We stayed at the Three Chimneys and House-Over-By for my financee's 30th birthday, and thanks to Shirley, Eddie and their team, had a truly memorable time.

Yes, it's expensive. But you wouldn't expect anything less for the level of service provided. The truly friendly welcome on arrival, with personal introductions was a great touch. The tea and (gorgeous) cake that followed were exactly what was called for - a great start to our stay.

Service is something that not all hotels get right. But the House-Over-By (and I know, it's not a stereotypical hotel, but a 'Restaurant-with-Rooms') was spot-on. The great selection of DVDs / CDs / books, the instant provision of an ironing board, the turn-down during dinner (which on Saturday night included a wee note reminding us that the clocks went back), the regular replenishment of the coffee tray (your own cafitiere, no instant stuff here) - all little touches on their own but together they really add up.

No, the wood flooring or the style of the breakfast room is not the fashion of 2007. But to get so blinkered by this minor detail is rather a shame. The comprehensive selection of quality toiletries in the bathroom, the fruit bowl with mini-box of tablet, the Roberts radio beside the bed, the real hairdryer (not the awful push-button affair that a lot of hotels provide) - it's these details that make the House-Over-By what it really is - a lovely, homely place to spend a few days.

All that, and I've not mentioned the Restaurant. What needs to be said? It was probably the best food we've ever eaten, with the ever-changing menu making a 2-night weekend a joyful experience. The service was probably the best we've ever experienced, the perfect blend of personal and professional. The wine list has some real stars, and manages to have a nice wide selection without offering the options-paralysis of some places (think Gordon Ramsay, 41 pages........).

In summary, superlative-defying. Make a point of staying here at some point in your life.

I have got to agree with both Classical Cellist ,Waggstaff1 and HertfordEm74. Whilst I thought the food good the room, and breakfast area fell way short of what we expected .

We had always wanted to go to 'The Three Chimneys' and decided that when my husband took early retirement earlier this year we would do a gourmet tour of Scotland (terrible that we have lived in Scotland all our lives and this was our first visit to this part of the country). It also happened to be our anniversary and my birthday. We were not disappointed. My husband had bought me the book which I had read several times to whet my appetite! We have eaten in many restaurants worldwide and can honestly say this was the best ever. From the moment we arrived and were greeted by Ann it was a pleasure. The sun was shining and was warm (not bad for the end of September), and we sat outside having drinks in the late afternoon sun. The views were magnificent!

There is absolutely nothing we can fault and can't wait to go back (I keep looking at my slippers and sighing!). Next time we will go for longer as one night was not enough.

Thank you all for a truely memorable experience.

If you are looking for a romantic getaway do NOT stay in the House Over By.

We recently treated ourselves, after a week's camping in Skye, to three nights at the Three Chimneys. We had had a wet and wonderful week at Glenbrittle and were looking forward to continuing our walking holiday with a touch of romance and 'sumptuous' (as their accommodation is described on their website) luxury at the end of our holiday. When we arrived and were shown our room we were both almost in tears, we were so disappointed. The rooms are indeed spacious, but furnished cheaply in pine, with plastic flooring and plastic window frames. The whole thing, including the breakfast room, reminded us of a retirement home.

The rant from the owner - back from her weekend in Venice - when we mentioned our disappointment had to be seen to be believed, so defensive was it. However, the 6 page letter that followed (informing us, amongst other things, that plastic flooring had been in vogue at the time of construction - I do not remember that, do you?) was so arrogant, insulting and condescending that it has taken us till now to get over the sleepless nights and recover from our rage.

Can this really be the same team, for whom I have so much admiration, that have built the Three Chimneys Restaurant, which is, on all levels - from the locally sourced produce, delectable cooking and first rate service, to the cool rustic interior - sublime? Each evening there is a new menu to which we looked forward all day every day on our walk. It is a truly romantic spot. Staying at the House Over By should be an extension of this romance, but unfortunately it is not. It is a rude jolt out of it.

Don't miss out on the restaurant, but stay nearby, or indeed camp in one of the wonderful loch or sea-side sites nearby.

As we left we were informed by the owner that we had had a cheap holiday. With our bill at roughly $2,600 for three nights, I had to disagree.