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The opinions expressed on the merits of the various hostels are those of myself, with some input by my partner. Don't take the comments too seriously, depending on my general demeanor and well being I might, on another day, reach different conclusions. Occasionally my partner and I may disagree as to the relative merits of a particular point. When this happens, what I say goes - tough I know, but as I do all the driving I have the final say!

A low mark doesn't necessarily mean that the hostel isn't a good one, it may well have scored excellently in areas that you consider important, whilst not scoring points for facilities that you don't require.


YHA - Derwentwater

Lake District - Rated as a 3 star hostel by the YHA

All reviews are based on booking a private room for two adults.


November 2003
We'd tried to book into Derwentwater hostel on a number of occasions but without success. 2 bed rooms don't appear to be available so booking in advance doesn't appear to be an option. We were actually in the Lake District for a days walking in the nearby Newlands Valley when we booked in. The promised good weather hadn't quite arrived so we decided to delay our early morning start and nip across to the hostel and see if we could book in for that night. Success at last! The enterprising hostel manager offered us a spare 4-bunk room for the price of a 2, and even had the courtesy to warn us that a large party of school children were due in that evening - still, not to be put off we decided to risk it!

Room tariff for 2 people: £27.50 or £34.50 with breakfast.

THE HOSTEL
LOCATION
We've already rated hostels at 10 but such is the stunning location of the Derwentwater hostel that we have to rate if higher than the normal maximum. Located in one of England's most beautiful spots the Borrowdale Valley. Spectacular walking all around.
11
THE HOSTEL BUILDING & ATMOSPHERE
Derwentwater is a medium size hostel with some 88 beds.
The magnificent 200 year old mansion commands a spectacular view across the lake and even has its own waterfalls within its grounds - simply stunning. What luxury, and what more could you ask than an invigorating pre-breakfast stroll around the grounds to start the day. How many 5 star hotels could offer such a facility to its guests?
RESTRICTED OPENING PERIODS (Wish it was open all year)
Reception opening hours: 0700hrs to 22.00hrs.
9
CLEANLINESS and TIDINESS
 A good score, clean but in one or two places a little untidy, perhaps just an off day, and it was the last few days of the opening period. On arrival the party of school children were allowed to dump all their luggage in the lounge, which didn't please me too much, perhaps again there would be an excuse as I think they'd arrived late and didn't have time to be allocated accommodation before their evening meal.
7
THE ROOM
plus points: A 4 bunk room which had plenty of space. Good reading light. Very comfortable bunks which did not creak. Handy shelf by the bunk. Excellent night's sleep.
7
SHOWERS AND TOILETS
 Fair, but no better. Cubical type loos, which I'm not fond of.
6
CAR PARKING
We had no problem and there seems to be plenty of space.
8

SHOP FACILITIES
 No vending machines. A limited range of goods.
6
   
STAFF & MEALS
3 COURSE EVENING MEAL
A very good evening meal, no complaints.
8
BREAKFAST
An excellent 6 item cooked breakfast. No complaints.
9
FRIENDLINESS OF STAFF
 This is a very friendly hostel, the most welcoming we have been to - top mark. We booked early morning and were offered a welcome drink. We were also offered a welcome drink when we returned later in the day. When we informed reception that we couldn't get the television to work it was quickly sorted. Good service in the restaurant and the staff made sure the few guests were served before the large party of school children - a really good idea!
10
   
ADDITIONAL FACILITIES
TELEVISION
 The small television lounge had a rather aging set that was perfectly viewable but not brilliant. Difficult to get it switch on and needed a member of staff to do the trick.
3
INTERNET FACILITIES FOR USE
1 Computer, screen badly distorted, terrible connection, I only managed to download the Dales and Vales home page in the allotted time. Frankly a waste of 50p and difficult to justify even the 1 mark but I presume that there could have been problems on the net when I tried to connect.
1
 
DERWENTWATER YOUTH HOSTEL
85

WOULD WE RETURN TO DERWENTWATER? - Yes, if we can get in. It's friendly and has a great atmosphere, but we got the impression that the hostel would benefit from a refurbishment in one or two areas. We rated Derwentwater as a 3-Star VERY GOOD hostel but with only another six points it would have received a 4-Star EXCELLENT award. Considering that this was the number of points dropped on Television and Internet facilities not being up to scratch it could be upgraded without too much expenditure.



DERWENTWATER YHA CONTACT INFORMATION
Telephone: 0870 770 5792
Telephone from outside UK (+44) 17687 77246
E-mail: Click-Link
Web Site: Click-Link


Magnificent grounds

The lovely waterfalls

View from the entrance