The Highlander Hotel

The hotel is widely recognized for its exceptional dog-friendly policy, making it a welcoming retreat for pet owners traveling with their companions, who are often spoiled with affection by the staff. This establishment also serves as a popular base for coach parties, influencing its lively atmosphere and dining arrangements. Guests consistently praise the spotless cleanliness of the rooms and the outstanding friendliness and efficiency of the staff, who are frequently described as helpful and attentive. The hotel offers excellent value for money, appealing to budget-conscious travelers, families, and those seeking a convenient base for exploring the Cairngorms and Scottish Highlands. For a more peaceful stay, guests might consider requesting an upstairs room to mitigate potential noise from creaking floorboards, and light sleepers are advised to bring earplugs. Be aware that dining experiences are often tailored to accommodate large groups, which can affect meal times and the overall ambiance.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the convenience of ample on-site parking, which is often described as off-road and spacious, though some note it can occasionally be haphazard or blocked by tour buses. The bar area is a popular spot, noted for its attentive staff and dog-friendly atmosphere, allowing pets to join their owners. While some guests found the bar to lack character or close early, it serves as a comfortable space for relaxation. Common areas, though sometimes described as having a dated decor, are generally well-maintained. It is important to note that the hotel does not have a lift to the second floor, which could be a consideration for some guests. Rooms are equipped with a small television and electric heaters, and some even feature convenient USB ports in the bedside lights. A secure shed is available for bike storage, adding to the practical amenities.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for the spotless cleanliness of its rooms and immaculate bathrooms, which are often described as recently renovated and spacious with great showers and good water pressure. While some rooms are noted for being large, airy, and bright, others are described as cozy, particularly those designated as pet-friendly. However, feedback on bed comfort is mixed; many guests find the beds comfortable, but a significant number report them as very hard or uncomfortable, with some mentioning zip-together mattresses. A recurring concern is the noise levels within the hotel, with frequent comments about creaking floorboards from rooms above, thin walls allowing sounds from adjacent rooms, and occasional street noise. Despite these noise issues, rooms are generally well-equipped with tea and coffee facilities, extra bedding, and toiletries.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining experiences is varied, with many guests praising the breakfast as good, excellent, and plentiful, featuring hot cooked-to-order options and a good selection. However, some found the breakfast to be mediocre, with small portions or lower-quality ingredients. The evening meal receives mixed reviews; while some guests describe it as delicious, tasty, and home-cooked with good portions, others found it to be uninspiring, with limited choices, frozen vegetables, or inconsistent quality. A standout feature consistently highlighted by guests is the sweet trolley, which offers a delightful and varied selection of desserts. The dining atmosphere is often influenced by the presence of coach parties, leading to busy periods and sometimes a rushed service. While some guests noted limited gluten-free or vegetarian options, others found their dietary needs were well-catered for by the attentive staff.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts a great location within a pleasant village, serving as an ideal and convenient base for exploring the Scottish Highlands and the Cairngorms National Park. Guests appreciate its easy accessibility, being situated just off a main road. The hotel is within walking distance of local amenities, including some shops, and is particularly close to the Highland Folk Museum, a popular attraction. Its setting also provides access to numerous local walks, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts. While the hotel offers ample on-site parking, which is a significant convenience for many, some guests have noted that the car park can occasionally become full, especially when tour buses are present. Overall, the location is highly regarded for its balance of peaceful surroundings and proximity to key points of interest and natural beauty.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelming praise, being described as excellent, superb, and amazing. Guests frequently highlight their friendliness, helpfulness, attentiveness, and efficiency, noting that nothing seems too much trouble for them. The check-in process is often smooth and quick, contributing to a positive first impression. Staff are commended for their willingness to accommodate various requests, such as providing extra blankets, assisting with bike storage, or addressing issues like a non-functioning television signal. The hotel's dog-friendly service is particularly appreciated, with staff going out of their way to welcome and interact with pets. While the vast majority of feedback is positive, a few isolated comments mention instances of bluntness or a perceived lack of empathy when addressing guest concerns, though these are exceptions to the generally high standard of service.

Additional Information
A notable aspect of the hotel is its strong emphasis on being pet-friendly, welcoming dogs without an extra charge and allowing them in the bar area. The hotel's business model heavily caters to coach parties, which influences its operational flow, including dining times and the provision of evening entertainment such as live music and dance weekends, particularly during festive periods like New Year. Guests frequently commend the hotel for its excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. While some common areas feature a dated decor, many rooms have been recently renovated. The hotel's layout is unique, being split into three separate buildings, which some guests compare to a motel style. A distinctive and much-loved amenity is the traditional sweet trolley offered during dinner service.