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The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

4.0 star property
Lakefront hotel with a restaurant and a bar

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Photo gallery for The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

Bar (on property)
Property video
Property grounds
Lake
Property entrance

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pet friendly
  • Housekeeping
  • Parking included

Explore the area

View in a map
Lake Road, Ambleside, England, LA22 0ER
  • Place, Lake Windermere
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Ambleside Pier
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Borrans Park
    ‪3 min walk‬

Room options

View all photos for Double Room

Double Room | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Double Room

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(9 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Classic Double or Twin Room, Lake View

In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Classic Double or Twin Room, Lake View

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Double or Twin Room, Lake View

Superior Double or Twin Room, Lake View | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Superior Double or Twin Room, Lake View

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 237 sq ft
  • Lake view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Classic Double or Twin Room

In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Classic Double or Twin Room

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(5 reviews)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | In-room safe, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Family Room

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • 215 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

About the neighborhood

Ambleside

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group places you next to Lake Windermere and Ambleside Pier. This 41-room, 4-star hotel welcomes guests with a restaurant, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Lake Windermere - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Ambleside Pier - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Borrans Park - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Ambleside Climbing Wall - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Rothay Park - 17 min walk - 0.9 miles

Getting around

  • Windermere Station - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wateredge Inn - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Freshers’ Cafe - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪The White Lion - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Rothay Manor Hotel - ‬13 min walk
  • ‪The Royal Oak - ‬15 min walk

About this property

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

Lakefront hotel with a restaurant and a bar
Guests staying at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a terrace, and a garden. Free parking is available if you drive. Front-desk staff can help with luggage storage, and provide local restaurant recommendations.
24-inch flat-screen TVs come with digital channels, and guests can stay connected with free WiFi. Electric kettles, hair dryers, and safes are also available.
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn
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  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Breakfast available
9.2 out of 10, Wonderful, 512 reviews
$75 nightly
The price is $90
Nov 27 - Nov 28
Total with taxes and fees
Lakehouse at The Waterhead Inn

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee
  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Conveniences

  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • On a lake
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)

More

  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 24-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Front desk staffed during limited hours
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets for GBP 15 per pet, per night
  • 2 total pets
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • Guests can request a pet-friendly room by contacting the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

These fees and deposits will be charged at check-in, check-out, or the time of service.

  • Pet fee: GBP 15 per pet, per night
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits might not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
  • Check-in: 3 PM—-11:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:30 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 18
The front desk is available during limited hours. Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • There are no elevators.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.
  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.
  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Property is also known as

Waterhead Boutique Hotel Ambleside
Waterhead Boutique Hotel
Waterhead Boutique Ambleside
Waterhead Boutique
Waterhead Hotel Ambleside
Waterhead Ambleside
Waterhead
Waterhead Hotel Ambleside Lake District
Ambleside Hotel Waterhead
Hotel Waterhead
Waterhead Hotel
The Waterhead Inn
The Waterhead Inn The Inn Collection group
The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group Hotel
The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group Ambleside
The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group Hotel Ambleside

Frequently asked questions

Is a free cancellation option available at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group provides free cancellation on select room rates. For more details, take a look at the cancellation policy on Orbitz.

What can I see near The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?

This hotel is located in Ambleside, just steps from Lake Windermere and Ambleside Pier, and within a short walk of Borrans Park. You'll also find Rothay Park and Ambleside Climbing Wall less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel.

Does The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group have a casino at the property?

No, The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?

No, there is no indoor pool at this hotel.

Is The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group a good place to stay for couples?

At this lakeside hotel, couples will appreciate amenities like a bar and a restaurant plus some guestrooms include lake views.

Does The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group have a restaurant that serves breakfast?

Yes, The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group serves a full breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although they can't stay for free, pets are welcome at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group for a fee of GBP 15 per pet, per night.

Are there connecting rooms at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this hotel.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?

No, at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group, there aren't any guestrooms that list a balcony.

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 186 out of 324 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 96 out of 324 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 324 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 324 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 324 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Darin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Conveniently located, also has a wonderful supper.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sanjay

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice location and great breakfast
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kevin

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Summer stay in Ambleside

Lovely hotel in a great location. Views over Windermere are amazing. The car park can be a tight squeeze for larger cars. The premises features a very large pub on the ground floor, which is used for a great breakfast for guests. Reception desk for hotel guests is in the bar. The bedroom was very well appointed, clean and spacious. The only issue that I had was that the staff were a little inattentive... Unnecessary waits to be served, tables in restaurant/bar area were not cleared quickly, not much in the way of a warm, friendly welcome.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Alam, Tracy

Traveled with partner, Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent location facing the lake. I wish they had elevators.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sara

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful building, great food in the restaurant, delightful location.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent hotel in great location

Excellent hotel in great location Very good breakfast too
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Rachael

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property to stay at, i think we just got unlucky with our family room. Room really too cramped to be a family room with 1 very small window in the corner. Unable to keep the window open at all due to the noise from either a generator/kitchen below. However, super friendly & helpful staff. Good choice of food & great breakfast. Lovely lake front location!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Lovely hotel in a lovely location

Really lovely place. We stayed 6 nights and couldn't really fault it. None of the negatives in other reviews were the case for us. Notably, the breakfast buffet was extensive, fresh and very tasty! We ate several other meals there and they were all absolutely delicious and, though not served speedily, they were very fresh. The location is gorgeous, the terrace beautiful, being so near the water was wonderful. The buses to Ambleside & Grasmere are right near the Inn, or a pleasant 15 min walk to Ambleside. Yes, there's a busy-ish road between the Inn and the lake and I am a light sleeper, but I brought earplugs. My partner slept soundly. Huge bed which was amazing. Very firm but I got used to it. Ours was a large room on the top floor far from the bar, no neighbour noise. Brilliant offer whereby if you don't want your room serviced every day, they will give you both a free drink each night. The bar/eating area was lovely. Would definitely return and recommend. Only thing that puzzled us was that we seemed to be the youngest there, and we are middle-aged.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property and the staff was outstanding.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

6/10 Okay

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Great except the food

A great location and room 11 we stayed in has a balcony looking over Lake Windermere. Lift not working. Staff friendly and helpful. Holiday let down by the food. We had dinner on the first night - veg was cold and chips half cooked. Pie crust was like concrete and gravy very thin. Not a nice experience so ate out of the hotel for the rest of the holiday
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

David, White Bear Lake

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Convenient location and amenities
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

sean

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Kevin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Great position
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The pub is nice and the hotel is not

The rooms are wonderful, but they can be a bit noisy due to the hotel's proximity to the main road. It was very upsetting that the lady who welcomed us from the hotel did not want to give us our room 25 minutes before 15:00, when the rooms were ready (the papers with our names and the keys were on the table), so we had to wait with 2 large luggages at the bar (the don't have reception as well). After a long trip, this wasn't very pleasant. For the price, It's better to go to the Wateredge it has better view, is cheaper and the service will be the same.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shannon

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful inn with lots to do close by. The rooms were large and quiet. Breakfast was very good. We would highly recommend this place for a stay in Ambleside.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dave

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great hotel in a great location with excellent staff
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

4/10 Poor

Mike

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness
Location excellent. Room very good. Staff stretched but friendly Meal poor, one dish sent back. No hot water for ALL4 nights. Reported but not resolved. Small compensation received.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

We would return

The hotel could not have been at a better location on the lake, a very large bar area with terrace overlooking the lake, service was excellent and the room was larger than expected, the breakfast was excellent and we ate twice in the hotel and tad expensive for what it was, we had our dog who could accompany us almost everywhere in the hotel, we enjoyed our stay and would return.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

4/10 Poor

Klarna

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service

Unpleasant stay for the price

The room had cobwebs and the carpet full of pet hair all bathroom fittings were lose and falling off 250£ a night for that Not recommended
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tania

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Love it there, so pretty. Worked for our budget. Friendly staff. Great to have a restaurant at the location for our tired travellers.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We stayed in a classic double room with view which was large and comfortable ( apart from pillows). The Bar area is very nice and large serving food and drinks ( not the best menu choices and drinks pricey). Staff were attentive and friendly but it’s not a hotel it’s more of a bar with rooms above with nothing much to do if it’s a cold rainy day. We ventured out into the town ( about 15 minutes walk), which was okay with a few shops/ bars/ restaurants. Breakfast was nice with a good choice, all very good but not sure it’s a true 4*.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

6/10 Okay

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good location, average hotel, above average price

I cannot fault the location of this hotel, it faces Lake Windermere with wonderful views. However (no fault of the hotel), you can't actually walk around the lake from this point, you run out of footpath. Parking is very limited but I did manage to find a space and the room was clean and spacious. The main issue is that the hotel wasn't really like a usual four star hotel (other than the price), it was like a pleasant pub with bar meals and rooms to rent. When you park your car, there is a sign to say "Checkin at the pub" but doesn't say where to go or even which pub. Breakfast is not a buffet apart from the cereals, yoghurt fruits and drinks which is generally a good thing as the breakfasts are cooked to order. But there was an element of disorganisation about it, they ran out of spoons, they ran out of bowls, they ran out of plates etc. The breakfast was actually very nice, came piping hot and the staff were both pleasant and hard working (I was served by a very pleasant, very tall waiter and an older lady both of whom did a good job), but despite how hard they worked, I felt they were understaffed and not well managed. I have reviewed this at three stars, because there was not a lot wrong with this hotel and all of it could be put right with a little more organisation. We also ate at the restaurant in the evening and the food was absolutely fine as a bar meal.
Bar/restaurant area
View from restaurant
Bedroom (very good)
Dinner (more like a bar meal than a four star hotel restaurant)
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

avinash, san antonio

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great service large and clean rooms with all amenities needed. Staff was fantastic.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

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