Boat Country Inn and Restaurant
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Summary of reviewsThe Boat Country Inn and Restaurant is widely praised for its tranquil and picturesque location in the Scottish Highlands, positioned near the Cairngorms National Park and a quaint steam railway station. This serene setting, ideal for exploring outdoor activities, offers magnificent views and easy access to the Speyside region.
Guests generally enjoy the breakfast, often describing it as hearty, excellent and plentiful. Highlights include cooked-to-order meals and a diverse buffet. Despite occasional organizational issues, the quality of food and service is appreciated with local produce like venison and haggis garnering special mention.
Dinner at the inn is well-received with visitors commending the superb, delicious and well-cooked meals. The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant, enhanced by a cosy open fire, adds to the dining experience. While some find the menu limited or dishes overpriced, the varied options and generous portions are appreciated.
The rooms offer a mix of experiences but are frequently praised for their spaciousness, comfort and modern decor. Features like large bathrooms, French doors and modern amenities are highlighted positively. Cleanliness is a strong point with spotless rooms and well-maintained facilities frequently mentioned. Some issues such as noise, stuffiness and minor maintenance problems are noted but do not overshadow the overall positive impressions.
The staff at the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant are a significant asset, consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. They create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and provide excellent service, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
The hotel's cleanliness standards are high with fresh bedding and tidy facilities throughout. Despite minor issues like old decor and occasional maintenance needs, the general satisfaction with cleanliness is evident.
Feedback on WiFi is mixed with many guests experiencing connectivity issues that could benefit from improvements. The parking situation also has mixed reviews with some guests finding it ample and convenient, while others face challenges due to limited spaces during busy times.
Families find the hotel accommodating and kid-friendly with suitable suites and garden rooms. The location is also ideal for golfers and skiers, offering easy access to nearby courses and ski resorts.
Overall, the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant is lauded for its beautiful location, friendly staff and good value for money with a few areas for improvement in WiFi and parking. It remains a highly recommended destination for a restful retreat in the Scottish Highlands.
Categories
Guests generally enjoy the breakfast, often describing it as hearty, excellent and plentiful. Highlights include cooked-to-order meals and a diverse buffet. Despite occasional organizational issues, the quality of food and service is appreciated with local produce like venison and haggis garnering special mention.
Dinner at the inn is well-received with visitors commending the superb, delicious and well-cooked meals. The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant, enhanced by a cosy open fire, adds to the dining experience. While some find the menu limited or dishes overpriced, the varied options and generous portions are appreciated.
The rooms offer a mix of experiences but are frequently praised for their spaciousness, comfort and modern decor. Features like large bathrooms, French doors and modern amenities are highlighted positively. Cleanliness is a strong point with spotless rooms and well-maintained facilities frequently mentioned. Some issues such as noise, stuffiness and minor maintenance problems are noted but do not overshadow the overall positive impressions.
The staff at the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant are a significant asset, consistently praised for their friendliness, helpfulness and professionalism. They create a warm, welcoming atmosphere and provide excellent service, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
The hotel's cleanliness standards are high with fresh bedding and tidy facilities throughout. Despite minor issues like old decor and occasional maintenance needs, the general satisfaction with cleanliness is evident.
Feedback on WiFi is mixed with many guests experiencing connectivity issues that could benefit from improvements. The parking situation also has mixed reviews with some guests finding it ample and convenient, while others face challenges due to limited spaces during busy times.
Families find the hotel accommodating and kid-friendly with suitable suites and garden rooms. The location is also ideal for golfers and skiers, offering easy access to nearby courses and ski resorts.
Overall, the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant is lauded for its beautiful location, friendly staff and good value for money with a few areas for improvement in WiFi and parking. It remains a highly recommended destination for a restful retreat in the Scottish Highlands.
Hotel near Ski Resorts
A traditional hotel in Boat of Garten, it serves as a well-located base for accessing the Cairngorm Mountain ski resort and engaging in local winter sports.
Dog Friendly Hotel
The hotel's Deluxe Garden Rooms which lead out to a terraced balcony and lawn are the perfect accommodation for guests who want to take their dogs along on vacation. None of the other rooms are dog-friendly.
Hotel with Tennis Courts
Features tennis courts and is near golf courses, making it ideal for guests interested in both sports. The inn also offers a boutique-style experience.
Boutique-style Hotel
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Free Wi-Fi
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
4-Star Hotel
Guest Reviews
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant is lauded for its stunning and tranquil location in the Scottish Highlands, near the gates of the Cairngorms National Park. The charming old building, positioned right next to a quaint steam railway station, creates a picturesque and peaceful ambiance, perfect for guests seeking a restful retreat. The surrounding area offers magnificent views and is ideal for walking, cycling and exploring local attractions, including Loch Garten and the nearby forest and national park. The proximity to the restored heritage railway station adds a unique appeal, allowing guests to watch steam trains come and go. Conveniently situated a short drive from Aviemore, the hotel provides easy access to numerous outdoor pursuits and sightseeing opportunities in the north of Scotland. The location is often described as perfect, superb and fantastic by visitors who appreciate its quiet setting and beautiful scenery, making it an excellent base to explore the Speyside region.
The breakfast experience at the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant garners mixed reviews but leans positively overall. Many guests praise the breakfast, describing it as hearty, excellent and delicious with plenty of hot coffee and good cooked options including a noteworthy full Scottish breakfast. Highlights include cooked-to-order meals and a decent buffet. The selection is often described as plentiful with lots of options to choose from. Positive mentions also note the friendly and helpful staff, along with the beautiful breakfast room setting.
However, some reviews point out disorganization and occasional shortages, particularly when large groups are present. Criticisms include underwhelming buffet choices, issues with the hot water machine and occasional incorrect or delayed orders. Despite these hiccups, the quality of the food generally wins favor with several guests noting the breakfast set them up well for the day. The variety, including local produce like venison and haggis, also receives commendation.
In summary, while there are aspects that could be improved, the tasty and varied breakfast offerings, combined with the attentive service, make breakfast at the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant a mostly positive experience.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant has generally received positive feedback from guests regarding its dinner offerings. Many visitors praised the quality and taste of the food, describing it as superb, delicious and well-cooked. The atmosphere in the restaurant and bar areas was noted to be vibrant and welcoming, often enhanced by a cosy open fire, which added to the dining experience. Friendly and attentive staff contributed to the overall positive experience.
Guests appreciated the varied and plentiful menu with some highlighting specific items like seafood dinners and generous portion sizes. The meals were often described as good, nice pub grub with some reviewers specifically recommending the dinner and breakfast. The convenience of having dinner directly at the inn was also mentioned favorably.
Despite the largely positive reviews, there were occasional comments about the food being average or overpriced. Some guests felt that the dinner menu was limited and that certain dishes were not as exceptional as expected. A few noted that the service could be rushed or chaotic at times and there were also remarks about the need for improvements in the app system used for ordering.
Nevertheless, for the most part, the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant is seen as a great place to dine, offering good value meals with a pleasant dining atmosphere.
The rooms at the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant offer a mix of experiences. Many guests highlight the spaciousness, comfort and modern decor of the rooms with some enjoying additional features like French doors opening onto a terrace or garden. The large bathrooms, sometimes featuring both a shower and a bath, are frequently appreciated for their size and design. Cleanliness stands out as a positive aspect with numerous mentions of rooms being spotless and well-maintained.
Guests often find the beds to be comfortable, contributing to an overall sense of coziness. The views from windows, especially those overlooking gardens or the steam train station, add to the charm. Rooms that have been recently refurbished or upgraded receive praise for their tasteful decoration and modern amenities like USB ports and plenty of sockets.
However, some reviews note issues such as noisy rooms, stuffy conditions with limited ventilation and the occasional unclean room. There are mentions of tired decor and minor maintenance problems, including dripping taps and blocked toilets. A few guests found the beds uncomfortable or the rooms too warm, which impacted their stay.
For those staying in garden rooms, the experience tends to be more positive with remarks on spaciousness and comfort. Nonetheless, there are occasional reports of small and cramped rooms, particularly those above the kitchen or with narrow beds.
Overall, the inn's great value for money, excellent location and beautiful surroundings are recurrent themes, despite the mixed feedback on room specifics. The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant seems to offer a generally pleasant stay with areas for improvement.
The guest reviews of Boat Country Inn and Restaurant paint a complex picture of the bedding experience. Generally, many guests appreciated the large and spacious rooms, often remarking on the comfort and size of the beds. Phrases like "big comfy bed," "huge lovely comfortable bed," and "very comfortable beds" are prevalent, suggesting that the hotel excels in providing ample and cozy sleeping arrangements. The rooms themselves are also noted for their cleanliness and nice decor, which likely enhances the overall comfort.
However, not all guests had a perfect experience. Some reviews point out issues with bed quality, mentioning "creaky," "old fashioned spring mattresses," and, in some cases, beds that were simply too hard or too narrow. There were also mentions of beds being pushed together, making the sleeping arrangements less than ideal for some. Despite these criticisms, the phrases highlighting the cleanliness and reasonable comfort tend to dominate the reviews.
In summary, while most guests found the beds at Boat Country Inn and Restaurant to be large, comfortable and well-suited for a good night's sleep, a minority did encounter problems with bed quality and comfort, indicating room for improvement in consistency.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant is regularly praised for its high standards of cleanliness with guests repeatedly highlighting the spotlessly clean rooms, fresh bedding and well-maintained facilities. The hotel is described as both clean and modern, managing to strike a balance between comfort and aesthetic appeal. Guests find the rooms spacious, tidy and very comfortable. Specific features like the bathrooms and decor have received positive mentions with an emphasis on hygiene and newly upgraded fittings.
The housekeeping service is reported to be very prompt and efficient with a good supply of fresh linens and toiletries. Despite its small size, the hotel is noted for its cleanliness throughout all areas, including shared spaces, reflecting the dedication of the staff. The environment is also described as friendly and homely, adding to the overall positive experience.
While a few minor issues such as old decor, a need for deeper cleaning in some areas and occasional maintenance needs were noted, these aspects do not seem to overshadow the general satisfaction with the hotel's cleanliness standards. Additionally, the superb food, lovely rooms, helpful staff and beautiful location contribute to a highly recommended stay at the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant.
At the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant, the staff consistently receive high praise for their friendly and helpful nature. Guests have observed that the team is efficient, professional and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay. The staff are often noted for their warm and welcoming demeanor, creating a comforting atmosphere from the moment guests walk in.
The service is often described as excellent with employees being approachable, courteous and attentive to guests' needs. The reception team, including standout staff members like Shelley, deserves special mention for their exceptional assistance and welcoming attitude. Communication before and during the stay is a highlight, enhancing guest satisfaction.
While the majority of reviews are positive, a few guests noted areas for improvement, mentioning that not all staff were equally warm or helpful. These instances, however, seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Overall, their friendly, accommodating and efficient service is described as a significant asset to the hotel, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable experience for guests.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant offers various amenities, but feedback on its WiFi is mixed. While there are a few mentions of good WiFi quality, many guests have expressed dissatisfaction with their internet experience. Issues such as WiFi not working, spotty connections and non-existent signals in some rooms have been common complaints. Additionally, the reliance on a phone-based app for ordering and billing added to the frustration, especially when the app was not functioning properly. Enhancing the WiFi infrastructure could significantly improve the overall guest experience at this otherwise charming establishment.
The parking situation at the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant elicits mixed feedback from guests. On the positive side, there are mentions of free parking and convenient on-street options that cater to motorcyclists and other vehicles. Many guests found the parking availability to be generally good and ample with some describing it as easy and in close proximity to the hotel. However, there are recurring comments about the car park being small and tight with limited spaces that fill up quickly, especially during busy times. Some guests noted difficulties in finding parking when the hotel or restaurant is crowded and suggested that the parking area could be expanded. Despite these challenges, the overall impression indicates that while parking can be a minor issue, there are usually enough alternatives close by to ensure a manageable experience for most visitors.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant appears to be an excellent destination for families looking for a comfortable and kid-friendly stay. Reviews highlight that the hotel is great for kids with many young guests particularly enjoying the walking trails and the pool. The suites are designed to comfortably accommodate a family of four, making it a convenient choice for family stays. The garden rooms are also mentioned as perfect for families with children, underscoring the hotel's dedication to catering to family groups.
Guests have found the hotel to be very accommodating, even with energetic young children, like lively 4-year-olds and babies as young as 7 months. This family-friendly atmosphere extends to various areas of the hotel, including the bar and lounge, which are comfortable for family gatherings. Despite some reviews mentioning occasional issues like fire safety and limited breakfast capacity due to large groups of tourists, the overall sentiment is positive, emphasizing its suitability for families. The hotel is described as cosy and friendly, fostering a welcoming environment for guests of all ages.
Located conveniently near several golf courses, the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant is highly regarded for its ideal location for golf enthusiasts. Guests appreciate the proximity to nearby golf clubs, making it a perfect spot for a golf vacation. The ease of access to the courses, combined with the hotel's location near Aviemore and the Cairngorm area, adds to its appeal. More than just a haven for golfers, the hotel is also noted for easy walking and cycling opportunities with some guests specifically mentioning the walking distance to Brahms. Overall, the combination of golfing facilities and recreational activities in the surrounding area makes this location a popular choice for visitors.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant garners positive feedback for its ideal location for skiing enthusiasts. Visitors frequently highlight its proximity to popular ski resorts, making it a convenient choice for those eager to hit the slopes. The ski center is easily accessible by foot, which adds to the appeal for skiers who prefer a hassle-free journey to their activities. Additionally, the inn offers ski storage, catering to the practical needs of its guests. Its strategic position near Aviemore and the Cairngorm area further enhances its reputation as a well-situated base for skiing adventures. The cosy alpine atmosphere of the inn adds a charming touch to the overall experience, making it a favored choice for winter sports lovers.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant consistently earns praise for its alignment with a four-star rating, frequently highlighted for deserving this status. It's particularly well-suited for skiing enthusiasts due to its favorable location. Guests appreciate the historical setting, which adds a unique charm to the experience, as well as the spacious and warm atmosphere. High-quality rooms and plush mattresses contribute to a sense of luxury and the overall maintenance of the property is commendable. The hotel's polished service and caring staff further enhance the experience, ensuring that every visit feels exceptional. Continuous upgrades to the facilities demonstrate a commitment to improvement, although a larger area for guest parking could be beneficial. Overall, the combination of exceptional service, quality accommodations and a picturesque setting create a superb stay that justifies its four-star rating.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant emerges as a solid choice for business travelers, offering a range of facilities specifically catered to professionals. Many reviews highlight its suitability for work-related stays, underpinned by the availability of comprehensive business facilities and conference rooms. The environment is also conducive to productivity with guests noting the hotel's convenience for meetings and its quietness during the night, which helps ensure a restful sleep. Detailed comments on the business aspects are generally positive, reinforcing the inn's reputation as a good hotel for business purposes.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant has faced significant criticism for its lack of accessibility for guests with disabilities. Guests pointed out various accessibility issues, noting the absence of an elevator and the difficulty in accessing garden rooms due to outside steps. Despite some mentions of good and easy access to certain areas, the overall feedback indicates that the hotel's facilities are not adequately equipped for wheelchair users or those requiring accessible rooms. Reports also highlighted specific problems like access to the bathroom and the lack of accommodations that cater to the needs of disabled guests.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant boasts a charming boutique hotel feel, providing guests with a nice atmosphere and ambiance. The decor is tastefully done, blending modern comforts within a beautiful historical building. Cozy and subtle themes are a highlight with thoughtful touches like good music and a cozy fire adding to the inviting environment. Cleanliness is maintained at a high standard, contributing to the overall pleasant experience. The hotel successfully combines a modern boutique vibe while retaining its historic charm.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant offers a serene and romantic getaway, making it an excellent choice for couples seeking a memorable break. The lovely and friendly ambience, coupled with pretty surroundings, creates a charming atmosphere ideal for relaxation. Guests have praised the romantic setup of the hotel with its nice and cozy ambiance adding to the overall charm. The lovely veranda view allows for peaceful and quiet moments, perfect for unwinding.
The hotel has been described as a beautiful place to stay, where the relaxing atmosphere helps guests feel wholly at ease throughout their visit. Many have highlighted it as a perfect romantic break, thanks to the cozy settings and romantic decor. The establishment has successfully crafted a romantic setting, ideal for quiet evenings, making it a standout choice among romantic destinations.
Overall, the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant stands out as a destination that offers a great romantic break with guests able to sit quietly and relax in a charming and calming environment.
The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant has received enthusiastic praise for its dog-friendly amenities and welcoming atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the pleasant surprise of finding dog beds and bowls provided in their rooms, showing that the hotel goes the extra mile to accommodate pets. The establishment is noted for its dog-friendly garden rooms and dedicated breakfast areas where pets are permitted, ensuring that dogs can join their owners throughout much of their stay.
Travelers with pets appreciate the hotel's thoughtfulness with many delighted by special touches such as treats and even sausages for their dogs. The inn’s bar and dining areas are also accessible to pets, reinforcing the inclusive atmosphere.
Many reviews mention that the welcoming attitude towards dogs significantly enhanced their holiday experience. The ample outdoor spaces and the hotel's prime location make it an excellent destination for walking trips, whether with or without dogs. Visitors also commend the friendly and helpful staff, who go out of their way to ensure both dogs and their owners feel at home.
Overall, for those seeking a comfortable and genuinely pet-friendly stay, the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant stands out as a superb choice.
Location Show Map
Location
Breakfast
However, some reviews point out disorganization and occasional shortages, particularly when large groups are present. Criticisms include underwhelming buffet choices, issues with the hot water machine and occasional incorrect or delayed orders. Despite these hiccups, the quality of the food generally wins favor with several guests noting the breakfast set them up well for the day. The variety, including local produce like venison and haggis, also receives commendation.
In summary, while there are aspects that could be improved, the tasty and varied breakfast offerings, combined with the attentive service, make breakfast at the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant a mostly positive experience.
Dinner
Guests appreciated the varied and plentiful menu with some highlighting specific items like seafood dinners and generous portion sizes. The meals were often described as good, nice pub grub with some reviewers specifically recommending the dinner and breakfast. The convenience of having dinner directly at the inn was also mentioned favorably.
Despite the largely positive reviews, there were occasional comments about the food being average or overpriced. Some guests felt that the dinner menu was limited and that certain dishes were not as exceptional as expected. A few noted that the service could be rushed or chaotic at times and there were also remarks about the need for improvements in the app system used for ordering.
Nevertheless, for the most part, the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant is seen as a great place to dine, offering good value meals with a pleasant dining atmosphere.
Rooms
Guests often find the beds to be comfortable, contributing to an overall sense of coziness. The views from windows, especially those overlooking gardens or the steam train station, add to the charm. Rooms that have been recently refurbished or upgraded receive praise for their tasteful decoration and modern amenities like USB ports and plenty of sockets.
However, some reviews note issues such as noisy rooms, stuffy conditions with limited ventilation and the occasional unclean room. There are mentions of tired decor and minor maintenance problems, including dripping taps and blocked toilets. A few guests found the beds uncomfortable or the rooms too warm, which impacted their stay.
For those staying in garden rooms, the experience tends to be more positive with remarks on spaciousness and comfort. Nonetheless, there are occasional reports of small and cramped rooms, particularly those above the kitchen or with narrow beds.
Overall, the inn's great value for money, excellent location and beautiful surroundings are recurrent themes, despite the mixed feedback on room specifics. The Boat Country Inn and Restaurant seems to offer a generally pleasant stay with areas for improvement.
Beds
However, not all guests had a perfect experience. Some reviews point out issues with bed quality, mentioning "creaky," "old fashioned spring mattresses," and, in some cases, beds that were simply too hard or too narrow. There were also mentions of beds being pushed together, making the sleeping arrangements less than ideal for some. Despite these criticisms, the phrases highlighting the cleanliness and reasonable comfort tend to dominate the reviews.
In summary, while most guests found the beds at Boat Country Inn and Restaurant to be large, comfortable and well-suited for a good night's sleep, a minority did encounter problems with bed quality and comfort, indicating room for improvement in consistency.
Cleanliness
The housekeeping service is reported to be very prompt and efficient with a good supply of fresh linens and toiletries. Despite its small size, the hotel is noted for its cleanliness throughout all areas, including shared spaces, reflecting the dedication of the staff. The environment is also described as friendly and homely, adding to the overall positive experience.
While a few minor issues such as old decor, a need for deeper cleaning in some areas and occasional maintenance needs were noted, these aspects do not seem to overshadow the general satisfaction with the hotel's cleanliness standards. Additionally, the superb food, lovely rooms, helpful staff and beautiful location contribute to a highly recommended stay at the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant.
Staff
The service is often described as excellent with employees being approachable, courteous and attentive to guests' needs. The reception team, including standout staff members like Shelley, deserves special mention for their exceptional assistance and welcoming attitude. Communication before and during the stay is a highlight, enhancing guest satisfaction.
While the majority of reviews are positive, a few guests noted areas for improvement, mentioning that not all staff were equally warm or helpful. These instances, however, seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Overall, their friendly, accommodating and efficient service is described as a significant asset to the hotel, contributing to a relaxing and enjoyable experience for guests.
Wi-Fi
Parking
Family
Guests have found the hotel to be very accommodating, even with energetic young children, like lively 4-year-olds and babies as young as 7 months. This family-friendly atmosphere extends to various areas of the hotel, including the bar and lounge, which are comfortable for family gatherings. Despite some reviews mentioning occasional issues like fire safety and limited breakfast capacity due to large groups of tourists, the overall sentiment is positive, emphasizing its suitability for families. The hotel is described as cosy and friendly, fostering a welcoming environment for guests of all ages.
Golf
Ski
4 Star
Business
Accessible
Boutique-Style
Romantic
The hotel has been described as a beautiful place to stay, where the relaxing atmosphere helps guests feel wholly at ease throughout their visit. Many have highlighted it as a perfect romantic break, thanks to the cozy settings and romantic decor. The establishment has successfully crafted a romantic setting, ideal for quiet evenings, making it a standout choice among romantic destinations.
Overall, the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant stands out as a destination that offers a great romantic break with guests able to sit quietly and relax in a charming and calming environment.
Dog Friendly
Travelers with pets appreciate the hotel's thoughtfulness with many delighted by special touches such as treats and even sausages for their dogs. The inn’s bar and dining areas are also accessible to pets, reinforcing the inclusive atmosphere.
Many reviews mention that the welcoming attitude towards dogs significantly enhanced their holiday experience. The ample outdoor spaces and the hotel's prime location make it an excellent destination for walking trips, whether with or without dogs. Visitors also commend the friendly and helpful staff, who go out of their way to ensure both dogs and their owners feel at home.
Overall, for those seeking a comfortable and genuinely pet-friendly stay, the Boat Country Inn and Restaurant stands out as a superb choice.
No, Boat Country Inn and Restaurant doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Boat Country Inn and Restaurant.
Yes, Boat Country Inn and Restaurant welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Boat Country Inn and Restaurant.
No, Boat Country Inn and Restaurant doesn't have a gym.
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