We stayed for three nights on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis and it was a first class break in every respect.
We paid a bit more to have an executive double which was spacious, contained two very comfortable armchairs (surprisingly unusual in many hotel rooms, we find) and a nice view out over the golf course to the surrounding hills. The en-suite bathroom was superb with a large shower as well as bath and was immaculate. Housekeeping was excellent. The room was extremely well presented when we arrived and had been restored to the same degree of perfection on our arrival back each afternoon.
Every member of staff whom we met was, without exception, top notch. From the staff on reception through restaurant staff to those busy on stairs or corridors, they were invariably cheerful, charming and helpful. They appeared to be very well organised and all gave the impression that they really wanted to be in this hospitality industry.
The restaurant ran extremely well at both dinner and breakfast. There was an interesting consistency in how all staff tackled their jobs. Quite clearly, serious training has taken place so that, by doing things in ways which have been proven to work, all the jobs get done well and in a similar way, no matter who is doing them. The food was first class; there is clearly talent and a commitment to standards in the kitchen as well. We have never seen such a display at breakfast as we had here at Cardrona and it was presented superbly.
Take the advice on the website to phone ahead and book your dinner slot even if staying on a DB&B basis since the restaurant can get extremely busy. For example, Thursday night when we stayed was not too bad but Friday and Saturday evenings were very busy and we were glad to have organised our time.
All in all, we had a brilliant few days. Staff clearly make any hotel and all staff at Cardrona impress. There are plenty of other hotels around the country who could do worse than send someone down here to see how it should be done.
- Macdonald Cardrona Hotel Country
- Macdonald Cardrona Resort Country
