Best Girvan Spa Hotels

I purchased vouchers for my dad's 75th birthday to allow him to experience an overnight stay and afternoon tea at this stunning location with my mum, my friend and myself. Amazing, wonderful, perfect, stunning and everyone should stay or dine here at least once. The staff met us at our car after gaining secure entry at the gate and greeted us warmly in reception before Jen showed us personally to our table for afternoon tea just off the stunning drawing room. The food and drinks served were outstanding. Everything was so fresh and the attention to detail was amazing. After our meal Jen took us to our rooms while our luggage was delivered by another member of staff. My parents Grand Sea View room was the Countess Suite with stunning views across the sea to Ailsa Craig. My friend and I stayed in the Ardstinchar Garden View room which also had Ailsa Craig views from the amazing bathroom. The gardens are stunning and we took a wander after our afternoon tea down to the Glasshouse to view the art and take in our stunning surroundings. There are no tea trays in the suites at the castle so Jen arranged for us to have drinks delivered to our room free of charge which is a lovely touch when you are ordering speciality coffees and their signature hot chocolate. Jen delivered these drinks herself and these were accompanied by shortbread and rock buns as well. We did not have dinner in the hotel as we were so full we had to take a large part of our afternoon tea back to the room with us which we enjoyed later before enjoying the comfort of our beautiful beds for the night. Breakfast the next morning was every bit as perfect as the afternoon tea had been the day before with lots of choice . Presentation was impeccable again and all the food was so fresh and tasty. Jen also took part in serving us breakfast and gave us a little history lesson about the castle in the drawing room before we went to eat. We visited the beautiful library before we checked out as well. Luckily we had lovely clear sunny days when at the venue but I would still love it in any weather. I truly hope when we return that the experience is as amazing as this trip. I could not fault anything about this hotel and if you are planning on visiting then do not hesitate as you will not be disappointed. Special thanks to Jen for all her help, service and friendliness throughout our stay. A lot of hotels could learn from her and she is a great asset to have at Glenapp Castle. Thank you again for a wonderful stay and we look forward to a future visit.

This review is my honest opinion and I am aware everyone has different views. Stayed for 2 nights with my husband as an anniversary treat. Check in was quick, friendly and easy. Valet parking was a nice touch. We stayed in room 2 which was on the ground floor overlooking the main entrance courtyard which meant we had to keep the blinds closed for privacy. Room was lovely and housekeeping service was first class. Just what you would hope for in a five star hotel. As it was our anniversary there was a lovely card and a few chocolates in our room on arrival, again a very thoughtful touch. We used the spa area twice over the weekend and it was extremely busy and noisy. Very clean but nowhere to sit and relax as all the chairs and tables were taken mostly with towels and robes rather than people sitting on them. Jacuzzi and saunas very small and crowded. So difficult to use. Location of the hotel was lovely and we had a great walk around the golf course and along the beach before heading to the clubhouse for lunch and some drinks. Food and service here were very good. Unfortunately where the hotel lets itself down is the breakfast and dinner service. Food at dinner was very limited on the market menu and we were not offered the choice of an a la carte menu. Main courses on both evenings were bland. Service very slow and we had to ask a waiter 4 times for a drinks menu!. Yes it was busy but she did seem to have time to stand around chatting with her colleagues . Eventually the sommelier, Mason, stepped in and rectified our situation. He certainly deserves some recognition for his service. Breakfast food was fabulous with an amazing choice and very tasty but again extremely slow and non existent service let it down. The table we were sat at was not set with no condiments, sugar or jams etc. 5 times I asked for salt and pepper again it was not forthcoming. In the end I waited until another table was vacated and got it myself. By the time our drinks of tea and coffee arrived we had finished our breakfast despite me asking if they had actually been ordered. Again no apology for the wait or lack of service. Not once did anyone check that everything was okay during any meal service. I was going to raise my concerns on checkout but sadly again we were just presented with our bill and not asked if we had enjoyed our stay. In my opinion service is definitely not 5 star and overall not a patch on Gleneagles or Cameron House.