Lakes hotel to cater for guide dogs

A hotel for guide-dog owners is to be opened in Windermere, Cumbria, by The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association next week.

The opening of the 18-bedroom Windermere Manor follows the success of the association's first hotel - the 21-bedroom Cliffden in Teignmouth, Devon - which was launched six years ago.

"It is a unique concept, in that we cater for guide dogs as well as their owners," said Nigel Potts, general manager of the two hotels, which are both three- to four-star standard.

Windermere Manor, a former private nursing home, is set in two acres of grounds and will employ 30 full-time staff.

While primarily for the use of guide-dog owners and their friends and relations, rooms will also be made available to other visually impaired people during off-peak times.

"The rooms are colour contrasted to assist visually impaired guests, with special strips in the carpets to let them know when they are approaching steps," said Marilyn Rydstrom, director of the association's client support services. "The hotel gardens feature different types of paving for a similar purpose, and guests can be provided with tactile maps of the area."

Room rates are subsidised for guide-dog owners by the association, with prices starting from £175 per week half-board.