The Torridon

The Torridon has been on our bucket list ever since we saw it featured on Amazing Hotels a few years ago. After delaying the trip for a long time because of the distance, we finally made the decision to drive up one weekend in December to celebrate my birthday. We have stayed in many five star properties in the United Kingdom and around the world, yet there are only a handful that I truly enjoy, and even fewer that I feel motivated to review. The Torridon absolutely earns that level of praise. In short, it is the perfect destination for travellers who value thoughtful details and exceptional care. Our check in was conducted thoroughly, exactly as it should be, even though we arrived at around eight in the evening. Instead of simply handing us a keycard and sending us off with vague directions, we were given a guided tour of the property before being shown to our room. When we arrived, we found a few thoughtful treats waiting to mark the occasion, and these continued throughout our stay with small gifts provided during turndown service. Every member of staff we encountered was warm and welcoming, especially Fadzi, Tara, Ultrich and Senna. One of the loveliest aspects of this hotel is that the staff are present and visible throughout the day. You regularly see familiar faces at reception, at breakfast or moving between the two restaurants, which creates a sense of comfort and connection. The food was outstanding in every respect. Breakfast was exceptional during the first two mornings and still very good on the final day. Bo and Muc offered consistently excellent dishes that showcased local ingredients, although the Sticky Toffee Pudding was far better on our second visit. We suspect the first time we may have received the very last portion. The highlight, however, was 1887. Many tasting menus rely on gimmicks, filled with endless foams, emulsions and ceviches with little substance behind them. This menu was the complete opposite. It was rich, indulgent and a true celebration of Scotland, featuring fresh langoustine, beautifully prepared steak and much more. Our room was wonderful. It felt cosy and inviting, with lovely Bamford toiletries and a very comfortable bed. From our room, number twelve, we could watch the highland cows grazing each morning from the window on the right, and enjoy a partial view of the loch from the window on the left. It was a delight to wake up to. The shared spaces, including the Library, Lounge and Bar, were charming and perfect for a drink or lunch. The service during one lunch was a little slow, but the atmosphere more than made up for it. If you can bring yourself to leave the comfort of the hotel, the surrounding area offers unforgettable walks, all easily accessible without needing a car. We did not use ours at all during the stay. I would also strongly recommend booking a Torridon Outdoors experience. These change with the seasons, and during winter we chose clay pigeon shooting. It was an excellent experience and our instructor, V, made it especially memorable. No hotel is entirely perfect, but the Torridon comes very close. The small hiccups we noticed stood out only because the overall standard from the moment we arrived to the moment we departed was so exceptionally high. The trip was absolutely worth the effort and we will certainly return.

Probably one of the finest hotels I have ever stayed in. The friendly staff, the facilities, the service and the food all 7*! Four nights in this wonderful hotel was too short! Few hotels when you get back from breakfast your room is done. The attention to detail is rather remarkable. Every evening a 'turn-down-service' surprise and room snacks replenished. This hotel is a 'must visit'.

The Torridon is truly a magical place; from the warm and inviting team members that greet you to the warm ambience of the common areas. You feel like you’re at home yet surrounded by understated luxury. The backdrop of the Highlands is truly indescribable. It is one of the most beautiful places on earth and the Torridon makes it all the more special. I cannot say enough positive things about my time there - excellent food, amazing team members, and if you’re a fan of whiskey and scotch, you will not be disappointed with their selection.

We stayed in adjacent The Stables but had breakfast in the hotel. A very warm, professional welcome in the hotel on arrival, such a gorgeous place and what a location.Have stayed before but we were given a brief tour of the facilities anyway. Our room in the Stables (first stay here) was even nicer than I expected, though toiletries were a bit nondescript re scent.Had hoped for some really nice smelling shower gels etc rather than bland Bamford offerings.Their ‘Geranium and Lavender’ range really didn’t have much aroma of either. Breakfast was in the beautiful 1887 room and was, overall, very good. My only complaint - absolutely tasteless, sloppy porridge.This was very disappointing for a 5 star hotel.They need to use at least Medium Oatmeal, soaked overnight, to get the lovely nutty taste of the real thing; rolled oats just taste of not a lot. Thankfully I’d filled up first on some lovely cold breakfast items which were delicious as I find that no hotels or B&Bs seem to make decent porridge nowadays. We had dinner in Bo and Muc (VERY pricey, quality very average, separate review.) The Applecross Inn is the place for good food. However, overall, this was a wonderful stay and we will be back.Torridon itself is magical, even on rainy days.

The Torridon is a stunning hotel, beautifully decorated and in the most breathtaking loch-side location. Fabulous views from every angle, and there were some fantastic walks of different lengths on the doorstep. Great staff, and Andrew in the whisky room / bar was a joy to chat to. His whisky and spirits knowledge is amazing! A few things warrant the four star review. We stayed in room 12A, a gorgeous room overlooking the mountains and Loch, but there was absolutely no wifi. The staff reset it, and apparently the provider did as well, but there was no real difference. Very frustrating. We ate in both the 1887 restaurant and Bo & Muc. The restaurant forgot to omit a simple garnish from one meal, and in Bo & Muc they forgot our sides. To be fair, the staff member that forgot each thing apologised personally, and a concession was made on the bill, but these errors shouldn't happen. I would definitely recommend The Torridon, but just can't give it full marks.