Before retirement we, some ten inspectors and two instructors from the IAEA (UNO in Vienna) stayed in the Melvich for a week and this repeatedly several years. The rooms were acceptable, diner according to our whishes (even lobster on special request at a regular price), a nice Scottish lady served our whiskeys at a nicely smelling peatfire.

In June 2005 I would proudly show this hotel, where I stayed so often, to my spouse and my two cousins. On a Scottich tour of 13 days we would especially stay three days in Melvich.

We saw the "boss" only during check in and out. He disappointed me because he pretended that the peat fire makes it too hot for the guests, the Scottish lady was replaced by two poor university degrees Tcheck au pairs knowing nothing about kitchen or serving drinks and not trained by the boss! We had to wait for the diner the first day and it was just acceptable (that was the last diner on our three nights there) We afterwards did not tick for our breakfast and so had to wait the next morning for ONE HOUR before everybody was served. We even, together with an English couple and all other persons present, cried loudly for help, but no help was possible. We had even compassion with the girls, nobody trained them. This was not the only bad experience with hotels in Scotland.

Our conclusion after this trip: B&B is realy quality while the hotels were sinking in the sea.

I chose this hotel because of its lovely setting and micro brewery. Past reviews mentioned range of real ales. The reality was so different. Only one real ale, but the pump was broken, so waitress spent 15 minutes in the cellar getting each pint. European staff with no training, no smiles, and no interest in guests. No peat fire. Residents lounge occupied by staff on computer - she glared at me when I entered, so I quickly left. Sofas (from lounge) were in middle of dining room, so we sat there after dinner. Staff crashed around us setting tables for breakfast, and the other sofa (and guests) was hidden from our view, obscured by a hideous 1960's central fireplace. (no fire)

Tried to go outside for lovely view, but only route was via the fire exit, and broken steps nearly caused me to break my ankle.

Just before dinner, we were ordered to choose breakfast from a tick list - even down to the fruit juice I would want. We protested that we had not even had our dinner, and had no idea what we would feel like eating come breakfast time. No leeway given - order now or get nothing.

Later, our attempts to get drinks resulted in 15 minute delays while the staff member wandered around trying to find corkscrew, glasses, door to the cellar,plus a few minutes to moan at the other staff as they wandered around in a similar fashion.

Stains on all the ceilings, stains on floor suggested serious water penetration problem. Public areas dirty and badly needing a coat of paint. Bedroom was ok, but no shower mat - another near accident!

I could put up with the shabby decor if the staff had shown even the slightest interest in giving their guests a nice time. There we were in the bar, with money to spend, and each request for a drink was met with a sigh and a huffy expression. Maybe if they had put in just a little effort, they would have made enough money to give the lounge ceiling a coat of paint. Please, tourists, be sure not to go there - I was ashamed to be Scottish as I saw how visitors to my country were being treated.

The description of the hotel on the Internet is splendid. We soon realised that the poor staff were as at sea as the guests. How many hotels ask you to tick a breakfast list the night before and then get it wrong next morning? The waitresses were all from out of the UK and had little English. The worst thing was the grubbiness of the whole place: stains on the ceiling of the dining room. The guest lounge was out of action. A place located in such a beautiful location should be better than this.

If you want to step off the all work and no peace merrygoround for a while, try North Sutherland. Melvich is an easy going environment, decent food, reasonable prices, a beach that is second to none. Loads of malt whiskies, real ale brewed by the owner. Easy drive to Orkney ferries, Castle of Mey, RSBP Forsinard.