Amazing setting. Unique. The Keep is brilliant to visit.

An information sheet in the room would have been helpful. We had to ask for the Wi-Fi password and there is a communal tv room and a games room, which we we found, by wandering around. An information sheet could have highlighted those. Bedside lamps would be good, too, as they are usually standard in a hotel room. We also overhead another guest being given a keycode to get in, should they be locked out. We weren't given that information freely.

Great location and rooms were lovely. Greta idea not to have a TV in the room.

The checkin was poor. Nobody there. I had to try and find somebody. The person that checked us in was very poor in communicating anything to us. I had to give my email and telephone number and card details at checkin, which I did not want to do as no adequate reason was given to me as why they were needed, other than the computer needed them. Cost of drinks in the exclusive executive lounge was very expensive and this put me off having a drink there.

This place is fantastic. It's been modernised just enough to be comfortable-usb sockets, heaters, new bathrooms etc. However it's still got a vast majority of original features. It's like stepping back in time. The grounds are absolutely fantastic to explore. The village is lovely. Absolutely perfect night away if you enjoy something a little different.

The only thing I would comment on negatively was the breakfast-there was no butter for the toast, not much of a variety of food and it was £30 for two people which we were not notified of prior to checking out.

We loved the historic features of the castle. The staff we encountered all were nice and accommodating. Dinner was good and it was served in the castle dining area making it even better.

We didn’t realize until we got there that the room we reserved had it’s bathroom across the hall. After looking at the description I realized I didn’t read down far enough. They supplied us with robes which helped but was still really weird. I guess for historic reasons there are a few rooms that are like that.

Large rooms, comfortable beds. We stayed in the cottage which is pet friendly.

The reception area is not always manned and it’s locked so you need to stand in the rain waiting. The breakfasts are expensive, poorly cooked and (despite choosing in advance for an allocated time) take a long time to arrive. The staff are also unfriendly.

Owner was cordial. Bed was exceptionally comfortable. Atmosphere: a genuine experience of a castle and environment. It was exactly what an English aristocratic castle is; old, atmospheric, creaky, ornate and period. Reminded me of a public school in every aspect. A unique experience that has to be appreciated once in a lifetime. The four-poster bed was the type that Henry VIII would have died in. Exceptional.

Caution; this is not what you would usually expect. It is the real deal of an English castle in every respect. We were the only residents and even a basic breakfast was not offered. Having read other reviews, we were not surprised.

The room was brilliant, great size, huge bed and definitely felt very important staying there. The games room was a nice added touch and breakfast was lovely, made even better by eating in such a grand dining room.

Breakfast was supposed to be included in the price but we were charged for it. I’m not sure if only continental was included but they do come and ask you at your table if you want a full English, so it should maybe be communicated that you have to pay extra for this.

A Bucket list choice to stay in a castle. We had a large room with an amazing bathroom. Elsewhere there were massive rooms, corridors and staircases decorated as you'd expect in a castle. We enjoyed a Continental breakfast in the Dining room. Lots of history. Set on a hill above the pristine town of Appleby there is plenty to see with walks locally and in the surrounding countryside.

When we asked if we could go on a tour we were told it would cost £12.50 each...we declined.

We enjoyed the keep very much. Very informative, with lots of history. The castle was also very scenic inside and out. We kept finding different pictures, different corridors, the way a castle should be. The owner was very helpful and so kind. She didn't seem to mind us asking questions.

I had asked to see the dungeon but was told not till morning. Okay. When I asked in morning, was told no, then he said, I will show you. Led us down a corrider off the reception room to a locked door. He led us in, there was a picture on the floor, and a few steps down, there was a large bare room, it had a small crawl space, and he said prisoners used that as an escape route. There are 2 metal rods blocking off the small hole. The hole is small enough for a small child but not an adult. Heard him tell my partner that it might have been used as a wine cellar. If he didn't want us to see the dungeon, he should have said so, not lie to us. Don't like liars. The dungeon is in the keep, underground from what I could see through the metal grate.

It was a great privilege to stay in an ancient medieval castle that is woven into the fabric and history of England. We had a tour conducted by Kenneth who was a font of knowledge about the history of the castle and the how it impacted on the history of the country such as the 100 years war, the war of the Roses,, the Spanish Armada etc. He had a helmet collection from the 900s up to the Civil War that we were allowed to wear which was an added bonus. Breakfast in the Great Hall was special and dinner would have been there if the chef had not taken ill. There are only three intact Norman Keeps in the country including the Tower of London and the Appleby Keep is intact and the view from the top quite stunning.

It is a Castle and there are things that a visitor must understand if they expect five star hotel facilities. The toilet and washing facilities are of a very high standard and are not shared but because of the requirements of a listed building are across a corridor. There are no TVs in the rooms - this would detract from the experience. But everything else is there and the staff are most accommodating and friendly.