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Summary of reviewsThe Glenburn Hotel on the Isle of Bute stands out for its stunning location, excellent dining experiences, comfortable rooms and exceptional staff.
The hotel's location is frequently praised for its breathtaking views and convenient access to Rothesay town center and the ferry terminal. The historic Victorian architecture and beautiful gardens add to its charm, making it a perfect base for exploring the island. Guests consistently appreciate the commanding sea views and the proximity to hiking trails and local attractions.
The strong positive feedback extends to the hotel’s breakfast and dinner services. The breakfast buffet offers a generous selection of traditional Scottish dishes and other hearty options, appreciated for both variety and quality. Dinner at the hotel also garners praise for its delicious, well-presented meals and the friendly, efficient service in both the bar and restaurant areas. Despite occasional criticisms regarding menu variety, the overall dining experience is highly satisfying and reasonably priced.
The rooms at The Glenburn Hotel are commended for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness. Many guests relish the sea views from their rooms, finding the beds exceptionally comfortable. Though some rooms show their age with outdated fixtures and occasional maintenance issues, the blend of historic charm and modern amenities contributes to a pleasant stay. Period features have been preserved to retain the traditional allure.
Cleanliness is another highlight with rooms and public areas consistently described as spotless and well-maintained. While there are occasional reports of minor issues such as stained carpets or dusty areas, these are generally outweighed by the overall positive impressions of the hotel’s upkeep.
The hotel's staff are frequently lauded for their friendliness, professionalism and attentiveness. The warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the team significantly enhances the guest experience. The helpful demeanor of the front desk personnel and the attentiveness of dining staff is particularly appreciated. While there are occasional mentions of less favorable interactions, these are far outshone by the overwhelming positive feedback.
Families find The Glenburn Hotel to be a welcoming and accommodating destination with spacious family rooms, kid-friendly amenities and a pet-friendly policy. The hotel's environment is conducive to a relaxing family getaway.
For golf enthusiasts, the hotel's proximity to a quality local golf course makes it an attractive choice, even though there is no direct golf course at the hotel itself.
Despite mixed reviews regarding the free WiFi with some guests experiencing connectivity issues, the public areas generally offer decent service.
In summary, The Glenburn Hotel promises a memorable stay with its blend of historical charm, stunning views, excellent dining, comfortable accommodations and exceptional service, making it a commendable choice for visitors to the Isle of Bute. Show more
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Hotel near Golf Courses
The Glenburn Hotel is ideally situated to explore the many attractions on the Isle of Bute. The island boasts 3 golf courses, the 9-hole Bute course, the 13-hole Port Bannatyne and the 18-hole Rothesay Golf Club.
Hotel with Parking
This hotel offers limited parking within its grounds, some of which are bookable. It provides street parking outside the hotel grounds as an alternative. The hotel has 30 parking spaces.
3-Star Hotel
This 3-star hotel, originally built in 1892 as a hydrotherapy retreat, offers stunning views of Rothesay Bay and the Cowal Peninsula. Many of the bedrooms, spread over 20 to 30 square metres, provide uninterrupted sea views, ensuring a comfortable and scenic stay. It is also pet-friendly.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
Small Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double RoomAn en-suite bathroom, digital TV and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this room.
Standard Twin RoomAn en-suite bathroom, digital TV and tea/coffee making facilities are featured in this room.
Standard Single RoomOffering free toiletries, this single room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The single room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Twin Room with Sea ViewOffering free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV, as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Double Room with Sea ViewFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV, as well as sea views. The unit has 1 bed.
Family Room with Sea ViewFeaturing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The family room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV, as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Standard Triple RoomProviding free toiletries, this triple room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The triple room provides a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit offers 2 beds.
SuiteThis suite features 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath or a shower and free toiletries. The suite features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Double RoomOffering free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV, as well as sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Twin Room with Sea ViewFeaturing free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room features a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Family RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this family room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The family room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 2 beds.
Quadruple Room with Sea ViewFeaturing free toiletries, this quadruple room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The quadruple room features a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe, a carpeted floor, a flat-screen TV, as well as sea views. The unit has 2 beds.
Guest Reviews
8.0
Very Good
Location
The Glenburn Hotel on the Isle of Bute boasts a location that is frequently praised by its guests for its stunning views and convenient access. Situated just a short walk from Rothesay town center and the ferry terminal, the hotel's position is highlighted as perfect for exploring the island. The historic Victorian architecture of the building adds a touch of grandeur, making it a scenic gem overlooking the Firth of Clyde.
Guests appreciate the commanding sea views from various vantage points throughout the hotel, from rooms to the terrace, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and enjoyment. The surrounding gardens are also noted for their beauty, complementing the picturesque landscape. Hiking trails and easy access to local attractions further emphasize the hotel's appeal as a central hub for exploring the area.
With its blend of historical charm, accessibility and breathtaking vistas, The Glenburn Hotel's location is frequently described as excellent, ideal and even magical. Whether enjoying a meal with a sea view or taking a leisurely stroll to nearby sites, visitors seem consistently impressed by the seamless experience offered by this well-situated hotel.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Glenburn Hotel is generally highly praised by guests with many highlighting the excellent variety and quality offered. Diners can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast with a generous selection of both hot and cold items, including traditional Scottish dishes like potato scones, haggis and black pudding. Many guests found the breakfast to be delicious, hearty and plentiful with ample options including cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt and a variety of cooked items.
The breakfast service is often described as efficient with friendly and hospitable staff enhancing the dining experience. Some reviews mentioned that while the breakfast is typically well-organized and satisfying, there can be occasional delays in replenishing the food and some hot items may not always be served at ideal temperatures.
A few guests noted that specific components, such as poached or fried eggs, could be improved and there were occasional wishes for more diverse continental options like fresh fruit and pastries. Despite these minor critiques, the overall sentiment is that the breakfast at The Glenburn Hotel is a standout feature that significantly contributes to a pleasant stay. Guests consistently highlight the excellent value for money, the stunning variety of choices and the lovely setting, making breakfast a delightful start to the day.
Dinner
The Glenburn Hotel's dining experience has received accolades for its delectable food and excellent service. Guests frequently praised the delicious meals, describing the quality of both dinner and breakfast as remarkable. The restaurant’s food was highlighted as particularly outstanding, delivering well-flavored and beautifully presented dishes that many found to be exceptional. Numerous visitors enjoyed the bar meals, which were described as tasty, filling and offering good value for money.
However, there were mixed feelings about the menu options. While some found the evening menu varied and satisfying, others felt it was limited and repetitive, particularly for longer stays. The bar area and dining room provided a relaxed atmosphere, although some guests preferred the restaurant setting for its ambiance and higher-quality meals.
Breakfast at The Glenburn Hotel also received commendations for its sumptuous and varied offerings with standout mentions of full English breakfasts and a wide choice of cereals. On the downside, a few guests mentioned some breakfast items as being acceptable but not outstanding.
Overall, despite the occasional critiques regarding menu variety and some basic meal options, The Glenburn Hotel generally offers a delightful dining experience with great food, reasonable prices and a pleasant atmosphere, making it a commendable choice for meals during a stay.
Rooms
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Rothesay Bay, The Glenburn Hotel receives commendable feedback from guests about its rooms, blending historic charm with modern comfort. Visitors frequently praise the spaciousness of the rooms with several reviews highlighting superior rooms as particularly large and well-appointed. Sea view rooms are a favorite, offering stunning vistas that compensate for some of the more dated aspects of the decor. Comfort is repeatedly emphasized; many guests note the coziness and cleanliness of the rooms with beds often described as deeply comfortable and rooms as immaculate.
Despite the glowing remarks, there are occasional mentions of rooms showing their age with some bathrooms needing updates and fixtures being outdated. Challenges such as inconsistent room temperatures and issues with hot water supply occasionally arise. However, these minor drawbacks seem outweighed by the hotel's positive aspects, including wonderful views, roomy interiors and overall tidy upkeep.
Guests appreciate the characterful period features of this grand Victorian hotel, which have been preserved in many rooms to retain its traditional allure. The staff's helpfulness and hospitable nature also contribute to a pleasant stay. Whether relaxing in a spacious superior room with sea views or enjoying the comfort of a cozy, clean room, The Glenburn Hotel promises a memorable stay with a blend of old-world charm and modern convenience.
Beds
During a stay at The Glenburn Hotel, guests consistently find the beds to be one of the standout features. Many reviewers highlight the extreme comfort of the beds with numerous mentions of them being comfy, excellent and even the best experienced on their travels. Guests refer to the mattresses as deeply comfortable, often describing the overall sleep quality as superb due to both the beds and the high-quality bedding, including soft pillows and luxurious bed linens.
There are occasional mentions of firm mattresses, but this is largely overshadowed by positive feedback about the comfort level. Some find the beds a little on the hard side, but many appreciate the solid support. It's also noted that new mattresses appear to be firm, which could be a preference for some guests.
Twin beds are available in some rooms and while this suits many, a few guests were expecting doubles. Besides comfort, cleanliness is a frequent compliment with reviewers noting both the cleanliness of the beds and the entire room. There are a few minor issues, such as bed height with some finding the beds too high or too short.
Occasional dissatisfaction with pillows being hard does surface, but overall, guests emphasize a great night's sleep thanks to the comfortable and often spacious beds. In summary, The Glenburn Hotel’s beds generally enhance the guest experience, offering a comfortable, restful night with high-quality bedding and mattresses that meet various preferences.
Cleanliness
When it comes to cleanliness, 'The Glenburn Hotel' impresses with its commitment to maintaining tidy and comfortable spaces for its guests. Many reviews highlight that rooms are consistently clean, comfortable, spacious and equipped with modern amenities. Guests frequently describe their rooms as spotless and immaculate, a testament to the high standards of cleanliness the hotel upholds. Additionally, the establishment itself, including common areas and the hotel lobby, generally receives positive remarks for being clean and well-maintained.
However, the hotel is not without its flaws. Several reviews mention issues such as stained carpets, dusty areas and occasionally unclean bathrooms. The appearance of thick layers of dust and poorly maintained carpets in some rooms were noted, along with occasional lapses in window cleaning. There are also areas where the hotel's age shows with comments on peeling paint, dated furniture and worn-out decor.
Despite these shortcomings, the hotel's clean and comfortable rooms, friendly and helpful staff and excellent overall cleanliness make it a notable choice for those visiting the Isle of Bute. The superb clean rooms, combined with a well-kept exterior and clean communal spaces, ensure a pleasant stay for visitors seeking comfort and cleanliness.
Staff
The reviews for The Glenburn Hotel consistently praise the staff for their exceptional performance. Words like "excellent," "friendly," "helpful," and "attentive" frequently appear, highlighting the consistent warmth and professionalism of the hotel team. Guests appreciate the welcoming atmosphere created by the staff, who are described as going out of their way to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Many visitors mention the high efficiency and professional demeanor of the staff, who handle their duties with courtesy and attentiveness. Front desk interactions are generally positive with quick and friendly check-ins noted. The bar and restaurant personnel receive commendations for their pleasant service and the breakfast staff is often highlighted for their friendliness and prompt attention.
There are some notes of less favorable interactions, particularly concerning receptionists not always providing the necessary details or being less efficient. However, these instances are outshone by the overwhelming positive feedback about the supportive and kind nature of all staff members with special mentions for their accommodating approach to various requests and their amiable dispositions.
In summary, the Glenburn Hotel staff are celebrated for their exceptional customer care, friendliness and professionalism, making the overall guest experience highly positive. The team’s efforts to be helpful and their approachable nature significantly contribute to guests’ satisfaction, making the Glenburn Hotel a welcoming place to stay.
Wi-Fi
The Glenburn Hotel offers WiFi services that garner mixed reviews from guests. Many users appreciate that WiFi is available in public areas and common spaces like the lobby with some describing the connection as good and decent. In certain areas, particularly in the rooms, the WiFi performs well with a strong signal and good connectivity reported by some guests. However, the majority of reviews reveal various issues, such as poor signal strength, slow speeds and even the lack of availability in some rooms. There are mentions of the WiFi being temperamental and the connection often being patchy or almost unusable, making it insufficient for business purposes. In-room WiFi frequently requires upgrades and connectivity in the dining room and specific rooms is notably problematic. Additionally, the absence of a password-protected network raises concerns about online privacy. Overall, while the public areas see somewhat reliable WiFi, improvements and more stable connections are needed throughout the hotel.
Family
The Glenburn Hotel is a great destination for families, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes it ideal for a family visit. The hotel boasts good facilities tailored for families, including spacious family rooms and suites that can comfortably accommodate everyone. Family-friendly amenities are abundant, such as child seats available for dining and a menu that caters to young palates.
Staff at the hotel are notably friendly and respectful, especially towards children, contributing to a relaxed family atmosphere. This extends to furry family members as well with the hotel being pet-friendly, allowing families to bring their dogs along for the stay.
The Glenburn Hotel excels in providing a cozy environment for a lovely family weekend or a perfect break away. Guests have appreciated having the option to enjoy a relaxing meal together without any hassle, thanks to the accommodating atmosphere and thoughtful service. Despite the lack of dedicated family rooms, the spaciousness of the existing family accommodations ensures comfort for all members.
Overall, The Glenburn Hotel stands out as an ideal getaway for families and pets, making it a perfect venue for family holidays or reunions.
Golf
The Glenburn Hotel is ideally situated for golf enthusiasts, offering proximity to a local golf course that receives high praise for its quality. Guests can enjoy excellent golf facilities and beautiful views of the course from the hotel. The golfing area nearby adds to the charm, making it a perfect spot for golf lovers seeking a convenient and pleasant experience. Despite some mentions of there being no direct golf course at the hotel itself, the adjacent golfing area and nearby options make it a great choice for those looking to indulge in their passion for golf.
3 Star
The Glenburn Hotel, while boasting a traditional charm and a great location with scenic sea views, generally falls short of expectations for a three-star rating. The hotel staff are described as very welcoming and professional and the breakfast is noted to be of very good value with a large selection. The restaurant's food also garners positive feedback, contributing to the hotel's highlights.
However, the facilities and overall infrastructure of The Glenburn Hotel clearly show signs of aging. The décor is decidedly dated with multiple reviews pointing out worn carpets, old-fashioned and tired interiors and significant wear and tear. The bathrooms and furnishings are in particular need of modernisation and repair, signaling a strong need for refurbishment and investment.
Guests seemed to expect more entertainment options and noted that the hotel could offer better services for its price point. Despite meeting some expectations as a decent three-star place, many visitors feel it is overpriced and in desperate need of updating to truly reflect its star rating. While the traditional rooms and overall cleanliness are appreciated, the extensive maintenance issues and outdated decor contribute to a sense of disappointment for some. The general consensus suggests that significant improvements could elevate the experience at The Glenburn Hotel to match its beautiful location and friendly service.
Business
The Glenburn Hotel offers a range of amenities tailored to the needs of business travelers, making it an ideal choice for those on work trips. The WiFi is noted for its reliability and speed, which is essential for any business activity. The hotel provides good areas to work, including several rooms suitable for hosting meetings and a conference room available for use. It's a frequent choice for business stays and widely regarded as business-friendly. However, some facilities, like the business center, could benefit from an upgrade and the breakfast service starting at 8:00 am might be inconvenient for early risers on business schedules. Despite these minor drawbacks, the professional support and comfort offered by the hotel make it a suitable option for business travelers.
Accessible
The Glenburn Hotel offers a picturesque location that some visitors find easily accessible. However, there are significant accessibility challenges that guests with disabilities may encounter. The hotel does have a lift and a few accessible rooms that cater to wheelchair users, which is appreciated. Some reviewers also had their mobility scooters charged and returned to them promptly, providing a level of convenience.
Parking, on the other hand, is often described as limited and challenging. There are complaints about the scarcity of disabled parking spaces and able-bodied drivers using them, making it harder for those with mobility issues.
The absence of ramps and the presence of steep stairs pose difficulties, particularly for wheelchair users and the elderly. Entry points, such as the main entrance, lack essential facilities like ramps and some have steep inclines or steps without handrails. Additionally, certain areas like the terrace and garden have steep steps, limiting access further.
While some elements like accessible power points and an accessible bar are mentioned positively, other crucial aspects like accessible restrooms and showers need significant improvement. The need for handgrips in the showers and better bathroom facilities for disabled guests has been highlighted.
In summary, while the Glenburn Hotel offers some accessibility features, there are key areas that require considerable enhancements to better accommodate guests with disabilities and mobility issues.
Honeymoon
The Glenburn Hotel has garnered positive reviews for its services and amenities catering specifically to honeymooners. Many guests highlighted the hotel as a romantic and charming choice, making it ideal for a honeymoon stay. The honeymoon package available is praised for its comprehensive offerings, ensuring couples feel well-cared for throughout their stay. The beautiful honeymoon suite often receives special mention, adding to the overall appeal for newlyweds seeking a romantic getaway. Overall, The Glenburn Hotel stands out as a professional and supportive environment, perfect for celebrating a honeymoon.
Dog Friendly
The Glenburn Hotel is highly praised for its dog-friendly facilities and services, which make it a preferred choice for pet owners. Many reviews highlighted the accommodating and professional approach of the staff towards four-legged guests. The hotel permits dogs in most areas, including rooms and public spaces, providing a welcoming pet-friendly atmosphere. However, dogs are restricted from eating areas like the breakfast room, a rule most guests found reasonable. The option to dine with dogs in the bar area adds to the flexibility for pet owners.
Guests appreciated the comfort and amenities provided with some mentioning the availability of dog towels at the reception and the option for separate floors or annexes for dog owners. The hotel even goes the extra mile by charging an additional fee for pets, a policy that some guests found puzzling but acceptable given the overall service quality.
Despite the overall praise, there were a few minor complaints. Some guests noted occasional disturbances from dogs barking at night and suggested improved noise management. Others expressed a desire for more dog-friendly items like beds and water bowls. Additionally, while dogs are allowed in gardens and rooms, they are not permitted in the lounge area, a point that some guests felt should have been communicated more clearly at the time of booking.
Overall, The Glenburn Hotel stands out for its pet-friendly policies and supportive staff, ensuring a comfortable stay for both guests and their furry companions.
No, The Glenburn Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Glenburn Hotel.
Yes, The Glenburn Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at The Glenburn Hotel.