Gleddoch Golf & Spa Resort

We enjoyed most of the spa facilities during our gifted spa day at Gleddoch House’s Imperia Spa, but the visit left a bad impression. The voucher said a glass of fizz was included on arrival, and nobody offered it. I emailed politely after checking the voucher when I got home, then followed up nearly two weeks later. Neither message got a reply, even by March. There was confusion at lunch too. Reception staff weren’t especially welcoming, and we were sent to a private function room instead of the dining area. The guests there were understandably upset, and although we were told someone would show us where to go, no one did. We’d been thinking about making more enquiries about Gleddoch House as a wedding venue, but we won’t be taking that further. It’s disappointing that they took payment for a package, missed part of it and then ignored a reasonable query. A simple acknowledgement or apology could have sorted this out. The lack of customer care is what sticks with me, and we wouldn’t return.

The hotel’s reply below is complete nonsense. There’s no information on the TV at all. We tried every channel, and the email we received didn’t contain the details they claim it did. As I said before, it also contradicts the times shown on the website and the check-in card. Before we even arrived, I got a scam WhatsApp message with my booking details asking me to pay through a scam website. I sent the link to reception by email and was told to report it. How did they get my booking reference and phone number? I use a VPN on my devices, so it must have come from the hotel’s computers or staff. I’ve spent years in hospitality at 4/5 star hotels, and I could go into a lot more detail about how badly this place is run. They just don’t want to acknowledge the poor service. We booked for my birthday and expected a treat, but the stay quickly disappointed. I’ve worked for years in 4/5 star hotels and struggle to see how this is meant to be a 4 star hotel. Room 57 was supposed to be executive, but honestly felt like a prison. The patio doors had privacy film, so there was no view; the room was basic, with no safe or fridge. The smart TV barely worked, with maybe five channels, no working apps and no WiFi connection. There was no hotel information, schedule, local guide or menu in the room. The WiFi signal was awful, one bar at best. The bedside lights didn’t work, and neither did one of the sockets by the bed. When we left, we noticed people could see into the room through the patio doors, which looked like they’d been fitted backwards. Getting around was confusing, with poor layout and unclear signs. We even had to help other guests find their rooms. We’d booked the spa earlier, but on arrival were told it was booked for the following week. Once inside, we wished we hadn’t bothered: more than 40 people seemed crammed into the small spa on a Sunday at 6pm. We had to queue for the facilities, which was far from relaxing. Nobody showed us around as staff have at other spas we’ve visited, and one man behaved childishly, throwing ice regardless of who was in front of him. Breakfast was another letdown. Half the continental options were missing, there were no tablespoons or toaster, and when we asked for spoons, we got teaspoons for cereal. The sugar bowls were empty. We got one pot of tea for two, while other tables had one each. Breakfast and spa schedules overlap if you want to use the spa in the morning. The times on the website didn’t match the check-in card, and the restaurant menus differed from what was online. I could keep going. This is a badly run hotel with a lot that needs improving. It gets plenty of hype, but it’s the small details that make a 4 star hotel, and in my opinion this place shouldn’t even be 1 star.

My daughter in law took me there for a spa day. The spa and massage were fabulous, and it was clean and quiet when we visited. The outdoor jacuzzi was amazing, even in the rain. I’d definitely recommend it if you’ve got a few spare pounds!

The spa was spotless, and the outside sauna has floor-to-ceiling glass with lovely views over the Clyde and Argyll. There’s a big outdoor hot tub for 8-10 people, plus an outdoor cold water bucket and a brass monkey ice bath. You can take drinks from the spa bar, which has a good selection, to the tub. There are also two powerful steam rooms with different aromas and an indoor sauna. We had a great midweek dinner and spa stay. Dinner was excellent, and every staff member we dealt with was friendly and attentive. It’s good to see somewhere like this doing well on the west coast. Mar Hall might be the only other option, though perhaps it costs quite a bit more. The price here was great too. We’ll definitely be back and recommend it to friends and family.