JA Mar Hall Scotland

That homemade gluten-free seeded bread is fantastic, but it was the personal touch from the restaurant team that made today's breakfast visit stick with me. One young staff member remembered from a previous visit how much I loved it, then surprised me with a little takeaway gift to enjoy at home. Such a thoughtful gesture. I've been to Mar Hall for breakfast several times, and the service today was warm, professional and attentive the whole way through. It's lovely seeing young staff take such pride in their work. Mar Hall should be proud of the team they're building. Great hospitality comes down to people, and they really delivered.

The bar staff were fantastic, and the person serving us really knew their stuff. The renovations look spectacular, but the service still falls well short of the big five-star standard the prices suggest. We paid £455 for dinner, a first-level, least costly room and breakfast, with extra spent on wine and cocktails. Dinner had a restricted menu at that price, so we paid more for the full à la carte choices. There were mistakes at every meal: bread frozen in the middle, three dishes we hadn't ordered brought to the table during dinner, and staff asking us to be sure we hadn't ordered them. The wrong wine arrived too. One of us ordered the raw beef starter prepared at the table, but the other starter came out while the preparation was happening instead of after, so it was cold when we ate. At breakfast we waited 15 minutes for tea and coffee, then had to ask where they were, and some eggs were cooked wrong. Our room was far away, we weren't taken there at first, and we got lost. I also left my phone charger in the room, my fault, and called within 30 minutes of checkout to say exactly where it was and ask for it to be left at reception. When I returned the next day, they said it hadn't been found. I gave feedback in person then, but reception glossed over it and reminded me how beautiful the renovations were. I'd already sent detailed feedback five days earlier and had no acknowledgement. We left thinking about all the service problems instead of what a lovely place it could be.

The quiet and peaceful stay made my birthday, and the room was phenomenal. We used everything, including room service, and the food was delicious. The grounds are beautiful too. Emily and Lee helped us on the first day, arranged an upgrade, and wow, I've never stayed in a room so beautiful and clean. Lynn helped us the next day, and all the staff were friendly, showed us around, and made us feel at home. For value, 10/10. Thanks, Ryan and Nicole x

The staff are what set Mar Hall apart. Everyone was attentive and so helpful, especially Lynn at reception, who was wonderfully friendly and a real credit to the hotel. We had a small issue with our original room, and they fixed it straight away, then offered us a free upgrade to a split-level room without us asking. We were able to use the spa as soon as we arrived, before our room was ready. It was a lovely place to unwind, with a pool, loungers, steam room, sauna and even good poolside showers. Our room was beautiful, and the hotel was spotless, with deep carpets and open fires that made it feel special. The bar was relaxing and quaint, breakfast was great, and the lovely staff served us a full Scottish breakfast as well as a continental selection. The views over the River Clyde added to the stay. My wife and I had a wonderful overnight break from start to finish, and we can't wait to come back. Best overnight spa break we've ever booked. Five stars.