As you know, J and I headed up to Glencoe for the weekend as part of our Valentines gifts to each other. (I always say I would rather an experience over a wrapped gift any day!) After a few online deliberations, we chose the Isles of Glencoe to be our choice of destination for the weekend, mainly because of the price, location (on the banks of Loch Leven) and the fact that it had a pool/Jacuzzi facilities – we had an idea the weather might not be the best for all day exploring so we wanted a hotel where we could relax indoors if needed.
Driving up into the rocky car park, you are greeted with a beautiful sprawling white bungalow type building with an outdoor centre less than a stones throw away. Upon arrival, our room was ready an hour early (yay!) so we were given a brief run down of the rules for the leisure centre, breakfast/dinner times etc. before being given our key.
Room/Decor
We were given a second floor room that overlooked the amazing Loch Leven through two huge Velux windows. We hadn’t paid any extra for the loch-view room so were more than happy to have bagged a winner. One thing that always swings my opinion on a hotel room is the space given for suitcases. We both only had overnight bags but there would be ample space for two large suitcases if needed. There was complimentary tea/coffee facilities as well as a hairdryer (great for drying your hair in your room after a dip in the pool!).
A couple of things that were maybe not so great was the decor was quite out dated. It didn’t bother us at all but anyone looking for modernity might not be a little disappointed. Also, the Velux windows were great during the day but when the storm came through the night, it did get quite loud. We have skylights at home so are more than used to this, and I dare say if you go at calmer times, you will never come across this issue.
Overall, we were more than happy with our room, it had everything we needed for a stay-over up north with an added bonus of the loch-view room that made our stay even more amazing.
Leisure Centre
As I said before the decor in the room and parts of the hotel were quite dated, but still very much usable; however, the leisure centre was one part that was modern, with all the facilities you needed to have a relaxing evening in the hotel. You are led to the centre through a door beside the reception area, and inside you are greeted with private changing rooms, lockers, benches and showers (including 1 shower with a curtain). Inside, you have a very large swimming pool with large windows that look out on to the rolling hills (don’t worry it’s very difficult for people outside to see inside), as well as a Jacuzzi/whirlpool and a sauna.
We had booked dinner for 8.30 so after our walk around the local village, we decided to heat up with a swim and relaxation session in the sauna and whirlpool before getting dressed for a late dinner. We were in for a total of just over 2 hours and there were times it went through a busy period then quiet then busy again.
I didn’t take any images in the leisure centre as I didn’t want to take photos of guests in their swim gear!
Breakfast & Dinner
When arriving to the hotel we were told to book for dinner as soon as possible if we wanted to eat with the hotel as it filled up quite quickly and there was often a queue if you hadn’t. After going for our walk around the village to see if there were any other local food options, we decided that the hotel menu looked more suitable for us. We booked for 8.30 and skipped off to the leisure centre for some relaxation before stuffing our faces.
We sat in the bar and had a few alcoholic drinks (costing us £7.50 for two) before going to grab our table. The menu was quite extensive and I found it difficult to choose between the fish and chips, and the burger. I ended up going for the fish (£12) and J went for the steak (£19.50). The fish wasn’t greasy at all, something I find with some places and the skinny fries were plentiful. J said the steak was amazing and I even tried how amazing his double cooked chips were Mmmm so delicious. I should’ve bought a portion to take away to my room for later!
Breakfast is by far my favourite meal of the day. The hotel offered everything you could imagine – toast, yoghurt, cereals, fruit juices, croissants, muffins as well as every ingredient for a full scottish breakfast (including potato scones!!).
Overall Opinion
We were more than happy with our stay at Isles of Glencoe Hotel & Leisure Centre, and I still can’t believe we were given a room with such an amazing view of Loch Leven. The surrounding area had a great little cafe in the visitor centre/gift shop along with a cooperative shop that was a two minute walk from the hotel’s front door. If only the weather was a little better, but we had a great night in the leisure centre, hotel bar and local pubs!
(You can read about our road trip up to the hotel here.)
What’s your favourite hotel?
Have you ever been surprised by the generosity of a hotel?
