Stirling Highland Hotel

A great stay! The bedroom was super clean and warm. The bed and pillows were probably one of the comfiest beds I’ve slept in in a hotel before! Tea coffee biscuits and water available on the tray in the bedroom. We stayed in a dog friendly room and the staff were very attentive and brought our little dog a nice big comfy bed, blanket, treats, bowls, floor mat and even a little guide to dog friendly things in Stirling, perfect!! Easy parking and just pop your number plate in at reception. We decided to have drinks and dine in the bar lounge upstairs which was nice. Could be a littler warmer in there but it is such a big old building. Lots of different drinks to choose from, Guinness was however off. The food was average, mixed reviews from different people in the group. Breakfast was ok, could have more choice. There’s a lovely walk to the side of the hotel that will take you all the way up to the castle and different buildings and it’s only a short drive to the centre. Will definitely be back

We received an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast as a gift for Christmas, on reading reviews we were dreading our stay and even tried to change our voucher for another hotel, when this was not possible we decided to book. First impression when trying to book were not good, tried to call numerous times and different times of the day for the phone to just ring out, was only when I sent an email and received a reply from Chloe the experience began to improve. |On arrival we were greeted with friendly check in staff (Chloe being one of them) our room was on the 2nd floor, yes the rooms are a little dated and a bit of modernisation would definitely help that said our room was very clean, comfortable and well maintained. |Our evening meal in the restaurant was a pleasant surprise, the food was very good and we both really enjoyed our meals and the service received was friendly and attentive, with a lovely atmosphere. Breakfast was also enjoyable, food was fresh, warm and plenty to choose from.|We didn't use the spa facilities so cannot comment on those, but overall we had a really enjoyable stay and felt the hotel was better than the reviews suggested, all in all we glad we went.

Our overnight stay at the Stirling Highland Hotel was booked as a gift and, initially, everything was excellent. However, significant booking errors and poor customer service at checkout completely overshadowed what should have been a lovely experience.||The booking was for one night for two guests (DBB). I had to chase the hotel multiple times for confirmation, and when it finally arrived it incorrectly stated one person. I emailed to correct this and received written confirmation and apologies that the booking had been amended to two people, DBB, with £25 per person towards dinner, with full payment confirmed.||At check-in, reception advised the booking showed two nights, which I corrected to one. Dinner and service were excellent. Breakfast information stated it finished at 10:30, both verbally and in writing, but it actually finished at 10:00, which we nearly missed.||On checkout, I returned to reception to ensure we wouldn’t be charged for two nights. The receptionist, Liz, was extremely rude and dismissive, insisting the booking was for two nights for one person and that an outstanding balance was due for the second guest’s dinner and breakfast — despite the written confirmation stating otherwise. Her attitude was condescending, repetitive, and unapologetic, and she spoke to us as though we were at fault.||After retrieving our confirmation emails, we were still told an “outstanding other adult dinner charge” was due — with breakfast no longer mentioned. When challenged, Liz argued that “two people DBB” only applied to one person, which made no sense. Also that the booking was for two nights but only one night had been paid ? since when could you make a booking for two nights but only pay for one .There was no apology, no attempt to resolve the situation professionally, and no manager available. We were told, sarcastically, that a manager would contact us to take payment.||The handling of this situation and the receptionist’s attitude completely ruined our stay. Having since read similar reviews, it’s clear booking issues are not uncommon. Sadly, due to how this was dealt with, we will not be returning.

Stirling Highland Hotel is an excellent choice if location is your priority. Very close to Stirling Castle (approx. 200 m), the old town, the Robert the Bruce statue and within easy reach of the National Wallace Monument. The concept and revitalisation of a former school into a hotel with spa deserve recognition. The dining hall with buffet breakfast is impressive, as is the adjacent historic library. Breakfast is very good and included in the price. Parking is paid, but free options in the city centre are very limited. Rooms are clean and comfortable, but show visible wear: torn curtains, scratched furniture, cracked bathroom tiles and tired towels. Some practical details need attention, including poor exterior signage at night and minor maintenance issues. Despite these drawbacks, the location and atmosphere make this a place worth considering, especially when travelling north by car. A solid stay overall. Recommended.

Stayed for one night while in Stirling for work. The room was dated and in need of a refresh although it was clean. Unfortunately there isn’t much sound proofing in the rooms so you could hear into next door and everything that went on in the corridor. The shower was a fixed height and was too low to get under properly. Finally despite being booked and paid for through the company they still charged by personal card. I don’t think I’ll be staying again.

Lovely old style picturesque building in a great central location , good parking at a minimal cost £10 which is ok. The staff are very friendly and attentive and service is excellent at the restaurant which has a lovely menu and quality of the food excellent ,breakfast is buffet style and very good with a good choice and freshly cooked and laid out . Very good value for money the rooms are yes a bit dated but tidy and clean and perfect for an overnight stay. Would definitely stay again and recommend 👍

1-Star Review: Disastrous Dining Experience at Stirling Highland hotel/ Restaurant – Unacceptable Food and Poor Management|I dined at the Restaurant in the Stirling Highland Hotel expecting a pleasant evening meal, but it turned into one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. As someone who works in the hospitality industry, I have a good understanding of basic standards for simple dishes like pizza and pasta – unfortunately, every single dish we ordered fell far short of even the most basic expectations.||The food was shocking. The pizza was rock hard and tasteless, the pasta was bland – nothing was edible. We struggled through barely half of our meals before giving up, as we simply couldn't force down any more. We politely sent the dishes back, explaining to the staff that they were inedible and asking if they could be removed from the bill. To our surprise, the nearby table was also complaining about their food, which should have been a red flag for the kitchen.||Starving and with no acceptable alternatives, we asked for a simple portion of chips to tide us over. Our waitress was absolutely lovely – friendly, apologetic, and professional – but she returned to say that the manager (named Anna) had insisted we pay full price for the original meals and charge extra for the chips. This left us stunned and forced to pay for food we couldn't eat, plus an additional side just to have something substantial.||Under UK consumer rights (Consumer Rights Act 2015), food must be of satisfactory quality and fit for purpose. When it's not, customers shouldn't be expected to pay for it – especially when it's returned uneaten. Refusing to waive or discount the inedible dishes feels not only unfair but potentially unlawful. The manager's rigid stance was a complete joke and ruined what could have been a salvageable situation.|The front-of-house staff deserve praise for their efforts, but management clearly let them (and us) down badly. I've noticed the hotel rarely responds to negative reviews, which speaks volumes. Shocked and disappointed, we will never return, and I plan to escalate this directly to the Cairn Hotel Group.|Avoid the restaurant if you're staying here – eat elsewhere in Stirling to save yourself the frustration and expense.||We are off to get some food at the local food bank. They have a minimum standard

Disappointed with the service recived at hotel regarding booking and room.|Arrived for 3pm check in, confirmed room 2 adults and 1 child as per booking.|Got to room to find only 1 bed, went back to reception to enquire about bed for child . Asked if I requested a bed ?|Explained i had booked room for 2 adults 1 child don't usually have to ask if we all have a bed in room ?|Asked if i had stayed in hotel before as thats always been the policy since the time receptionist has worked there .|I was advised would have to pay £25 for a bed to be put in room |As I had my granddaughter at reception with me i paid as she was clearly upset that no bed had been made for her.|I did go to reception and enquire why we would be given a room that did not accommodate us and why offer upgrades at time of booking if a further payment has to be made for us all to actually have a bed.|Advised could contact manager.|I had already submitted a query through the email booking.|Received a reply later that day and advised passed onto manager could take 10 - 14 days for response. |Unfortunately I still have not received a response |I have stayed in this hotel many time over the last 15years both as a couple and with our family and never had any issue like this before.|I would not have had a problem paying a supplement if I had taken an extra guest along to be added ect but this booking was made for 2 adults and a child so the room should have been fit for purpose and the correct room charges applied not expected to request a bed on arrival then pay £35 to have it added?|This was supposed to be a new year surprise for our granddaughter to have a night away and do some shopping, she was unaware we had booked her away for the weekend to the hotel she enjoys visiting.|We also got changed and went to use the spa facility to find it had shut at 4pm.|Again we do not have an issue with the spa closing early for staff to have some family time at this time of year but we were give an information sheet at check-in which had facilities open until 6pm so had all got changed and went to for a swim, only to find it had already closed by the time we got thier due to us having to sort out the bed and it closing early.

I could reiterate all the negative comments in the reviews. We experienced the same level of quality of rooms, stuffy, warm room and no service from staff. At dinner, I ordered the plate of Artisan Breads as a starter. What came, was four slices of toasted sliced bread. I was not impressed.

I'm torn on this review. As a hotel, this spot is lack-luster. The rooms are extremely worn and dated, and are stuffy, with no AC and windows that only crack a bit. The finishes are worn, tile is cracked and curtains falling down. It's rough. But; as far as location, it's amazing. And has parking. And breakfast is great. So, if you need a central spot with parking for a few nights in Stirling, this place is probably a good option. Prepare for the bedraggled appearance, and enjoy the (surprisingly) comfy bed, tasty breakfast and amazing location.

This has to be by far one of the most underwhelming stays I've ever experienced. We paid quite a decent price for this hotel and expected an actual 4 star hotel. Now I don't know what you need to get 4 stars in Scotland but I think the hotel would have a tough time even competing with 3 star hotels. The rooms are extremely outdated and definitely not what I would expect for that price. In the bathroom, the fake marble counter tops are not completely glued together anymore, so it feels like the bathroom is actually falling apart. It honestly feels like the newest thing in the bathroom is the shower curtain that appears to have been put there years ago. The bed also seems to have aged quite a bit - the mattress doesn't even lie flat on the bed anymore. That being said, the bed sheets fall off at every single movement as they're not fitted anymore... The hotel rooms had extremely thin walls and you were able to hear everything that was going on in the hallway and every single step people were taking. Additionally, the floors felt like they were going to break every second. BUT the biggest disappointment was BY FAR the breakfast. First of all, you have to wait quite a while for a staff member to check you in so you can get to the buffet style breakfast. We paid extra for the breakfast but should've rather went to a local café. Almost everything was out of stock at 9am (breakfast lasts until 10:30 on Sundays) and when asking the staff members for things such as more toast, they gave an annoyed look and came back with about 10 slices of bread that were gone in seconds. Not to mention that there is no such thing as cheese or salami or anything. The Nutella was empty too. The worst thing was the coffee which tasted like a mix of instant coffee and chlorine. There also was no juice left and all the staff was doing was standing literally right next to the juice containers and not filling them up but rather appeared to have private conversations. When entering the hotel, you are greeted with a nice smell of moisture combined with mold. Only good thing was the view which was nice and the size of the rooms which sadly doesn't make up for all the negative aspects of this hotel. Honestly would never come back to this so called 4 star hotel.

Probably the worst mattresses (and night's sleep) I have ever had at any hotel. A good bed and a clean room should be the basic prerequisites to any hotel and this one fails to meet either.

I seldom publish reviews on the internet, but this hotel has pushed me to the edge. I booked a Deluxe Double Room many months ago hoping to have an elevated stay in this popular hotel in Stirling. I paid a decent amount extra for the nicer room, and when I arrived was disappointed to find that my "deluxe" room has a very torn carpet with duct tape on top of it in multiple places. I accidentally stepped on these sections on the floor in the middle of the night and felt myself sinking into the floor a bit. This is very disappointing, considering I decided to stay here because I wanted a nicer place to stay and I booked a more expensive room. When I went down to share this with the front desk employee, she apologized and said there are no available rooms to change to. I asked her if there is anything else the hotel can do to make up for this, and she said she couldn't promise anything. I never heard a word from any employees at the hotel. No offer of a drink, a meal, a partial reimbursement, nothing. I also emailed the hotel after my first night and did not hear back until after I left, but I'll get back to this later. I was also denied a late checkout, and when I went to check out, I reiterated my concerns to another employee at reception, who said she would pass them along to management...so I finally hear back from management via email a full day after checking out. The supposedly new manager Jay sends me a whole email of fluff with no offer of compensation or anything of substance at all, aside from the fact that they LIED that I was offered another room and a late checkout. Between the lies and excuses that the rooms have yet to be refurbished, I was very disappointed and let Jay know this was simply untrue. Well, Jay doesn't believe me, and reiterated in their reply that the staff offered me another room and late checkout (which is absolute BS). I reiterated in one final reply that this wasn't true, and that I would be sharing my experience publicly if they did not acknowledge this, and make the situation right. They are standing firm, so here I am. All in all, disappointed I spent so much money on a truly run down hotel. My suggestion, try to find another place in Stirling. I will never be returning with this type of customer service. Absolutely outrageous.

We stayed 1 night in January 2020 while on a visit from the US. Old, tired and very small. We paid the extra $30 to upgrade our king room to their best room type. I am not sure what we would have gotten in a standard king if this was an upgrade. Room was very cold with 2 space heaters in the closet that we were instructed to use to get it to temp. The radiator system had no controls and ours appeared not to work as well as other parts of the hotel which were much warmer. We left in the early morning as our stay was not comfortable and we were disappointed.

This is a great hotel, I have stayed here 5 times. The hotel building is the old Stirling High school. There is an indoor swimming pool attched to a health club that residents can use. The car park does tend to get full. The staff on the whole are very pleasant. The rooms have always been good and well dressed. The service in the bar can be poor. I would advise against eating in the restaurant as the menu is limited and expensive for what it is. The quality and standard fall short of what you would expect in such a lovely hotel. The breakfast is okay and the wine list decent. The hotel is on a steep hill, but a great location for exploring Stirling by foot. It is a fantastic hotel sorely let down by it's food.

Stayed for 7 nights on a tour vacation booked through AHI. Had great service in a lovely location. The front desk was very helpful, even with their computer system having trouble. When the wake-up calls weren't working they actually came and knocked on the door. Rooms were clean, bathroom was exceptional. Even with a large group, the service in the hotel's restaurant was prompt and friendly. There were several food options at every meal that covered most of the groups tastes. The desserts were my favorite. A huge thank you to all the staff that waited on us. It's not easy to feed and serve 30 people at one time for over a week. Staff was very accommodating and helped us with all our 'tourist' questions. Housekeeping staff was approachable and pleasant.

This is a lovely hotel with a lot of character. It is set up the hill towards the Castle and is, therefore, in a great position. As it used to be a school, the hotel is set around a quad, with the quad now forming the car park. The rbedooms and a leisure centre, with swimming pool and gym, are set around the quad. The quality of the rooms is very good and they are well presented and comfortable. There is a bar with a small tv room. This, again, is nicely presented but the service can be poor here. The coffee is also poor and not recommended. There is a large dining room which serves a good breakfast but unfortunately falls very short for dinner. I have eaten here a number of times as I have booked a special hotel offer that includes dinner and have been disappointed on each occasion. I no longer book these special offers and have dinner elsewhere in Stirling. The only other downside is that the car parking can become a problem as the leisure centre is open to the public for membership. The hotel also appears to host a lot of conferences so parking can be at a premium. As a hotel to stay the night and have a good breakfast, it is excellent.

Quite pricey, but a really nice meal. We had a lovely evening out there. The menu was extensive, the food cooked to perfection and very tasty and the wine was good too. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, quick to notice if you needed anything without ever being obtrusive. They were also happy to explain any dish and to find out exactly what was safe for someone with food intolerances - they all seemed very knowledgeable about food intolerance, which is certainly not always the case when we go out! I'd happily recommend Scholars for a special evening out - but due to the prices it's not for every day - or even every month for us, especially in these credit crunch times. I'm already looking forward to my next meal there come on lottery

A fine building for a hotel and ideally placed for the Castle for our one-night stopover.The reception staff were polite and helpful. The premium room was comfortable but with a view over a derelict building. Also the shower did not work properly. It was either tepid or scalding. As the problem was the shower thermostat though we were able to draw a bath. The biggest disappointment was the breakfast. If we had wanted a buffet style cooked meal with minimal service and luke warm food I would have gone to either a supermarket cafe or one of the large cheap end chain hotels.