We Booked into the Glenesk hotel for just a few nights in February 2013 as I was viewing property…read morein this lovely area, (which I luckily got) and reading the on-line reviews liked the look of it.
This is actually a very hard review to write for me, I don't usually have that problem!! but will do my best as I enjoyed my stay so much it is hard to criticise it.
The Staff are GREAT, I did not meet one member of staff who was not First Class, from reception, the bar and restaurant nothing was too much trouble for them and everything with a smile, this made it VERY hard to dislike anything but a few constructive comments may help others and the hotel improve services for future guests, and me when I return.
That said I do understand that a program of refurbishment is under-way, and plumbers were working hard even while I stayed. They did not disturb you in any way so guests don't panic. I understand that hotel is being transformed to its former glory, it is a lovely old building and cannot wait to see it all when it is all done.
The Staff, as I said they were wonderful, helpful, smiling and hard working, a credit to the manager/owners, special credit to the young man on Reception and the one who worked so hard in the bar and restaurant from breakfast to dinner he was great, but the poor guy by the time the day went on, his tie got lower and lower along with his trousers!! think all the running round he was doing he must be losing so much weight his trouser looked 4 sizes too big for him. He always looked presentable, with polished shoes and a smile for everyone. Thank you for looking after us so well. I did not meet the staff behind the scenes, but to the kitchen and housekeeping staff well done, everywhere was clean, and the food lovely.
We ate breakfast in the restaurant each morning which we could not fault, with a view over the garden from the bay window, just perfect.
As we were snowed in the second day we also ate in the restaurant in the evening, after ordering we were told one item had run out, understandable as the roads were not really passable. The meal and two bottles of the lovely Spanish wine could not be faulted in any way. Not like me not to find a negative but sorry could not. I will be back!!
I must also make comment on the toilets in reception, while having a meal went to the wash room, and loved them, sure they are not to everyone's taste, but I hope they don't update them!! it is the first time ever I have seen Lime green urinals and toilets, with chrome fittings, just ace, and so retro.
The room!! We were allocated room 15 well it was a shock when we walked in expecting a twin, but we had two rooms with 3 beds, a double and two singles!! (Great for a family) and a massive bathroom bigger than most hotel rooms, so it was great!!
Now I don't know if this room has or is due to be refurbished, but while it was lovely I can give some constructive feedback, and I hope it is taken in the way it has been written.
I hate carpets in bathrooms, but it was clean, lovely bath and shower, lots of hot water, nice complimentary toiletries, lovely towels etc The room was cosy and warm, especially given the cold weather and snow outside, but sadly no windows opened for fresh air/ventilation anywhere in the room or bathroom which I missed.
The free Wi-Fi was fine, easy to use/log on, but the desk/dressing table had no lights, or power so working on the laptop was hard, with a cable across the room to the nearest socket. TV was small but fine for the room, good selection of channels with a small clock radio etc
Nice kettle and drink making section, but the second day had to ask for extra as sugar was not topped up, and sadly only one lovely hot chocolate!!
Lighting for me in the room was poor, enough lights but getting older I need a little more light, used a torch quite often to read.
Cable runs under the carpet across the doorway which is not great.
The furniture seems new, but while nice and serviceable it does not match the lovely period building.
No view from the room, but not a problem for us, too much to see and do in the area.
The bed I used was very comfortable, spare blankets in the wardrobe but were not needed.
The spa, sadly the pool had sprung a leak when we stayed!! so while we planned to use it we were unable to, so next time we will be in there.
Despite my negative feedback and comments, I would certainly stay again, and had a lovely stay and would recommend it to anyone who is used to the faceless chain hotels we all use these days, where everything is the same and like a hospital rather than a hotel, The Glenesk has PERSONALITY with a capitol P, well done and thank you to ALL the staff for making our stay in the hotel and lovely village so special.
See you all soon
