Hilton Templepatrick Hotel & Country Club

The staff were lovely, and the anniversary cookies and little box of chocolates were a nice touch. We liked the room and enjoyed the hydrotherapy pool, which was included in the price. But the ladies’ changing room was packed, so I couldn’t shower or find a place to get dressed there. I had to change in a corner and shower in our room. We’d requested a room near the lift because of our mobility issues, but didn’t get one. Dinner seemed reheated rather than freshly prepared, and the frozen chips weren’t what I’d expect from a top class hotel. Breakfast also seemed reheated, and we couldn’t eat it.

Customer service is still second to none, and the restaurant staff are amazing. But this was my least favourite of our four stays so far, even though at about £700 for 2 nights it was the most expensive. The menu doesn’t change, and the room service isn’t available at the moment, which is a pity. The nut roast was horrific compared with the one we ordered at Christmas. It looked more like an Indian veggie burger, and I had to ask three times whether it was the right meal. We had the king Junior Suite with golf view, but I preferred the standard room with twin double beds we had at Christmas. The living area lighting was poor, with one tiny, dull lamp or ceiling spotlights that were too bright and glaring. The kitchen area was hit and miss too: the sink taps were loose and turned whenever you used them, and there were no tea towels for drying the 2 plates, 2 cups and 2 saucers. I’m not sure what the kitchen is for. They provide a toaster and kettle, but then you have to go buy bread and butter. One of the ball lights over the headboard kept flickering, so we turned it off. There was no TV in the sleeping area, only one in the living room. Unlike the standard rooms, you can’t snuggle up in bed and watch a wee box set, which was disappointing.

Greenery is all around, and the view is breathtaking. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the staff gave excellent service. The breakfast buffet could use more variety: there were only three main dishes, no salads and no halal options. I hope they add some. Still, it’s a truly special place, and I’ll definitely repeat the experience.

The changing area and ladies’ toilets were on the far side of the main pool, unless you wanted to walk through the gym in your swimsuit. The layout was weird and annoying. The spa, including the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, was amazing, and so was the massage. We had a very chilled few hours there for a birthday day spa treat with my partner.