The Ramnee Hotel

We booked at the last minute after some unexpected problems, and it was the only room left in Forres that day. Breakfast was really nice, but the room felt worn and needed some work. For what we paid, we didn’t think it was good value and left feeling a bit ripped off.

We’ve been back to the Ramnee several times. The other guests have been friendly, and the staff are always lovely, helpful and welcoming. Our rooms have been spotless each time and had everything we needed. The full Scottish breakfast is delicious. Restaurant dishes are fairly simple, but very tasty, and the whole place has a cosy, homely feel. I’ve seen comments about the dated decor. It’s an old historic property with loads of character, and modern rooms wouldn’t feel in keeping. The decor hasn’t taken away from our experience at all.

The breakfast was excellent, and the staff I was dealing with were very kind and always available. The rooms, though, felt very old. The wallpaper was peeling, the beds were small, and although the bathroom worked properly, it looked about 30 years old. I asked if they could arrange a taxi and even gave them a number to call, but apparently they couldn’t. Instead, the owner arranged an airport shuttle in an employee’s car and added a £5 card payment surcharge. It cost more than a taxi I’d taken a few months earlier, so I felt they’d taken advantage of the situation.

I liked waking up to the view of the North Sea bay and fresh sea air, with the peace of being out in the open. I spent five days at Ramnee hotel while attending a nearby Wellness Retreat, and loved the whole experience. The dining had a homely feel, and the service was very good, with helpful, efficient staff. The proprietor was welcoming and went out of his way to make me comfortable. I’ll stay at Ramnee Hotel again whenever I visit that part of the country.