Beware -- stayed in an 'American styled" B&B in Ambleside South Lakes which neither felt like a B&B, nor American. Tiny rooms -- gurgling noises from my bathroom when neighbours in the attic used theirs. No black out curtains -- important when the sun is up in the summer from 4:30 am. Grim stained carpeting in room. Cinderblocks hallways. Aunt Jemima syrup offered as 'maple syrup' (despite availability of the proper Canadian stuff in the UK), along side cheap concentrated OJ. Their 'warm' welcome was -- two rules! Don't smoke and don't bring food in. There was no conversation - "how was your journey?" "Do you need any recommendations for walking etc?" are typical English B&B questions. Stay on the bus and go to Keswick instead -- or hire a car to get to Newlands. Will not deviate from the Rick Steves' guidebook again in the Lakes.
Posted by
OP
Mostly Europe!
5 posts
Thanks for the solidarity. Really appreciate the support. I will put a review on TA, too -- but am bracing myself for the owners' negative rebuttals -- their comments about others are quite fierce and not particularly nice. So -- for next time -- will read ALL the comments on TA -- and not be swayed by a high level of TA rating without looking at those brave comments who disagree with the general crowd.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
Thanks for sharing those details.