Gates Travel - Kendal

Erin Neesham

Went here today after struggling for weeks to decide on a location for our holiday in August, let alone a specific hotel.
Melanie was absolutely brilliant. She asked us a few questions to get an idea of what we were after and straight away, unbeknown to her, pulled up one of the hotels we had previously shortlisted. Proof already that she had listened to what we wanted and knew exactly the sort of thing we were after.
She spent so much of her time with us, going through as many destinations as she could think of that might suit our needs and desires. She printed them all out for us to compare side by side and tried to get us the best flight times and airports to save us money due to us going away at such an expensive time of year.
We finally decided on a lovely looking hotel in Corfu which we hadn't previously found in our own searches. We decided we would book there and then but unfortunately realised that due to the short time between now and going away, we would have had to pay the holiday in full or at the very least 50%. This was absolutely not their fault and was solely due to the fact Jet2 would require the money off them very soon. This unfortunately meant we couldn't book with Melanie, for which we are so sorry because she had done such a fantastic job and was so friendly, patient and helpful with us. We have ultimately booked directly with Jet2 simply because we were able to extend the payment due date by a couple of weeks which suited us better. But we wanted to express how grateful we are for Melanie and the time she spent helping us today, we have booked the hotel she found us and can't wait to go on our trip. We are just sorry that we couldn't book through yourselves. We will definitely be back for future holiday hunting and be sure to book through yourselves.
Thank you Melanie!
Erin and Will x

Eileen Ball

Thank you Nicky for a fab time in Melrose really enjoyed my stay

Janet Bennett

I have recently returned from a wonderful family holiday and I would like to thank Angela and her very efficient and knowledgeable team for helping me find the ideal place for my family. I have used Gates Travel for many years and have needed help several times whilst abroad with flight delays cancellations of aircraft and getting us home safely just before the first pandemic hit. Myself and several friends use Gates Travel for their knowledge and friendly manner and genuine interest in their customers I wouldn’t use anyone else. Thank you team

Christine Bowers

Don't expect much help on your return from your holiday if you've been dissatisfied about anything

Russell Candy

Happy to provide review for Gates Travel. They get 5 stars for their prompt service and helpful advice. This took all the stress out of our travel arrangements. You can rely on Tim and his team. Thanks so much Tim.

Adrian Allen

An appalling attitude from manager, an older woman called Angela, when we went in as a gay couple with a sizeable budget to get ideas for a special holiday, she was instantly hostile and snappy, at one point she snapped 'i won't be doing more than one quote for you, that's just not happening, lads!' So belittling, so unpleasant. Never have I been made to feel so small and unworthy of services. Previously a few days before on the phone she wouldn't give us time of day and said she had other customers to to deal with. We actually feel her attitude was almost personal at us two for some illogical reason. We have since booked something through a reputable tour operator. Unfortunately for Kendal, this is currently the only travel agent. The brochures on shelves are mostly a couple of years out of date, some five years old editions, they are all lacking in any real knowledge, and the atmosphere very unwelcoming.

Updated 11.08.23 -
The owner of Gates Travel has just written this unpleasant response which is completely untrue. First, I mentioned we are gay couple but never hinted about homophobia from the manager. Secondly, we have not made multiple requests and queries, we haven't even been in there for almost four years. Thirdly, we did have every intention to book, we went in with our passports and debit cards, we were just a bit unsure of our choices. Fourthly, this about 'fanciful and unrealistic' ideas? What the hell is 'fanciful and unrealistic' about a luxury Mediterranean cruise, which was our initial choice?! Mr Tom Harris is someone I have never even met or spoken to and yet he has made assumptions and judgements that are unfounded. Talk about over defensive and untrue. We are both experienced travellers and it is nobody's right to refer to our choices as 'fanciful and unrealistic', particularly as they don't know anything about us. I am going to move on from this unfortunate experience and never give Gates Travel another second's thought.

Holistic Living

Very poor advice and attitude from young lady in Kendal branch. Would give zero stars but sadly that's not an option. Judgemental attitude. Didn't listten to the question I asked and gave me information I hadn't asked for, and knew already. When I repeated my initial question she shrugged. As soon as she knew I wasnt buying anything on that particular day, the shutters came down and she couldn't have been less interested. Now I definitely won't be going back to buy anything from that company, at all, ever. Appalling attitude. No wonder the shop is deserted. P.S. Learn to smile and welcome customers when they come into your shop. Basic customer service. Shame the other two travel agents shut down in Kendal, this one won't last long with the poor attitude.

Susan Deaville

We recently dealt with two members of the team who were knowledable, personable and responded perfectly to what we were after. They came back the same day with one excellent itinerary, followed by two even better ones the next day. Excellent service. Highly recommended.