The Samling HotelvsForest Side
Both properties are rated very highly by travel writers. Overall, The Samling Hotel scores marginally better than Forest Side. The Samling Hotel has a TripExpert Score of 86 with endorsements from 5 sources such as The Telegraph, Fodor's and Lonely Planet.
The Samling Hotel Show All Reviews
Ambleside Road, Windermere LA23 1LR
From $0/night
- Hot Tub
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
- Concierge
Fodor's
"This place oozes exclusivity from every carefully fashioned corner. Today the hotel is favored by the rich and famous." Full review
Michelin Guide
0 Stars
"Small hotel restaurant in an old farmhouse, which looks out over its 66 acre grounds and down Lake Windermere." Full review
The Telegraph
9.0
"The gabled house dates from the late 18th century and was once owned by Wordsworth's landlord." Full review
Jetsetter
"An elegant country house in England's Lake District, with a gourmet, 10-course Michelin-starred dinner." Full review
Independent
"The Samling is so stylishly low-key, even the deer that keep the grass trimmed are almost absurdly relaxed"
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December 1, 2021
Independent
"One of the loveliest spots to bed down in is this 12-room bolthole on a hillside on the fringe of Lake Windermere. Horticulturally minded lovers will adore rambling through its 65 acres of fellside"
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February 14, 2023
Lonely Planet
"If money's no object, this deluxe country house is the choice... early bookings score a substantial discount." Full review
Independent
"With show-stopping views over Windermere, understated, luxurious bedrooms, smart or casual dining, and a staggering wine cellar, The Samling is a place to lie back and luxuriate – possibly in the hot tub"
Independent
"More of a townhouse than a county pile, you’ll find artwork by Matisse, Picasso on the walls...the hotel’s refreshingly dog-friendly too and the grounds are ideal for long, head-clearing walks"
Michelin Guide
1 Star
"The full-length windows in the striking slate and glass extension of this Lakeland country house provide spectacular views of Lake Windermere and the surrounding countryside" Full review
Forest Side
Keswick Road, Grasmere LA22 9RN, England
From $0/night
- Pet Friendly
- Bar/Lounge
- Free Internet
- Room Service
- Free Breakfast
- Laundry Service
The Telegraph
9.0
"Forest Side is a glamorous address in the heart of the Lake District that puts food – and foraging – firmly at its centre." Full review
Mr & Mrs Smith
"Famous resident William Wordsworth's 1820 guide first enticed visitors to explore Cumbria’s Lake District, and the alluring Forest Side hotel rekindles the trend today." Full review
The Guardian
"Over the past few years, this hotel rear Grasmere has started to return some of its grounds to their 18th-century farming origins, with heritage vegetables grown, including the crapaudine beetroot"
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June 27, 2021
Independent
"Offers prime access to the north and central lakes...rooms are high-ceilinged with modern touches while the rest of the place shimmers with burnished silver, velvet sofas and soft shades of grey."
The best boutique hotels in the Lake District
December 1, 2021
Lonely Planet
Top choice
"It's a design palace: chic interiors decorated with crushed-velvet sofas, bird-of-paradise wallpaper, stag heads and 20 swish rooms from ‘Cosy' to ‘Jolly Good’, ‘Superb’, ‘Grand’ and ‘Master’." Full review
Michelin Guide
1 Star
"An engaging team welcome you to this substantial Lakeland mansion; start with drinks in the lounge and take in views over the surrounding fells" Full review