My wife and I booked a one night stay at The Windlestrae Hotel in Kinross in April 2013. We got a fantastic deal via one of the online voucher deal companies. This review is based on our view of the hotel, regardless of price. I think this is only fair as not everyone will be staying for £65 for two, including spa and breakfast.
The hotel is nice enough but needs some modernisation. The entrance is a little confusing though. We parked round the back in the car park and then walked to what we thought was the main entrance. Once inside, we couldn't see reception. It was way down the other end of the hallway. Looks like the entrance round the back is the main entrance but this isn't clear. To be honest, it's a nit pick.
My wife went for her spa and loved it. Great service and a very relaxing experience she told me. Top marks.
I sat in the bar which was very quiet but a nice pint of Belhaven Best and a comfy chair was perfect to chill and read the paper.
The room was just what you would expect from a hotel of this type. It was clean and and spacious enough. One pleasant surprise (at first) was the flat screen TV with digital freeview channels. In the past we've had to make do with 4 channels at other hotels, so this was great......but.....They were unwatchable. The picture kept breaking up something chronic. I know I'm not there to watch TV but having the news on while getting ready to go out or for something to watch while dozing off, it's nice to have. No point of having a TV that doesn't show Tv shows. I didn't bother going to reception as we were only there for one night.
The grounds are lovely and even though the hotel needs a little updating, it is very clean and tidy. The pool is a nice addition and we had a relaxing hour or so in there with the occasional dip in the Jacuzzi.
I was going to give 4 stars as for the money it is pretty good and I would definitely go back for a night or two. The only reason I dropped the score to 3 stars is the service of some staff. At the pool reception no one spoke to us and we had to ask what the locker situation was, ie, what coins etc. The two staff members were busy chatting.
On the way out, I looked and smiled waiting for the :Thank You." or "Hope you had a nice swim." or just anything really. Nope! Blanked as they carried on with the latest gossip. Not good and something that drives me crazy to be honest.
It was the same at breakfast. No smiles, looked like she couldn't really be bothered. "Take a seat at any table that's been set for breakfast." she said. I'm no expert remember and all the tables had been set.
We sat down and within seconds she was over. "That table has been set for dinner".
"Oh, i'm sorry" I replied and moved to another which admittedly, was set a little differently but now I felt pretty foolish. Why not just set the tales for breakfast and nearer dinner time, set the rest for dinner. I know some may disagree but I don't work in the trade so I see a set table, I sit down.
We waited and waited to be offered coffee or tea so eventually had to go and ask. On the way out another staff member was very nice and thanked us.
So overall, go to the Windlestrae Hotel. Especially if you can get a deal online. With the exception of some customer service basics it's totally fine for a night or few. It won't blow you away but i have no doubt you'll like it. With friendlier staff it would have been an easy 4 stars. read more