Perched above Lake Windermere, in bustling Bowness, sits one of the Lake District’s oldest hotels. After a recent refit, The Ro offers modern comforts with a satisfying touch of the traditional.
The private car park is a major plus point. Bowness is a VERY busy tourist honey pot but you can relax and easily explore all of the local attractions from the ferry and the stunning shore to The World of Beatrix Potter.
The reception area offers a cosy taste of the outside in. Moss and woollen rugs on the walls (which it took a lot of self-control not to stroke) plus the ubiquitous insta-friendly foliage creates a very warm welcome.
The hotel boasts 87 rooms ranging from snug doubles to a large suite. We stayed in a Super Lake View Balcony room. Having arrived in the dark, it was an absolute treat to wake up to a panoramic view of Lake Windermere. The room was decorated in calming neutrals and the bathroom featured a good-sized walk-in shower. Plus it’s always a delight to have swan-shaped towels sat on your bed! Local produce is high on the agenda at The Ro. Room refreshments are supplied by the UK’s oldest coffee roaster in nearby Kendal and there’s also a Nespresso machine, all sat on a dressing table that could easily double-up as a work desk. But with the wonders of the Lake District outside your window, why would you want to?!
Down to the cosy bar for pre-dinner cocktails and I could have stayed here all night. Contemporary design, low lighting and splashes of turquoise and mustard made for a very relaxing and chic space to while away a few hours. It felt so much more like a destination bar than a hotel bar and I chose a delicious (and perfectly mixed) French Martini from a comprehensive cocktail list to kick-start the evening.
Heading into dinner, we were greeted with a traditional menu featuring plenty of local fare. After a starter of Hot and Spicy Chicken Wings and Chicken Liver Parfait with Hawkshead’s Westmoreland Chutney, we moved onto a Braised Shank of Lakeland Lamb, which fell off the bone, and a Rib-Eye Steak with all the trimmings. The portion sizes are quite large but we managed to squeeze in a pud. Cheese with more of the delicious local chutney and possibly the best crème brulee I’ve ever tasted.
Breakfast was self-service and featured everything necessary to set you up for a day tramping the Lakeland Fells. This luxe traveller was just passing through, but The Ro is perfectly placed to explore the best of the great outdoors. Bring the family, bring the dog or enjoy a relaxing solo or couples break, The Ro provides an elegant, comfortable stay right in the heart of England’s largest national park.
