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The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

4.0 star property
4-star hotel near Lake Windermere

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Photo gallery for The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

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

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, Rydal Mount
    ‪6 min drive‬

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
(8 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

On lake.With a stay at this Ambleside hotel, you'll be steps from Ambleside Pier and a 5-minute walk from Lake Windermere. Borrans Park and Ambleside Climbing Wall are also within half a mile (1 km).

What's nearby

  • Lake Windermere - 1 min walk - 0.0 miles
  • Ambleside Pier - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Brockhole - the Lake District Visitor Centre - 4 min drive - 2.1 miles
  • Rydal Mount - 6 min drive - 2.7 miles
  • Wray Castle - 8 min drive - 4.3 miles

Getting around

  • Windermere Station - 8 min drive

Restaurants

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

About this property

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group

4-star hotel near Lake Windermere
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group also features a terrace and a garden. Free self parking is available.

This 4-star Ambleside hotel is smoke free.

  • 41 guestrooms or units
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group offers 41 accommodations with safes and hair dryers. 24-inch flat-screen televisions come with digital channels.

Bathrooms include shower/tub combinations. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Housekeeping is provided daily.

Similar properties

Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine
Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group
  • Breakfast included
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 271 reviews
$110 nightly
The price is $132
Nov 9 - Nov 10
Total with taxes and fees
Wateredge Inn- The Inn Collection group

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

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)

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • 24-inch flat-screen TV with digital channels

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

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

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

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 15 per pet, per night
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Certain rooms only, restrictions apply
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

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

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

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

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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards, and cash.

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in certain rooms only; other restrictions apply (please see the Fees section for related charges). To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation.
  • 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

Does The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group.

How much does it cost to stay at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?

As of Oct 14, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group on Nov 13, 2025 start from $110.22, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Does The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group offer free breakfast?

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group does not offer free breakfast. It's available every day from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.

Is there a casino at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?

No, there is no casino at this hotel.

What time is check-in at The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group?

Check-in start time: 3 PM; Check-in end time: 11:00 PM.

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

This hotel offers free self parking.

Does The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group have a pool?

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group does not have a pool.

Does The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this hotel.

How close is The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group to downtown Ambleside?

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group is 0.1 mi away from Waterhead.

Reviews

The Waterhead Inn - The Inn Collection group Reviews

8.8

Excellent

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.6/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.4/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 185 out of 319 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 94 out of 319 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 27 out of 319 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 319 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 319 reviews

Reviews

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

8/10 Good

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Elliott

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

marisa

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

alexander

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

First class accomodation.

First class room, very clean with excellent decor. Staff were very attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Lyndsey

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Really enjoyed the stay, just a couple of things let down the stay. Booked for two people and there was a big towel short. We asked 4 times for another towel and got told they would sort it, the young lady who we mentioned it to last did ask us (several hours later, after returning from day out) if it had been put in our room which it hadn’t . As this was the evening of day 2 we thanked her for asking and checking but said it didn’t matter. She seemed to be really efficient at her job, very friendly and remembered those she spoke to previously. We had food on the first evening in the hotel and ordered burgers. The portion size was tiny for the price, the burger was really bland so left half . When asked if everything was ok we said it was bland and the guy just said sorry and walked off. We went for breakfast the next morning which was lovely and fresh with lots of variety and choice of cooked breakfast items aswel as continental teams. Service was excellent . Overall the stay was lovely, room was nice, clean and cozy. Bed was comfy and extra pillows provided in the wardrobes.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

JOSEPHINE

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved our stay,Staff at Breakfast were amazing very friendly and the Eggs Royale were beautiful thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025