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Summary of reviewsCruachan Hotel, located in the heart of Fort William, garners high praise for its prime setting, comprehensive amenities and hospitable staff. The hotel boasts stunning views over Loch Linnhe and serves as a convenient base for exploring local attractions like Ben Nevis and Glencoe. Guests appreciate its central position, which is within walking distance to the town center, offering shops, pubs and restaurants. Additionally, the ample on-site parking and accessible main roads benefit those planning day trips or further travels.
The hotel's recently refurbished rooms are celebrated for their modern, clean and comfortable design. Many highlight the spacious and well-furnished family suites, which are particularly suitable for groups. While some standard rooms can be smaller and occasionally experience issues like low water pressure and noise, they are generally tidy and functional. The overall cleanliness of the hotel is a standout feature with guests frequently noting the immaculate condition of rooms and facilities.
Breakfast at the Cruachan Hotel is generally well-received, commended for its variety — including vegetarian and gluten-free options and traditional Scottish fare. However, there is room for improvement in the freshness of certain items and the temperature of hot meals. The dining experience for dinner also receives appreciation for the quality and service, despite occasional limitations due to staff shortages and menu options.
Guests consistently praise the friendly, professional and attentive staff, who contribute significantly to a welcoming and helpful environment. Specific staff members receive special mentions for their exceptional service. The efficient check-in process and the staff's courteous demeanor enhance the overall positive experience.
The Wi-Fi service at the hotel is predominantly strong and reliable with many guests finding it fast and consistent. Though a few report connectivity issues, the majority have a satisfactory experience. Additionally, the comfort of the beds, often described as very comfortable and well-equipped, ensures a restful sleep.
Overall, Cruachan Hotel offers a welcoming and pleasant environment with its beautiful historic structure and characterful ambiance. It manages to exceed expectations for a three-star hotel with its excellent facilities, cleanliness and warm hospitality, making it a well-recommended choice for visitors to Fort William. Show more
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Family Friendly Hotel
The Cruachan Hotel provides family rooms and essential facilities such as ensuite showers and tea/coffee making facilities. These amenities ensure a comfortable stay for families.
Hotel with Parking
Cruachan Hotel provides convenient and complimentary car parking facilities for guests. Limited guest parking is available within the grounds, and a large municipal car park is also located nearby.
3-Star Hotel
The Cruachan Hotel has very good reviews and offers breakfast options. Its location on Achintore Road makes it a convenient choice for exploring Fort William.
Hotel near Ski Resorts
Room Types
SingleFree Wi-Fi and a satellite TV are included in this room.
Double RoomFree Wi-Fi and a satellite TV are included in this room.
Kindly note this bedroom cannot accommodate an extra bed.
TwinFree Wi-Fi and a satellite TV are included in this room.
Loch View Twin RoomWith wonderful views of the loch.
FamilyCan accommodate 4 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children.
Superior Double RoomThis double room has a bathrobe and a walk-in shower.
Deluxe Quadruple RoomProviding free toiletries, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The quadruple room provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
Loch View Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Loch View Single RoomOffering free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The single room offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Family RoomProviding free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The family room provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
Deluxe Loch View Family RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The family room features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor as well as sea views. The unit has 3 beds.
Triple RoomOffering free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The triple room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit offers 3 beds.
Small Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 1 bed.
Economy Triple RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The triple room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The unit has 3 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Cruachan Hotel enjoys a prime location, highly praised for its stunning views over Loch Linnhe and convenient proximity to the heart of Fort William. Guests frequently highlight the hotel’s central position, making it an ideal base for exploring local attractions including Ben Nevis and Glencoe. The hotel is noted for being within easy walking distance of the town center, where a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants can be found, enhancing the convenience for visitors.
The waterfront setting of the hotel offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere. The recently refurbished rooms are modern, clean and comfortable, adding to the overall experience. The ample on-site parking and accessibility to main roads make it a suitable choice for those planning further travels or day trips.
In addition to its prime location, guests appreciate the cleanliness of the hotel and the friendliness of the staff. The scenic views, combined with the excellent location, make Cruachan Hotel a highly recommended option for those visiting Fort William. Whether you are looking for a picturesque spot by the lake or a convenient starting point for Highland adventures, this hotel stands out as a perfect choice.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Cruachan Hotel generally receives favorable reviews, frequently described as "good," "great," and "excellent." Many guests highlight the variety and selection available with options suitable for vegetarians, gluten-free items and traditional Scottish fare, including haggis. The buffet-style breakfast is appreciated for its generous portions and diverse choices, ranging from cooked meals to cereals and pastries.
However, some aspects could be improved. A few guests note that the continental breakfast options are limited and often lack fresh fruit. Occasionally, hot foods at the buffet are reported to be lukewarm or cold, leading to some dissatisfaction. The coffee, served from a machine, also garners mixed reviews with some describing it as cheap and lacking flavor.
Service at breakfast is generally praised with friendly and helpful staff frequently mentioned. The ambiance of the breakfast area receives positive feedback for being pleasant and relaxed, although at times it can be crowded and chaotic.
Overall, guests seem to find the breakfast experience at Cruachan Hotel satisfying with enough variety to cater to different tastes, although there is room for enhancing certain elements of the buffet and the freshness of produce.
Dinner
The dining experience at Cruachan Hotel seems to offer a variety of opinions with many guests praising the food quality and service, while others faced some challenges. Several guests lauded the restaurant for its tasty and delicious meals, healthy portions and excellent service. Positive mentions include specific dishes like fish and chips, curries and hearty Scottish breakfasts. The bar meals also received commendation for being tasty and offering a good selection of food.
However, some reviews highlighted issues such as the restaurant being closed or offering limited options due to staff shortages, which forced guests to seek dining alternatives outside the hotel. Additionally, some guests felt that the evening meals were overpriced and noted a lack of inspiring menu options. Despite these challenges, the overall sentiment appears to be that when the restaurant was operational, the quality of the food and the dining experience were generally appreciated.
Rooms
The rooms at the Cruachan Hotel are often praised for their cleanliness and modern decor. Many guests found the rooms to be comfortable with well-appointed furnishings and modern facilities, including updated bathrooms. There are beautifully presented rooms that have been recently refurbished, providing a spacious and cozy atmosphere. Family suites and larger rooms are highlighted for their ample space and suitability for groups.
However, several reviews noted that standard rooms, especially singles and attic spaces, tend to be smaller and sometimes cramped. Despite their size, these rooms are still described as tidy, clean and functional. Some rooms offer beautiful views, particularly those facing Loch Linnhe, which guests appreciate for the picturesque scenery.
Comfort is a consistent theme with guests frequently mentioning comfortable beds and adequate heating, though sometimes rooms can be too warm. The hotel also provides a variety of modern amenities and the clean, contemporary style gives a fresh feel to the accommodation.
Soundproofing appears to be an issue with thin walls allowing noise from adjacent rooms to filter through. There were occasional complaints about inconvenient room layouts or a lack of desired views and some rooms experienced issues like low water pressure in the shower.
Overall, guests seem to enjoy their stay in clean, comfortable and modern rooms at the Cruachan Hotel with the added charm of lovely views and pleasant decor despite some concerns about room size and noise.
Beds
At Cruachan Hotel, guests consistently praise the comfort and cleanliness of the beds. Many highlight the beds as being very comfortable with several describing them as extremely cosy, warm and even super comfortable. The beds are generally noted to be of good size, clean and equipped with quality bedding and linen. For those staying in superior rooms, the comfort is additionally emphasized.
The majority of the reviews focus on the spaciousness and comfort of the beds, making it clear that a good night's sleep is a common experience. However, a few guests found the beds either too hard or too soft, indicating a variability in mattress firmness that may not suit everyone. Despite this, the predominant sentiment is positive with many reporting the most comfortable sleep of their stay.
The hotel rooms themselves are described as comfortable and clean, further supporting a restful environment. While some reviews mention the beds being slightly short or a tight squeeze for two, these are in the minority and do not detract significantly from the overall positive feedback. Overall, the Cruachan Hotel provides a consistently comfortable and clean sleeping environment, greatly appreciated by its guests.
Cleanliness
The Cruachan Hotel receives commendations for its exceptional cleanliness from numerous guests. Reviewers consistently highlight the spotless condition of both the hotel and the rooms, often using phrases like "immaculate," "spotlessly clean," and "exceptionally clean." The hotel’s recent modernization and refurbishment have not gone unnoticed, as guests appreciate the clean and modern décor of the rooms, bathrooms and other facilities. Several comments also mention that the rooms are not only clean but also comfortable, warm and well-maintained. The housekeeping staff are commended for their high standards, ensuring that bed linens and towels are fresh and the overall hotel environment remains inviting and pleasant. Despite a few minor issues such as occasional noise and crowded furniture, the general consensus remains exceedingly positive regarding the hotel's cleanliness and maintenance.
Staff
The reviews for the staff at the Cruachan Hotel are overwhelmingly positive with guests consistently praising their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. Many guests noted the welcoming demeanor of the staff, particularly those at the reception and front desk, who were described as courteous, efficient and always ready to assist with any requests. Specific staff members, such as Natalia in the bar and Karina and Anastasia in the restaurant, received special mentions for their exceptional service and attentiveness.
Guests appreciated how the staff went above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay with many highlighting the ease of checking in and the provision of helpful information about local amenities and transport options. The staff's warm and thoughtful interactions contributed significantly to the overall positive experience, making guests feel well cared for and valued.
There were a few isolated comments about staff being less accommodating or appearing unenthused, but these were outliers in a sea of positive feedback. Overall, the Cruachan Hotel staff are recognized for their excellent customer service, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Wi-Fi
The Cruachan Hotel receives generally positive feedback regarding its Wi-Fi. Many guests highlight the Wi-Fi as fast, strong, consistent and reliable, contributing to a satisfactory stay. Numerous mentions of excellent and superb Wi-Fi performance further attest to its quality. USB points, including those on both sides of the bed, add convenience for guests needing to charge their devices. Free Wi-Fi is an appreciated amenity with several reviews noting its inclusion.
However, not all experiences are uniformly positive. A few guests report weak or poor Wi-Fi with occasional comments on no signal at all or the need for adapters. Despite these occasional issues, the majority of reviews praise the hotel's Wi-Fi, indicating that for most visitors, connectivity is a strong point during their stay.
Family
Cruachan Hotel is frequently highlighted as a family-friendly destination that caters well to guests traveling with family members. Numerous reviewers noted that the family suites and rooms are perfect for family vacations with descriptors such as spacious, clean and comfortable being commonly mentioned. Many guests appreciated the ample space these rooms offered, especially for families of four, making it suitable and convenient for family groups. The family rooms come well-equipped and are highly regarded for their suitability for family holidays.
The hotel has garnered praise for its family-oriented amenities, including luggage storage before check-in and in-room tea and coffee facilities. Guests also valued the privacy provided during their stay, enhancing their overall comfort. Additionally, the provision of breakfast was a plus for many family travelers.
However, some reviews highlighted shortcomings related to the size and layout of certain family rooms. A few guests felt that the rooms were smaller and more cramped than expected, often not matching the photos they had seen prior to their visit. These concerns pointed to issues with space efficiency and occasionally led to a less favorable experience for larger family groups.
Overall, the Cruachan Hotel offers an accommodating stay that is generally well-received by families with the spacious family suites providing a comfortable base for holidays. Nonetheless, expectations should be managed regarding room size to ensure a satisfactory experience.
3 Star
Cruachan Hotel, a historic and beautifully refurbished property, charms guests with its characterful and authentic ambiance. The building itself is stunning, boasting a well-maintained and beautifully designed structure. The hotel is described as pleasant and welcoming, offering a good value for money despite some opinions that the rate per night might be a bit high for a three-star hotel. Originally reviewed as a three-star property, it often surpasses expectations with its excellent facilities and friendly staff, ensuring a clean and inviting environment for guests.
While some rooms and aspects of the hotel may seem a bit dated and in need of an upgrade, the overall experience remains thoroughly positive. The warm and cozy atmosphere, paired with top-tier dinner service and efficient check-in processes, make for a comfortable stay. Despite some critiques regarding the hotel's basic facilities and the need for modernization in certain areas, the hotel still provides a lovely and welcoming experience, living up to its three-star rating but also standing out among its peers.
No, Cruachan Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Cruachan Hotel.
No, Cruachan Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Cruachan Hotel.