Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel

Dry hotel Restaurant shut after being told it was open This is also a dry hotel which was not made apparent when booking

This is the 3rd time we’ve stayed at Lovelady Shield hotel and it didn’t disappoint. The staff are amazing and make you so welcome, nothing is a bother. Our evening was the best meal out we’d had in a long time and the breakfast was definitely the best we’d had too! Only downside is the access road, it really needs some improvement but we’ll still be back again!

It's not about the building, it's about the people. This may sound cliché, but my recent stay at this hotel proved just how true this statement can be. I found myself at this property during a harsh winter storm that forced road closures and brought extreme weather conditions. As luck would have it, I became the sole guest in the hotel. It was in these extraordinary circumstances that I truly experienced the exceptional quality of the staff. Anna, with her ever-present smile, went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, anticipating and meeting my needs with genuine warmth. The friendly chef Patrick keeping spirits high. But the true standout was Matt, a superstar whose dedication was truly outstanding. Matt's efforts were nothing short of exceptional. He not only fulfilled maintenance responsibilities for the entire hotel and cottages but also took on numerous additional responsibilities. He braved the elements to assist guests and staff whose cars were stuck on the road, pushing vehicles and guiding drivers to safety. Tirelessly, he gritted and shoveled, breaking through miles of ice on the hotel's road to create access for everyone. As if this wasn't enough, Matt even stepped into the kitchen to prepare a mean breakfast when the other chef was unavailable. To the owners of this hotel: you are incredibly fortunate to have staff of this caliber. I sincerely hope you read this review, recognize the immense value these individuals bring to your establishment, and compensate them appropriately for their extraordinary efforts. While the staff's performance was exemplary, I must withhold a perfect rating due to one significant oversight. The hotel management's refusal to invest in proper snow management equipment, particularly a snowblower, led to unnecessary stress and inconvenience for both guests and staff. Instead of closing the hotel, losing revenue, and restricting access, a one-time investment in a snowblower would have alleviated much of the struggle we faced. Guests shouldn't have to spend hours shoveling ice to move their cars or hire tow trucks to leave the premises. This isn't a luxury; it's a necessary business decision that any competent manager should make to ensure guest satisfaction and safety during winter months. In conclusion, while the dedication of the staff was truly inspirational, the lack of proper winter equipment prevents me from giving this hotel a perfect score. However, with the right investments and continued support for their outstanding team, this hotel has the potential to become a truly exceptional destination, regardless of the season.

Lovely hotel nestled between Alston and Nenthead. We enjoyed our night here, and wanted to provide positive feedback on the friendly team, the amazing breakfast, the room price and handy parking. Although we only stayed one night, we liked the look of the lounge and garden areas, and felt this would be an ideal hotel for a relaxing weekend in this area. We would stay again.

Friendly quiet characterful place. Friendly helpful staff. Comfortable large room. Attractive grounds. Beautifully quiet. Lovely breakfast.

Great stay. Very clean room. Very friendly and welcoming staff.