After 2 nights at substantially reduced rate at the melfort harbour & pier resort and do not think it deserves it's 5 star status, I would not recomend paying full price (approx £150 p/night). We had a very disapointing time.

The view and location is 10** if there is such a thing, but the service and general standards of the resort let it down.

We agreed arrival time the day before - but when we arrived at the agreed time, the villa hadn't been checked over and they were not ready for us.

Despite having paid for the entire villa the girl who showed us round locked the 2nd bedroom because "there were only two of us and we wouldn't be using it" we found basic equipment lacking, no kitchen scissors, no salt (but there was pepper) the welcome tray had coffee only etc.

Instead of checking the villa the girl sugested we go over and tell there if there were any problems (it was raining and we'd driven 4 hours to get there, a free phone number from the villa or proper preperation would have made all the difference).

On our first night a man phoned, didn't identify himself and accused us of burning "something acrid" we had lit the log fire with what they had provided. (logs kindling etc).

On our first day we had a visit to replace our stereo - the one we had worked fine, we hadn't asked for it to be replaced and resented the intrustion, and a telephone call to see if it was convenient or if we wanted a change would have been less of a disruption.

At this stage I mentioned the missing items and one of the standard lamps didn't work - I also said we were going out for an hour and that would be the best time to replace/fix items.

We went out and returned, and were in the sauna when two staff memebers let themselves in, they didn't knock and as our keys were by the door they would have been able to see we were in, I was alerted to their precence only when they started arguing and dropped the replacement lamp they'd brought.

When we left I was asked if everything was ok and when I said not really given a brochure for the resort, they did not ask why or show interest.

The view is wonderfull but this place trade on that alone and don't give the service or consideration you'd expect from 5*

My husband and I stayed here for his 31st birthday and loved it. The place was well equipped, very clean and the sauna was great. We stayed in bridge Deck and I would highly recommend it. Its great for a lazy relaxing time with beautiful views and a great restaurant nearby (A Shower of Herring) - the staff at this restaurant were the nicest people ever and catered for my allergies with no fuss whatsoever.

If you want a peaceful stay with log fire - then Melfort Pier is for you! Just remember the champage and strawberries!

My husband and I have just returned from a 2 night stay at Melfort Pier and had a wonderful time. This was a "recce" for a trip we're making in September with family from Texas.

The house was immaculately clean, well kitted-out - down to salt and pepper. The location was superb and, happily, the weather was kind. The staff were friendly and helpful and showed us round the empty properties to help us choose which one to book for September.

We think it thoroughly deserves its 5 star rating and are looking forward to a return visit.

Having just stayed at Melfort Pier on what was to have been our Honeymoon, I can only say what an absolute dissappoinment it has been, so much that we have decided to take our honeymoon at another time.

We arrived late on a friday evening and let ourselves in. We were told there would be steps however didnt expect the fire escape style, slippery when wet deathtrap. The entire appartment stank of dog and hadnt been cleaned properly with doghair all over the floor and furniture, not what we needed with a 10 month old son who had spent the day in a car seat whilst we travelled from Lancashire to Melfort, and just wanted to have a crawl.

Most of the cutlery and plates were filthy and had to be washed prior to usage. The dishwasher was broken and incredibly sharp when opening. The kitchen window didnt fit its frame and the wind whistled through it.

None of the rooms had all of their lights working and "should" have been halogen but had just had any old bulbs shoved in them.

The bathrooms were awful. Both of the baths were smaller than a normal house sized bathroom and the "spa " bath was just a jacuzzi, any romantic ideas of my new husband and myself relaxing with a glass of wine in here was laughable, one of us wouldnt fit let alone two. Also the master bathroom had obviously had a pot of tainted moisturiser dropped in it and was covered in brown spots which noone had bothered to clean.

I would not have objected so much but we paid £180 per night for what was billed as 5* luxury. At the most I would give it a 3*. Its grotty and really cheaply furnished. Everything is the cheapest of the cheap. The only reason we stayed was because my husband really needed a break and we couldnt have found anywhere else at such short notice. They tried to give us a pack to reccomend them to our friends as we left but i would die of embarrassment if anyone i knew thought that Melfort was the kind of place we liked.

Re Post from: Wilfulbadfaery

I am absolutely staggered at your experience having been to Melfort regularly for a number of years and having stayed in a number of properies.

The "cheapest of the cheap" seems completely out of place in my experience unlike most otehr places I have stayed in in the UK(particularly England).

Did you raise your concerns? What did the staff say/do? It seem so out of keeping with what my wife and I have found.

I have no doubt that you may have had a bad experience but what action was taken (you don't say).

In all the properties there is a notice that if there is anything found to be unsatisfactory, to let the management there know. Did you?

I am so sorry you clearly had a bad experience there as I have found it always to be a wonderful, peaceful and attractive location of the highest quality. So much so that I am staying there (yet again) for Christmas.

Please let us know whether you raised your concerns and how these were dealt with. If you don't make any mention of it, how can they be addressed?

I really cant understand some of these posts either. We have stayed at Melfort Pier 9 times and absoloutely love the place. It is the most relaxing place on earth - I feel more relaxed staying here than I did in the maldives!

If we have ever had any complaints (and I mean minor things like not being able to find dishwasher powder - and it was there) the staff have always been quick to rectify the problem or help out. Nothing is too much trouble for them. Treat them with respect and they will treat you with respect in return - it's not difficult.

Some of the furnishings were looking a little tired when we visited before, but the last time we visited they had replaced the leather sofa in our house with a lovely new one, so they do keep the standards up. Every time we have stayed the house has been spotlessly clean for our arrival.

The main trick is to do a bit of research before you go. Look closely at the plans for each of the houses and decide which would suit you best. Some are upstairs, some all on ground floor, and some are split level. Most have fires, some dont. A few have sun beds, a lot dont. Some have small spa baths, others have massive jaccuzi's which hold 2 people. Know what you want, and make sure you choose the right house for you before you book! If you are unsure of anything give them a call with details of what you require, and they will let you know which house would be most suitable.

There isn't much in the way of shops nearby so go prepared. The first time we stayed we had forgotten a couple of things. Now we tend to take everything we will likely want/need and extra. We always take luxury items to make it that bit extra special - expensive bath foam for the spa bath, scented candles, fancy foods, lots of champagne etc. Just take whatever will make it extra special for you and relax and enjoy!!

We are staying at Melfort again in 3 days time and I cant wait!

In response to ScotchAl

Sadly, your views relate less to the subject matter and more to your personal antagonism (whatever the cause) to the company.

The fact remains that Melfort Pier and Harbour represents an excellent option for those seeking a luxury break away from it all who don't wish to participate in "time-shares".

Healthy competition wherever it occurs affords a real choice for the consumer.

Those fortunate enough to visit can judge for themselves

Melfort Pier and Harbour is fantastic!!!!! I have been visiting for years and had the opportunity to watch it grow...This past summer we stayed for a visit, and were able to try out the new restaurant, the Mermaid...the food was fantastic and the view incredible....it felt like we were on the water...our house was neat and clean, and we made good use of the sauna and jacuzzi tub...where else in Scotland can you go home with a tan and refreshed regardless of the weather....the staff were all so helpful, and the Directors John and Etonella were always around with a smile, and friendly conversation...I will be visiting again and again...by far the best around...