The Royal at Dockray

Unfortunately this hotel has gone downhill. We’ve been returning to this hotel for years and up until this year we have been massively let down. Whilst this hotel is within one of the best locations within the Lake District, the hotel itself has a lot to improve on. As far as cleanliness goes I would struggle to find a clean piece of cutlery no matter how much I swapped my filthy ones. When we arrived there was stains on the sheets that they appeared to try and hide away, and when asked for it to be cleaned or replaced we was told they had no others. When our bedroom was serviced they had not replaced out mugs or spoons, nor had they refilled the tea and coffee. And when asking for more the management seemed rude, as if it was criminal we had asked for more, I think they require more training in attending to customers. Maintenance is no better my partner and I had to cover the holes within the shower head with our hands in order to shower. Most of the furniture is worn and dated and our TV remote was not working properly. Only a few buttons worked. When we spoke up about it they only replaced it within the remote from the room adjacent to us! That our partnering couple was staying in, leaving them with the broken remote. They also only provide single quilts in the double rooms. As far as the food goes it was quite pleasant, especially breakfast; one night we had the BBQ pork belly starter and the crackling was inedible, like plastic.

The village of Dockray, consists of a few farm buildings and The Royal on a very quiet road, in some beautiful countryside near the lake. The staff were all very helpful and pleasant. The rooms were great and roomy. A great loction from which to access the Lakes and coast.

As the title suggests, if you're addicted to your mobile phone then this is not for you as there was no reception! Not that this bothered me, although the poor television reception did! I think the hotel could be described as quaint as most old buildings are, the floor in our bedroom was on a definite slant but then who actually wants to spend time in their room? The food was as to be expected, plentiful, with the pie of the day a definite challenge to even us with a big appetite. Hotel appears to be ideal for those wanting a base for a rambling holiday in the area with the local beers on sale and large selection of gins perfect for post-activity refreshment.

It was all excellent, especially the cooked breakfasts which really set us up for the day,

The only Hotel in Dockray provided a friendly environment. Room with ensuite was adequate and spacious. Breakfast cereals could be upgraded to include some decent muesli. The suggestion that guests pay £1 for an Internet code should be removed given the price of the rooms. On the whole a good place to stopover.

Friendly staff and management and the restaurant has some excellent food. Covid restrictions meant no housekeeping, which was a bit offputting.