In E M Forster's novel, A Room with a View, the heroine complained about her hotel room in Florence, which, she claimed, had a disappointing view. At the Beech Hill Hotel in Windermere, I couldn't have been more delighted with the outlook from mine, as it afforded a stunning vista of the beautiful lake and backdrop of fells.
The first morning, a pale, winter sun touched the tops of the fells and cast dappled rays over the water. On the second day, a white mist rose from the lake and hovered above the hills. It was magical, ethereal. But, apparently, one guest complained that when he arrived, at 8pm, that the lake was in darkness. At the time of year he, and I, visited, it would be. He said the view wasn't the same as the one shown on the website. Naturally, it wouldn't be, as the photo was taken during the day. The disgruntled guest suggested that lights should be installed around the 10-mile lake, a bit like Blackpool's Illuminations. Clearly, he might be better suited to booking a trip to Blackpool in future.
The stone-built, 57-bedroom, four-star Beech Hill Hotel, which dates back to the 1900s, boasts a prime spot, designed over a series of terraces, starting from the spacious lounge/bar area, with its huge fireplace and roaring fire, and Burlington's restaurant, each of which has breathtaking view of Lake Windermere's western shores, down to the indoor swimming pool, and bedrooms. Some rooms, such as the one we were allocated, have patio doors and terraces, others have balconies. There isn't a lift, so those with limited walking ability, may find the slopes and staircases, involving 60 odd steps up or down to the reception, lounge area and bar, a challenge...