Rocksite

The welcoming hosts make the big central social area feel even cosier. There’s a bar, fire pit, pool table and space for dinner and breakfast, all in the middle of an actual log cabin. Pine tree log cabin was one of the nicest places I’ve stayed in Scotland. I went with a group of guys, and they couldn’t have been more accommodating. Thanks again! G

Ken’s wife poured our pints quickly, but one foamed over. No big deal on its own. What made us uncomfortable was Ken barging in and criticizing her technique, correcting her to the point that it felt deeply unpleasant. The hotel has just got its bar licence, so we understood things were getting started. We’d spent the day biking and wanted a beer in the sun. The building itself is marvelous and the location is perfect, though the hotel felt less cosy than before and there was boxing on a TV above the bar. We’ve visited four times in the past. Each stay had its quirks, but it was still one of our favourite hotels. The previous owners always made us feel welcome, and although I don’t know why they left, we were very disappointed when the place closed. We were delighted to hear it had reopened under new management and booked straight away. Ken was very welcoming and accommodating on the phone. On arrival, we were greeted warmly and found our rooms unchanged, rustic and full of charm. We’re an easygoing family, but our 8 year old son quietly told me he was concerned about how the situation had been handled. Along with the feel of the hotel, that led us to head home, hoping to return another time. Apparently we’re not allowed. My partner returned the key and gave gentle, genuine feedback about why we wouldn’t stay. We tried to pay for our beers, and payment was refused. We explained again that we wanted to settle up so things would be clear for a future visit. Ken then became confrontational and said we would absolutely never be allowed through the doors again. Disgusting customer service, with no regard for past or future business. I hesitate to use a strong word, but misogynist is the one that comes to mind. I’m gutted the hotel has turned out this way, and I’ll share our experience with the many friends who used to visit. We have no desire to return, but thanks for the free beer. I look forward to the next owners taking over.

Our 9 year old quietly said, “the man was not being kind to the lady at the bar.” That summed up how uncomfortable it felt, and we decided to leave immediately. We’d stayed at the log cabin hotel/ pinetree lodge four times before, always excited to return to our much loved family escape. When we heard it had reopened, we were delighted and quickly called to book a last minute break with our two boys. The owner fitted us in, so we packed and set off full of excitement. On arrival (04/08/2018), we were welcomed and shown to a clean, rustic room with the log cabin charm we love. The lounge and dining area, though, had lost a lot of its cosy, family friendly, guest oriented feel. We arrived before dinner and saw breakfast already set out, which made us think about leaving in the morning. That wasn’t ideal, though we could have overlooked it. There was no loo roll in the ladies’ either, also far from ideal. We’d had a long cycle before arriving and wanted a cold beer in the sun, looking out at the beautiful surroundings, before an evening walk and dinner. The bar had just received its licence and was still getting started, which we were happy to work around. Ken’s wife, Kath, poured a pint quickly and it frothed over. That was just a learning curve and not a problem. The problem was Ken bulldozing in and loudly telling poor Kath off, openly criticizing her and belittling her for not doing it “how she was told!” He seemed very disgruntled and came across as almost bullish. It left us feeling surrounded by stress and dysfunction. I returned the room key and carefully gave honest feedback, saying I understood a new venture could be stressful and they might be novices. I tried to pay for our drinks, but payment was refused. I explained again that I wanted to pay so we could leave amicably. Ken became confrontational and told me to just “get out.” Appalling customer service, and he made clear we weren’t to return. We were devastated to make the journey home with two disappointed little boys. We’ll share what happened with our many friends and family who visited under the former management. We have no intention of returning while Ken is managing the place. Hopefully new owners take over in time for a magical Christmas stay. That was our first thought when we booked that morning, and it’s very, very sad.

The licensed bar and cosy sofas around the roaring wood fire were lovely. We had a great stay at the lodge, with home cooked food on the evening menu and a superb breakfast. Ken and Katherine are great hosts. We’ll go back.