A LAKE District hotel has reopened to critical acclaim from both tourists and locals after an extensive refurbishment project.

The Keswick town-centre hotel, The Kings Arms Hotel, which was originally a 17th century coaching inn, closed its doors at the beginning of 2023 for seven weeks as it underwent a full ground-floor refurbishment.

Plans included a complete reimagining of the Grade II listed building’s entrance, bar, reception and restaurant areas; along with a handful of guest bedrooms.

Daniella Hope, director of Lake District Hotels said: "Our goal was to enhance the hotels’ aesthetic appeal whilst improving its function; resulting in a design scheme that complemented and enhanced the historic interior of the hotel.

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“Due to the nature of the 300-year-old property, great care was taken to preserve all its historic features including the original oak beams and support post which were incorporated into the new scheme and developed into prominent features," she said. 

One of the most eye-catching features of the fresh design is the new reception area which draws similarities to that of a Victorian ticket office.

Taking the reins of the new-fangled Kings Arms Hotel and its team is newly appointed general manager, Stuart Turnbull, who stepped into the role after a successful stint at the Inn on the Square, which is also part of the Lake District Hotels group.