The first impression you will have of the Cruachan is of an establishment a little tired and in need of tlc.
Don't be misled by the overflowing bin and untidy exterior it really is a pleasant place to stay. The management need to do more to advertise that ; and to give credit the hotel is undergoing a program of refurbishment to improve matters.
What's positive -- it really is a few minutes walk from all that the centre of Fort William has to offer, I have always found the rooms clean and the breakfasts good, the staff are helpful and unless you arrive really late on a busy day there's plenty parking.
What's not so good -- this is not a place for anyone unable to walk to their room -- There's a steep climb from the car park and rooms generally up several flights of stairs with no lift, I could gripe about the self service toast and coffee from a machine at breakfast but this is becoming the norm in similar hotels. The most notable downside would be as mentioned by several others is the apparent lack of soundproofing in the bedrooms -- what can be heard is best left unsaid. And whoever fitted the new toilet roll holders never tried to use the loo afterwards !.
Overall this IS a decent hotel and refurbishment should improve it. It is however a budget hotel so best book on laterooms or similar at a reduced price and keep your expectations realistic.
I've stayed several times and will be back.
- Cruachan Fort William
