Having booked a living social deal we were sold something which this hotel just did not deliver. The average age of the other people in the hotel were 80+ which was quite a shock for us when we walked in. The first thoughts of the hotel were it was very old fashioned and the musty smell hit you when you walked in. On being given our room key we were even more dissapointed, the tired and musty theme continued. The room appeared clean but on further inspection the walls were stained and would generally benefit a full refurb. The bathroom vinyl was loose and bubbling and the bath was chipped/burned. The window in the bedroom would not shut properly due to it being screwed shut. The shower was more like a big drip, there was no water pressure and to get any type of hot water you had to run it for 10 minutes first. The bed was the most uncomfortable place to sleep - if you have booked you would be more comfortable in the car!

As part of our deal we had a dinner on the first evening. We decided to book later to miss the rush and were presented with a menu for a 4 course meal with a choice of dishes for each course having ordered we were presented with food which was luke warm which was plated up hours in advance - it was truely terrible. I have never experienced fast food quite like it, after you had poked round the first course and decided not to eat it your next course was there. I would really recommend not eating in the hotel at all. The breakfast was not much better - after a quick look at it and sampling of the porrige we left and did not even bother going back the next day.

Such a disapointment however it forced us to get out as early as possible and not come back until as late as possible.

There is nothing to do in the area however Aviemore is about 12 miles away - I would really recommend finding something there instead as its close to the Cairngorms and much more to do.

On our last day we were woken by the bus company running their engines for hours, however it turned out that the hotel is owned by a coach tour company so what they want is more important.

On check out we were not even asked if we enjoyed our stay maybe because of the look on our faces ready to complain. We decided that there was no point in complaining as between the ages of 80 - 100 you may quite like it - we are 28 & 35.

I last visited this hotel about 5 years ago and was highly impressed, therefore we decided to go again on a coach trip and must say we noticed changes. Yes the staff are absolutely delightful and nothing was too much trouble, the rooms were fine but what let it down this year was the food we expected a bit more than shepherds pie or liver and onions, the brochure sent to us gives an example of type of foods expected I.e steak so as you can gather we were disappointed, on the sweet menu I opted for raspberry roulade I basically got Swiss roll. The shops in the village were nearly all closed there was nothing at all to do if you decide not to go on trips. But I must state that the staff were first class could not get better anywhere.

Wonderful break to clear away the cobwebs after the Christmas break and excellent value for money at £99 per person for three nights dinner, bed and breakfast and including coach travel and couple of optional day trips.
Hotel very clean and tidy with efficient and helpful, friendly staff. Rooms were excellent with lots of storage and good sized clean bathrooms.
Breakfast very good but brochure is misleading as it does not explain that there is a surcharge for some items.
Dinners were okay though lacking in imagination and appeared to be focused on the palate and appetite of the more elderly coach trippers. Service was incredibly efficient Evenings provided dancing in the function room for those that chose to take part - not our cup of tea but the other trippers said that they had enjoyed themselves.
Good location for walking and close to rail and bus services to go to Aviemore or Inverness.
Special mention to Walt our driver who did a sterling job of getting us all there in one piece despite the dreadful conditions for many a year (3rd January)

we visited for on our first ever coach holiday August 2011 including a trip to the Edinburgh Tattoo. The coach was unavoidably delayed on the Motorway but the staff were ready for our arrival and our meal was ready for us and very much appreciated. The staff and service could not have been better throughout our stay - having a packed lunch for the Tattoo we only expected coffee and biscuits on our return - but were pleased and surprised by a hot dish of stovies waiting for us with smiling staff at well after 1am. The room was comfortable and had all facilities and a good view of the Cairngorms. All of the meals were excellent and between coach outings we enjoyed some of the local walks. We have booked to go back in February for another break and would recommend the hotel and coach company to anyone.