This hostel has a great location and is clean and tidy although there are a number of aspects about it that leave a little to be desired. It is a self-service hostel with no staff member on site. If you are lucky enough to find another resident at home when you arrive well and good. Otherwise be prepared to wait around for someone to let you in. Once inside its a case of finding your own way around and working out which bed is yours. Security was a big issue for me as the security code on the front door didn't change for the four days that I was there and there were no keys to the dormitories or lockable cupboards (thank goodness for the low crime rate in Cumbria). The bathroom facilities were not adequate. Having the toilet, shower and basin in the same room did not help this. The kitchen is small but adequate. The living area was a little like a doctors waiting room it certainly didn't have nice comfy seats that would have been appreciated after a long day out walking. The hostel was adequate but be aware of its shortfalls before booking.
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(Review ID: 8362)
Pathetic excuse for a hostel, April 8, 2005
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Anonymous
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Well, it was clean and the beds were comfy and THE shower was good. This is a minimalist hostel that I imagine violates all sorts of regulations. For example, there seemed to be only one exit (no fire escape). 1 shower for 21 people (would have been 2 if the other was working). Toilets in the same room as the shower so often no access to a toilet. A small kitchen with four seats. A TV room/social area like a doctor's waiting room (without the magazines). Very cramped rooms. And they charge you higher rates than those painted on the door and advertised in the kitchen. If there wasn't a shortage of accommodation over Easter we'd have been out of there. (I haven't given it one star because it was cleaner and felt safer than some London hostels I have stayed in). I read the other reviews before going there and can't believe they're talking about the same place.
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(Review ID: 8363)
Excellent!, September 5, 2004
Reviewer:
Traveller111
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I stayed here last summer with a huge group of students (school trip) and all of us were pleasantly surprised by this superb hostel. All the rooms were reasonably spacious and the communal bathrooms were kept in excellent condition (clean and plenty of hot water), the best I have seen out of the hostels I've stayed in!
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(Review ID: 8364)
Very friendly., May 13, 2003
Reviewer:
Benn
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Good beds at this very clean and comfortable hostel. The bathrooms were great and the kitchen is adequate. A nice quiet nights sleep in a pretty town. The computer was not working for internet access but I was able to hook my laptop up to the phone line which is a godsend as most places won't let you do this. There may not be anyone around to check you in but there is a phone available to call the owner. I reccomend it if you are passing through the area or would like to explore the lakes district.
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(Review ID: 8365)
more like a B & B, January 29, 2003
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Anonymous
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very comfortable hostel with an atmosphere more like a B & B. the rooms were warm and not too cramped, and the bathrooms are like REAL bathrooms, with a toilet, shower and basin!! cereal and toast is provided for breakfast, and the TV room has heaps of info on local attractions. the hostel is very close to the train station, supermarket, and everything else the town has to offer.
