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4.0
#5 of 9 hotels in Penrith
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The George Hotel is something of a local treasure, situated in the pretty market town of Penrith, perfectly located to explore the Eden valley with Ullswater and the Lake District just a few miles away. The lounge is popular with locals for morning coffee and cake, lunches and afternoon teas.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
HOTEL STYLE
Historic Hotel
Business
Languages Spoken
English, Polish, Romanian
Location
Devonshire Street, Penrith CA11 7SU England
The George Hotel
1,518 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The George Hotel enjoys a reputation for its inviting atmosphere, complete with festive decorations and a relaxing lounge that oozes old-world charm. While guests have called out its spotless cleanliness and comfortable amenities, including quality toiletries and clean rooms, opinions on value and room space vary.
Some travelers criticize the hotel for overpriced meals and find the rooms cramped, though deals and secure parking have been appreciated. The service receives mixed reviews, with guests often encountering helpful and friendly staff, but some report slow and disorganized service.
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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What a fantastic time we had, our wedding got cancelled so we treated ourselves to a few days away in the lakes. A room upgrade to a feature room and chocolates and a card greeted us - what a fabulous surprise, thank you! Room was super spacious and newly decorated with an impressive bathroom. All staff very smiley and chatty without being overbearing and nothing was too much trouble, shout out to the lovely cleaner lady who provided fresh towels and blankets with super speed and a smile. Only small issue was lack of hot water in shower one morning but I had a hot bath instead!
Covid precautions made us feel safe and for the money paid for 3 nights, the excellent value means we will definitely be returning in December.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded Sep 26, 2020
Thanks a lot Samantha for taking the time to write that lovely review. Emma is a bit of a star in housekeeping. Hope to see you again soon. Stay safe. Dave and team George
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This is a traditional hotel in the centre of Penrith. I booked through a Groupon voucher for 1 night but decided we’d like to stay for 2 to explore the area. I contacted the hotel to book an extra night with no problem, they even offered it at the same Groupon price to be paid direct to them. My daughter decided to join us for one night and when adding her on to my booking they offered the same price again. Our room was large, clean but had a musky smell and quite worn in places, this wasn’t one of the refurbished rooms. It was also quite cold,however there was an extra plug in electric heater which did the trick, there was no hot water through the tap or shower just bearable at lukewarm. On check-in we wasn’t informed of anything but did receive a email. I asked could we have a table for 4 for breakfast on the 2nd morning. The first morning the waiter was so kind and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. However the 2nd morning we were greeted by a waitress/matron who was very stern, I asked for our table for 4 where we were directed to the far corner, which was in a draft and made our breakfast and drinks cold very quick. I asked if I could have some cheese in my scrambled egg with a stern “NO” I was quite taken aback. No manners at all and treated quite differently from the previous morning where nothing seemed to be much trouble When my daughter checked in everything was explained to her, she was asked to pay £145, her room was clean and quite small but the bathroom had been refurbished. We had a drink in Dappers bar with a roaring fire and reasonably priced for a hotel. The bartender was very pleasant too. We booked a meal at the lounge the first night and salsa the second - both worth a visit. On checking out we were asked to pay our bill for our extra night. I explained we’d already paid £145, but this was for my daughters room, they’d charged her the ? normal rate and nobody had communicated that we’d been offered a discounted price for the 2 extra nights. Surely this should of been documented on our booking. To be honest I’d of been shocked and disappointed if that was the normal rate for that room as it was quite pokey. I’ve stayed in a lot nicer hotel rooms around the lakes for less. It was also quite embarrassing trying to explain this at reception, to be told I don’t know who took your booking, well it was the person that answered the phone on Monday 12th and Wednesday 14th about 8pm both times. But if you go on Booking.com double rooms start at £89 per night so where did you get £145 per night from? Fortunately we did have a lovely couple of nights away but not sure if I’d stay here again.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This was our first visit to this hotel and our first experience of staying in a hotel in these strange times. No need to worry. From check-in to checkout all was smooth. We booked direct with the hotel on a deal to include a night's stay, evening meal a bottle of prosecco in the room followed by breakfast the next morning. Room - clean and comfortable. Evening Meal - Tortilla chips for 2 followed by a steak and salmon, both cooked beautifully. Breakfast the next morning was good. Nicely cooked, not greasy and plentiful. All in all a good stay.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded Oct 2, 2020
Thanks for that great review. Dave and team George
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We bought a Groupon to stay here for £99 for a night in their larger room with breakfast included. When the hotel got in touch I requested a quiet room since I’m pregnant and really wanted a good night sleep. Unfortunately, quite often people were walking in and out of the door right outside our room and banging it shut very loudly.
Then there was a problem with the water pressure in room 4/6 (can’t remember if it was room 6 or 4 we were staying in) the one they’d put us in. There was absolutely no hot water, a staff member managed to fix it after adjusting the boiler and running the taps. But then knocked on our door a few hours later as room 4/6 had lost their pressure and they wanted us to run our taps, we were just trying to relax at this point. Then about 9pm my husband wanted to have a shower and there was again absolutely no hot water at all, by this point after my husband tried to mess with the water it was nearly 10pm so we gave up and decided we just wouldn’t be able to wash here.
Then to make it worse, it was a rather warm night and I wanted to keep the window open. But the staff take to smoking constantly right under our window so the room absolutely stunk of smoke and we were breathing in their second hand smoke - I’m pregnant so this is absolutely terrible.
It’s just such a shame, as the room is lovely, very clean, nice bathroom. Easy parking and the staff are very friendly when you talk to them. But I wouldn’t stay here again because how are you meant to relax and use a room with no hot water, constant noise, and the absolute stink of smoke constantly.
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Date of stay: July 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded Aug 3, 2021
Thanks Meg for the review and for pointing out where we can improve the experience we provide. We have recently had a lot of very expensive work done on our hot water system which caused air locks in the system for a good few days. The issue has now been resolved.We are also extending the hotel which has displaced the staff room temporarily so please accept my sincere apologies for this. I am looking at finding an alternative area for the team here to take a break. We did receive your email the day after your stay and were investigating the issues experienced but we then received a number of negative reviews across a number of platforms within 24 hours so not affording us the opportunity to make things right. However please accept my apologies again for the experience you had. Safe travels and I wish you well for the future. Dave and team George
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The historic George Hotel, now part of the Best Western chain, is a real landmark in the absolute heart of Penrith, opening directly onto the market square. It is a super location and the building has great character. Notwithstanding being hemmed in by other historic buildings, the property has a handy private car park at the rear, off Burrowgate. Being so old, the building is inevitably a rabbit-warren of corridors and quirky, creaky elements but that’s part of its charm.
I just had a single room for one night’s stay. Single rooms can often be tiny broom cupboards, but mine was a good size with a comfortable 1½ -width single bed, plenty of storage, large desk, and pleasantly decorated. The bathroom was large with a big corner bath and ample shelving for toiletries. The room benefitted from good wifi and hospitality tray that included biscuits and bottled water. There was minimal external noise to disturb me.
Breakfast was available in a side room off the main lounge, a bit gloomy but not too bad. Service was very good and the food offer was varied and good quality. At other times, the hotel offers a comprehensive meal service and seemed to be popular with non-residents.
The staff were friendly and helpful and I’d recommend this hotel.
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Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded Jun 24, 2021
Thanks Stevie 390 for that lovely and well articulated review. Greatly appreciate your comments about our fantastic team and I will pass them on. Hope to see you again soon. Dave and team George
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We were travelling home from Scotland and decided to break our journey by staying overnight in Penrith. All the staff we met were excellent and couldn’t be more helpful.
When booking the room I told the manager both my wife and I had difficulty with stairs so could we be on the first floor please. With it being 300 years old and a listed building there wasn’t going to be a lift. It was a bit of a labyrinth to our room but he carried our bags up for us without us having to ask.
The room itself was was just what you wanted. Clean, tidy, tea/coffee facilities, and a comfortable bed. When I’d telephoned and said about our difficulties he said he would put us in a room with a walk-in shower which he did and it was better for us.
We had a meal in the bar, which was quiet as you would expect with how things are at the moment, which was filling and we couldn’t eat a dessert. We also had a lively and interesting chat with the staff in the bar and those who had just finishing work.
Comfortable nights sleep and our bags were brought down for us, again without us having to ask. All in all a good stay and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay there again.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded Jan 15, 2022
Thanks for those lovely and kind words Geoff. Hope you can visit us soon. Dave and team George
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We have just spent 2 nights at this wonderful hotel. The management and staff are so attentive and caring. Food is exceptional and portions are huge (maybe skip starter if you want a pudding 😉) we stayed in a club room which was very spacious, spotless and comfortable. We felt completely safe as far as covid is concerned, there were hand sanitizers and signage throughout the hotel. We can't wait to go back, Penrith is an excellent base for exploring the lakes.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded Feb 19, 2022
Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review. We concentrate on our strengths one of which is the level of service we can provide. This combined with team members that are naturally lovely people allows us to give a warm experience for our cracking guests. Hope you return soon. Dave and team George
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Staff were happy and very helpful in directing us to private car park (map even provided). On entering the hotel from the car park the member of staff checked that we had found our way there. We checked in and found our room which was spacious, newly painted and had a large bathroom. The bed was huge, a whole family could have slept in it! In the wardrobe were two bathrobes which was a nice touch and a fan which I'm sure comes in handy in the summer. After a lovely sleep which was surprisingly quiet as we were in the centre of town, we went down for a lovely breakfast of fruit juices, cereal, assorted fruit and Danish pastries. It did not stop there, there was a menu card listing many hot meals that could be ordered for breakfast. It would be hard to find a better breakfast anywhere else. The location of the hotel was ideal as we could nip out for an hour to see a little of Penrith before setting off on a five hour journey south after a relaxing stay, thoroughly refreshed
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded Dec 10, 2021
Thanks for that super review!! Hope to see you again soon. Dave and team George
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I visited the George Hotel recently with family between Christmas and New Year. Despite the various pretensions of the place, we were treated to a really poor standard of service and food. It's a long time since I have seen such a paltry menu, only offering the likes of Cumberland Sausage, Fish and Chips, and other unimaginative dishes.
Despite being the only people eating in the bar on this particular evening, we were completely ignored by bar staff upon arrival, nothing was explained to our group and had to go up to the bar multiple time to place drinks orders, no table service was offered despite the quietness of the day and reputation of the place. We eventually had to walk over to the bar to ask if somebody would come and take our food order.
The food itself was a borderline disgrace. How they can charge good money for poorly reheated main courses is beyond my comprehension, but perhaps that is increasingly the world we live in.
I won't hurry to set foot in this place again.
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Date of stay: December 2019
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from dave061081, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded Feb 6, 2020
Hello benjaminbill770, Not sure if this is posted to the wrong business because..... 1) We do not have cumberland sausage on the menu. 2)The George is always busy between xmas and new year. 3) The menu is extensive not 'paltry' ie 19 main courses available. A vegan and gluten free menu is also available. If it is in the right place I can only apologise that you didn't enjoy your experience with us and assure you that our food offering is well received and has gone from strength to strength over the last few years as reviews would suggest. Thanks again Dave and team George
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We stayed 4 nights in one of the club rooms at the front of the hotel, and can only reiterate what others have said: excellent food, lovely rooms and absolutely amazing staff with great service. Nothing is too much trouble, and there is a lovely atmosphere throughout the hotel, which shows in the fact that there are always residents and non-residents dining and drinking here. We wish we knew all the names of the staff we encountered to thank here, from the cleaners, reception, waitresses/waiters and managers - just a HUGE thank you as all of you made our stay an extremely happy one. We will be back!
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Date of stay: February 2022
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:The club rooms are perfect for space
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from David Hobson, General Manager at The George Hotel
Responded Mar 6, 2022
You have made my day with your kind words about team George. Thank you. Safe travels and hope you return soon. Dave and team George
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Manchester, United Kingdom1,417 contribution236 helpful votes
The car park is quite small , I suggest you arrive before 12 and by then people have left ( before 11) , therefore the chance of a space is good . Arrive at 3 and you may well struggle .
There are more places to choose from in the Penrith area.
PRICE RANGE
C$173 - C$235 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCumbriaLake DistrictEden DistrictPenrith
NUMBER OF ROOMS
40
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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