Shieldaig Lodge Hotel

I booked this hotel through Ctrip at 3:30 AM, thinking it was for the next day, but it turned out the booking was for the same day and had already expired. It was my own mistake, but I hope Ctrip can fix this issue to avoid confusion in the future. As for the hotel: the energy here is truly terrible. When I arrived, the staff looked at me without a word, like I was a stranger from another planet—cold and unfriendly. If you are someone who believes in energy, please don’t stay here. There’s another hotel I’ve stayed at before, about an hour’s drive away, slightly more expensive, but so much better in every way. This is my honest share.

I booked afternoon tea for two for my husband's birthday. From the very first minute it was a really special experience. A very warm welcome from hotel manager Lisa . We were shown to the Hotel library. A beautiful extremely clean private room with a stunning Lochside view. David politely offered us tea or coffee. Then a two tier afternoon tea arrived. There was an amazing large selection of exquisitely made sandwiches, cakes and patisseries. It was an absolute work of art in appearance and sensational taste experiences. A really special memorable experience. Thanks so much to all the staff and especially the chefs. Highly recommended and my husband says he wants to make it an annual event.

Shieldaig Lodge is an amazing site as one approaches the location. The lodge is imposing in size and has the image of a golden period in time, where the upper class lived in luxury. The vegetable garden, the lawn approaching the loch, the benches set up in front for guest relaxation, even the croquet wickets in place set the expected tone of a quality overnight stay at the Lodge. One would expect that the service in a facility such as this would match the ambiance of the facility. One would expect, but would be disappointed. Upon entering the building, we approached the individual seated at a desk, who was in conversation with another person in the adjoining room. In a matter factly manner he provided the room keys, directions to the two rooms on two different floors, pointed out where breakfast was to be served and that was it. While we didn’t ask for assistance with luggage, we found it odd that in each of the stays over the previous five days, at far more remote, and candidly far less ornate or opulent locations the hostesses (each of them women) showed us the rooms personally and assisted with luggage. As we gathered our luggage it was noted that he had simply returned to the conversation with the other individual. If one is going to charge well above average rates, it seems to me that the service and the professionalism of the staff should match. It didn’t. The rooms were adequate for a nights stay, but are in need of touch up. The window in our room rattled with the breeze, which we fixed by jamming a piece of paper in between. Should this be required in a place that charges such rates? On a positive note, the breakfast was excellent with service by a charming young woman, who smiled, and genuinely seemed intent on making the simple breakfast meal memorable. From an employee standpoint she was the shining star and should be commended. Instead of referring to each issue as negatives, I’d prefer to call them areas of opportunity to make this truly a memorable stay.