Culloden Estate & Spa

I joined some good friends for afternoon tea at the Culloden for a close friend’s Hen Do, though I didn’t stay at the hotel. The vegetarian afternoon tea had a fantastic range, which is always nice to see. Staff were friendly when we arrived, remembered our dietary requirements and seated us at a well-appointed table. The waiters were courteous and efficient, keeping our tea and water topped up. I’d absolutely recommend it.

The greeting and seating were impeccable, and the decor was beautiful. There was an excellent choice of teas and coffees. The pastries looked festive but were incredibly sugary, and the sandwiches had a good selection for three of us, though the sliced ham and plain cheese option for the fourth person was very ordinary. Our warm scones came too quickly and had cooled before we were ready, so the meal felt rushed even though the restaurant wasn’t busy. We asked for boxes and they were brought over, but the hostess didn’t pack them for us. For the price, I’d expect a London or New York experience and a more five-star service.

The setting is lovely, the food was excellent, and the bar and waiting staff were genuinely outstanding: friendly, attentive and a credit to the hotel. We really enjoyed our stay, but several small details kept it from feeling like a true five-star experience. Breakfast seating was cramped, used plates weren’t always cleared promptly, and the brown sauce was spooned out and spilled. Laptops left out at breakfast also took away from the polished feel. The bathrooms were clean but lacked the finish you’d expect at this level, and the toiletries seemed generic and inexpensive. We also went to the Cultra Bar, which has a nice atmosphere and is a lovely bar in itself, though it doesn’t quite match the hotel’s five-star image. That association slightly detracts from the hotel’s overall impression. With more attention to detail and consistency, it could reach true five-star standards. For now, four stars feels right.

The staff are wonderful and the general ambience is fine, but more fine tuning is needed for this to feel truly five star. Waiting for breakfast wasn’t great, and it’s a pity the main restaurant was closed over Christmas. The alternatives were fine for a Christmas experience, but not very elegant. I’d also have liked upgraded tea and coffee facilities in the room, and a fridge mini bar would have been good.