Airds Hotel

I took my wife to Airds for two nights to celebrate my 80th birthday. The reputation of Airds was as an excellent hotel with Fine Dining. We checked in and first impressions were that the hotel was a bit tired and needed some money spent on it. Bedroom carpet was stained, sink hot water was scalding (no mixer tap) and the shower unit needed to be fixed firmly to the wall. Our dinner on the first night was terrible. My starter of Haggis encased in mashed potato and breadcrumbs contained very little haggis, but it was a good potato dish. My wife did not have a starter. For main course I chose Sea Bass on a bed of langoustine bisque soaked in orzo only to be told 10 minutes later that there was no orzo and it was suggested that I have new potatoes instead. I said "I will give it a try" but when the dish arrived it was simply two small pieces of sea bass lying on top of a mass of new potatoes (unskinned). It did not look appetising and the waitress asked if I would like to choose something else. I chose Cullen Skink, but this was also a big disappointment: there was little or no smoked haddock, but plenty of potatoes. My wife ordered a Fish Pie which comprised of a large topping of mashed potatoes and very little fish. The Cranachan was another disaster: it was a very large dollop of cream with a veneer of raspberries, honey and oats. I ate the veneer. Fine Dining is not what we had, my score was 0/10, but the chef could have scored 10/10 for the potatoes. The restaurant manager observed that we had not enjoyed our meal and offered to deduct a large amount from the food bill, which he did. The wine and coffee were good. When we went to bed we were both suffering from gurgling tummy and had to take turns at using the loo. It was windy and the windows rattled to make sleeping even more difficult. When we went downstairs for breakfast I ordered soft boiled eggs and toast and my wife ordered eggs benedict Her eggs and mine were hard-boiled and the toast was cold and soft. We decided to cut our trip short and end this Faulty Towers experience and, despite the expectation that we would forfeit the cost of the second night's stay, we decided to check out of the hotel and go home. At check out, as expected, we were told that we would not be refunded the £255 cost for the second night's stay because the free cancellation period had expired. The guy at the front desk added that he was disappointed that our tastes did not suit the talents of the hotel's excellent chef. What a cheek! Airds has lost its shine as a high grade hotel with Fine Dining. When we reached home we celebrated my 80th birthday with a takeaway curry and some cold beer. EXCELLENT!

Very poor stay. We felt that we were staying in Fawlty Towers! Here is a list of the things that were below par... and we were glad that we only had 1 night stay 1) The Sea Bream was off - i.e. it was served, but stank and was off. We were then informed that all the Sea Bream was turning. No apology was given. But an offer for another course - I passed. 2) The menu was promises - i.e. lots of things 'unavailable'. 3) Staff at dinner, when they were around.. stood and stared. We felt we were on suicide watch. 4) Ice cream was served in super hot plates (as in too hot to touch!).. really? 5) Dining experience was 'enjoyed' by a symphony of noise.. largely cutlery and staff setting the tables for breakfast.. at 7pm. 6) Could not enjoy the views outside because the front hedge was over grown 7) On walking out of the hotel.. you need to call a phone number to be let back in! I was locked out for 10 mins 8) Rooms a tired and requires maintenance Overall it was an extremely disappointing stay. Very over priced and strongly recommend looking for an alternative.

A very beautiful, charming hotel! Isolated and quiet, we were very well received! On-site parking.