We recently got married at Kendal registry office and brought our six guests back to Broadoaks to celebrate with us and stay overnight .
Everything was superb - total perfection - The meticulous attention to detail, the warm welcome, the mouth-watering food, ( surely deserving of a Michelin star some time soon?) the atmospheric grounds and fountain, the way in which the wonderful staff strode "Downton Abbey style" to the Retreat carrying heaving platters of goodies, the smooth and flexible way in which all my requests were handled, the efficacious and friendly yet non-intrusive nature of the lovely team, , the incredibly beautiful and gorgeous space that is the Retreat, the lovely little touches that most hotels forget about, such as matches, fresh milk, tissues in each room and lots of sockets! .... I could go on for ever!
I'm quite "fussy" ( I prefer to say I like things "just so" - Others would call me "awkward" - heaven forbid!" ) - we have recently stayed at Glenapp Castle, the Torridon ( we love Scotland) and also the Chester Grosvenor to name but a few, - and I have to say that Broadoaks in our opinion outranks these top hotels in offering the best overall experience! In spite of this being a very small wedding with no ceremony at the hotel and no large wedding breakfast or night-time disco, the eight of us were treated like VIPs throughout. Our guests loved their rooms, one being the coach house suite with its own pagoda and terrace ( albeit a little chilly to use - rather like the outdoor sunken bath in the Retreat - but hey not to worry, as there was an indoor one too!) I believe it is always very important to have a happy team to show the public - and this positively shines through at Broadoaks ! Elaine oozes warmth, friendliness and efficiency, Taran is a total delight and Dan was charming - as were all the staff! It is so evident that everybody works in harmony and that they all really enjoy their work! The hotel is a credit to diligent owners Tracey and Jo, who thoroughly deserve their many accolades!
My photographer described the Retreat as one of the most beautiful "indoor spaces" in the lakes - how right he was!
We are already planning our next trip to Broadoaks, as are our guests, who were totally blown away by their stay! Furthermore, as animal lovers, it delighted us to see the loving way in which staff treated one of their neighbours who is a frequent visitor - a big soft ginger cat! Clearly a feline with exquisite taste, who enjoyed luxuriating in the beautiful music room of this pet-welcoming hotel.
As people will note, I do not often give 5 star reviews - but in this case if I could have given six I would have! As I write, I seem unable to tick the marks for service, cleanliness and location - so in case these remain blank, It goes without saying I would give them all 5/5!
Bravo to all who made our stay so special.