The Speyside Hotel

It was a nice experience overall, but felt a bit overpriced for what was on offer. The breakfast plate gets a 6/10 from me for its size and quality, and you have to choose an exact breakfast time, rounded to 10 minutes, which is stricter than usual. The village is small but has shops, pubs and a fuel station. Our room was spacious, with a very generous bathroom, though one radiator didn’t work and the windows were a bit draughty.

The food was the best part, and the waiters were all nice. Being dog friendly is brilliant. The rooms were tired and dated, though clean and roomy, and the internet was sporadic. It was draughty and cold, especially in the dining room, with the heating coming on and off throughout the building. That’s not suitable when it’s -6 degrees, and other guests were cold too. No one was available until 4pm. Breakfast is managed with a form you fill in the night before. They added 10% to everything we ate or drank, but didn’t tell us until the bill arrived. Everything was overpriced. This isn’t a 4 or 5 star hotel, but the prices don’t reflect that. Disappointed.

We had a lovely stay, with a fabulous room and bathroom and a very comfortable bed. Dinner was wonderful, and James, our waiter, was professional and knowledgeable, making it a great dining experience. The bar was small and cosy, and I can imagine it’d be fabulous in winter with a roaring fire. I only wish they’d supplied a few toiletries, like a shower cap.

I’ve really enjoyed my four days here for work and would come back. It’s a nice big hotel with loads of rooms. We waited a short time on arrival, then one of the owners greeted us, a friendly chap. We filled out breakfast forms with our preferences, and there was a tidy selection. My double room was spotless, the bed comfy and the bathroom clean. They use Highland soup company hand wash, shampoo and body wash, which I love, so that was a bonus. We had dinner the first night. The menu leaned towards fish, and I’m not sure if it changes with the seasons or time of year. I do sometimes fancy a burger or curry, but the fish I ordered was out of this world, really fresh and outstanding, and the fries were great too. You can tell the chef puts lots of effort into both breakfast and dinner. They were flawless. I’d usually call the price a bit expensive, but everything is made from scratch and so fresh, so it felt fair. The hosts and owners were chatty and welcoming. I’d seen reviews mentioning a boiler problem. The heating dipped one night, but my room was cool rather than freezing, so I can’t complain. The location is nice, with other venues and the Co-op about a five-minute walk away. The only reason I’m giving four stars is the shower. It wasn’t a power shower, and I’d have liked it a little stronger. That’s the one thing that let the room down, but I’m being a moan. Everything else was five stars. Thanks, guys!