Gilpin Hotel & Lake House

We had read good things about the Gilpin and were keen to try so we booked into a Spa Suite for two nights and booked both their restaurants, Spice and Source Firstly the good, the staff were amongst the friendliest we have come across and Spice restaurant was excellent. Now the bad. The spa suite had seen better days, it looked as though it hadn't been refurbished since the day they opened them. Woodwork and skirtings were scuffed and needing touched up with paint. There were also stains on the wallpaper The spa suite comes with a hot tub but also a ripped cover on it. Sleep quality was poor with a very uncomfortable mattress, poor pillows and worst of all no air conditioning. It was 21 degrees C (70 degrees f) both days. The Suite had a south facing floor to ceiling glass picture window with the sun streaming through it all day. There was a ceiling fan but it struggled to cope with the heat we had to close the curtains during the day to try to keep cool and at night an uncomfortably sweaty sleep. The poor guests that stay in the room when it is even hotter in the summer. The suite has definitely seen better days and it all felt a bit homespun rather than the lap of luxury that you would expect paying those prices. Source restaurant was a contradictory experience, tasty food but simply not enough of it. The portions were absolutely tiny and even with six courses of their "tasting menu" we felt seriously short changed value wise. One starter, one main course and one dessert of normal portion size would have been far better. It was unbelievably expensive and not value for money at all. The comedy of ordering lamb chops and getting one was actually hilarious. The mark up on the food must be most profitable part of their business model as they don't have to buy much of anything. The other problem we had was getting a drink. We are not wine drinkers and it wasn’t easy to attract the attention of the correct member of staff in charge of drinks. Throughout the dinner we managed two round of drinks as we frankly gave up trying to order. The website they promote the hotel is expertly photographed but the reality is don't believe the hype, the hotel inspectors must have had a serious off day when visiting. However after filling out their feedback form they did contact me and offer a token discount and said "all the points you raised have been dealt with " but it does beg the question, why wasn't it right first time?

Just come back from a 3 night stay at The Gilpin and what a place! We both absolutely loved it. We were made to feel so welcome and the hotel itself has a nice cosy feel about it making it so easy to relax. We were lucky enough to dine at both Source and Spice whilst there. We had the 10 course tasting menu at Source which was amazing. We loved every single course. And then Spice, a great contrast and the best Asian fusion food we’ve ever had. A kaleidoscope of flavours. We shouldn’t not mention breakfast either, a wide variety of choices all perfectly cooked. The Gilpin is a really special place and we are already planning our next trip in 2025. Think it’ll become an annual event. Special shout outs to Emma and Lorraine for making our stay so enjoyable.

A truly memorable trip which was fabulous from start to finish. The Gilpin Hotel is by far one of the most special places in the Lakes. The trip was a 30th Birthday celebration, staying on a package in one of the Spa Lodge rooms. The room was stunning, facilities all being within your own space was really special and indulgent. Outdoor hot tub and sauna, plus a steam room inside, all with lovely bright decor. All the staff we spoke to were excellent and our arrival began being greeted by David, who met us by the car park and was lovely and friendly. He also went out of his way to get us some maps for a great walking route before we checked in. We ate at Spice on our first night, which has a great atmosphere and amazing food. Laura was brilliant and really made us feel comfortable and was informative about the menu. Our 2nd and 3rd nights we dined at Source, firstly having the 10 course tasting menu with wine pairing. It was stunning, a wonderful experience from start to finish, incredible food, perfectly paired wines and fantastic staff. A particular mention to sommelier Jess who knew so much and explained each class so professionally, making the experience really informative and interesting. Also Josip in the restaurant really made us feel special and definitely went the extra mile. Particularly on our second night, changing a couple of things on the menu especially for us, so that we got a different experience when we had the 6 course tasting with wine also. Breakfast was also 10/10. We had breakfast in the room one day which was lovely and another time in the restaurant. Doing both was a really nice thing to be able to do. The estate itself is so well kept and beautiful, it felt like a retreat in such peaceful and prestigious surroundings. We can’t wait to come back one day, although a very expensive stay, for a special occasion we couldn’t fault it. A few tired bits in the room, but that is to be expected anywhere and nothing major. You do definitely get what you pay for, and a 5* experience it certainly was.

Another wonderful stay at Gilpin Hotel. We enjoyed the 10 course tasting menu with pairing wines in “Source” on our first night which was absolutely exquisite and a delicious more casual meal in Gilpin Spice on the second night. As usual the accommodation, food and service was excellent, but it was the exceptional Charlotte and also Dimitri in reception who really went above and beyond to make our trip really memorable.

I recently took my now fiancee to the Gilpin on the 19th of May. Everything was perfect, you certainly get what you pay for. We stayed in a spa suite and everything was amazing and we were both blown away. We ate in both the restaurants at the hotel which were both lovely. All the staff we interacted with were extremely friendly and went out of their way to make the whole time very special. To anyone wanting a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion this is it. I would come back again for another special occasion.

Stayed and dined with my wife at the Hotel & Spice Restaurant on 17th May 2024. We were warmly welcomed on arrival and escorted from the car park to reception for booking in, The staff were happy, friendly and professional. we were taken to our room which was difficult to climb the stairs (as no Lift), The room was very well appointed the decoration was clean, fresh, sumptuous and up-to-date, with every thing a 5 star hotel has. Of the two special classic restaurants we ate at the Spice, the choice, selection, cooking and prestation was fantastic, again the staff were happy, smiling, friendly, professional and knowledgeable of the food and wine. Following the meal we retired back to Hotel and to the Bar for after diner drinks, the lounge room was elegant the furniture and decoration was very luxurious and impressive. The staff once again were friendly, smiling helpful and attentive. We then retired to our room for a good nights sleep. Breakfast next morning was excellent as was the staff again. Costs are a little on the high side but there is no substitute for a brilliant 5 star stay and dine. We would recommend highly the Gilpin Hotel and staff. Yes we would go again it was memorable, a fantastic stay.