Our trip to Scotland was good. Also Pauline was our main contact person. Though I know Flore did many of our bookings (thank you Flore) we really didn't have many interactions with her, it was all with Pauline. Pauline was always very reassuring and listened to what our wants and needs were and any concerns we might have had.
Our favorite place we stayed was the Whispering Pines, we wish we could have had more time there. Our favorite activities were the Jacobite train and the Historical...
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Our trip to Scotland was good. Also Pauline was our main contact person. Though I know Flore did many of our bookings (thank you Flore) we really didn't have many interactions with her, it was all with Pauline. Pauline was always very reassuring and listened to what our wants and needs were and any concerns we might have had.
Our favorite place we stayed was the Whispering Pines, we wish we could have had more time there. Our favorite activities were the Jacobite train and the Historical walking tour in Edinburgh.
Our least favorite was the last day in Luss, because we were never in Luss. The Loch Lomond cruise wasn't that good because we could not hear any of the information being given over the loud speaker and was not in Luss and the hotel wasn't in Luss, so we never really got to see Luss as our roadbook said we would. There wasn't anything to do near the hotel either.
The Glen Mohr hotel and the Loch Lomond hotel were are least favorites. Neither had lifts, so carrying heavy luggage up flights of stairs wasn't easy, especially after a long day.
Would highly recommend the entire Pitlochry plan, (Westlands of Pitlochry hotel, Pitlochry Golf club and Tomnauld Farm), Edinburgh plans ( Tigerlilly hotel, history lovers walking tour and Edinburgh castle), and the Fort William plans ( Jacobite train and Whispering Pines hotel).
One other recommendation would be to drive on the A28 through the highlands and pull over for a short hike. Breathtaking views!
Over all the trip was amazing and I don't think we could have done this well with planning without the help of Pauline and Flore.
Hotel Reviews
LOCH LOMOND HOTEL
Balloch
Our room was a good amount of space for the four of us and the room was clean and comfortable. It was very warm, even with the windows open and the fan on. We were on the top floor and because there wasn't a lift so we had to carry all of our heavy luggage up the flights and there wasn't any help from staff provided. We decided to go to the restaurant/ bar to get a drink. After ordering drinks we asked for the food menu and were told that they were not serving any food that night. So we ended up having to go next door and bring back to our room though I will add that the staff did say that we could bring back the food to eat in their restaurant.
Also I think the other thing was that we were ready to check out Luss and when we arrived at the hotel it wasn't in Luss. There wasn't anything really to do where this hotel was located. Just a few restaurants, no shops. This is obviously wasn't the hotels fault.
Authenticity & Character
It's fine.
Location
This isn't in Luss and there isn't anything to do around except a boat tour.
Staff
The staff were very kind.
The Whispering Pine Lodge
Spean Bridge
This was our favorite place during our entire trip to Scotland. We had a cabin and it was so comfortable and had everything we could need. Also the views of the loch right outside our cabin was amazing. I did not want to leave this place. In fact I wish we would have had more time there so we could enjoy all the other amenities that were offered. We ordered take away from their restaurant and they delivered to our cabin which was so nice. The breakfast buffet was also great, so much variety and very delicious. I want to go back to the place!
Location
Loved that it was right on the loch.
Staff
The staff were so kind.
Glen Mhor Hotel
Inverness
Very crowded area and hardly to find a parking spot. I think we got the very last spot that was in the brewery lot. It then took us a bit to figure out how to get from the lot to the correct building we were staying in. Once in the building we had to carry all of our bags up three flights up stairs. Fine if you just have some small bags but lugging large suitcases wasn't fun. The staff did have one of the young restaurant workers come and help us with a couple of bags. Though we did not have reservations, the restaurant host did find us a table for dinner and we were very appreciative.
Westlands of Pitlochry Bed & Breakfast
Pitlpochry
We had the apartment which was perfect for the six of us. Loved how close the hotel was to the stores and restaurants in Pitlochry.
Staff
The front desk staff were just very neutral, neither really welcoming but also not non-welcoming. Kind of felt like we were interrupting whenever we were at the desk.
Very nice. Our room was the perfect size for the four of us, very spacious. Enjoyed dinner and breakfast at the hotel restaurant and loved how close the hotel was to everything.
Location
Was in walking distance to the royal mile and other historical locations.
Activity Reviews
Loch Lomond Cruise
England
The boat was nice, the staff were great and the views were lovely however we could not hear any of the history or information that the crew were giving over the loud speaker. Maybe it was where we were sitting which was near the engine but really wherever you sit you should be able to hear. It was a full boat. I have a photo of where three of us are dozing off because it was just blah. Being able to hear would have made this trip be completely different.
Quality of Experience
Be able to hear the information.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day out on the Jacobite Train (of Harry Potter fame)
England
Favorite activity! Could not have asked for a better train ride. We picked up sandwiches at the grocery store next door to the station and had them on the train. There was a beverage service and a Harry Potter souvenir service that came by. The views on the ride were amazing! Just breathtaking.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Inverness & Beauly Firth Boat Cruise
Inverness
It was a fun cruise and did see some different wildlife. Also appreciated that they provided binoculars .
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre tickets
Inverness
It was what to be expected, a nice museum to understand what all happened.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Visit Tomnauld Farm
Pitlochry
This was a great little farm. The owners met us out front and it was like we were old friends right away. They were so nice. David took us for a tour of the farm where we were able to pet and feed the animals. There were goats, pigs, alpacas, chickens a mini Shetland pony. Afterwards, we talked for a bit and Hannah made us coffee and provided cute little cakes to eat. It really was a lovely experience. I would highly highly recommend!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh
Enjoyed seeing the castle and the views were great.
History Lovers Old Town Walking Tour
Edinburgh
Shanna was great! We really enjoyed this tour and wished it was longer.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Shanna was so knowledgeable about everything and so great to talk to .
Transport
We walked everywhere.
Local specialist: Flore Hasdenteufel