The Torridon

By the far the best hotel and dining on our NC500 trip. Unbelievably expensive (two night minimum stay and their only available room was the largest suite (1887). Exceptionally attentive staff. Lovely facilities and grounds.

Just back from a very special birthday treat for myself and my daughter. Our room was absolutely stunning the views from the windows were breathtaking. We were delighted with the special little touches for our birthdays. Staff were very pleasant, welcoming and informative regarding the hotel and surrounding areas. We ate in the Bo and Muc as main restaurant wasn’t open on a Monday evening sadly I would agree with some of the other reviews parts of the meal were fab but my main coarse was barely warm and was served quickly so no delay in delivering. My daughters starter of scallops was fab but her main coarse was burger and it wasn’t even rare it was raw. When brought to the attention the staff dealt with it promptly and we were not charged for her main, it just wasn’t what either of us had expected. Our breakfast the following morning was delicious and couldn’t be faulted .

We were perhaps expecting too much from the Torridon. The setting is awe inspiring, the guest rooms (or at least ours) are very comfortable and spacious with beautiful bathrooms and the staff are lovely. There just seemed to be something lacking. Our check in was excellent, but every time I spoke to reception after that they couldn’t answer my questions. It took them 25 minutes to find me a room service menu. On one occasion I was asked to come back after dinner when someone could answer my questions, on another occasion I gave up as they had a queue of people to check in and only one member of staff. An online guest directory could have answered my questions had there been one. Public rooms were beautiful, but didn’t have enough space for many people to sit quietly with a drink or a book. Breakfast was good, but once again, nothing outstanding. Too often in a three day stay guests had to ask for fruit juice to be refilled or for pastries to be made available. Once again, the staff were lovely, just not really ‘on it’. The evening food offer was really disappointing. There was a tasting menu in the main restaurant or a brasserie which served burgers, steak and a single fish dish. We’d have welcomed an à la carte menu that had more choice than the former and more formality and better cooking than the latter. There is no doubt that the owners do well to offer such comfort in such a remote area and they are to be commended for it. Their walking trails around the hotel are beautiful, as is their lovely kitchen garden. I couldn’t getaway from the issue of inefficient staff service, especially at a premium price.

Enjoyed the afternoon tea. Had the best table in a bay window overlooking the loch. Excellent savoury and sweet choices with very good tea selection.

My friend and I - both local to the area - arrived at The Torridon Resort today at 1250hrs to walk my dog on the forest tracks and have lunch at The Bo & Muc. We were both very much looking forward to trying "The Torridon Club" I went to the bar to buy a take out drink for the walk, and reserve a table for the two of us for lunch, which they serve until 3pm. There wasn't a single customer in there at the time. However, when I said that we would be popping back in for lunch after the walk, the woman behind the bar asked if I was a (Resort) resident. She then continued to say that they had a table of 20 booked, so may not be able to serve us. She proceeded to check with a male colleague, who confirmed that they wouldn't be able to fit us in alongside the 20. In an establishment of this size and prestige, I found that hard to believe. The woman then proceeded to offer me the "Light Bite" menu which would be available after 3pm?! During our conversation, a stream of super cars parked up outside - the booked table of 20, which transpired only to be a table of 18. But still no space for us - not even in an hour's time?!! The different approach towards these guests (who obviously had money) as opposed to how we were treated was so blatant, I was appalled; embarrassed for them. No attempt was made by the waitress to apologise, explain, or offer us alternatives - eat outside, take away, limited menu options etc. The customer service wasn't poor because it was non-existent! Astounding (but sadly not surprising) given the marketing of The Torridon as a "five-star boutique resort" Both my friend and I work in hospitality, and couldn't believe the price tag attached to menu items when the customer experience is so poor. The very basics of service just aren't there - and they definitely didn't like the colour of our money. Missing out on "The Torridon Club" was disappointing, but realising you're not part of "The Torridon Club" having lived & worked here for the last 14 years was the real sting in the tail/tale. Learn to value those around you. Money is not the most important thing.