Birchbank Bed and Breakfast

The worst part was the noise from the bathroom above. Every tap and flush sounded like a waterfall in our room, waking me several times. At first I thought water was coming into the room. When I raised it, the owner just said, “it’s a small house.” We could also hear people talking upstairs. The bed linen smelled of stale tobacco, perhaps from a previous guest or wherever it was stored, and that made for a poor night’s sleep. We’d planned to stay two nights but left after one because the place was so uncomfortable. Our room was tiny, with nowhere for bags or clothes beyond a very small wardrobe, and the bathroom was so narrow that we couldn’t dry off in it, even though we’re not large people. It was also very bright in the morning. We used the Zebra blinds properly and closed the curtains, so the owners’ suggestion in replies to other reviews that guests hadn’t shut the blinds correctly doesn’t fit our experience. On arrival, we were given a room beside the front door and reception area. We mentioned the noise concern, but weren’t offered another room; we were only told the previous guest hadn’t complained and it should be fine. At £125 a night even with an agency discount, I wanted more reassurance. Breakfast costs another £14, payable in cash only, and since we had no cash we couldn’t book it. I’m not sure why cash is required. The Fort William area is expensive, but this room felt very overpriced. There are much better places to stay, so I can’t recommend Birchbank Bed & Breakfast. Judging by replies to other negative reviews, I expect the owners may respond disparagingly, but this is our honest account.