every time I drove past along the main road towards Ambleside. The views as you drive up to the car park are incredible and although it was a dull day, the lake is still spectacular. We were taken into the restaurant from the reception area which is very modern yet still in keeping with the rest of the hotel. There are floor to ceiling windows so that every table of guests can enjoy the views. I avoided the starters as they were not to my taste but had a beautiful cod dish which was delicate and perfectly cooked and followed this with a chocolate mousse type dessert. I was also given a chocolate "Happy Birthday" plate which was a lovely touch. My friend had a cheese souffle starter and followed that with lamb. The service, as you would expect, was superb - unobtrusive yet attentive. I sadly can't recall the name of our waiter but he was Hungarian and had been at The Samling for several years. There was absolutely no rush and afterwards we wandered around the gardens to appreciate the building from the outside.

Impressive location. Probably one of the best in the Lake District. Amazing views from our room, Grasmere. Peaceful too,as the hotel is well set back from the busy Ambleside road. Lots of secure parking in the grounds. Tasting menu on our first night was good, with our individual preferences catered for. We were well looked after by Rebecca and sommelier Nigel. They were both knowledgeable and fun. Would definitely go back.

Staff were excellent. Room very nice.

A nights accommodation and taster menu meal in the Michelin star restaurant for myself and my wife was a birthday gift and what a truly great gift it was. From the minute we arrived until we left, every member of staff from reception, lounge bar, restaurant and grounds staff were so friendly, polite, helpful and welcoming. Our room was great, spotlessly clean, with great views across Windermere. The seven foot wife bed was extremely comfortable. The icing on the cake was the taster menu, which was superb, amazing flavours from every dish, really hard to pick a favourite. I highly recommended The Samling.

We had the lunchtime menu at The Gathering and the whole experience was wonderful. A very warm welcome on arrival at the front door steps and we were escorted through to the restaurant. When we walked in, my husband and I were blown away with the amazing views from our table. Ceiling to floor views of lake Windermere. All of the food was outstanding especially the scallop ceviche, cod main and chocolate coffee delice dessert. We then relaxed with cocktails in the lounge which was lovely and we were so looked after throughout the whole afternoon. We can’t wait to return. As it was our anniversary they also brought out a special anniversary plate of chocolate truffles. Thank you so much.