Shieldaig Lodge

We had a nice four night stay during a week trip in the highlands. The most important thing to note is that the hotel is vastly overpriced both for the rooms and for the food - other reviews are being fair. If you’re willing to let that slide then the location is wonderful for exploring the area and the view out the front of the building is very pretty. For dinner, the food is unfortunately just not good enough to ask for the price that’s charged. Eat at the Baddachro Inn nearby instead, it’s much better value. Breakfast was nice but could do with more variety. The bar is very uninviting and needs much nicer furniture, we didn’t want to spend any time in it which feels wrong for a bar in an expensive hotel. We stayed in a ‘cozy’ room. We did not expect it to be big and it wasn’t, but that was fine and the room was generally in good condition. I did expect to be able to fit on the bed, which I couldn’t. I am over 6ft but the bed was weirdly short and I had to curl up a fair amount so my legs fit on. The staff were all very friendly and kind, wouldn’t fault them at all. Having a falconry attached is a nice touch for anyone who’s a fan of birds of prey.

Shieldaig Lodge is an amazing site as one approaches the location. The lodge is imposing in size and has the image of a golden period in time, where the upper class lived in luxury. The vegetable garden, the lawn approaching the loch, the benches set up in front for guest relaxation, even the croquet wickets in place set the expected tone of a quality overnight stay at the Lodge. ||One would expect that the service in a facility such as this would match the ambiance of the facility. One would expect, but would be disappointed. Upon entering the building, we approached the individual seated at a desk, who was in conversation with another person in the adjoining room. In a matter factly manner he provided the room keys, directions to the two rooms on two different floors, pointed out where breakfast was to be served and that was it. While we didn’t ask for assistance with luggage, we found it odd that in each of the stays over the previous five days, at far more remote, and candidly far less ornate or opulent locations the hostesses (each of them women) showed us the rooms personally and assisted with luggage. As we gathered our luggage it was noted that he had simply returned to the conversation with the other individual. If one is going to charge well above average rates, it seems to me that the service and the professionalism of the staff should match. It didn’t. The rooms were adequate for a nights stay, but are in need of touch up. The window in our room rattled with the breeze, which we fixed by jamming a piece of paper in between. Should this be required in a place that charges such rates? ||On a positive note, the breakfast was excellent with service by a charming young woman, who smiled, and genuinely seemed intent on making the simple breakfast meal memorable. From an employee standpoint she was the shining star and should be commended. ||Instead of referring to each issue as negatives, I’d prefer to call them areas of opportunity to make this truly a memorable stay.

The food was outrageously delicious as was the wine selection. We were here on a very rainy day just for one night so we didn’t get a chance to avail ourselves of all there is to offer. But what a beautiful property. And such a lovely stay.

What a stunning setting and gorgeous views! Loved seeing the seals in the bay. The hotel is charming, stylish, appealingly traditional. The beds were comfortable with lovely pillows and linen, and the bathroom was nice too, with a great shower. Dinner was really delicious and a special occasion, and breakfast was really nice too. Our room was pleasant, and we liked it, but for £475 room only we had been expecting a suite or something larger and more special. So we felt the hotel fell down on value for money. Minor details: we had to ask for bathrobes (surely they should be provided automatically), the restaurant did not have the wine we wanted at dinner and had run out of smoked salmon for breakfast. But overall it was still a lovely experience and we would go back, although the price (which did seem too high) might make us hesitate.

When I think of the perfect Highlands hotel this is exactly what I pictured. The decor is truly stunning and the attention to detail is another level from the “I’d rather be at Sheildaig Lodge” mugs, to the "Out to Play" wellington boots in the room. |As a traveller with a number of serious food allergies I was made to feel at ease straight away from all the staff including the chef who I was able to speak to about the evening meal and reassured so I could enjoy the 2 course meal. |I wish I could have stayed longer, 1 night was never going to be enough.

Shieldag Lodge is in a beautiful area, the journey there was a challenge on single track roads but a beautiful drive. Our room with a Loch View room 5 was lovely. Very comfortable bed, peaceful nights sleep with a lovely bathroom with a heated floor. I took a walk to the ww11 liberator crash sight more of a climb but as I was advised very boggy, the hotel has an immense supply of wellies which I took full use of. Beautiful beaches only short drives away. The hotel whisky and Gin bar has a great choice and Mark has a super knowledge of what to recommend. |Dinner at this hotel is special each night a different menu beautifully curated and presented. Had the 7 course tasting menu one night which was well worth having. The seals in the morning were very active having breakfast on last morning there were 7, when I took a dip they had disappeared. |I really enjoyed my stay and will return if I can convince husband to endure the drive there which to me was worth it.

Although we had our dog with us and knew it was a dog friendly room, it was unhygienic and the carpet was not clean. So much so that within minutes of arriving my wife started to have an asthma attack. |We had to immediately cancel as they had no room without a carpet available. |They did offer my wife a single occupancy room but that was unacceptable. |For health reasons we had to leave and despite paying for bed & breakfast go zero refund. |I would not recommend||Also despite saying hi speed wifi - when you get there they actually have a notice stating that they apologise as their wifi is so slow due to poor reception in the area

Great location overlooking a beautiful bay. Characterful clean rooms Friendly staff Decoration a little bit tired High quality food and presentation. Excellent selection of drinks. Although we found food and drink to be overpriced. Well priced room due to deal on website. Lack of an EV charger in a part of the country where the charging infrastructure is poor is an oversight for this quality of hotel. It would difficult to visit this area in the summer with an electric car due to competition for chargers. We will be returning to the highlands again as it’s spectacular. But would primarily look for a hotel with an EV charger on-site