Ardoe House Hotel & Spa

We were travelling from Glasgow for a funeral at 10:30 the next morning and had to bring our dog along, as nobody could look after her. The room quality was far beyond what we'd expected, especially with the dog in tow. The £20 dog charge seemed very reasonable, and the one-night stay was a great price too. The staff were so friendly and helpful, and breakfast had loads of options for everyone, even fussy eaters. It was our first time here, and I'd highly recommend the hotel if you're travelling with a dog.

The cosy main lounge was a highlight, especially when they lit the fire after we asked. The buffet breakfast was generous, with plenty of choice, and the restaurant and bar staff were friendly and helpful. This was our second stay at this beautiful old stately-home-style hotel, and it was very good value this time. When we chose to stay an extra night, they matched the app price. We'd happily come back, though service lost a star because they wouldn't accept our Northern Irish banknotes even though they say "sterling" on them, so I had to pay by card.

We booked this as a birthday treat and the staff were attentive throughout. The room was lovely, with a big bed and all the amenities we needed, and the food was very good. The sauna was great. The spa was more average, though, and could have offered a few more amenities. The jacuzzi wasn't warm enough.

I've tried contacting the manager by email and asking for a call back, but haven't heard anything. I have a swim-only membership, and when it was sold to me I was told there would always be two lanes available. That's not true. Kids' lessons run until 7pm on weekdays and from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays, leaving all the members trying to swim at the same times. There's room for only two people in a lane, and there are never more than two lanes open. I can rarely use my membership for what I bought it for. Last night, kids and babies were in the pool until 8:30pm. Ardoe needs to schedule some adults-only swimming time. The sauna and steam room are often closed or out of repair. When I raise these problems, staff make me feel unreasonable or try to gaslight me. It feels like the manager is taking the mickey out of swim-only members. I'm left wondering what I get from the membership besides frustration and buyer's remorse.