The Waterside Hotel - Inverness, United Kingdom     

Now the Waterside could be one of the greatest hotels in Inverness within its class. It has a lot to say for it: we stayed two nights in a very comfortable and tastefully decorated room, it's location is very convenient yet still within a quiet and beautiful area of Inverness and the restaurant is also very nice indeed. What spoils this idyllic picture is the general attitude and sometimes downright incompetence of the hotel and restaurant staff. Undoutbtedly being understaffed has something to do with this, but this does not excuse everything. A receptionist not being able to tell us anything about events going on in the city, long waiting times at breakfast without the one waitress anywhere in sight and not to mention the way an occurring problem with our laundry was handled, or rather not. A word of caution here: don't trust the hotel staff with your clothes to be washed, because, as the receptionist at that time was quick to point out, if half of it is not returned it is not their fault. Moreover, she was less than helpful to sort things out with the laundry company and really tried to make that our job. In the end we got our stuff back but not thanks to this particular staff member who felt very sorry for us but was not able or willing to do anything about it and made us wait till five minutes before our departure time to finally produce the missing items which were sent to the hotel next door. In spite of this, our experience was actually not all that bad, but employing a staff that is competent and actually shows some care for their clients would greatly benefit this potentially very pleasant hotel.

Following quite a busy year already myself and the wife deceided to head north for a weekend away. When we arrived we were welcomed by the young chap on the desk and told everything we needed to know. As well as recommended the new theatre and retail park for things to do. Our room (115) was lovely, very spacious and decorated very tastefully. When we checked in we also received a free wine each voucher when eating in the restaurant, which we deceided to do on the Saturday night. Given that the place was packed service was still very good, and the food even better. All in all We would most definately be back as soon as the kids are on holidays.