Heatherley, Ambleside

First the pros: the property is in an excellent location in a quiet residential area, within five minutes' walk from the centre of Ambleside. Bathrooms were clean and it was a treat to have bath sheets instead of the usual small bath towels. Bed linen was clean and beds were comfortable. Now the cons, which unfortunately is a much longer list: the property is in desperate need of maintenance and TLC; scuff marks on walls, water marks on ceiling, peeling paintwork, untidy decor finishing. All curtain rails and curtains were badly hung and the whole lot in the twin room fell down when I tried to close the curtains. No hand soap supplied anywhere. Side wall of the toaster is coming away and microwave doesn't heat - the microwave issue had been mentioned previously in the visitor book and obviously ignored. Apart from the bathrooms housekeeping was terrible standard, balloons on the floor from a previous occupant, broken lamp shade, crumbs in various places in kitchen and lounge/diner, grubby place mats and dirty towels were stuffed into the top bedroom wardrobe. One parking permit was out of date (not something you think you have to check) and we ended up with a parking ticket. I could go on with other niggles, but you get the picture. We paid a premium price for a sub-standard stay and would certainly not recommend it until the owner has invested some time and money bringing it up to an acceptable standard.

Mouse droppings under bed on 1st floor. Permits for outside and council car park Both out of date so had to pay for parking. Curtains in all rooms hanging off railings. Carpets dirty, smell of drains in kitchen. Sofas have stains on. The show property news a good clean. Owners clearly think it’s acceptable for a 3yr old to stay in a room with mouse droppings. Avoid at all costs.