For a city-centre base, this complex of self-catering apartments really has to be the pick of places to stay in Carlisle. While not huge, the apartments are well appointed with small studio kitchens, modern decor, parquet-style flooring, sash windows and zero clutter, and the setting in the Edwardian-era building (formerly Carlisle's General Post Office) is a real stunner.
If you don't feel like cooking, there's also a cafe, Bartons Yard, and a new bar-bistro, the Penny Blue. Parking is available for a fee in the Lonsdale car park next door.