Lovelady Shield Country House Hotel

We had such a lovely overnight stay here. There was a very warm welcome from the staff who were also really helpful in helping us when we got back from our very muddy walk, and offered to clean and dry our boots. This was much appreciated. Lovely breakfast and evening meal and everyone so friendly.

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.

Came away for a Christmas get away, and it was the right shout! I'll absolutely be coming back! It's right in the heart of the countryside, just outside Alston, and the landscape is lush! The PERFECT get away if you want quiet, private, at-nature. There's plenty to do in the local area, but this is a perfect "lounge around" holiday. They've got a lush front room with a huge fireplace and plenty classical books to read; very swish! It has a flowing river right outside to make for the perfect scenery too! Some beautiful photos were taken! Our first night we were greeted by a very pleasant, very compassionate front of house. Dan made sure we had everything we need, gave us a tour, and helped us to our rooms. He clearly cares about his job, and does it so very well. The breakfast the next morning was out of this world. Lisa is one CRACKING chef! I love her eggs, they give me life. You have to try the breakfast! It's so good. Ask to speak with Lisa, she's only too happy to talk your through her skills, and is such a pleasure to talk with! Helen our server, and staff throughout the stay made us feel so welcome, had many laughs, and was so very kind to each of our requests! She makes some tasty hot chocolate too. We even had a brief chat with Sharon too, who was so welcoming and very friendly to talk to. I really feel like we got to know them all well, and had an incredible stay! Shame about the no alcohol rule, as this place would make a KILLING on events hire! But honestly, for us at least, it just made us go into town, supporting local business anyways. Not a bad thing! Absolutely consider staying here. I'm certainly coming back. It's absolutely lush. What a gorgeous place!

Booked Poppythorn cottage in grounds of hotel as a 60th birthday surprise for a friend. The cottage was absolutely perfect, so spacious and comfortable and having our own hot tub was the icing on the cake. Hotel staff were so professional and helpful throughout our stay, Naomi went that extra mile to make it a perfect weekend. Would highly recommend.

Absolutely loved our stay at Lovelady shield hotel. We booked the hotel for one night but we all enjoyed our stay there so much that we stayed for one extra night. The hotel is a hidden gem. The way to the hotel itself is so scenic. It is surrounded by nature and on Isaac tea trail. The room we stayed had amazing views of the valley. It was so peaceful that all we could hear was the river and the birds. All of the staff members were so lovely and helpful. The food was delicious. Chef's chicken curry is a must try. Thank you to everyone at the hotel for making our stay memorable. We would definitely go there again 🙂