Aultguish Inn

The room was mostly fine, though the bathroom vent was dusty and the shower needed clearing. We slept reasonably well, but after such a chilly welcome the night before, we didn’t feel like eating breakfast. Check-out felt just as cold. I had to look around the room several times before finding anyone on staff. At arrival, we were given a key and an information sheet with no greeting at all. A group by the bar and the two hotel staff looked us up and down, which felt unfriendly. It was the first time I’d felt unwelcome in Scotland. Maybe we weren’t treated the way some other reviewers were, but we won’t be coming back.

The rooms were clean and tidy, but that didn’t make up for how disappointing the stay was, especially at that price. We expected basic care and hospitality at a remote hotel, and didn’t feel we got either. The trouble started with the water in our room. It looked cloudy and grey, so I went to reception to ask about it and hoped someone would check or suggest another option. The staff member was dismissive and offered two explanations, first that the building had been empty for a while, then that the water came from a tank and it hadn’t rained recently. Neither answer made us feel better. She didn’t come to inspect the room or apologise, and offered no fix. She said nobody else had complained and that I could get my money back if I didn’t want to stay. It was late, and in such a remote area it would have been hard to find somewhere else, so we felt stuck and didn’t use the water. The whole thing left us feeling unwelcome and uncared for. A bit of warmth, understanding, or simply checking what was wrong would have helped. For what the hotel charges, it was extremely disappointing. I hope management gives staff better training, because a beautiful setting can’t make up for that kind of response.

The stuffed cabbage was delicious, a real highlight. Breakfast was basic but there was plenty, with hikers stopping in to make the most of it. It’s a family-run place that’s looked after with care. The motel has been improved thoughtfully on a budget and was absolutely spotless. It was pricey, though we were there in high season.

We had a great stay and would recommend coming here. The rooms were really good value compared with many places for what you get. Service was great too, the two lovely women working there were always checking everything was okay and couldn’t do enough for you. There were some rude guests, but we got past that. I’d definitely come back.