I've been to Overwater a few times and find it difficult to believe that they can get better every time but they do. There are so many little touches that make this place my favourite hotel. The staff, the food, the personal attention to detail in everything just cannot be matched anywhere else. Can't wait to go back again.

I have thought long and hard about writing this review. We went to Overwater solely as a result of it's excellent TA reviews and came away somewhat disappointed. I had originally decided not to write a review as the staff and managers did seem to try very hard indeed and I did not want to put a dampener on their efforts. However, having just read the latest review from Tonyuke and re read the other headlines 'Hidden Treasure' and 'Heaven on Earth' I felt I should say that there is another point of view. To be fair to Overwater this is not our first slightly disappointing experience at a so called 'country house hotel' so maybe we should just avoid the category in the future.

Overwater is pleasant, the people seemed lovely but personally there is also a slightly depressing and heavy feel to the place. Others may disagree. It was mid winter and very cold outside after all. We have used the expression 'Heaven on Earth' ourselves in a previous review and Overwater for us is simply not in the Heaven on Earth league. We stayed for one night only rather than the four nights originally intended due to a change of plan.

On arrival we were greeted by the splendid Luke who really is a wonderfully attentive host, as good as it gets in fact. We were shown to a room at the rear of the hotel which was disappointingly small and somewhat drab more boarding house than hotel. I enquired about a change of room and we were offered room 4 at the front of the hotel which was a slight improvement but still rather disappointingly dull and on the small side. The bathroom though was excellent.

Dinner and breakfast were both excellent meals and the service was impeccable.

When I explained to Angela that we would be leaving early due to a change of plan she was genuinely most concerned that our decision was not in any way the fault of the hotel and to be fair it wasn't. A generously sized bedroom with a touch of opulence when on holiday is important to us and I should have made that clear when I made the reservation rather than relying on assumptions as a result of the splendid reviews.

When it came to paying the bill Angela explained that she would have to charge us for the weekend we had booked as the hotel was full but would provide a refund if she resold the room. It is now Saturday afternoon and I await further news on this.

Our score of 'average' is too low but I could not quite get myself to say 'very good.' Overwater Hall is a good hotel but for us not quite as good as the other reviews suggest.

A visit to Overwater Hall is quite an adventure. First you have to find it, then explore the delights of your room, then scale the heights of the menu.
The Grade II listed building is well tucked away but our SatNav found it okay. Luke, the ever-attendant manager opened the front door and remained a model of courtesy throughout our stay. (He was a finalist for the Cumbria Tourism Outstanding Customer Service Award.)
It was winter outside but our Turret Room was warm. The bathroom had tub and shower and a cabinet of toiletries. A separate lounge housed the smart TV, kettle and choice of teas. Pat spotted a mini decanter of fruit liquor with note saying ‘Nightcap’. We couldn’t wait and had a sip... lovely!
Our pre-dinner drink in the bar included canapés brought by hostess Angela. Then it was menu time. Surprise! There was a fish course (with fish knives!). Then choices too hard to make. Chef Adrian cooks with passion and a magic wand – his sauces beguile. The culinary artistry has to be tasted to be believed. The team were 2011 finalists for the Taste of Cumbria Award. The four-course dinners are legendary matched by the sumptuous dining room. We were glad we dressed for dinner.
Dog owners are invited to treat their canine companions to a well-deserved mini-break at this dog’s paradise. Guests can bring their dog at no extra cost and the lounge and bar areas are dog-friendly. There is even a dog sitting service available, along with the Dog of the Day website of fame.
Stephen Bore, and Angela and Adrian Hyde, bought this magnificent Georgian mansion in 1992 and spent 18 years refurbishing it, preserving the historic ambience with a clever mix of traditional and contemporary style (Wi-Fi throughout). The end result is tasteful, colourful and refined.
The hotel was voted Small Hotel of the Year twice – winners of the Northwest of England Award and the Cumbria Tourism Award 2010.
Overwater Hall is set in 18 acres of gardens and woodland with the dramatic backdrop of Skiddaw and the Uldale Fells. It’s a short hop to Keswick and Bassenthwaite Lake, the ideal base for a relaxing stay in peaceful surroundings. It dates back to 1814 and still has that gentry feel about it. It’s at the end of a lonely road yet it’s a treasure worth finding. The food is to live for – and the rooms are to vie for.

We found the Overwater Hotel quite by chance on the internet and were unsure what to expect. We booked for a family birthday party (eight of us) and so fingers were crossed! Everything was perfect and met our hopes and more. A wonderful quiet location surrounded by lovely countryside and views and a real gem of a hotel! Attentive but not intrusive service from all the staff who were very friendly and welcoming; very comfortable spacious rooms; cosy sitting areas; interesting wines and the most delicious local food served very attractively. Red squirrel played at the windows as we opened presents. Perfect! We could not fault anything and can't wait to return! We are delighted with our find!