2017 Business Excellence Awards

Acquisition International - Business Excellence Awards 2017 75 Best Family-Owned 3-star Hotel 2017 – Cumbria & Award for Excellence in Dog-Friendly Facilities Hillthwaite House Hotel Set amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District, between the villages of Bowness and Windermere, Hillthwaite House Hotel is the most ideal of Lake District Hotels for all types of breaks, including short weekend getaways or use as a base-camp for longer stays or walking holidays. With comfortable lounges, spectacular views and onsite leisure facilities it is the ideal destination for any Lake District traveller. With the hotels’ grounds only being walking distance from Windermere Lake, anyone with their dog will be guaranteed of some fantastic local walks. Although their human counterparts are always provided with the very highest standards of service, Edward is keen to emphasise that dogs are also made to feel equally welcome when they stay at the hotel. “Dogs are welcome to stay over in our classic rooms, many of which have been recently refurbished. These tend to be doubles, or twins providing flexibility to our travellers. All spacious in size, being slightly larger to our cosy doubles, and all but one boasts a king size double bed. All the hotel bedrooms are of course en suite with all the amenities one would expect. Guests also have access to the hotels free and recently improved Wi-Fi network, as well as being able to make use of the onsite swimming pool, steam room and sauna - an ideal way to relax after a day walking on the fells with an energetic dog. “From the very start we have always aimed to make dogs feel very welcome at the hotel, from the moment they arrive to morning they checkout. Most recently we have created a doggy-stay package which has proved extremely popular with our guests (owners and pets Hillthwaite House Hotel is a family run independent hotel situated in the heart of the Lake District. We invited Edwards Myers, House Manager, to tell us more. Company: Hillthwaite House Hotel Contact: Edwards Myers, House Manager Contact Email: [email protected] Address: Thornbarrow Road, Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 2DF, UK Phone: 015394 43636 Website: www.hillthwaite.com BE170146 alike). I believe this new addition has contributed to helping us win this particular award. Any booking with a four-legged friend will receive this little bundle of extras, including a dog mat, drying towel, dog bowl, treats, toy, and a local guide to local dog walks and pet friendly eateries.” Ultimately, with a variety of seasonal offers and packages available at Hillthwaite, including its Walking Break, Adventure Stay Package and Romantic Retreat promotions, there is always a suitable getaway for anyone wishing to visit the Lakes. Moving forward, the establishment has many great plans to provide even more opportunities for humans and dogs alike to experience this fantastic region, as Edward concludes proudly. “Looking to the future, we are hoping to build on our dog stay package further, and as such we have been in talks with some specialist pet food companies to see what extra special treats we can provide to any dogs staying at the hotel. “Longer term, we have big plans for the end of the year, which will see the hotel getting an entirely new entrance, but most importantly for our dog owners will provide a more suitable lounge/ dining area where guests will be able to be accompanied by their well- behaved companions while they eat or relax. The extension will create a stunning orangery restaurant for relaxed dining, and provide an additional lounge area, new reception and also see refurbishments made to other communal areas. It is all very exciting and we look forward to continuing to welcome many more pet owners in the future.”