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Stephen Molloy

Urbanist by training, he spent most of his twenties traveling and living overseas. Bitten by the bug, he lived in Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, California, Australia, DRC, Kenya, Pakistan...and then Europe. Lover of all things two wheeled,
His last big trip: Exploring France on a bike with my kids in a bike trailer.
Favorite European destinations: Lake district, Scottish Highlands, Corsica, Stockholm

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"I specialize in the UK and France. The activities I focus on are a high-end selection of private guides and lodgings. I adore sharing activities and experiences that "

How did you get involved in travel?

"My parents were big travelers, and my dad writes motorcycle travel books. He sells online, but also at country fairs and has a great time with this hobby!"

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"Travelling with my dad by motorbike through the Gobi desert. The motorbikes were from the 1950s and 1960s and we had breakdowns and snow and visits to the hospital. All the while we were hosted warmly and looked after incredibly well. Each day we awoke to incredible views and new adventures."

Top itineraries and travel advice
Family itineraries
Luxury itineraries
Road trip itineraries

Favorite experiences

Gourmet Cheese & Cider Tasting in Normandy

Take your time exploring Normandy, a large, diverse region with a unique and rural way of life. The area is known for its rustic agricultural landscape, tasty cheeses, hard apple cider, and calvados brandy. Start with a well-rounded cheese experience, as the region is known for its fine...

Recent trip reviews for Stephen

Ireland and UK trip
England | Sep 11 - Sep 30, 2023

Ledeen
Ledeen S.
Rohnert Park, CA | Reviewed on Oct 26, 2023
Lodging: I very much enjoyed our lodging choices. The staff were kind and helpful. I loved the historical bed and breakfast properties. My favorites were Clonmore House in Doolin and Georgian House in London.
Steven was awesome! He really went the extra mile to help me put together a trip of a lifetime, including my 7 year old grandson. There were multiple moving parts and they moved around a lot, even during the trip. There were so many changes, additions and deletions, and other changes,...
Read more

Lodging: I very much enjoyed our lodging choices. The staff were kind and helpful. I loved the historical bed and breakfast properties. My favorites were Clonmore House in Doolin and Georgian House in London.
Steven was awesome! He really went the extra mile to help me put together a trip of a lifetime, including my 7 year old grandson. There were multiple moving parts and they moved around a lot, even during the trip. There were so many changes, additions and deletions, and other changes, and he met them with grace. I really appreciated his efforts.
The biggest negative was the Big Bus. It was very time consuming. The routes were not conducive for someone who has limited time. It would be much easier to just use Uber. (I found their service quick and reliable.)
Our guide, Roury, on our 4WD trip to Cairngorms Nat’l park was awesome. He was very knowledgeable and shared so many interesting stuff about the park.

Hotel Reviews
Clonmore Lodge
Authenticity & Character
Location
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Connacht Hotel
Galway
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Westlands of Pitlochry Bed & Breakfast
Pitlpochry
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport
Inverness
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Garrison
Fort William
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Broadford House Skye
Broadford
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Oban Bay Hotel
Oban
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Apex City of Glasgow Hotel
Glasgow
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Midnight Blue
Brighton
Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Georgian House Hotel
Pimlico

Loved the history of the house and the themed dooms.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Academy Plaza Hotel
Dublin
Authenticity & Character
Location
Down
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023

Greetings Ledeen to you and the family,

Thank you for choosing us, and for being such keen explorers. I can see that the Irish, Scottish and English legs of the trip pleased you a lot. We also love our wildlife guides in the Cairngorms!

I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your attitude before during and after the trip! You are a real pleasure to work with as well.
sincerely, do take care and stay in touch

Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

The trip we wanted
Scotland | Aug 19 - Aug 28, 2023

C
Cat H.
San Leandro, CA | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2023
Stephen prepared a great trip for us, taking all of our feedback and crazy ideas. Everything was laid out, easy to understand, follow and share. Got a few pro-tips for the cities we were visiting which helped a lot. Read more

Stephen prepared a great trip for us, taking all of our feedback and crazy ideas. Everything was laid out, easy to understand, follow and share. Got a few pro-tips for the cities we were visiting which helped a lot.

Activity Reviews
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh

We loved this. A highlight. Helped us stay awake after arriving.

Private Excursion from Edinburgh - Highlands, Whisky & Castles - V2
Private Excursion from Edinburgh - Highlands, Whisky & Castles - V2
Edinburgh

The tour was wonderful and the driver was a character with a big personality. There was a minor miscommunication where he thought we were golfers but it turned into a funny moment. The whiskey tour was particularly enjoyable, and the guides made it fun and informative for everyone, even the non-drinkers in our group.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Glasgow Beer Tour
Glasgow Beer Tour
Glasgow

The beer tour was a fun experience for our group. The guides were accommodating and understanding about the non-drinkers in our group, offering them alternatives and still making the tour informative for them as well. The whole experience was enjoyable and well put together.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day tour to the Giants Causeway
Day tour to the Giants Causeway
Belfast

The tour to the Giants Causeway was absolutely incredible. Our driver was wonderful and the scenery was breathtaking. It was a fantastic way to spend our day and we couldn't have been happier with the experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Dublin

The Irish House Party - one of the highlights of our trip. Initially, we were hesitant to attend due to its location and our fatigue. However, it turned out to be a blast! Although the food before the show was average, the music and dancing were amazing. We left feeling very happy and glad that we went there.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Free time in Dublin
Free time in Dublin
Dublin

We really appreciated the downtime in our schedule. Our group made the most of it and explored attractions that weren't initially on our itinerary. It provided us with the flexibility we desired and allowed us to experience the city at our own pace.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cliff of Moher tour from Dublin
Cliff of Moher tour from Dublin
Dublin

The tour to the Cliffs of Moher was a great experience. Our driver was fantastic and the views were stunning. Initially, we were unsure if it would take too much time away from exploring Dublin, but it was well worth it. The only drawback was the large tour group, which we weren't expecting, but everyone was fun and we enjoyed the company.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023

Greetings Cat to you and the 6 other intrepid travelers ,

Thank you for choosing us, and for being such keen sports as you traversed Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. I am happy you loved the roadbook that had the pro tips for each city!

I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your crews attitude before during and after the trip! You are a real pleasure to work with as well and I wish I had a bunch of friends like yours to go travelling with.

Thank you again, take care and stay in touch - Go Notre Dame, right?

Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

Fantastic Trip
Scotland | Aug 19 - Aug 28, 2023

M
Mary Beth S.
Bethlehem, PA | Reviewed on Sep 04, 2023
The entire trip was fantastic. The attention to detail was on point for the entire trip. Considering we were in 4 different cities with multiple guides and side trips through Scotland and Ireland, all went smoothly. Our guide, JP, in Belfast was fantastic. He took us through the Highlands on a private tour. All our guides were good and each one made the event/side trip worthwhile. Read more

The entire trip was fantastic. The attention to detail was on point for the entire trip. Considering we were in 4 different cities with multiple guides and side trips through Scotland and Ireland, all went smoothly.

Our guide, JP, in Belfast was fantastic. He took us through the Highlands on a private tour. All our guides were good and each one made the event/side trip worthwhile.

Activity Review
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Irish Dancing - The Irish House Party
Dublin

The dinner was good and the event was fantastic. This is a must to do!

Quality of Experience
Food
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023
Greetings Mary Beth to you and the 6 other intrepid travelers , I just wrote to Cat to say thank you for choosing us, and for being such keen sports as you traversed Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. I am happy you loved the roadbook that had the pro tips for each city! Noted about JP, we also know you will be in good hands with him. We agree with you that it is the guides who make the event worthwhile! I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your crews attitude before during... Read more

Greetings Mary Beth to you and the 6 other intrepid travelers ,

I just wrote to Cat to say thank you for choosing us, and for being such keen sports as you traversed Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland. I am happy you loved the roadbook that had the pro tips for each city! Noted about JP, we also know you will be in good hands with him. We agree with you that it is the guides who make the event worthwhile!

I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your crews attitude before during and after the trip! You are a real pleasure to work with as well and I wish I had a bunch of friends like yours to go travelling with.

Sincerely, do take care and stay in touch - Go Notre Dame, right?

Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

PS - great photos thanks

Stephen was great to work with as he adjusted...
Scotland | Aug 20 - Aug 28, 2023

Bob
Bob J.
Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Aug 30, 2023
Stephen was great to work with as he adjusted our trip to meet our interests. all the connections and events went smoothly with no hitches. Scotland was wonderful, each stop was unique and every guide or tour was outstanding Read more

Stephen was great to work with as he adjusted our trip to meet our interests. all the connections and events went smoothly with no hitches. Scotland was wonderful, each stop was unique and every guide or tour was outstanding

Hotel Reviews
Motel One Glasgow
Glasgow

convenient to our walking tour and the train station. Rooms were great. The staff was helpful in selecting restaurants and directions

Authenticity & Character
Location
close to train station and town senter
Staff
very helpful as it was our first time in Scotland
Cleanliness & Comfort
Perle
Oban

Across from the train station and ferry terminal, an easy walk to the town center and distillery. Staff was very helpful

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful old hotel with great view of the harbor
Location
across from train station and ferry terminal
Staff
Very helpful in assiting us with our needs
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Garrison
Fort William

used by the hikers in the area. The location was convenient near the waterfront and easy walking distance to the town center. There was no lift and our rooms were on the top floor, so a bit inconvenient for us, but not for the hikers

Authenticity & Character
Location
location was great for our water tour and walking to the local restaurants and town center
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackfriars Hotel
Inverness

a classic old pub with rooms overhead. food in the pub was great and the service even better. Old stairs to get to our rooms as there was no lift, but very manageable

Authenticity & Character
Location
walking distance to bus station.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Small Group tour of Glasgow
Small Group tour of Glasgow
Glasgow

our guide was very knowledgeable and kept it funny with the history of Glasgow.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
our guide was outstanding, very funny
Transport
our transport from Edinburg went smoothly
Cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa Islands
Cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa Islands
Scotland

One of the highlights of our trip. Everything was well coordinated, the boat shuttle to Staffa was wild as the ocean was a bit rough. Staffa and it's caves and rock formations were unique. Iona was totally different as we spent our time at the Abbey (founded around 600 AD)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban

Fun and informative

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
walking distance from our hotel
Evening cruise on Loch Linnhe
Evening cruise on Loch Linnhe
Fort William

weather was a wee bit rough but enjoyable trip. We went by a muscle farm and salmon farming. also saw a group of dolphins and some seals

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Two hour cruise on the Canal and Loch - Loch Ness
Two hour cruise on the Canal and Loch - Loch Ness
Inverness

this was fun as they described the history of the Loch Ness Monster legend plus the history of the area

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Inverness

we had a private tour with a guide that used to have a home in the area of the battlefield before it became a memorial. She was very knowledgeable and adaptable to our schedule as our previous event ran a bit long

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private day with a driver/guide from Inverness
Private day with a driver/guide from Inverness
Inverness

our guide was friendly and helpful. Very knowledgeable

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sheep dog demonstration
Sheep dog demonstration
Scotland

this was better than expected. The Sheppard and his dogs were fun to watch

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Edinburgh

It was a private tour and he adapted it based on what we had already seen. Very knowledgeable and friendly

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023

Greetings Bob,

Thank you for choosing us, and for being such great travelers. Thank you as well for the 5-star review of your tailormade trip. I love that you enjoyed the cruise of Mull, Iona and Staffa!

I also want to say that I enjoyed working with you and hearing updates as you traveled.

Take care and stay in touch,

Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

PS - love the photos especially of you guys

KimKim did a wonderful job
Scotland | Aug 10 - Aug 24, 2023

Marie
Marie G.
Richmond, VA | Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023
Both guides we had in Thurso (Don and Angela from the company Above and Beyond) were terrific. We felt so at home at the Manor House with hosts Leo and Mary Ellen. They are so welcoming. I loved Thurso!
Also our guide for Glasgow: Andrew. He was so knowledgeable and had gone out of his way to find a historian of the church we were seeking.
The Skye in a Day Tour was excellent. The driver/guide, Bill, was a great storyteller and had a wonderful calming voice.
The private tour of the...
Read more

Both guides we had in Thurso (Don and Angela from the company Above and Beyond) were terrific. We felt so at home at the Manor House with hosts Leo and Mary Ellen. They are so welcoming. I loved Thurso!
Also our guide for Glasgow: Andrew. He was so knowledgeable and had gone out of his way to find a historian of the church we were seeking.
The Skye in a Day Tour was excellent. The driver/guide, Bill, was a great storyteller and had a wonderful calming voice.
The private tour of the Culloden battlefield was very interesting.
The driver from Mailig to the ferry to Tobermory was outstanding. So kind, so knowledgeable, so proud of his area.
So much more--wonderful people, the scenery was gorgeous.

Hotel Reviews
Grasshoppers
GLASGOW

Such a delightful experience. I loved the coffee/tea/wine room that we often met in to discuss our day and plan the next. The staff could not have been more welcoming and helpful. The rooms are smaller but bathroom was great. We had delicious breakfasts. But we overwhelmed by the cupcakes/cookies/ice cream available! What a SWEET place. The location was fabulous.

Authenticity & Character
The staff and the fresh sweets and a hotel that is only on one floor above the train station.
Location
Center City, close to so many great places to eat
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Manor House
Thurso

I loved this hotel. It had so much character, especially in the Irish owners and their children who helped with breakfast and bussed tables at night. They were all so kind to us and willing to help us out with any questions or needs we had. We wanted something other than a generic hotel and this was great for that. We ate there both nights. The food was excellent.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Leo and Mary Ellen, the owners who are so kind.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Pennygate Lodge
Craignure

This hotel was such a wonderful place to stay. Lovely rooms, great baths, incredible garden with a view of the water. It was luxuriously comfortable. And Tony, the owner, could not have been more accommodating and helpful. This was the best hotel of our whole stay in Scotland. The food was outstanding as was the service in the beautiful dining room.

Authenticity & Character
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Blackfriars Hotel
Inverness

This was a good place to stay. We had to ask for help to get our bags up the stairs (we were on 3rd floor). It was a bit cramped but once again, the people at the bar/restaurant who deal with the hotel were welcoming and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Not far from the train station.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

We had great rooms with a wonderful view of the harbor. But the staff seemed cold and perhaps a bit overwhelmed. A cruise ship was in and the whole town seemed overwhelmed by the number of people crowding the streets and restaurants and other shops. It's important for people to know they must make reservations for dinner.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Review
Bespoke tour of Glasgow
Bespoke tour of Glasgow
Glasgow

Andrew was so nice and so ready for us. He went out of his way to find a person for us to talk to about the church our grandmother came from. He worked hard to find our grandmother's street. And his recommendation that we go to the People's Palace to see the housing exhibit about the 19th century was perfect. We also enjoyed seeing the University of Glasgow. He made the day very convenient in our walking certain parts and having his car at other parts. Andy is charming and fun to be with.

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023
Hi Marie Thank you for the 5 star review. I love receiving backup that the bespoke trips we create are really great and appeal to all kinds of intrepid travelers like yourselves! We love being artisans in our work, and your 'sister's trip' to explore your roots was really an incredible project to be part of. I love that you went to the North of Northern Scotland and enjoyed the guides we chose. Yes! We use guides like Andrew in Glasgow, who listen to your needs and adapt the day to... Read more

Hi Marie

Thank you for the 5 star review. I love receiving backup that the bespoke trips we create are really great and appeal to all kinds of intrepid travelers like yourselves!

We love being artisans in our work, and your 'sister's trip' to explore your roots was really an incredible project to be part of. I love that you went to the North of Northern Scotland and enjoyed the guides we chose. Yes!

We use guides like Andrew in Glasgow, who listen to your needs and adapt the day to customize the visits and the pace, and the level of research to please you!

Happy to know you liked it!

Regards & thanks
Stephen Molloy & the team at High Point Holidays

A perfectly crafted holiday with attention personal preferences
Scotland | Aug 10 - Aug 24, 2023

Kate
Kate B.
Tuckahoe, VA | Reviewed on Aug 25, 2023
Stephen and Jane created an itinerary that perfectly fit our goals for a sisters trip to Scotland: To visit places where are ancestors lived and to get a genuine Scottish experience while visiting precise areas of the country. The itinerary that we developed was highly personal. This was enriched by the Kimkim team’s choice of tour guides. Each guide was local and well versed in the area and its history and culture. Andy— Tours by Locals in Glasgow was excellent. He went out of his way to... Read more

Stephen and Jane created an itinerary that perfectly fit our goals for a sisters trip to Scotland: To visit places where are ancestors lived and to get a genuine Scottish experience while visiting precise areas of the country. The itinerary that we developed was highly personal. This was enriched by the Kimkim team’s choice of tour guides. Each guide was local and well versed in the area and its history and culture. Andy— Tours by Locals in Glasgow was excellent. He went out of his way to find a parish historian in our grandmother’s childhood church. While in the church, Geraldine Bird took the lead, giving us important specifics about the parish and the socio-economic conditions that led to its creation. She is in the process of writing a book on the history of the church. She shared parts pertinent to our family’s experience while peppering her comments with lots of humor. We found both Andy and Geraldine so informative and entertaining that we wished they could accompany us for the rest of the trip. It is not often that you can have an experience that is educational, poignant, and fun. What a great way to spend our first full day in Glasgow!

We enjoyed the People’s Palace, which was devoted to an examination of life in Glasgow in the 19th century — just when our grandmother lived there.

We rode on the train from Glasgow to Rutherglen to get a close up view of where our grandmother lived. Not surprisingly, the address from census data is no longer in existence, but Andy gave us a good sense of the area. He also drive us to areas where our great grandparents had lived. We enjoyed the Green in Glasgow and enjoyed stories about why the green was initially created. Because Andy is a life-long Glaswegian, he was able to answer almost every question we had about Glasgow.

There are signs around Glasgow that say: “People make Glasgow.” We certainly found this to be true with every interaction we had in the city. People were exceptionally warm, friendly, and quick to laugh. Our guides Andy and Geraldine certainly gave us a positive feeling about a working city that many travelers reject in favor of seeing the capital city.

Kim Kim’s choice of hotel in Glasgow — The Hotel Grasshoppers was a treat. It was in a walkable center city location with lovely simple interior design and spotless rooms. Staff was attentive and eager to please. Breakfast was warm and delicious. AND everyday there were freshly baked desserts and homemade ice cream available for the taking with no fee. The whole hotel is the 6th floor of a nondescript building. I have a feeling it is one of Glasgow’s best kept secrets, but Stephen and Jane were in the know. From the beginning of the trip planning, I explained that I wanted charming lodging that felt Scottish and not a generic chain hotel room that could be in any country. Stephen and Jane deserve extra credit for this find!

We were 3 travelers ages 73-80, and we did not want to drive on the left side of the road. Stephen and Jane did a brilliant job of arranging private drivers, trains and ferries to get to every location. There was never a problem with connections. However, in Thurso, my sister got sick, and she felt that a 4 hour train ride from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh would be too much for her. I contacted Jane immediately to explain our unforeseen problem. Jane instantly solved the problem over the phone, and within minutes she scheduled a private driver to take us to Kyle of Lochalsh the next morning, cutting the transportation time in half and facilitating an easier connection for us. We would have been in a bad place without Jane’s efficient and gracious problem solving. In her usual practice, Jane checked in with us to make sure that the transportation worked and to see if we needed anything else. This is why I love using Kimkim. You have lots of freedom not being part of a big tour, but you never feel alone and stranded!

Stephen and Jane arranged a private tour of Culloden. Our tour guide was a true professional, very knowledgeable about the Jacobite Rebellion, dispelling myths, and making history come to life.

Stephen and Jane facilitated travel to the Isles of Skye, Mull, and Iona. In Portree, Skye, we joined a local van tour of 15 people. Bill, our tour guide was extraordinary. We spent the entire day with him while he pointed out the highlights of Skye scenery, stopping to enable us to walk and climb to experience the fairy pools, fairy glens, etc. Bill’s voice was made for radio broadcasting and his narration through the day was grand— interesting and entertaining. He knew just when to be quiet to let the majesty of nature sink in and when to play traditional Scottish music to enhance the visual wonder. His dramatic story telling skills are without equal. As if this wasn’t enough, he took us to a lovely cafe with excellent lunches, baked goods, and drinks.

Looking at a tentative itinerary, I was not pleased with a trip from Skye to Fort William and then on to Mull. The KimKim team solved this by finding a delightful driver who functioned as a private tour guide. He picked us up on Malig on the west coast mainland and entertained us with the history and culture of this beautiful countryside often overlooked by travelers. He, like all the private guides Kimkim hired, was able to give us an insiders view of the history and life style of the area. We stayed with him until we boarded the ferry to Mull. Because the sea was choppy, our driver stayed in the parking lot until the ferry departed. You couldn’t beat this kindness and attentiveness which I have found to be the hallmark of Kimkim chosen travel guides.

Once on Mull, we stayed in a beautiful home that has been completely refurbished. It was originally the local manse. The large front garden overlooked the sea, and interior was impeccable. In addition to attention of a warm and efficient host, we enjoyed the couple who run the praiseworthy restaurant within the Pennygate Lodge. Breakfasts were prepared as ordered each morning and served in the dining room. Dinners were absolutely the best of our entire trip— especially fresh, delicious and beautifully presented by the restaurant’s co-owner.

The co- owner and host at Pennygate Lodge graciously drove us to Castle Duart and to the ferry - certainly going above and beyond our expectations as travelers without a rental car. These extra benefits were planned by the kimkim team — once again Kimkim delighted and exceeded our expectations.

You guessed it, our next international trip will definitely be planned through Kimkim!

Hotel Reviews
Grasshoppers
GLASGOW

This could not be further away from Hilton or a major hotel chain. This hotel is on the 6th floor of a building in center city. It is not appealing from the street, but inside it is extraordinary. It is immaculately clean with a simple, tasteful decorations. The staff is lovely and friendly, and the big surprise is a daily supply of freshly on-site baked goods and homemade ice cream. Breakfast is served in a cozy breakfast room with staff cooking in the visible kitchen. The entire experience provides a sense that you are visiting an older relative who is delighted you are there and she would do anything to make you feel welcome and at home. I would definitely return. It was the best first impression of Glasgow.

Authenticity & Character
Read above. Like no other lodging arrangements I have ever experienced.
Location
5 ***** Walkable to restaurants , train, and buses.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Incredibly clean. Eat off the floor clean. Rooms were small but well lit. High ceilings. Large windows. Ceiling fan over bed. Clean lines on simple wood furniture. Bed was a twin in my single room. Bed was comfortable. Floors were light wood and beautiful.
Blackfriars Hotel
Inverness

3.5. My sisters and I stayed on the top floor in a “family suite.”It consisted of one room with a king bed and a twin bed. Next door was a small room with a bunk bed. Both rooms were separated from the hallway by another door. There was one en-suite bath for us to share. There were three big negatives to this arrangement: Three guests sharing one bathroom. Poor air circulation NO LIFT… and the hotel staff was actually the wait staff in the pub on the first floor. The rooms were clean, and the location was good. The food in the bar downstairs was satisfactory , but not great. The wait staff was very friendly. We did ask for assistance with carrying heavy luggage up the stairs. Our ages range from 73-80 so this was a challenge. The pub staff helped, but they were not available when we had to depart on a train before 7:00 am . I liked the concept of rooms over the pub , but the poor air circulation and the luggage on stairs made this an Inn I would not rebook. Inverness is a town with many tourists. I imagine other hotels may be more comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
I did not want a chain hotel, and i definitely did not get that. Good character in theory, but the execution presented problems, especially poor air circulation and stairs with no lift for managing luggage
Location
Close to train station. Some other restaurants around. We had trouble getting in due to need for a reservation. We tried the Thai restaurant next store, but a reservation was necessary the Hootananny with traditional local music is within walking distance c
Staff
All restaurant staff so we felt a bit like an imposition. Carried luggage up stairs at our request. No help early in morning. Also no plans for early breakfast. Shortbread and treats in room were appreciated.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Air circulation.
Manor House
Thurso

We loved staying at the Manor House. The rooms were clean and more spacious than some we experienced in Scotland. The check in process is through the bar. One of the co owners checked us in. The owners, a husband and wife team, were eager to please and fn to talk with. Mary Ellen graciously offered to wash dry and fold our laundry for 5 £ each. I originally asked about sending it out to a laundry service. This is the kind of place Manor House is. They do everything that can to please their guests. Leo, Mary Ellen’s husband is a co-owner and an entertaining and charming bar tender. Their sweet children perform Hotel duties, including wait staff and trouble shooting. Sally, their sweet black dog lives attention and is a balm for guests who have left their pet at home.

Authenticity & Character
It has a long history in Thurso. Perhaps the best part of this Inn is the family that operates it. We ended up not wanting to leave them.
Location
Great location for walking throughout Thurso.
Staff
Fabulous family who go out of their way to make guests comfortable. Leo, a couple- owner with his wife even offered to drive ilus to Inverness.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

This was the only lodging during our trip where the staff seemed overwhelmed and not very friendly. I almost forgot I was in Scotland. No one tried to engage us in conversation or inquired about our needs. No lift. No offers to bring luggage upstairs in spite of our obvious advanced age. The toilets in the lobby had signs saying they were only for residents’ use. Even as a guest, I had to get a key from the reception desk. The bathrooms were tiny and hard to use. The best part of this hotel was the location. It was easy to walk throughout Portee., and the view over the water was gorgeous. We never went into the restaurant for dinner. It was unappealing. No customers. Uninviting smell. The room itself was not inviting. The bed was comfortable, but one window did not open , making it hit and uncomfortable.

Authenticity & Character
This is the only lodging that did not offer the kindness and friendliness that we had come to expect in SCOTLAND.
Location
Location was excellent. Great views. Close to restaurants and shops.
Staff
Attention to guests. Friendliness. The person on duty at reception sat behind a glass or plexiglass partition. This gave the message that they did not want to be bothered.
Cleanliness & Comfort
A lift fir carrying luggage upstairs. Renovation to the entire hotel
Pennygate Lodge
Craignure

Pennygate Lodge is fantastic. Beautiful setting. Beautiful interior. Immaculately clean and tastefully decorated. Large guest rooms and bathrooms. Comfortable beds. Excellent linens. So appreciated a top sheet! Lovely Highland Soap toiletries. Fabulous shower. Tasty local cookies in the room. Glass bottles of water and milk in a hall refrigerator. Impressive attention to the environment. The owners and hosts are a couple who renovated this old manse to create a graceful and welcoming home to travelers. Fiona was out of town during our stay, but her husband Tony was an outstanding host, going out of his way to provide transportation to the ferry and Castle Duart. He was clearly invested in our enjoying our holiday. In addition to the lovely guest rooms and a comfortable lounge/ sitting room, Pennygate Lodge has an excellent restaurant on site owned and run by a husband and wife team. They serve an order- from-the-menu breakfast every morning that far exceeds the customary hotel breakfast fare. Dinner, which requires reservations, is a night out — without leaving your your guest house. The atmosphere is simple yet elegant. The co-owner and chef’s wife is the sole wait staff, who is obviously devoted to impeccable service. The meal begins with a complimentary creative starter. We ate there two nights. We would have made it three nights, but they do not open for dinner on Sundays. Each night, all three of us were delighted with every course. The website says there is a fixed price for 3 courses. This is not current. Diners can order just a starter or as many courses as they chose. This is fine cusine. Mull is not a bit fancy nor highly populated, but this restaurant would be successful in an foodie city.

Authenticity & Character
The location and the staff’s attention to detail and desire to please guests seems consistent with Scottish hospitality. The setting could only be Mull
Location
It depends. This is a gorgeous setting on a lovely island with a lot of charm. The lounge and some guest rooms offer a beautiful view. It is not conducive to finding optional restaurants or shops.
Staff
Fantastic. Owners are on site and dedicated to creating an excellent guest experience. Tony did everything he could to make us happy. The restaurant server/owner was efficient and warm — quite a combination. We never met her husband the chef/co-owner, but his creations were works of art.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was perfectly clean, inviting and environmentally friendly.
Hotel Indigo Glasgow, an IHG Hotel
Glasgow

There was nothing wrong with this hotel except it was highly generic. One exception: the interior decor was positively ugly. It had the feeling of any chain hotel in the US. It is owned by the same company that brought us generic middle of the road Holiday Inn

Authenticity & Character
Generic and unattractive inside.
Location
It was walkable.
Staff
Satisfactory, but less friendly than we have come to expect in Glasgow c
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean. Comfortable. Only instant coffee in the room.
Activity Reviews
Bespoke tour of Glasgow
Bespoke tour of Glasgow
Glasgow

Andy was well informed, friendly and fun to be with. His most amazing feat was finding Geraldine Bird, a parish historian at the church my grandmother and her family attended in Rutherglen. He did not seem to do any preliminary work to check out the address where my grandmother and her family lived in Rutherglen. I did not expect to see the flat where they lived, but I did expect him to do his homework. With us, he used his GPS seemingly for the first time to find the location. He drove us through Govan and Gorbals with some history of the area. His own experience as a Glaswegian was a real bonus. Honestly, his personal charm and general personality was very appealing to us on our first full day in Glasgow. His personality gave us an excellent impression of Glasgow and its residents.

Quality of Experience
Andy finding Geraldine to shed specific historical light on a church that was important to my grandmother’s family of origin.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
It was all Andy and his research to find Geraldine Bird. There were no other drivers or guides.
Transport
Andy drove all the time except when we took the train Glasgow- Rutherglen which was a smart move.
Private transfer in town
Private transfer in town
Scotland

No problem other than the cycling race in Glasgow which blocked the street in front of our hotel. No way to avoid this — except the company could have texted us in advance.

Quality of Experience
Nice comment
Guides, Drivers and Staff
No comment
Transport
No comment
Thurso Walking Tour
Thurso Walking Tour
Thurso

Excellent walking tour guide. Very well informed. A good mix of straight history and local tales. Good sense of humor. Flexible. Willing to stop when we were hungry. Found a good place to eat. Passionate love for Caithness, which was contagious.

Quality of Experience
Knowledgeable guide with a genuine love for Caithness
Highlights of Caithness with Distillery Tour
Highlights of Caithness with Distillery Tour
Thurso

Angela was an excellent guide. She was so personable that we felt as if we had known her for a long time. Her love of Caithness was palpable. Having her respond to people who spoke to her as we toured made the experience feel so genuine. Angela was extremely tuned in to showing us what we wanted to see. I told Stephen I wanted to see Highland Cattle and she took us to her neighbors’ land where we could see them up close without crowds. She herself is a “wild swimmer” — meaning she swims in the cold sea by her home. She has relatives who surf near her home. It all felt so genuine. It’s hard to get this level of insight on vacation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Culloden Battlefield private tour
Inverness

Excellent. Very informative guide with a deep knowledge of the Jacobite rebellion. She clearly separated myths from history for those of us who had some background information upon arrival. She was very pleasant and easy to listen to and follow. Seeing this site and realizing the impact of this battle that lasted less than an hour Had quite an impact on us.

Quality of Experience
Great guide.
Skye In A Day From Portree Visiting The Most Scenic Spots
Skye In A Day From Portree Visiting The Most Scenic Spots
Scotland

Fabulous experience. The guide is amazing. I could have listened to him for a week. He had a beautiful speaking voice and perfect delivery of history and tales. He also read his audience well. Gods use of traditional Scottish music to enhance the tour. Great opportunities to get out, walk, and experience Skye. Lovely lunch in a cafe in route. Bull, our guide was a consummate professional. I would recommend him without reservation.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day guided on Mull and Iona with Duart Castle Included
Full day guided on Mull and Iona with Duart Castle Included
Scotland

The tour of Mull given by a former Mull high school teacher was good. It did not have the same thrill or love of the area that other tours had. The Mull tour did not include Castle Duart, which we did the day before in our own. Our host at Pennygate Lodge drive us there at no cost to us. As MacLean descendants, we lived the castle and we were thrilled to meet the current clan chief, Sir Lachlan MacLean. He was such a kind gentleman and interesting to talk with. The gift shop on site was the only place where I made purchases. Both my daughter and granddaughter have McLean as their middle names so this was especially interesting to me. We had a driver who drove us to the ferry to get to Iona. He was my least favorite driver. He was less informative, and his driving was too aggressive and made all 3 of us nervous.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driver could have shared more local info. Driver could have been slower and less aggressive. Perhaps a guide on Iona Seoul’s have enhanced the experience.
Transport
More careful driving.
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023

Hi Kate

Thank you as well for the 5 star review.

I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your attitude on our calls, before, during and after the trip! You were a real pleasure to work with as well, and I was so happy when you chose to do an extra bespoke day in Mull, with free-time and time spent charging your batteries.

Sincerely, do take care and stay in touch

Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

Enjoyed a memorable trip!
Scotland | Aug 9 - Aug 20, 2023

J
Janelle R.
College Station, TX | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2023
Planning the trip was smooth and The KimKim team responded to questions and a few glitches during our trip very quickly.
Gareth, our walking tour guide in Edinburgh was amazing—very knowledgeable, provided a lot of history and great info.
Steve Reddick, our safari guide in the Cairngorms National Park was wonderful. He took us to all of the habitats and we saw many birds and animals; we especially enjoyed Murdo, the Scottish cow. Steve was passionate about being a guide and protecting the...
Read more

Planning the trip was smooth and The KimKim team responded to questions and a few glitches during our trip very quickly.
Gareth, our walking tour guide in Edinburgh was amazing—very knowledgeable, provided a lot of history and great info.
Steve Reddick, our safari guide in the Cairngorms National Park was wonderful. He took us to all of the habitats and we saw many birds and animals; we especially enjoyed Murdo, the Scottish cow. Steve was passionate about being a guide and protecting the environment and even provided us with tea/coffee and delicious Scottish butter cookies.
Overall, it was a memorable trip and we enjoyed the various experiences and the majestic scenery of the Highlands.

Hotel Reviews
Destiny Scotland - Q Residence appartments
Edinburgh

Comfortable, spacious 2 bedroom apartment. An elevator would have been nice since our apartment was on the third floor, but we managed.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to the Royal Mile.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Atholl Villa Guest House
Pitlochry

A quaint Villa in the heart of Pitlochry.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Hotel Portree
Portree

Please don’t advertise “free parking”. There was only 8 “free” parking spaces. Difficult to find any parking.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Receptionist was not very friendly when we arrived.
Cleanliness & Comfort
It was warm and there was no A/C and no fan.
The Glencoe Inn
Ballachulish

A quaint Inn with comfortable rooms. It was warm and the staff provided a fan to help us sleep comfortably. The staff were friendly and very service oriented!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff were friendly and went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Motel One Glasgow
Glasgow
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Eden Locke
Edinburgh
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The staff were friendly and very accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
GreyFriars Hotel Inn
St Andrews
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private transfer in town
Private transfer in town
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Private walking tour of Edinburgh with a top local guide
Edinburgh

Gareth was amazing. He was very knowledgeable, provided a lot of history and great info.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh
Quality of Experience
Private transfer from Hotel To Train station
Private transfer from Hotel To Train station
Scotland

The driver was very helpful and patient. It took awhile to get the car that we needed and he waited with us until everything was finalized.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
St Andrews walking tour of the famous Old Golf course
St Andrews walking tour of the famous Old Golf course
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Play Golf in St Andrews at either the Jubliee, Castle, Eden, New or Strathyrum courses
Play Golf in St Andrews at either the Jubliee, Castle, Eden, New or Strathyrum courses
St Andrews

We played the castle course which was the hardest of all the St. Andrew’s courses. It took 5 hours to play and we had to use a push cart. It was a beautiful course! Recommend reserving a cart, but not sure if any are available on this course.

Quality of Experience
Play at the Kittocks Course
Play at the Kittocks Course
St Andrews
Quality of Experience
Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery
Blair Atholl Tour at Blair Atholl Distillery
Pitlochry

Great guide and tasting at the end of the tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Scotland

Our guide, Steve Reddick, was amazing. Very knowledgeable and passionate. He took us to all of the habitats and we saw many birds and animals. He was a joy!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Steve Reddick was the best guide we had during our entire trip. His enthusiasm of the beautiful area was contagious and he loved showing us each of the habitats.
Transport
Very nice, comfortable and clean car.
Private guided tour with driver/guide in Skye
Private guided tour with driver/guide in Skye
Scotland

Our guide was really just a taxi driver. He was very polite and courteous but he did not tell us about the area or provide insight or history.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Provide a true guide, not just a driver.
Transport
Isle of Skye Whisky immersion at Torabhaig
Isle of Skye Whisky immersion at Torabhaig
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Mallaig Wildlife Boat Trips
Mallaig Wildlife Boat Trips
Mallaig

I expected the trip to be longer and see more. It basically was a quick trip to an area where we saw a few porpoises and supposedly a whale or two. The entire trip took less than 1 hour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private guided walk in Glencoe
Private guided walk in Glencoe
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide didn’t provide much info about the area.
Transport
Car was filthy, literally had to brush off crumbs and trash from the seats before we could get in.
Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk Wheel Boat Ride
Falkirk
Quality of Experience
Visit the Kelpies
Visit the Kelpies
Scotland
Quality of Experience
Phd level guided tour of Bannockburn
Phd level guided tour of Bannockburn
Stirling

Our guide was knowledgeable but he wasn’t the individual who I believe was originally booked (he said he was asked to step in because the original person was not available). The tour lasted about an hour, much less than what was listed in the itinerary.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling
Quality of Experience
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023
Hi Janelle Thank you for the great review of our work in Scotland. I love receiving backup that the bespoke trips we create are really great and appeal to all kinds of travelers like yourselves :) I love that you adored the Wildlife tour if the Highlands as I knew that was important to you. Yes! We have noted what you write about the glitches, and dispatched an email or two around the team. We're rectifying a couple of things, directly following your review. That's the whole point!... Read more

Hi Janelle

Thank you for the great review of our work in Scotland. I love receiving backup that the bespoke trips we create are really great and appeal to all kinds of travelers like yourselves :)

I love that you adored the Wildlife tour if the Highlands as I knew that was important to you. Yes!

We have noted what you write about the glitches, and dispatched an email or two around the team. We're rectifying a couple of things, directly following your review. That's the whole point!

Happy to know you liked the trip!

Regards & thanks
Stephen Molloy & the team at High Point Holidays

Ps - thank you for the photos showing the diverse range of trips & experiences

We had an amazing time in England and Scotlan...
England | May 1 - May 15, 2023

Jamey
Jamey N.
Park City, UT | Reviewed on Aug 23, 2023

We had an amazing time in England and Scotland!! Thank You Stephen and your team for working with us with adding people to our trip last minute. We appreciate all your hard work, and we were able to have a memorable experience we will remember forever! The locations and hotels you picked were so fun and we feel we would have missed out on seeing so much of it weren’t for your recommendations. We have already recommended KimKim to friends and family based on our experience and we will continue to use you for future travels. Thanks Again,
Zane and Jamey Norris

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023

Thanks Zane & Jamey for your 5 star review. Yes!

Thank you as well for choosing us, and for being such keen explorers. I can see that you loved the Scottish and English legs of your trip.

Indeed, one of our strengths is picking the right hotel according to each groups needs! Hence, why we had several calls beforehand.

I also want to say that I thoroughly enjoyed your attitude on the phone before during and after the trip! You are a real pleasure to work with as well.

sincerely, do take care and stay in touch
Stephen Molloy & the whole team at HIGH POINT HOLIDAYS

Fantastic family vacation
England | Aug 12 - Aug 21, 2023

S
Susan S.
Secaucus, NJ | Reviewed on Aug 23, 2023

Working with Gabrielle, Stephen & Marianna was great. They were responsive, listened & worked with me on activities, pricing & recommendations. They followed through on everything I asked of them. Our trip was fantastic and everything went perfectly. I seriously could not have asked for more. Thank you to all - you helped us make some special family memories!

Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023

Hi Susan

Thank you for the 5 star review. We love receiving backup that the bespoke trips we create are really great and appeal to all kinds of intrepid travelers like yourselves!

I am really happy that we delivered 100% of what was promised and you came away with superb family memories from travelling in England!

Happy to know you liked it!

Regards & thanks
Stephen Molloy & the team at High Point Holidays

Listen
United Kingdom | Aug 9 - Aug 19, 2023

Gary
Gary M.
Gilbert, AZ | Reviewed on Aug 21, 2023
Due to our local specialists' screw up, the initial hotel planned on for Edinburgh (close in and walk-able to most everything) was replaced by a country club far from the city center. As a result, we ended up spending time and money on taxis. Edinburgh Castle was interesting and the Afternoon Tea was an amazing experience. The Highlands bus tour was long. There were mechanical difficulties on the bus so we got canned dialog - we missed out on information/explanation the driver could have... Read more

Due to our local specialists' screw up, the initial hotel planned on for Edinburgh (close in and walk-able to most everything) was replaced by a country club far from the city center. As a result, we ended up spending time and money on taxis.

Edinburgh Castle was interesting and the Afternoon Tea was an amazing experience.

The Highlands bus tour was long. There were mechanical difficulties on the bus so we got canned dialog - we missed out on information/explanation the driver could have given us. The short Loch Ness cruise was informative and fun.

We specifically asked not to include walking tours due to my wife's inability to walk long distances. The only event booked in Glasgow - a walking tour.

We feel like consideration was not given to drive times. We had no time to explore Ambleside or Morton-in-Marsh. We spent the days driving and arrived in Ambleside and Morton-in-Marsh after everything closed, and had to take off early in the morning without seeing anything. Both hotels were lovely.

The London hotel was pretty far away from anything. We did not like this hotel but it served its purpose. Again, the changing of the guard was a 2 hour walking tour - we ended up bowing out of that event.

tl;dr It took 5 iterations to put together our itinerary and still we were not listened to. Would we use kimkim again? Probably not but we did appreciate the overall structure of the planning process.

It would have been nice to have received a text from kimkim during the trip asking how we were doing.

Hotel Review
The White Hart Royal Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire

Amazing ambiance and character. Great service and food. Their mattress left a little to be desired.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Afternoon Tea at the Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Day trip from Edinburgh to the Loch Ness & A Taste of the Highlands
Day trip from Edinburgh to the Loch Ness & A Taste of the Highlands
Edinburgh

Driver had no mic to communicate.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Stephen Molloy
Stephen
Stephen Molloy
Local specialist in Dorset and Lyon | Replied on Nov 23, 2023
Dear Gary and Maria Thank you for the detailed review from your summer vacation road trip in Scotland & England. We are really happy to receive comments of all sorts, as they help us improve. We are aware that you traveled during the Edinburgh festival and the initial guesthouse that was quoted the Mackenzie Guesthouse https://www.mackenzieguesthouse.co.uk/ was indeed SOLD OUT just after you confirmed with us. It was indeed an error on our side for not purchasing this hotel immediately... Read more

Dear Gary and Maria

Thank you for the detailed review from your summer vacation road trip in Scotland & England. We are really happy to receive comments of all sorts, as they help us improve.

We are aware that you traveled during the Edinburgh festival and the initial guesthouse that was quoted the Mackenzie Guesthouse https://www.mackenzieguesthouse.co.uk/ was indeed SOLD OUT just after you confirmed with us. It was indeed an error on our side for not purchasing this hotel immediately after your confirmation. We do know that the high season in Scotland means hotels are tough to secure, and in this instance it became unavailable just afterwards. We replaced for no extra charge with a 4-star luxury hotel https://www.dalmahoyhotelandcountryclub.co.uk/ but we do know that the constraint is the distance from Edinburgh. We are sorry that that memory of the first location quack caused disappointment.

When it comes to the driving times, I am sorry if we were not clear with the distances, and I will check back to see how we can improve. I am happy you loved the hotels as havens in those two rural locations.

We are sorry that the small group tour in Glasgow was not adapted to you and have just gone and refunded you. Small groups are a little difficult to tailor to all levels.

Thank you again for choosing us, and for this 4-star review.

regards
Stephen