Loch Long Hotel

This hotel is primarily distinguished by its stunning loch views and prime location for accessing numerous hiking trails and outdoor activities, making it an ideal choice for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and budget travelers seeking a scenic base. While many guests appreciate the hotel's value, feedback on its overall condition and cleanliness is highly mixed, with some describing it as dated and in need of significant refurbishment. The hotel often hosts coach parties, which can impact service and dining experiences for individual guests. To ensure a smoother stay, guests are advised to register their vehicle daily for parking and consider bringing extra pillows, as room amenities can be inconsistent. Managing expectations regarding the hotel's general upkeep is also recommended.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities receive varied feedback, with a recurring issue being the non-functional lift, which poses a significant challenge for guests with mobility issues, requiring them to navigate multiple flights of stairs. The hot tub and sauna are sometimes praised as enjoyable amenities, though many reviews indicate they are frequently out of order, dirty, or restricted to specific room packages. The bar area is noted for its lively atmosphere and scenic views, with some finding drink prices reasonable, while others report it can be understaffed, leading to long queues and early closures. Wi-Fi connectivity is inconsistent, with some guests experiencing poor signal in their rooms. Parking is a notable concern, often described as limited and difficult to secure, with guests needing to register their vehicles daily to avoid fines. A pool table is available and appreciated by many for entertainment.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly polarized. Many reviews describe rooms as dirty, with stained bedding, mould, cobwebs, and a pervasive damp smell, particularly in bathrooms. Some guests reported issues with loose taps, broken windows, and inadequate shower pressure. Conversely, a number of guests found their rooms to be clean, well-maintained, and even recently updated, with comfortable beds and spotless bathrooms. However, the quality of pillows is frequently criticized as lumpy or too flat, impacting sleep quality. Noise levels are a significant issue for many, with thin walls allowing sounds from other guests, live entertainment, and even staff areas to disturb sleep, particularly during late hours. In-room amenities like televisions and hairdryers are sometimes reported as non-functional or missing.

Dining & Food Quality
The dining experience at the hotel garners highly mixed reviews. Breakfast is often described as basic, with some guests finding the cooked options cold, undercooked, or of poor quality, while others praise it as good value and delicious. The continental breakfast selection is generally considered limited. Dinner experiences also vary widely; some guests commend the food quality and generous portions, highlighting specific dishes as tasty. However, a significant number of reviews describe dinner as disappointing, with food being bland, cold, undercooked, or of poor presentation, leading some guests to seek meals elsewhere. The restaurant and bar areas can become overcrowded, especially when coach parties are present, leading to long waits for service and a chaotic atmosphere. Some guests noted a lack of variety on the menu and issues with staff communication regarding meal availability.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major positive, offering scenic views of the loch and surrounding mountains. It serves as an excellent base for exploring the area, with hiking trails and public transportation easily accessible nearby. Guests appreciate its proximity to local amenities like pubs, shops, and a chippy. However, accessibility within the hotel itself is a frequent point of concern. The non-functional lift means guests must navigate numerous stairs and a labyrinthine layout of corridors, which can be particularly challenging with luggage or for those with mobility issues. The main entrance is sometimes reported as broken or difficult to open, further impacting ease of access. Despite these internal challenges, the external location remains a strong draw for visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel receive highly varied feedback, though many guests commend individual team members for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Positive experiences often highlight staff efforts to accommodate requests, provide a warm welcome, and ensure a pleasant stay. However, a notable number of reviews describe issues with overall service levels, citing understaffing, long waits, and a lack of responsiveness, particularly during busy periods. Some guests reported negative interactions with certain staff members, describing them as rude, dismissive, or stressed, which significantly detracted from their experience. Check-in and check-out processes are sometimes criticized for being slow or disorganized. While housekeeping is praised by some for maintaining cleanliness, others reported rooms not being serviced or amenities not being replenished during their stay.

Additional Information
Several important details emerge from guest reviews that do not fit into other categories. The hotel operates a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by many guests traveling with animals, though some note a lack of suitable outdoor areas for pets. The hotel frequently hosts live entertainment events, which can create a lively atmosphere but also contribute to significant noise levels that disturb guests in their rooms, particularly late at night. A recurring and serious concern is evidence of water damage and flooding in various parts of the hotel, including communal areas and guest rooms, with reports of leaks and dampness. Furthermore, some guests raised safety concerns due to unruly behavior from other guests, including loud disturbances and perceived security lapses, which made them feel uncomfortable or unsafe during their stay.