Huntly 4 Stars Hotels

"Currently service at the Thainstone House Hotel is falling far short of expectations and leaving guests such as ourselves disappointed. The staff at the hotel work incredibly hard and are polite despite the pressures they are under. However too few staff meant that we encountered numerous service issues. For example, at breakfast there was a 10 – 15 minute wait for a table, food stuffs unavailable from the buffet, numerous uncleared tables and almost no staff around to take your order. Staffing in the evening was similarly problematic. Perhaps the crowning glory of an underwhelming experience was when, on Saturday night we were told we could not order cocktails as there was no-one on duty who knew how to make them. Although the hotel is taking bookings on its web site for its fine dining restaurant, it is closed to guests and all meals are served in the hotel bar. Ironically, after you have eaten in the bar, you receive an email asking you for feedback on your dining experience in the Green Lady. One reason we chose the Thainstone House was because of the restaurant. Knowing it is not available and to keep advertising it, is a questionable business practice. Sadly nothing in this post appears new, other guests have made similar points - having now stayed there, I understand why it is compared to Fawlty Towers"

"Really nice hotel with ample parking and lovely staff. Manager was great too"

"Massive room & good check out time the next day"

"The food is great but very expensive, although Ballater is an expensive place to stay. Evening meal and bar lovely, breakfast amazing. Nice feel to the hotel, very traditional and cosy. We stayed in a standard room, which is basic. Mattress and pillows felt cheap, it overlooked properties but there was no net curtain to offer privacy, dusty, TV had no apps to log into, noise from downstairs clearly audible, door in the hallway made a creaking noise. We were pretty disappointed as the next level was almost double. "

"Did not use all the facilities but had a wonderful stay. Be great to have a similar hotel near Aviemore as that is where we spent most our time. Loved the spacious and very clean suite that we stayed in."

"Breakfast was nice and the staff were very attentive"

"I travelled by myself, the staff were excellent and very attentive, breakfast was the best eggs Benedict l have had nothing was too much trouble. "

"Food was poor I had the burger which was dry and very bland "

"The staff were exceptional and made us all feel very welcome. The breakfasts and meal we enjoyed in the restaurant were first class. The bar was a lovely place to spend time and the whiskey knowledge was incredible. The room was very comfortable great water pressure and super comfy bed. Would return in a heartbeat."