We stayed here for a couple of nights on a tour of the islands and found this the most relaxing place of all. The handful of rooms alongside the restaurant itself must be among the best designed of any I've stayed in, light and airy and beautifully decorated, with great bathrooms. I'd like to know who the architect was. And where alse could you sit having breakfast and watch an otter playing on the rocks on the loch shore opposite? The food in the restaurant is great, of course, and I think good value. We stayed with our three young children, who had a separate room next door to ours. As there are only a few (6?) rooms, with rooms arranged in pairs within the building, this worked well for as, almost as good as interconnecting rooms. Our children were the first to stay in the House Over By back in 1999, and the staff are very welcoming and friendly, so I'd recommend the Three Chimneys to families, although clearly not a budget option.
The only comment I'd make on the subject of child friendliness is that if your children eat with you in the restaurant, they'll be expected to take the full menu at £50. I can understand why the restaurant would do this given how busy it is, but it would be good if there was some sort of childrens' option (maybe for guests staying in the House Over By only) e.g half portions, option to take 2 courses at reduced cost.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Great pool scene, Pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine
Management Response
Shoreside, Owner
(Management representative)
Jul 20, 2007
Dear MichaelEdinburgh,
Firstly, I wish to send you warm thanks for your compliments and comments posted on Trip Advisor regarding your stay here recently with your family. Everyone here is delighted that you enjoyed your visit and appreciates everything you have written about your experience. Thank you very much.
Unfortunately, I was unable to meet you again, due to being called away suddenly the evening before you arrived. I would loved to have seen the children!
We appreciate your comments about the cost of the children dining in the restaurant in the evenings, but I would like to explain things more fully for the interest of anyone reading this response. We prefer children of 8 years and over in the restaurant in the evenings. Obviously this applies to those staying with us as well as those who are not. As you know, we offer to provide a meal for younger children, toddlers and babies staying in The House Over-By, early in the evening. This allows the parents to have dinner on their own a little later, if they wish, once the wee ones have gone to bed. We do not have a children's menu, but we are happy to adapt the dishes on each day's menu to suit younger diners. If they request a smaller portion, we would charge accordingly. You were only charged for a 2-course meal for 2 of the children on the first night and a 3-course meal for them on the second night, as that was what they ordered. However, I see that they had chosen to have our homemade ice cream instead of a full dessert, on each night. We would not normally have charged the full amount for the children's desserts in this instance and this is something I will ensure is brought to the attention of our Restaurant staff, for any future occasion. Thank you for bringing this point to my attention.
Lastly, we do try to encourage children to eat well in the restaurant with their parents, enjoying a family meal. However, as you know, we are quite limited in size and not all children appreciate the sense of occasion! This has created an stressful atmosphere for other diners at times, due to some unfortunate behaviour - by some parents as well as children, might I add! We try very hard to get things right for everyone, but sometimes it does not work out for the very best. Personally, we have always encouraged our own children and our children's children and young relatives to enjoy having a grown-up meal in any restaurant we have ever eaten at together over the years and we are delighted that you enjoy eating-out with your children en famille.
With very best wishes,
Shoreside.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.