The Boat Hotel

We booked online months ahead, but when we rang on the morning of our arrival to give our check-in time, they couldn’t find the reservation. It was difficult to communicate over the phone even after we gave them the booking number. We arrived later that night to find the room still wasn’t ready. We’d booked the “Family/Twin Bedroom with ensuite bathroom, which can sleep up to 5 people,” but the listing didn’t say two of the beds were cots. They hadn’t been set up when we arrived, and once they were, getting into the beds meant climbing over the others. I don’t understand why it was advertised as a five bed room. We checked the booking and the sign outside several times because the situation seemed so odd. We’d selected five vegan breakfasts online, but when we asked about options, they didn’t seem to know what vegan meant. After we explained, they said they had fruit and maybe dry cereal. Three people travelling with me decided to stay elsewhere. There was a hole in the shower ceiling, though the beds were clean. For most people, a hotel room with two double beds would be more comfortable and cost effective.

The rooms were comfortable and the breakfasts were wonderful. Harry provided excellent service. Just be sure you book this place, as there’s a similarly named one nearby.

Breakfast was good, and the lady who served it was friendly. She wasn’t the person we’d woken when we checked in. Just after 5 pm we rang the bell and knocked, but nobody answered. We phoned and eventually someone woke from a nap and came to check us in. The bathroom was modern and nice, and the shower worked well for washing my long hair, though the cubicle was small. Without a window or extractor fan, the room soon filled with steam. Our bedroom was cramped, with a wardrobe taking up a lot of space and little room to move or put our suitcases. The bed squeaked badly, and the loose headboard rattled until we wedged a couple of cushions behind it.

This is a lovely family run guesthouse in a quiet village. There’s some parking in the driveway, with room on the street beside the property as well. Our double bedroom looked onto the garden and had a nicely sized ensuite. The shower was powerful, and the shower gel, shampoo and conditioner smelled lovely. It was nice not to have the usual generic all in one gel. Guests can also use a small sitting room. Breakfast includes cereals, toast, juice, fresh fruit, tea and coffee, plus a freshly cooked breakfast of your choice. Landmark at Carrbridge is a 12 minute drive away, and the Strathspey Steam Railway Station of Boat of Garten is a short walk from the guesthouse.