Macdonald Drumossie Hotel

We chose the McDonald Drumossie for afternoon tea on our 42nd wedding anniversary, since we had honeymooned at Drumossie before it became McDonald. I had booked three weeks ahead and told them the story, including that we still had our 1983 receipt and brochure. They had invited us to bring them, but when we arrived and explained again, the response felt indifferent. The sandwiches and cake were fine, but the tea came without milk; I couldn't find anyone to bring some for over five minutes, by which time it had gone cold. They served tea bags rather than proper tea, too. Service was poor at the reception as well: we waited more than five minutes to pay alongside a delivery driver who was also waiting. At £56, it was a disappointing experience that spoiled what should have been a very special day. I expected better.

The room had no after-shower gown or hair conditioner, and the shower pressure was weak. My wife was especially inconvenienced because the lift was out of order and her bad knee meant she had to climb two flights of stairs. Our suitcase had gone missing when we arrived, and the room phone wasn't plugged in, so I had to fix that before I could report the bag and TV problem. I eventually went to reception; the staff apologized and were trying to find the case. Before dinner, drinks service was almost nonexistent. The young staff seemed overwhelmed, with too little support for the venue, and I felt sorry for them trying their best. Breakfast was average, and the poached eggs were poorly cooked and presented. I can't recommend this hotel.

The staff were first class, and there's a good selection of whisky. My fish and chips at dinner, though, felt poor value at £27: just a modest piece of fish, about eight chips and a small bowl of mushy peas. The room was spacious, with a comfortable bed and a good-sized bathroom that had both a bath and shower. There was an iron and board, plus tea and coffee, but no complimentary biscuits. Parking was plentiful, check-in was easy, and reception was clean. There is seating to the right of reception, some halls available to hire, and the restaurant is tucked around the corner from the lift.

The food left me feeling as if the hotel was trying to rip off its guests. Our one-night package included a three-course dinner and breakfast, but the portions and flavor were disappointing. The thin, tasteless soup came in a tiny bowl with a very small slice of French stick. The vegetable curry was mostly rice, not generous, and bland. Dessert was a meringue with three raspberries stuck on it. Breakfast had hot choices, but eggs Benedict cost extra and had to be paid for right then. What arrived was underwhelming, with only a thin layer of hollandaise. The drinks menu had no prices, so the final bill came as an unpleasant surprise, and the hotel wouldn't take cash for drinks. Even the chairs added to the frustration: my seat collapsed inward, and the replacement had a loose arm. A whole string of issues left me dissatisfied with the stay.