Cartref Guest House

We really enjoyed our stay. Everything was beyond expectation. The breakfast was delicious and the owner went out of her way to ensure we had information as well as suggestions to make our vacation better.

I booked the single room with shared bathroom - it was very affordable and the room was basic, so it was good value. However, it didn’t feel very clean - the window ledge was dirty with hairs and mould, and when I filled the mug for tea, there were several hairs floating on top :( the towel folded on the bed was also damp which wasn’t very reassuring. The check in process was okay, but it would've been nice to be shown to the room and bathroom as I was left to figure it out by myself. The hotel is quite noisy and I was disturbed whenever someone entered or exited, or had a conversation in the reception area. The room was also very damp so maybe a dehumidifier could be a good investment? Overall the stay was okay for the price, very well located in Carlisle and the bed was comfy. It was good value but I think I would only want to stay for one night.

Quite loud. The people above us sounded like a football club walking around.

The property was beautifully presented and our host could not do enough to ensure we had a lovely stay. Communication before and during our stay was exceptional.

Very convenient to everything in a central location and a very welcoming host.

I arrived at about 6:30 pm. The weather was cold, close to zero. The owner Melanie carried out the check in procedure through the intercom (very strange). She said she was outside and would be back in 10m. Inside it was tidy and with character and pretty cold, to be honest a couple of degrees better than outside. I went to the room which was nice but very cold. All heating was turned off, assuming trying to save on bills to maximise profit. Melanie showed me how to turn on the radiator, success. The room was good size and would take ages to warm up. I waited until 9 pm, the room was even colder as the radiator was off again. At this stage I realised the heating is controlled by the owner from their quarter downstairs. I talked to her daughter, presumably, and she said she will turn the heating on. I asked if I could have a second heater, she said she would double check, whatever that meant. I went back to the room and the radiator started to warm again. I was still sitting next to the radiator waiting for the room to warm up so that I could freshen up and get ready to bed but by 11pm I realised the heating was off again. This frustrated me but I was reluctant to disturb Melanie and her family so late. As I am working the next day, I booked a room in another hotel and l left. I asked for a refund but Melanie refused, She cares more about money and profit than the comfort of the guests, shame on you.

So cosy and welcoming. Just a 10 minutes walk from station with cases (at 10:30pm) felt very safe and lovely host. Beds were sooo comfy, we all slept like logs.

Very friendly owner and nice breakfast!

Lovely accommodation and considerate host. Geat breakfast too!

The property is very convenient for M6 and there is free parking. We received a warm welcome from the owner. The little extras also made us feel very welcome and were appreciated, especially the fresh coffee and cafetière in our room. Our room was clean and the beds were comfortable. We will definitely try to stay here again on our next trip to Scotland.

Very welcoming, lovely breakfast, very clean and warm and friendly

Very welcoming, clean and central, great breakfast.

I absolutely LOVED my overnight stay at Cartref! My room was so lovely- spacious, bright, airy, and spotlessly clean everywhere. The furniture in my room was all very tasteful, useful and modern; and the bed was super comfortable, with immaculately clean white bedding. Melanie (the owner) is so friendly, welcoming, and caring about her guests- this really shows in her great attention to detail in all areas of the property. The en-suite bathroom was beautifully clean and stylish with excellent quality local toiletries, plenty of towels, an excellent shower and a gorgeously soft bathrobe and slippers. There was a mini fridge in the room, containing bottles of chilled water and fresh milk for a cuppa. Plenty of teabags, coffee and hot chocolate by the kettle, and even a cute little jar of marshmallows to add to the hot chocolate. My room had two smart comfy chairs and a little coffee table; as well as a handy dressing table. The lighting was all great, and there were plenty of places to plug in chargers, hairdryer etc. There is a great breakfast menu to choose from, and it was really pleasant to sit in the pretty dining room the next morning. My breakfast was really tasty, and it was lovely to have a whole pot of tea served rather than just the usual cup with a teabag and a tiny pot of hot water! I can't fault Cartref; it's a short walk from the train station/short walk into town and a lovely place to stay. I will definitely book to stay again next time I visit Carlisle!

Good accomodation near Hadrian’s Wall path. Close to city center (7 min walk)

The property was quirky and no personal check in was unusual but worked well. The standard of the room was excellent and very comfortable. The guest house is very close to the town centre, being only 10 minutes walk away. There is also a good dog walking area very close to the property by the river.

Amazing accomodation. Great breakfast as well. Worth a stay.

One of the best we’ve stayed in, very friendly staff, dog was welcome and room was very thoughtfully decorated, big mugs, fantastic shower and good layout. Only thing we didn’t like was the loo light coming on automatically, so in the middle of the night it shone into the bedroom.

Nice location! The host was friendly but be prepared to pay cash for your stay, we didn’t know this until we got there.

Really handy location for the town centre and far enough away where you can park without issue (permits provided by the host). Had constant communication from our host regarding arrival, stay, parking & dining. Can't fault at all, have recommended to others travelling down & will definitely be considered for future stays when we are in the area.

Lovely place to stay. Room was immaculate, we were greeted upon arrival, the location is right in the centre.