Inverlochy Castle Hotel

The castle and grounds are fantastic but the experience is let down by the inconsistent level of service. We have stayed there times at Inverlochy, once in a standard room, in the Queens Suite and the Princes’s Suite. The rooms, especially the suites are great and the castle itself is a very pleasant place to be. On our first stay I was running an 80km ultra and on returning at 10.30pm the staff offered to help me to my room, had given me extra bath salts and left a plate of strawberries dipped in chocolate in my room. That is five star service. Our second and third trips (in the much more expensive rooms) were pretty standard service wise. The staff seem generally unequipped to deal with anything slightly out of the ordinary (the antithesis of what a five start hotel should be aiming for). Trying to explain that bringing food to our room or walking in for turn down didn’t work for us as our dogs felt like such an inconvenience. Dogs are allowed but they are not really welcome; not one bin on the grounds for poo bags so you have to take them all with you. Fonab Castle give you a dog goody bag, bowls and beds, Inverlochy offered nothing on our last stay, other than to remind us that dogs are not allowed in the foyer. Breakfast on day 1 was great, day 2 we may as well have not been there as that’s how we were treated. No menus, no water, no pastries, had to go and pour coffee ourselves. On departure I told the member of staff and he mumbled an apology and that was that. The main reason I don’t think we will return is the over £100 bag of Highland Soap (Inverlochy neighbour) products we left in our room. When I called I was told it hadn’t been found. I know what happened to it and I’m pretty sure the person on the phone knew, if that’s how staff behave in any hotel let alone a 5 star that’s not somewhere I want to stay. It is far too expensive a hotel to be gambling on which staff will be working when you stay which ultimately determines how positive the stay is. I read the book left in our suite about the history of the castle and its owner, and whilst what was written may have been true back then about the level of service and quality that he wanted, it sadly isn’t anymore.

This hotel has very good food and inconsistent service. The Michel Roux restaurant was excellent and the two ladies - Ursula and Silvia - who managed it were first rate and looked after us beautifully as did the very knowledgeable and helpful sommelier, William Birch. While there were plenty of staff, several seemed to be in training and several seemed unsure, confused or inexperienced, and did not seem adequately managed. It was also unusual to be asked to specify a time slot for breakfast …..we were on holiday and did not u der stand why we had to pick a breakfast time when we checked in.

The walled garden suites are the way to go. Such a lovely view to wake up to with Ben Nevis in the distance. The room was comfortable and had everything we needed. The grounds are stunning. Walking to breakfast in the mornings at the main building was a highlight. The breakfasts are well done and very filling. Lunch will be optional. Dinner options here are somewhat limited. A casual option with just a few, well-curated choices or the full-on multi course dinner at the main restaurant. Ot pop in to Ft William for dinner. Location is great. The staff was top notch. A perfect location to take day trips. Loved it.

Pure indulgence in an historical Scottish setting. It’s where we had our honeymoon and we were back for our 25th wedding anniversary. Not cheap, but worth every penny. Will be back for our 50th for sure! Many thanks for creating a vegan menu just for us!

Fantastic stay in a beautiful castle, with all the ambiance and charm one imagines in a castle. I have stayed in a few castles and this is one of my favorites (Thornbury and Bovey Castle being the other favs). Had a delightful evening listening to the piano in the great hall. I had a pretty room, just right for one. The staff are helpful and friendly. Breakfast and dinner were both wonderful. Overall, a lovely stay.