Julie Ferguson
Google
I so want to give 5 stars, but I cannot. I loved the house, the grounds and the food. My room was perfect, the dinner was outstanding, and the chef was amazing and friendly. The views from the house were unreal! I would go back, but Im not sure anyone else in my group would.
I personally selected 3 rooms inside the house for myself and 2 other couples with the dinner and breakfast package, but
when I arrived (a bit early) I was warmly greeted by a staff member who didn't have record of 2 of my 3 rooms. I had paper receipt documentation which I showed her. She said, don't worry, we have room..but 2 rooms were out in the cottages. This wasn't immediately an issue until we realized they lock all of the doors to the house (and you dont get a key)and so I was unable to congregate with my friends after dark, which was very disappointing.
The staff seemed to be sparse, albeit friendly. We saw people (non guests) come into the house and ask for drinks and they were waited on promptly, but then staff disappeared. We had to wander around the house looking for someone to show us to our rooms and explain the house protocol for dinner, etc.
Pre-dinner canapes and whisky pairing started at 7 = 2 canapes and you may purchase a drink or a whisky.
We were asked to pick a wine for the table and then charged by the glass for it at dinner. I know it appears I'm being cheap, but the website promises whisky pairings and tastings, along with dinner and after dinner and this just isn't the case. I felt like I was bothering the staff to ask for a drink or a taste, and then it was added to my room.
I believe the potential for perfect 5 stars is here. A story teller at night with the post dinner tea would be so fitting. Some type of Highland feel with a fire in the fireplace. Someone to explain the protocol at arrival and show me the immediate grounds would have been appropriate.
I felt like they dropped the ball in a few areas.
All that said, my room and my stay were still glorious, and it was a highlight of my trip to northern Scotland.