We went on a mystery 5day trip with Shearings and ended up in Tarbet, not knowing what to expect we read the reviews and as usual a mixed bag on good and bad. Well we knew what to expect as far as the building went, an old style hotel some 200 years old with creaky floorboards and windy corridors; that was fine for us we like a bit of character.
We were in room 230, recently decorated with all new furniture including bed and all fixtures and fittings: the only downside was the en suite which was rather small and not as well refurbished as the room, however, for the cost of the holiday we were not about to complain. Our room was at the rear of the hotel with a view of the very small village and hills behind, yes you could see the car park but to all those who have previously complained about views get a life and go and look out of another window. bedrooms are for sleeping in. sit in the lounge or go for a walk.
Food and restaurant staff were good for all the meals that we had, I had read about the cheese and biscuits comments and waited a couple of days to try it, when mention to our waitress about the rather small portions she did not hesitate to bring along extra for us. I have spoken before about portion size and as most of the guests are from an older generation who do not eat great amounts of food, the portion sizes are kept quite small as you have a three course dinner with tea or coffee to follow. If you want anything extra or different you only have to ask. It is no good waiting until you get home and then write a scathing review because you are too daft, proud or full of your own importance to speak to the staff.
The staff were all very good, special mention to Diane in the dining room, Graham was our driver, a passionate and knowledgeable Glaswegian who was an encyclopaedia of information about Scotland and the area around the hotel.
So in summary, good value, good holiday, you can't pick your weather but it did not spoil it for us.
We would go mystery again and hope its not Blackpool, sorry about that
