A Lake District hotel group has recorded the highest levels of occupancy in its history this summer, thanks to a boom in UK staycationers.
Lake District Hotels – which has six venues across the national park – said it recorded an average occupancy of 94 per cent, with some hotels up to 98 per cent full in July and August.
There has been a surge in guest numbers from London and the Home Counties complementing strong numbers from the North West and North East.
Dani Hope, a director of Lake District Hotels, said the record occupancy levels had been achieved despite a number of challenges facing the hospitality industry.
She said: “After such a difficult period, we are thrilled the recovery has been so strong. As a team and business, we thrive on busy hotels and on delivering the very best experience for our guests.
“Because our portfolio of hotels is so diverse, we have been able to accommodate holidaymakers looking for everything from a luxury spa holiday on the shores of one of the Lake District’s famous lakes, to a walking break with a town centre base.
“The fact all of our venues are dog friendly has also helped – people staycationing have wanted to bring their four-legged friends along and we’ve been happy to oblige.
“Whilst the summer period has been very pleasing, it has not been without its challenges.
“Recruitment has been an ongoing issue, affected by the pingdemic and the wider pandemic. Fortunately our teams have been fantastic, ensuring our guests have had a warm Lake District welcome and fantastic staycation experience.”
Lake District Hotels have three venues in Keswick town centre; The Inn on the Square, The Kings Arms and The Skiddaw Hotel, plus The Lodore Falls & Spa on Derwentwater, The Inn on the Lake on Ullswater in Glenridding, the Borrowdale Hotel in Borrowdale, Keswick, to complete the collection.
The 2021 record summer season average occupancy level of 94 per cent compares to 82 per cent in 2019 and 87 per cent in 2018.
Bookings for the remainder of the year are following a similar trend, with all hotels in the group’s portfolio reporting strong levels of activity.
“Many people who were disappointed not to be able to stay with us during the summer season have instead booked for the autumn and winter months,” said Dani.
“We are also seeing increased activity from people who live more locally and our regular guests, who prefer to stay with us when the Lake District is a little quieter.
“Meanwhile Christmas is almost fully booked, with the New Year period following suit.”
While it remains too early to accurately predict what will happen in 2022, the team at Lake District Hotels said they believed momentum was likely to continue.
“Whether we will have a repeat of this year remains to be seen,” said Dani. “However, I believe the Lake District has won a lot of new fans this year as people have visited for the first time.
“I suspect that next year, there may still be controls of some sort relating to overseas destinations and concerns linked to air travel will remain for some.
“We will no doubt lose guests who seek the guaranteed sun and all inclusive deals of the Mediterranean.
“However, I wonder if we might see a trend emerge which sees people have an overseas holiday as their main break, but return to the Lakes for a second holiday at some point in the year.”
