Kimkim Trip Reviews for Scotland

Rachel was so helpful in curating our Scottish Highlands tour! She was very responsive and addressed all concerns we had. From transportation and hotel check-in as well as local guides, logistics went smoothly and we had some excellent guides explaining the history and landscapes. Will definitely use KimKim again in future trip planning and High Point Holidays for UK travel.

Hotel Reviews

Perle Oban Hotel & Spa

Oban

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

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

House Of Juniper

Broadford

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.

Authenticity & Character

Location

More outside of center of Portree but worth the trek to be in a location that is more peaceful with better views.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Blackfriars Hotel

Inverness

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

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Market Street Hotel

Edinburgh

Very clean and spacious room.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Oban Distillery Tour

Oban

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa Islands

Scotland

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.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private Transfer

Scotland

Seamless airport pick-up and friendly driver.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Private guided tour with driver/guide in Skye

Scotland

Keith was a very knowledgable driver and friendly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We just returned from our trip to the Isle of Skye arranged by Kateryna. I was having trouble finding transportation from Ft Williams (where we ended our West Highland Way walk) to the Isle of Skye. I also wanted a driver/guide for our 3 days there. I contacted KimKim and Kateryna responded promptly. She was able to arrange a driver to pick us up in Ft Williams and drive us to Isle of Skye. The drivers (Brian and his son Ian) were excellent. They were prompt, friendly and very knowledgeable about the area. We lucked out with perfect weather to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Highly recommend Kateryna to plan a trip to Scotland.

Pauline was a dream to work with. Helping us revise and squeeze in destinations we were interested in.
Holister who picked us up at the airport after a delay was informative and very professional
Our trip around Skye was amazing and Stewart was a fabulous driver— he managed our trip expertly and avoided crowds. Timberbush Tours

The sequencing of our self guided yours allowed us ample time to fit everything in

The hotels and our rooms were fabulous

None of the above would have happened without Paulines attention yo our needs and attention to detail

Hotel Reviews

Mercure Inverness hotel

Inverness

Centrally located

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Oban Bay Hotel

Oban

Great location- cute bar overlooking the bay

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Great hotel. Cute and charming

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

P

Rusacks St Andrews

St Andrews

Perfect location — roof top nar exceptional— pub and dinning was awesome

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Hotel Colessio

Stirling

Great location great amenities

Authenticity & Character

Location

O

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Stirling Castle Tickets

Scotland

Oban Distillery Tour

Oban

Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull

Oban

Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre tickets

Inverness

Boat Ride Around the Canal & Loch Ness including a Visit to Urquhart Castle

Scotland

Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery

Pitlochry

Edinburgh Castle Tickets

Edinburgh

Isle of Skye Daytrip from Inverness

Inverness

So much easier to have a driver for the day so we both could enjoy the amazing island

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Stewart was amaxing

Transport

Stewart was a great driver

Tatiana was fantastic - very responsive and able to help with issues that came up during the trip. Would recommend her and KimKim to everyon

We just returned from an amazing trip to Scotland. Pauline, from KimKim travel was very helpful, patient, flexible, and she listened to our wants. She helped us immensely to craft a plan that hit all the key spots we wanted, and also included open blocks of time on most days for us to just wander and explore. The hotels were all in perfect locations and were wonderful. We liked the suggestions for restaurants in each area and we enjoyed those a lot. Also helpful were suggestions on sites, hikes, and other places of interest to consider in each area… that turned out to be a nice pick list.
Of course we had a hitch in our trip, as our flight to Scotland arrived over 4 hours late. Not a problem to coordinate with Pauline for a revised airport pickup time, and she also was able to reschedule a time sensitive tour. Very much appreciated.
We gladly recommend KimKim, and of course Pauline or one of her colleagues.

Initially, I was a bit hesitant to use an online travel planner, but after working with Tania, I’m completely converted—she’ll be my go-to for any future trips to Europe. From the very beginning, she made the process smooth and personal. We had several detailed conversations where she really listened to what I wanted, and then she presented thoughtful, well-researched options for each of the towns we wanted to visit.

Tetiana handled all the logistics, booking five great hotels, several activities, and providing us with a thorough outline of things to do and places to see. Every recommendation hit the mark. Some of our highlights included a fantastic guided tour of Edinburgh, visiting Holyrood Palace, and hiking up Arthur’s Seat. The Isle of Skye was another standout with its breathtaking scenery and incredible hikes.

What really set Tetiana apart was her support during the inevitable travel hiccups—lost luggage, a flat tire, and other minor issues. She was just a message away and always ready with helpful advice and calm reassurance. It made such a difference to know we had someone in our corner throughout the trip.

I can’t recommend Tetiana highly enough. She made our Scotland trip not just easier, but better in every way.

Hotel Review

Apex Waterloo Place

Edinburgh

Great location, nice hotel.

Activity Review

Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour

Edinburgh

Shanna was great. Perfect for the first day.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Our recent trip to Scotland was an absolute dream come true, and a huge part of that is owed to the exceptional service we received from KimKim, and especially our travel agent, Tetiana. From the very beginning of the planning process, Tetiana was incredibly responsive, always getting back to our questions and requests promptly and with detailed, helpful information. It was clear that she was dedicated to creating the perfect trip for us.

The itinerary Tetiana put together was truly outstanding. She listened carefully to what we wanted to experience in Scotland, and she crafted a journey that perfectly captured the essence of the country. We were able to see stunning landscapes, explore historic castles, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant Scottish culture, all thanks to her expertise. It was evident that she has in-depth knowledge of Scotland and a real passion for sharing its beauty with others.

The KimKim website itself was also a pleasure to use. The entire process, from the initial inquiry to booking our trip, was extremely easy and seamless. The platform is user-friendly, intuitive, and well-organized, which made planning our vacation stress-free and enjoyable. We felt supported and well-informed every step of the way.

We are beyond satisfied with our experience with KimKim, and we will definitely be using their services again for our next vacation. Tetiana's dedication, responsiveness, and expertly crafted itinerary, combined with KimKim's user-friendly website, made this trip to Scotland an unforgettable adventure. We highly recommend KimKim to anyone looking for a personalized and exceptional travel experience.

Pauline asked all the right questions to give us options for a perfect trip to Scotland. We loved all the tours and especially our Ecoventure boat tour in Cromarty.

We had a great time in both Ireland and Scotland. Aleksandra was extremely helpful both before, during, and after our trip. She was accessible to help us arrange additional transportation during our trip and to answer any questions we had. The hotels that she booked were excellent and the itinerary was great. I would highly recommend using KimKim for your travel needs.

Hotel Reviews

The Leinster

Dublin

Hotel was in a great location for walking and seeing the sites. Room was small, but very comfortable. The hotel was very nice and the staff were very helpful. Our flight was too early in the am to get to enjoy the breakfast.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Imperial Hotel

Cork

Awesome hotel in a perfect location. Great staff as well. Breakfast was very good and there was a really nice selection of pastries from the local English Market. Room was very spacious and comfortable.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Greshornish House Hotel

Edinbane

Hotel was in a beautiful location off the beaten path. Staff was very helpful and friendly. Room was very nice and spacious and the food served in the restaurant was very good.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Kingsmills Hotel

Inverness

This was a nice hotel and was within walking distance of downtown Inverness if you enjoyed walking. It was about a 20 minute walk to the downtown area. Hotel was nice and the staff was friendly and helpful.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Great hotel in a perfect location for walking. Staff was extremely helpful and friendly.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal Cruise

Inverness

Very enjoyable way to spend the morning.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

The Vaults Tour

Edinburgh

Fun tour with a really great guide.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Working with Tetiana for my first KimKim organized trip was wonderful. Absolutely great! Tetiana was very attentive regarding any questions I had. Her reply was always very quick and professional. During the planning months, Tetiana found options to suit our requests and needs and offered a lot of expertise. She know the UK very well and I am so happy with the suggestions she made.
We spent our first 6 days in London. Tetiana arranged for a private driver to pick us up at Heathrow and booked us in to very comfortable accommodations in Kensington. The location was perfect! The next day we had an amazing private driver named Dean take us out to Highclere Castle for a tour. I am a huge Downton Abbey fan so thoroughly enjoyed that day trip. The second day, Tetiana organized us for a Rabbies tour to The Cotswolds & Oxford. I was travelling with my 26 year old son, and we both enjoyed seeing this part of England very much! For the next few days, we figured out transit and made our way to all of the amazing sights we wanted to see in London.
Our second week was spent in Scotland. Tetiana arranged train tickets for us to head to Edinburgh. Any time I had uncertainties or questions, I communicated with Tetiana via Whatsapp and she helped us immediately. She arranged a walking tour for us that afternoon which was incredible! I asked Tetiana to help me find a real castle for us to stay in, and Melville Castle was perfect. Our two-bedroom suite was gorgeous and spacious and everything we did and saw in Edinburgh was just amazing. Our next three days were spent in Inverness. The Highlands of Scotland are just beautiful. The people were so incredibly friendly and I can't wait to go back!
Our last day was spent in London again and we really liked The Sanctuary House that Tetiana found for us. It is a very excellent location if anyone wants to be near all the most popular landmark sights.

I can't thank Tetiana enough! She followed my request list perfectly and Jackson & I had an stress-free, wonderful vacation.

Hotel Reviews

The Sanctuary House Hotel

London

Excellent location! Wonderful "extras" in the rooms that we didn't see at our other hotels.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Receptionist was "flat". Just not a great first impression when checking-in. The pub attached to the hotel had amazing, friendly staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our room was fabulous! Clean, great style, and really nicely stocked with extras!

Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel

Inverness

Dated. I understand that Inverness is very old, but the rooms definitely need an upgrade. As well, the restaurant options were not what we expected. Breakfast was excellent, but in the evening the restaurants were too upscale for what we were looking for after long days out on tours. As well, the stairs with luggage were not expected. There is no elevator.

Authenticity & Character

This hotel definitely needs to be updated.

Location

Staff

Very attentive, kind and helpful.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Twin beds are very small. Rooms are very small. Bathroom is a great size though.

Melville Castle

Edinburgh

The hotel itself was gorgeous. Staying in a castle was more affordable than I thought it would be and our two-bedroom suite was stunning! We dined at the downstairs restaurant on our last night there and the food was excellent! The Library bar is attractive and the atmosphere was casual and relaxing! I also loved that dogs were allowed and we got to visit with a few owners and snuggle their pups. My only disappointment was the staff. Michelle was a very nice receptionist, but the other staff members did the bare minimum. Our very first impression was disappointing. No one greeted us at check in or offered to help us with our bags. Two young people stood there and watched us, without offering help or even a "welcome or hello". There was an elevator, but we still had to manage our bags with 4 stairs into our suite on our own. The staff were younger and more interested in visiting with each other; their attentiveness was lacking. As well, the outside areas of the hotel were also lacking pride. The outer small buildings looked dishevelled; pieces of the roof broken off, hoses and pails lying around etc. Unforunately this was the view from our bedroom windows and that didn't leave a great impression. However, the daily cleaning service was perfect.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

As noted above. Our first impression was a receptionist who sat behind her desk and didn't acknowledge us until we said hello. Two other young people were on their phones and talking with each other but also didn't say hello or offer to help us with our bags. This was a disappointing first impression for our first time staying in a castle! The breakfast staff however were lovely and a lady named Michelle who worked later in the day & evening was very kind.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Our two bedroom suite, the Library Bar and the breakfast room.

Ember Locke

London

This location is perfect. It is in the Kensington area with wonderful pubs, restaurants, grocery stores and easy transit access within minutes. It is safe and very walkable. The restaurant in this hotel is very good. There is also a wonderful coffee bar in the lobby.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms could use some updating. The hotel was kept very clean; the rooms are just dark and a bit dated.

Activity Reviews

Skye and Eilean Donan Castle Small-Group Day Tour

Inverness

We had Ryan from Rabbies again on this trip. He is an amazing persona and an excellent, safe driver. We found this day far too long. Skye is nice, but being from Canada we didn't find it as "breath taking" as I had hoped. I think we could have spent the 12 hours doing something different and enjoyed that more. However, we met some really great people on the van tour and again, Ryan is the best tour guide we have ever had.

Quality of Experience

Our driver, Ryan.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Explore Glen Affric, Culloden, and Clava Cairns Tour

Inverness

Absolutely LOVED this full day trip. Our guide Ryan was funny, an excellent driver and wonderful at engaging with the tourists!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Stirling Private Tour

Edinburgh

Our private guide Michael was SO friendly and wonderful. He was personally from Stirling and loved living there. He picked us up at our hotel and was dressed so professional. After seeing Stirling Castle, he took us to a local bakery that was incredible and he was just so professional, experienced and funny! A Great Day!!! Loved the area and highly recommend seeing Wallace Monument and the castle!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

The Vaults Tour

Edinburgh

This was so cool! Great guide on this tour and really fascinating to even think people lived and existed in these vaults in the 1700's!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Churchill War Rooms & WW2 Westminster Small Group Tour

London

We misunderstood/so did Tetiana where we were suppose to meet our guide and didn't realize there was a one-hour walking tour involved before we went in to the War Rooms. Thankfully we found him just in time and it was all absolutely wonderful!!! :)

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Edinburgh Castle & Old Town Private Tour

Edinburgh

Our private walking tour was great! Our guide was on time, very enjoyable and informative. The only thing I would have liked is if it was booked at least half an hour to an hour sooner. We only had about 45 minutes at the castle once we got up there before closing time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Highclere Castle

London

I highly recommend this tour!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Dean White was the driver our KimKim specialist hired for us and he was just so fun to be with.

We had an outstanding Scottish trip over the December holidays! Stephen and Marine provided wonderful support in planning a 11 day trip that took us on a loop from Edinburgh to the Highlands (Glencoe and Skye).

In Edinburgh, our local guide, Gareth, was phenomenal. He maintained a captivating discussion of the city over over three hours! The Wee Touring Menu at Wedgewood was a huge success with the entire family. The Mary King's Close Tour was a wonderful addition to the trip and well worth the time.

Once we left Edinburgh, hiking in Glencoe, Pitlochery, and Skye was pretty outstanding as well. While it was always a little but rainy (as expected), we really enjoyed the views, the streams, and waterfalls.

Hotel Reviews

Broomhall Castle

Stirling

The location was wonderful and provided a unique experience for the family. The rooms were clean and comfortable. The biggest questions were based on the New Years' celebration events. While we initially believed there would be options to eat locally or eat within the hotel at the bar, the only option was to buy tickets for a New Years Dinner.

Authenticity & Character

How often can you sleep in a castle?

Location

Great location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Atholl Villa Guest House

Pitlochry

A solid place--the staff was very friendly, the rooms were clean, and comfortable, and the hotel is in a great location.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Right on the main strip, the rooms were quiet and comfortable.

Staff

The staff were present, they communicated well, and they were there to help if you needed guidance.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Broadford Hotel

Broadford

Authenticity & Character

Location

Beautiful location with good access to local restaurants.

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Glencoe Inn

Ballachulish

The Glencoe Inn is very comfortable and tucked away in the mountains. From a location perspective, Bellachulish was just beautiful and had great places to hike. The Inn's accommodations were limited during our stay. Upon arriving, we were told that the main restaurant and bar were closed for renovations and there was limited staff available. The Inn provided a limited menu and limited bar during our stay.

Authenticity & Character

The character was not clear since many portions of the Inn were closed or under renovation.

Location

Beautiful location and great place to explore

Staff

Very helpful and kind!

Cleanliness & Comfort

The rooms were clean and quiet and we really enjoyed the shared community spaces.

York Place Apartments by Destination Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Very comfortable, quiet accommodations in the heart of Edinburgh. Very spacious, strong WiFi, and is a place that a large group could stay for several days. The single blip with York Place Apartments was the check-in process. This was nobody waiting for us and there is no desk--so we were somewhat stuck outside this apartment without a way to get inside the apartment.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Very walkable to downtown, restaurants, etc. The biggest challenge is there is no way to park in front so you will need to park a car and walk to the apartment.

Staff

Have staff there to meet people or provide a clear point of contact to enter into the apartment.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

The Wee Tour of Scotland tasting menu

Edinburgh

The Wee Tour of Scotland tasting menu was a good culinary experience. We enjoyed a set course meal of five or six dishes, offering a nice variety of Scottish cuisine. It was a solid four out of five experience.

Stirling Castle Tickets

Scotland

Again, a strong contender for being the main highlight, Stirling castle was a great experience. The parking was easy, Stirling is a central city to Scottish history, the castle is well-maintained, and the tour guides were great. I was surprised when my teenage daughters wanted to keep exploring after 2 hours!

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with a Top Local Guide

Edinburgh

Possibly the highlight of the trip, Gareth was interesting and informed. This felt more like a 3 hour discussion between Gareth and our family of 4 than a simple tour were you are blasted with facts and figures.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Small group visit of Mary King's Close

Edinburgh

Just a fantastic way to understand the city's history and how lower class people lived.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Creative and interesting tour guides. Informed and interested in telling their stories.

Jane and Celina were outstanding.

They helped us with substantial last minute changes including adding an extra person and making sure all our lodging and activity reservations were modified to accommodate our request. We got great recommendations about things to do in Edinburgh. It is a fascinating city and we look forward to returning.

Hotel Review

Hotel du Vin & Bistro Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Authenticity & Character

Location

Great neighborhood near the university and across the street from the National Museum. Walk everywhere!

Staff

Helpful and courteous in every way.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

A Show at the Edinburgh Playhouse

Edinburgh

This was a rousing show. Great performances in a wonderful venue.

Walk up Calton Hill

Edinburgh

We should have done this earlier in our visit. A great way to see the city from a vantage point. And don't overlook the Old Calton Cemetery directly across as you approach on Princes Street.

Small group visit of Mary King's Close

Edinburgh

Fantastic experience. The perfect way to start your visit to Edinburgh. Learn history, geography, get oriented to the city.

Kateryna provided me with stress-saving advice and assistance from the very outset. I had a very short time to organise a wonderful family trip for a large family with diverse ages. Kate absolutely nailed it!! From the luxury accommodation to the memory-creating activities like horse-riding in the highlands, our trip contained something for all of us and it was truly incredible.

Hotel Review

Cromlix

Dunblane

This was my pick from the trip. From the moment we walked through their doors, their hospitality was unmatched. They looked after us like we were part of their family. It was the best meal we ate for our entire trip too! We simply could not fault this place.

Authenticity & Character

Just the most beautiful renovated mansion you have ever seen. No detail has been ignored. The artwork was stunning.

Location

The location was a little out of town but still close to a village and not far from some wonderful attractions.

Staff

The best we encountered and everyone we encountered was super friendly. The staff at Cromlix were next level - just so well trained and professional.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Every room was immaculate and the entire place was beautifully maintained.

Activity Reviews

Highland Trekking and Trail Riding

Scotland

This was an epic adventure. Getting to the location was not super easy but it was worth the snowy drive in on narrow country roads! The ride through the highlands was something we will never forget.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

He was incredibly knowledgeable about the land and environment upon which we were riding.

Edinburgh Secret Walking Food Tour

Edinburgh

We had a wonderful guide - Nichola who was such a passionate Scot with so much knowledge about the food and Edinburgh in general.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

We discovered Scotland to be its own brand of magnificence, from city to rural and windswept scapes over the Isle of Skye. Not sure we have ever enjoyed seeing a country as much as this and the help from our KimKim team made that possible as they catered an itinerary unique to what we wished to see and do and where to travel. We especially loved the daily itinerary with maps downloaded and vouchers already paid and available for some of the sights (Edinburgh castle and Uruguart Castle along Loch Ness) and our arranged hiking guide, Mark, who took us to the Hidden Valley near Glencoe was terrific. Among our main criticisms was that, over the course of our making arrangements there were four separate people supporting the plans as several 'left' the company and that made coordination a confusion. We also were very disappointed with some of the accommodations (in fact, one was simply unacceptable: dirty, six flights of stairs, cold and paint peeling off walls in a town far from our stop in Inverness) so had to book our own en route. I would definitely use KimKim for the many details of arranging a visit as broad as ours but would only book accommodations on one's own. A second stay, rated as four stars, was the equivalent of a motel travelodge in the States and a third, in Isle of Skye, had a room we could barely both stand at once with our luggage!
Overall, it was a remarkable visit and many of the arrangements were satisfactory (car rental easy, arrangements for afternoon tea in Edinburgh on a rainy afternoon delightful) but often rather jam-packed (we like to wander to discover) and the lodging was sub-standard but for our own arranged hotels. The change in hands before and then during the trip made it rather challenging to know who was actually in charge but, in the end, Jane made good on our expressed disappointments and displeasure with accommodations at our final stay in Glasgow and escalated the concerns to ensure our trip went well overall. We would probably not be inclined to use KimKim again as a result of these concerns but are quite satisfied with the visit in general and would recommend Scotland to anyone curious to see a country of beauty, tranquility, castles, tea and whiskey and landscapes broad as the sky.

Absolutely loved how local our guided adventures felt. True experts for wildlife and urban interest tours. We even saw the elusive grouse!
Everything was very professional and the accommodations (4) each fit the location and needs for the surrounding explorations. The luxury spot in Granton on Spey was such a treat and not anything I would have found in my own or chosen for myself. It was idealic.

I truly valued the expertise and the fun that were woven together; making the trip extra special.

Would use again in a heartbeat.

The booking experience was very good, Stephen was responsive and made the process easy. The trip however did not live up to the dollars spent. One of the vendors arrived an hour late which led to lost time on our tour since we were on a schedule for transportation to our next location. The tour was very good but I did not appreciate the lost time and sightseeing that had been paid for. Kimkim did their best to connect with the vendor to find out when we could expect them to arrive but it took me almost 45 min to get in touch with anyone at Kimkim.
Stephen booked excellent private tour providers and hotels in Scotland but the tour itself was very poorly organized. Our first day put us at the hotel way past dark, we had to get take out food as everything was closing and we missed out on some of the planned stops. The next morning we sat with our local driver and reviewed our itinerary. He said that this is common for 3rd party planners. Our tour as written was not feasible; we worked together to reconfigure it into a trip that made sense for the time it takes to travel from sight to sight and based on our interest and the events that had been pre-paid. This reconfiguration provided a more enjoyable experience.
The end result is that I would not use Kimkim again, the very high cost did not result in a luxury trip, only luxury hotels that we did not have time to enjoy. Going forward I will take the time to work with local vendors to configure a trip.

Hotel Reviews

Hotel Colessio

Stirling

The rooms are very small, you will be stepping over luggage to get around. The location is good but don't bother to stay for breakfast.

Authenticity & Character

We were told it was an old hospital so I'm glad it no longer looks like one but there was very little "character"

Location

Very walkable to all of the sights

Staff

Staff was fine, good to see teens working

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fine for one night

Druid House B & B

Inverness

The owner is a wonderful woman who is so very welcoming. She made all efforts to make us feel home as we arrived late and hungry. I would highly recommend staying here if you plan to spend some time in the inverness area. It is a great place that provides an at home feel. The rooms are spacious and very well appointed with everything you need.

Authenticity & Character

Felt like home; after days of hotels and car rides it was a nice change.

Location

Just a hop off of the main road.

Staff

The owner greets everyone with a huge smile and is clearly glad to open her home. I would have loved to stay there longer, she made it very easy to be comfortable.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The home is spotless, our room appeared to be new and was extremely well appointed. I was thrilled with the Dyson hair dryer and just wish we had more time to enjoy the large soaking tub.

Craigellachie Hotel of Speyside

Aberlour

Beautiful hotel, I would love to have spent more time here. The hotel is furnished in beautiful antiques and woven fabrics produced locally. The pub and restaurant looked wonderful, sadly we did not get there in time to try them. The breakfast was very good and the staff were wonderful. The only note is there is no lift / elevator so it is not conducive to those travelling with a lot of luggage or mobility needs. Stairs are the only option.

Authenticity & Character

The decor

Staff

Everyone one was kind and helpful, that is the Scottish way after all.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Johnstons Of Elgin

Elgin

We all enjoyed this tour, although I believe there is room for improvement on how the mill and process works it was an enjoyable and educational experience that we would recommend.

Phd level guided tour of Bannockburn

Stirling

We did not know what to expect from this tour but it was above and beyond any other tour experience. A one on one opportunity to ask all the questions and delve into any aspect of not only Bannockburn but the overall history of Scotland was fantastic. I will look for similar bookings on all of our future trips.

Visit the Kelpies

Scotland

We all enjoyed learning about the story behind the Kelpies. The tour was informative and being able to go inside the structure was something I will remember each time I see photos of the iconic pair.

Stirling Castle Tickets

Scotland

The castle is amazing. The history and views are not to be missed but book the guided tour.

Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride

Falkirk

Fantastic feat in engineering, we enjoyed seeing it but the boat ride was not worth the time.

For me, the highlights of our tour were the city guides in Inverness and in Edinburgh . The Hebridean Tour in the Isle of Lewis was outstanding, and I would have planned more trips with Hugh had we had more time. We had the B&B plan at our lodgings over the two weeks and the food was very good and hearty. We had good times hiking for three days on the West Highland Way, and around the many castle trails in Stornoway.

This is the second trip with booked with Stephen and KimKim.
We had a complicated excursion; 8 people and 3 countries in 10 days, but everything was taken care of. We had great transfers, great day trips, and we built in time to explore cities also. Stephen really pays attention to what we wanted and didn't try to push anything on us. We had a few calls with him to make sure every detail was accounted for. The best thing is the collaboration between things we already know that we want to do, and suggestions for great attractions that we never would have found on our own. I think that's the best part of the planning, it's truly a team effort, and Stephen is more than willing to listen and work with us to plan fantastic trips. It's about time to start planning for 2025!

The trip planning process was incredibly easy and we were supported the entire way through by Pauline and the kimkim staff. Once we were on our vacation, we were able to continue contacting Pauline when we had a few snags at hotel check in, which she expertly handled. Using kimkim took a lot of stress out of traveling and is something that we’ll consider using again in the future!

Jane and her team did a fantastic job organizing our 17-day honeymoon to Scotland. They handled countless details, and they were readily accessible 24/7 for any hiccups. They very clearly outline every detail for every day with times, directions, ticket confirmation #s, and the tickets to anything pre-booked.

They picked almost all B & Bs which is the best way to experience the culture of the country you're in. Everything was paid for prior to arrival which made it so much easier. We did have one hotel claim it wasn't paid so they made us pay again, but Jane/team quickly handled it and we got a refund ASAP.

Our trip had several tours booked but plenty of free time to explore, which was a perfect balance. We love exploring nature and they had a lot of suggestions for things to do. It can be overwhelming going to a place you've never been to, not knowing where to start. They give a lot of great recommendations of things to check out which was really helpful.

Jane/team were very responsive and flexible when changes needed to happen. There were a couple of hiccups with tickets for distillery tours, but we got them figured out.

It's important for all travelers to set proper expectations when hiring a travel agent. No one knows exactly what things you like to do, what accommodations you consider to be perfect, what cuisine you like, etc. Some of these reviews from people are complaining that a travel agent can't read their mind, which is unreasonable. Everyone needs to be flexible and go with the flow. You will enjoy your trip by setting proper expectations that international travel (or travel anywhere) is never perfect. Delays happen, weather happens, people are people - go with the flow and you will enjoy your trip so much more that way.

I would hire Jane/team again in a heartbeat and will be reaching out again for our next trip.

Hotel Reviews

Bridge of Orchy Hotel

Bridge of Orchy

Very busy hotel because it's on the West Highland Way, so lots of backpackers passing through. Great way to meet a lot of non-native travelers from other countries. Beautiful setting with a really nice restaurant/bar. Super friendly staff. This is essentially the only hotel for 20+ miles and you are in the middle of paradise. 15 min drive to Glencoe where you will see the most incredible scenery on planet earth.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Whispering Pine Lodge

Loch Lochy, Spean Bridge, Scotland, PH34 4DZ

Incredible views right off the deck of the loch and mountains. The staff is extremely service-oriented. Not owned by native Scots (the entire staff is Indian), so there are lots of Indian food offerings on the menu (which were absolutely fantastic). Just a few Scottish food items on the menu. Not much to do in town but a great location for hiking and sight-seeing.

Authenticity & Character

Not authentically Scottish

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room was quite comfortable

Greshornish House Hotel

Edinbane

One of our favorite hotels. Unbelievable setting, very quaint older house with a fantastic restaurant. Very comfortable bar lounge with a real fireplace, books, chess, and snooker table.

Authenticity & Character

Location

There's a 10 min drive on a single track road in order to get to the B & B so make sure you know the rules of the road on single track. Many sheep roaming which may slow you down :)

Staff

Staff was very friendly

Cleanliness & Comfort

Room is tiny but who cares? It's an absolutely fantastic place to stay!

Glen Mhor Hotel

Inverness

Great location, attached to a bar/distillery. Room was very comfortable and quite spacious. Bathroom was excellent. Included breakfast is a buffet which was mediocre but good enough to tide you over until lunch.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Fonab Castle

Pitlochry

Very high end hotel. You will absolutely feel like royalty here. Parking lot full of Bentleys and Porches. Bring cash because you will need to tip people (doorman, concierge). Unbelievable views from the deck at the bar. Breakfast was good, service not so much. Restaurant is good but expect everything to be very expensive. The room was about 90 degrees F when we entered and there is no AC. We sweated that night but the bed was comfortable. The bathroom is incredible with the best towels and robes you'll ever use. They made us pay for the room on departure even though Jane/team had already paid, so we ended up having to get a refund.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Restaurant staff gave poor service especially given the prices you are paying. Bar staff was nice.

Cleanliness & Comfort

The Kings Arms Hotel

Melrose

Room was extremely tight but functional. Restaurant attached was great and so was the bar/beer garden. Free parking on the street and easy to find a spot.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

B+B Edinburgh

Edinburgh

Best traditional breakfast we had on the entire trip. Super kind staff, had a quaint little hotel bar we could visit at night. We had an issue with their shower that didn't really get handled which was unfortunate, but no big deal. Location is a 15 min walk to downtown but manageable and in a quiet part of town.

Authenticity & Character

Location

Not optimal for doing anything in the city as it is a 15 min. walk to the nearest car park. However, once you realize you will do a LOT of walking on your trip, it's less of an issue. We just parked our car and left it there for 2 days and walked everywhere.

Staff

Absolutely wonderful staff.

Cleanliness & Comfort

Shower didn't drain and they couldn't fix it so water would just overflow onto the floor after 30 seconds. We went 2 days without a shower which was disappointing. On the last day they finally allowed us to shower in another room.

Motel One Glasgow

Glasgow

Smallest room we had but functional. Great continental breakfast included. Great location.

Authenticity & Character

Locals employed

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Evening cruise on Loch Linnhe

Fort William

We ended up not making this tour so I can't really comment.

Glass-bottom Boat Trip by Isle of Skye

Scotland

Guide was very knowledgeable on marine life. We saw a few seals but really nothing else. Luck of the draw, I suppose. Not really sure we'd do this again.

Quality of Experience

It's got to be hard to plan for people to see things that are inconsistently present. However, we saw almost nothing on the tour which was disappointing. They might need to rethink their tour strategy.

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was incredibly knowledgeable and tried to make the best of a situation where there was nothing to really look at.

Transport

Raasay Whisky, Gin and chocolate tour

Scotland

Really great experience. You need to take a ferry to the island, and it's a 10 min walk from the ferry to the distillery.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Strathisla Distillery Tour (Home of Chivas)

Scotland

Fantastic tour through a very old distillery with lots of history

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Uilebheist Distillery Discovery Tour

Inverness

Interesting distillery that is only a year old, so they don't actually have any of their own whiskys yet (other than blended whiskys from other distilleries).

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Guide was OK but we had better experiences at other distilleries

Lochleven Castle

Scotland

Great experience with the small boat that gets you to the island. Wish we had more time to explore but it was the end of the day so we had to turn around quickly.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

10 min small boat ride

Visit the Kelpies

Scotland

We ended up driving past them but didn't have enough time to tour them. It's quite a walk from the car park (15 mins).

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Edinburgh Castle Tickets

Edinburgh

A must-see castle. I would highly recommend paying for a tour guide because otherwise you're just wandering around and looking at things you really don't know anything about.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Wish we would've hired a tour guide

Transport

N/A

Secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile

Edinburgh

Extremely educated and knowledgeable tour guide! Tons of history given and his enthusiasm was second-to-none. 10/10 recommended and a fantastic way to see a large city in a short amount of time.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Best tour guide we had the entire trip

Transport

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Glasgow

Highly recommended as a great way to get around the city for very little money. Two tiered bus with upper tier having some covered and some uncovered seats. Bus comes every 15 mins to every stop until about 6p.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Eat Walk Glasgow

Glasgow

Tour guide was lovely and we met some really great people from South Africa. Great way to tour the city and try local foods/beers. Highly recommended.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

N/A - it's a walking tour