We booked the Highland hotel for its location in Stirling. It is short walk to the town or Castle.

The Hotel is an old school and in the main is an interesting building. However the wing in which we stayed was modern and while generally quite satisfactory, there was no air-conditioning and you had to leave the window open at night to let air in (and possibly un-invited guests). I suppose in Scotland's winter this would not matter but at 24 degrees C it can get stuffy!

The dining room staff were the main talking point. A very loud and annoyed Chef and misery written all over the Wait staff's faces made eating there entertaining at least!

Nevertheless, the food was reasonable and the overall experience OK.

We booked in advance and the package was extremely good value for money. Wine, fluffy bathrobes and late checkout were included. Service was pleasant and the ambience was nice. Good breakfast.

Stayed here for 2 nights on 10 th October. 2 Rooms, 1 Premium double for Wife, myself and toddler and one twin for teenage daughters.

Rooms were fine.... no gripes, excellent bed... no prblems with cleanliness.

Food- was Ok, messed order up a few times, very inexperienced dining room staff ( mostly eastern european , but that sees the norm for most large hotels these days) certainly would not book a table there to eat if I were staying in Stirling but to satisfy our family it was fine. I would say 3 out of 5... will fill you up and satisfy but dont expect AA rosette standard or exceptional service.. however relax and sit back and enjoy your wine you will be fed with reasonable food.
Breakfast was good, no delays, good quality...

Bar- quite expensive but no more than an other large 3-4 star hotel belonging to a national chain.. If you stay in hese places you cant expect to pay pub prices!

Parling,Location, check in- Was fine.. plenty space, good location ,easy checkin,

Hotel- Reminded my wife of her public boarding school ( not surprising as that exactly what it was before) and even smelt like it she said, but it was clean, and quite quaint. All bedrooms are in new wing..Minimal noise encountered..

Leisure- Ok. good pool although Jacuzzi was broken down for whole time we were there..... good gym. quiet at all times we were there.

Exceptional service from evening Duty manager ( looks like Maitre De from Hells Kitchen) Our toddler was sick during night and he arranged immediate change of our bedding in cot and laundering of various items immediatly, he was also very attentive. First class member of staff and an asset to the hotel.

Check out- We went DBB with 2 rooms, normal carry on trying to charge us for various food items as when you go DBB they get you to sign for the dinner with all the costs on and tell you it will be taken of at check out. Check your Bill if you are DBB as some food items were not taken off ours...

Overall..
Not 4 Star but slightly over 3 so 3.5 I would say, you will enjoy this place if you can relax, and want reasonable facilites, just do not expect the best of everything. Location is great, rooms are good, food is ok, parking is easy, leisure is ok... A good base for 1 or 2 nights, we went to the Safari park and found that to be excellenet. ( 10 minute drive) Center of Stirling is only 5 mins walk and there are plenty of restaurants and pubs there.
I booked direct with Paramout hotesl and got a reasonable Autumn deal for DBB, As we had family it was easier for us to do DBB, but there are lods of places to eat within 5-10 min walk.

The location near the castle in Stirling and within easy walking distance of the town centre made it ideal for us. Had a problem finding our way into it because of the one way streets but car parking was within a quadrangle so felt car was secure, in fact we did not use it all the time we were there.
Our bedroom was excellent but too hot for comfort, even opening the window did not help much.
We were on the third floor and it was quiet, the rooms to the east (superior) have a super view down the Forth valley.
breakfasts were good, first course buffet style and hot course brought to table by mainly foreign staff.
Dinner was less satisfactory, starters and main courses were good but the desserts left a lot to be desired.
Lounge and bar staff were most helpful, as was reception.
There is a very good leisure facility with sauna (great), steam room (great) pool and jacussi; all linked to a leisure complex with squash, gymn, cafe etc..
We hope to return.