Kimkim Trip Reviews for Scotland

Looks great, seems understaffed. Dusty, old, needs a deep cleaning, maybe replace some carpets. My sense was that they think they are better than they are, staff are pretentious. The menu is very different, only ate there once but wouldn’t recommend the dining room.

Staff excellent. Parking is a problem with construction and loss of land to an adjacent development.

One of the best hotels we have ever experienced.

Awkward location, no valet, nowhere to park.

Our guide was passionate, knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with.

This location is off the beaten path but an important part of our trip because of family connections. We were pleased to see a photo of our great grandfather in the wall of the cafe!

Very interesting.

We could have done this walkabout on our own.

This is a chain hotel. It was clean and comfortable, but not memorable. I think this was more of a business hotel than tourist hotel. Their on-site parking is a very small lot and probably one of the most traumatic driving experiences of our time in Scotland. Long car in narrow garage--not a great combination. We did not need the car for the days we were there.

This is a wonderful place to stay just outside of Inverness. The Baronial House is grand and the staff is wonderful. Rooms are of a good size and comfortable buy unique. The shared lounge is a great place to meet and talk with other guests. The staff work very hard to be accommodating. Breakfast was wonderful.

It is a nice small hotel. It is a bit tired, but it was clean and the staff was helpful. It is an easy walk to the grassmarket and old town.

This was the perfect location to end our trip. In the heart of Edinburgh's newtown it is right on St. Andrews Square, next to the tram, and easy walking to lots of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The hotel set up is funky and so are the rooms, but they were clean and comfortable.

The rooms here are cozy with not a great deal of extra space and the lack of an elevator makes getting things up and down a bit of a challenge, but what do you expect in a hotel with only nine rooms. The staff are all helpful, friendly, and outstanding.

I cannot say enough about Taransay House. The owners and their son, the chef, are charming people. They welcomed us with a dram of whisky and throughout our stay did everyting they could and more to make us comfortable. The rooms are modern and comfortable with a beautiful view of the water. Our stay here included dinner and the food for both breakfast and dinner was outstanding.

Gareth was a wealth of knowledge and he shared history, politics, and a whole variety of information. He was engaging and tweaked the tour to our needs and wants.

This is a bit touristy, but still worth the visit. It is amazing to learn about the history of the city and how people lived. I could have used less focus on ghosts and such and more history.

The guides here are wonderful. Make sure to stay and ask questions at the end to get a real feel for the guide and the castle. The work and restoration that is being done is remarkable. Make sure you make it to the "living" exhibits with period dressed docents. They add a great deal to what you see and learn.

Beautiful "castle". Not a castle like Edinburgh or Sterling, but worth a visit. We did not have enough time to spend in the garden, but they looked lovely.

Rhona is a wealth of knowledge and she helped explain the battle of Culloden and its impact on Scotland and the UK. She loves this history and it is clear from the tour.

We saw five different areas in Cairngorms National Park. I was not sure what I was expecting, but the tour and guide were great. We hand the chance to see reindeer, osprey, and to meet two hairy coos up close. The guide is outstanding and I learned more than I could ever remember.

Urquhart Castle was very interesting and it is worth walking up to the visitors' center to see the short movie. The staff in and around the ruins are happy to talk and answer questions. The boat ride is exactly that, a boat ride. There was commentary being played, but it was hard to hear over people. It is a nice way to get to the castle, but I would not race out to do it again.

We did a number of distillery tours on this trip. Talisker is a very slick and well put together presentation. I did not personally feel very engaged. The tasting offered three drams and take home bottles for drivers or non-drinkers.

This is one of the meals and experiences I will always remember. The seven course tasting menu was fantastic and they were able to adapt to our dietary needs. I am not one who usually takes pictures of my food, but it was so good and so beautiful that I had to. The service was elegant, efficient, and friendly.

This is a nice way to see the islands and to get out to the Island of Staffa. However, the rest of the trip is a bit of a let down. You only drive across the Isle of Mull without stops. There is a combination of driver commentary and canned commentary that is interesting. The detour to Staffa is wonderful. We were unable to land on the island due to construction, but we did see all the major sites and were there when the puffins were there. Iona is a sweet little island, but it does not require more than two hours. Other than the Abbey and a couple of shops there is very little. We walked a good deal of the island. The ferry rides were fine.

This was the best distillery tour of the four we took. They provided all sorts of extra information and instead of tasting everything at the end, they give you drams to try throughout the tour. It is amazing to see how the town grew around the distillery and leaves them no room for expansion. Drivers and non-drinkers take homes are provided. Like many places, you get a discount in the shop for taking the tour. I celebrated by bottling my own bottle of whisky which I had to register, sign, bottle, and seal, plus it is a single barrel, really good whisky.

The group was a bit large, but the guide was informative and entertaining. He truly loves Glasgow and has the attitudes and accent of a real Glaswegian. With a large group you spend more time moving than talking, but still very worthwhile.

We asked for this to be added to our intinerary and I am so glad we did. Soul Sisters Cafe is a non-profit that provides meals to the homeless, hungry, and paying customers and trains immigrant women in Glasgow. Their food style is mainly middle eastern, but they did scones for us. We started with a wonderful lunch followed by the class. However, as we talked with the ladies in the cafe, the continued to show us and share things with us. I really want to learn how to make the stuffed Algerian flatbread they made. By the time we left, we felt like part of the family.

This is what you think of when you think of a castle. It is a beautiful location and a wonderful tour with knowlegeable guides. You get the entire history of the castle and there is a lot to see.

I was not sure why we were doing this, but I am glad we did. The Kepies are two statues built in the Scottish countryside. It is worth it to take the tour to get the history of the statues and to have the chance to stand inside one of them. The guide was great and helped us understand why these beautiful statues were there.

Arrived 5:00 pm. Were made welcome. Rooms and amenities were fine, but we were leaving early in the morning, so we didn't have a chance to sample food. They put together a bag breakfast for us to take on the road, so we were impressed.

Nice rooms, Victorian decor, friendly staff, good food. However, in the four days we were there, they didn't clean our room. A bit unusual, but we didn't suffer for it. Also, guests should be aware this is a 'no alcohol' hotel. Meals in the dining room are a bit expensive, but there are other restaurants, take-away places, and a grocery store within a couple of blocks for cheaper options.

Rooms were comfortable. Breakfast dining room staff were great, and the food was excellent. However, in a separate dining room for supper, the service was terrible. Bored teenagers waiting on us; waited 20 minutes to be noticed and then had to walk over to the counter and ask for a menu. After that another staff person came and told us that they only had 2 cooks on that night, so we would have to wait about a half hour for our food. Not impressed.

One of the nicest places I've ever stayed, and I've travelled all over the world. Warm, old-world elegance; friendly staff, choice of 3 lovely lounges. Didn't care for the loud music being played in two of them and the lobby, but one lounge was kept as a quiet space, so I survived. A dog-friendly establishment and was delighted to meet the desk clerk's dog on one occasion. We were leaving early, so they packed us a bag breakfast. There is a nature-trail area across the street, and Loch Lomond is just across the street. The road it's on is a bit busy, but wasn't a problem. We elected to eat in a lovely former church down the street about half a kilometer, called 'Kirk o' the lochs'. Nice decor and good food to be found there.

This was one of the true highlights of the trip. Jimmy was our host, and he has a very small boat; can only take 3 guests, so it is very up-close and personal. Jimmy was very friendly and was a fountain of knowledge about the area. He asked what we wanted to see and took us to places to see it. We saw castles, seals, and numerous kind of seabirds. By the end of the tour, it felt like we were just friends out on a boat together. The only thing was that I was expecting a larger tour boat, and he was off to the side of the marina, so it was a bit of a challenge to find him. However, it was well worth it. I highly recommend hium.

Location is amazing. Close to everything and walkable. I will say the "family" room was actually two hotel rooms next to each other that didn't physically connect, so my husband and I each split with a kid. For 3 nights this was no big deal and we were so close to everything it was worth it. I will say although friendly to kids here I wouldn't bring any kid less than 4 years old

Beautiful, amazing staff. Full kitchen and laundry but not near anything you are pretty stuck at the hotel if you don't have a car. We made due with taxi services. Meals are pretty set time wise so I would make sure you have snacks etc for kids to have on hand.

This was hands down amazing. I wish we had more nights there. My kids were treated like royalty! The grounds are stunning. We did falconry with them and it was a one of a kind experience.

Great location. My only complaint was that the family room we booked didn't have air conditioning and was on a high floor, so we were sweltering. The staff helped with some fans but I would not suggest staying here.

I want to go back. Ending here at this hotel was amazing because it was the best one of the whole trip. Location is stellar. We walked everywhere. Staff was amazing. Breakfast was great and dinner as well!

Loved this. It was a bit far from Edinburgh. Unfortunately we didn't get to do broomstick flying due to weather. I also highly recommend Lillidorei playground which is attached on the grounds. My kids would have stayed there an entire day

Worth it for sure. Up close and personal with the coos! Felt very intimate because they only take 8 guests at a time.

Great day. Our driver was very flexible and we let him make suggestions of what to do and where to go!

Of course we had to do this as Harry Potter fans! It's a lot of riding but beautiful views! It was HOT. There is no AC on the train. Bring lots of water and a fan if possible.

Our hotel was about 1 block away which we didn't realize. But the ride was fine.

Leave earlier than you think. We nearly missed our flight due to the security line was so long.

Room was very nice. Staff was amazing.

Mariusz was great on this tour. We got to see a lot of places and let me get my bearings on the Royal Mile. We would park and take a walk and it was great. I loved the private car and driver.

Rabbies tour driver was David and he was awesome. Stirling castle was so interesting

This was so interesting and the gardens were beautiful. John was amazing.

I got to ride with the farm hand to see the coos. She was very knowldgeable and interesting to talk too.

This was a great tour with Claire. I loved the peace and quiet of Glen Affric. The Clava Cairns were amazing. Culloden was great. The visitor center was so well done and very informative. This would be on the top of my list to do again.

This was another Rabbies tour and Mick was great. He is a great storyteller and knew all about the Isle of Skye. Loved the Old Man of Storr.

This was so much fun even though it was windy and rainy. We saw several seals. The boat captain was very knowledgeable about the area. A great trip.

Got to take 3 train rides while in Scotland. This one was really nice. Enjoyed it a lot.

The Rabbies bus was very comfortable and George was great. The Ferry ride was worth the trip. We got to go the Castle and the gardens were magnificent. It was a long day but very interesting and enjoyable. The Isle of Arran is beautiful

Gorgeous grounds and property. Multiple restaurant options, Great location. First class amenities

Lovely B&B a quick walk up the hill from downtown Oban. Historic charm but still very comfortable

Beautiful views, nice restaurant, good amenities

Loved this was private and off the beaten path from the main busy tourist areas

Slightly away from downtown, lovely grounds, Rooms are a bit dated.

Of all our accommodations, this felt most like home. Other hotels were more updated in decor and amenities, but this one exuded local character. The owners interacted with us as though we were friends, and the location could not have been more beautiful.

We couldn't believe how gorgeous this place was! Seeing and hearing the sheep when we woke up was magical -- as was the expansive and private beach. Loved the restaurant and the hot tub as well as the beautiful rooms and lobby. The only downside of the community was a lack of transportation, but that is not the fault of this hotel.

This was the first time we have stayed at a Virgin hotel, but it will not be the last! The three nights we spent in Edinburgh were top notch, and the hotel had a lot to do with it. The beautiful rooms made us feel very pampered, and it was as though the owners thought of every little detail. We also frequented the bar and got to know the friendly staff there.

I wish we had gotten to stay here longer. We flew in a bit later than expected and just stayed one night. But we really enjoyed our rooms, the lobby, the bar and the breakfast. It was fun to stroll the neighborhood, too!

Very disappointing. It was as if the guide were a last-minute substitute for the real guide. He had nothing planned really (the restaurant he suggested for burgers was closed) and mostly chatted in general about stuff we already knew. The only good part was a seafood soup we had at a pub. Wish we had seen the Titanic museum instead.

I reviewed by accident. Sorry! Please delete. We were not able to take this tour.

This experience was way better than expected! We had requested an alternative to the three distilleries tour, and the wildlife tour did not disappoint. We were able to see dolphin, stags and birds, etc., and chat with the knowledgeable crew on the boat. The setup with tables and stools made it very comfortable, and it was not crowded at all.

This tour was amazing and what we SHOULD have had in Belfast. We learned so much about Edinburgh -- all the statues, history, interesting side stories and more. I would definitely recommend this tour and our guide.

This tour was just as good as the Old Town tour. Our guide was also great at adapting to last-minute changes in the restaurants we visited. The food was very tasty, and we loved all the backstory about the whiskey. I would recommend this tour and our guide wholeheartedly.

Very friendly staff and accommodations were very good. Breakfast was good

Isle of Skye was our least favorite places. The drive was too long to get there and back. You were asked to remove your shoes upon entering the house. Even though they had sufficient room for a dining area, you were put into your own dining area to eat. You were separated from other guests. Food was premade in the morning and was cold and tasteless. We left a day early because we did not feel comfortable and did not want to drive for long periods to see anything.

Amazing bed and breakfast. Had a gorgeous room with awesome views.

Beautiful old home refurbished into a hotel.

Very authentic hotel on beautiful grounds.

Very nice hotel. A little trouble parking to unload Streets are very narrow.

Hotel was a converted home. Room was the smallest of all we stayed in. No where to put things in the room. Would definitely upgrade the room. Breakfast was the BEST of all the hotels we stayed at. Made to order. Always hot. Chef was amazing and friendly.

Was unable to take the walking tour. Arrived to late

Tour and tour guide was amazing. Very accommodating

We did not go to the visitors center.

Show was very entertaining

Was unable to attend.

I love the small guided tours. It was very fun and informative

The ride was ok.

We were the only two people on this tour. The tour guide was a local who was able to give us a lot of history.

Was unable to take tour since we left that morning

Did not take the walking tour.

The tour and boat ride were very good.

We did this all on our own.

Great location to the tram and within walking distance to key points of interest. Quiet retreat at night. Very good breakfast. Staff was pleasant and helpful. Room was clean and offered everything we needed for our stay.

We enjoyed the rustic character of this hotel. Located perfectly to the train station and walkable to restaurants/shopping. Breakfast was very good, staff was courteous. Buffet had a nice variety for starting our day.

This hotel came along in our itinerary right when we needed the extra pampering Our room was spacious and comfortable. The welcome gifts were unexpected and extra special. The tea cakes at check in were a delicious treat and introduced us to this Scottish treat.

This was our favorite accommodation of the entire trip. The cabins were so cozy and the remote area added to the unique experience The sauna and plunge pool were a great way to end a long day of hikes.

Wonderful family room with plenty of room for us. The staff that checked us in were so welcoming and helpful. The breakfast each morning was delicious and our service was great.

Such a fun experience to stay in a castle like accommodation. We enjoyed the golf, spa, onsite bars and restaurants. It was located so close to the airport yet you felt remote in a beautiful country setting.

Very fun and unique experience. Beautiful area and lovely views. Walk to and from the reindeer was more uphill than I expected but the guides were great in not making you feel rushed.

Great tour with a lot of ground and sites covered. It's a long day with a lot of riding but the sights and scenery make it all worthwhile.

Probably the best hotel we stayed at was the one in Edinburgh. The food was really good and the overall experience was very nice. It was a great start to our journey.

The room at Coolin View was fine, but the narrow staircase was a bit of a worry. It felt like it could be a bit of a death trap if anything caught on fire, as we were up the very top. But, I mean, that aside, the room was fine.

Lochardil House Hotel was absolutely beautiful. The room was magnificent and the location was stunning. We loved it there!

Beautiful hotel walking distance to everything.

A more casual hotel - rooms were like an efficiency apartment

A few miles outside of Port Ellen. This was an excellent hotel even if you don't play golf. A truly luxurious stay.

This is a family owned old hunting lodge. Mom(Christian), son (Ian), and grandaughter are the proprietors. Ian is a truly wonderful chef. We had great food all through the trip, but dinner here was a highlight.

Well this was a pleasantly unexpected experience. Great music & food downstairs - hotel rooms upstairs.

A luxury hotel in the perfect location

Absolutely love this place. Former hunting lodge turned boutique hotel run by a mother and son duo. If you stay here, do not dine anywhere else other than at the lodge. The food was not only the best meal we had in Scotland, but one of the best I have had in the last year, and we dine at many high-end restaurants.

Rooms were very nice and clean. Checking in was a bit strange, not real front desk, etc. Many other hotels in same area that I would probably opt for if I went back to Inverness.

Never stayed in a Virgin hotel in the past. Will seek them out going forward. Perfect room. Perfect service. Perfect location. Perfect bar.

Just not what it was described. Guide was interesting but showed up with very little planned. Led with well this restaurant is closed, and that one is closed. Kind of like he was winging it as we went along. Told us we were ending with ice cream which I envisioned would be in a nice shop/creamery. Literally went into a convenience store where we got scoops from the attendant. Ice cream was fine, just not what you would expect on a "Food Tour".

Cabins were perfect for an extended stay. Bed wasn't the most comfortable but cabin was clean and kitchen had all appliances that were needed.

In an older building but has lots of character and unique decor in each room.

Very clean and spacious room.

Great location right in the midst of all activity in Oban. Rooms are smaller but clean. Good view of the harbor.

Seamless airport pick-up and friendly driver.

Keith was a very knowledgable driver and friendly.

We missed the ferry from Mull to Iona and Staffa as directions were not clear on what bus to get onto when we got off the ferry at Mull. We ended up on the opposite side of Mull in Tobermoray but it was a pleasant day regardless.