A PRESTIGIOUS and luxurious Lake District Hotel has been awarded five red stars by the AA.

The Windermere family-owned Gilpin Hotel has been praised for its high-quality service and was presented with the stars on October 18.

Red Stars are awarded to hotels which offer luxurious accommodation and public areas, outstanding facilities, service, and all-round customer experience.

The award also certifies an excellent standard of food and wine presented on site.

Gilpin’s offering includes the Michelin starred, four AA rosette HRiSHi restaurant, as well as the property’s more casual outlet with two AA rosettes.

The business includes its own private spa sanctuary and a beautiful outdoors spirit, themed décor with displays of live plants suspended from the ceiling.

Barney Cunliffe, CEO of Gilpin Hotel & Lake House said: “We are extremely proud to be awarded five Red Stars by the AA - as a family it is something we have always dreamed of achieving.

"When Mum and Dad first started Gilpin in 1988 it was a simple B&B, and their decades of hard work and dedication set us on the path to where we are today.

"It’s a great sadness that Dad isn’t here to celebrate with us, but we will be raising a glass to him, to Mum and to Team Gilpin, to whom we owe everything.”

Managing Director, Karen Baybutt said: "To achieve this in the current climate when we have faced what seems like one hurdle after another is fundamentally down to this amazing team working above and beyond to ensure standards are kept and service is delivered to the highest standard.

"I know this has been a personal aim for the Cunliffe family over the years and to be able to deliver such a prestigious achievement is an absolute honour for the whole Team.

"Well done everyone and thank you AA".