Hotel review - Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel and Spa, Aberfoyle: I set off for a mini-break in the worst downpour in June. Needless to say I was expecting my retreat to be a wash out, but far from it. Overlooking Loch Ard in Kinlochard-by-Aberfoyle, this establishment has recently benefited from a £3.5 million upgrade and refurbishment and is an oasis of tranquillity. Each of the 55 bedrooms has been made over to a high standard and in an area of stunning Scottish scenery. Most rooms … [Read more...] about Laissez-faire living deep in the Scottish hills
Travel
Village gives visitors a virtual experience
Hotel technology: Village Hotels will become the first chain in the UK to install a virtual concierge, with the help of a Glasgow creative agency. The company is taking the multi-channel customer experience to the next level by rolling out virtual assistant Amazon Alexa in all its 28 hotels. The devices are currently being piloted in two flagship sites - the newest Village hotel in Glasgow and in Warrington, where the company’s headquarters are located. The plan is to roll out the virtual … [Read more...] about Village gives visitors a virtual experience
Adagio sets itself apart at first Scots venue
Hotel launch party: Guests from the trade and a delegation from the Paris head office of the Adagio aparthotel chain attended the official launch party of its first Scottish establishment. The 146-room venue on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is the company's third in the UK, and deputy CEO Karim Malak said it was close to confirming a location near St Enoch Shopping Centre in Glasgow. He said Aberdeen was also in its sights despite the slowdown in the local economy. "We are focused on … [Read more...] about Adagio sets itself apart at first Scots venue
Space to chill in chic hillside hotel
Hotel review - Macdonald Monchique Hotel, Portugal: Stylish and ultra-modern, the Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa, north of Portugal's popular Algarve region, is certainly of its time. Spectacularly angular, it is almost entirely grey and white, reflecting a minimalism that also contributes to the deliberately spacial design. It is the Scots-based Macdonald group’s second hotel in Portugal and represents a £4 million move into the top end of the market where it hopes to capture a … [Read more...] about Space to chill in chic hillside hotel
A haven of peace is just so Stobo
Travel review: There was a howling wind and the rain was making it hard to see the road ahead. Storm Barbara had swept in from the Atlantic and we felt like the car was about to be washed away. It was, though, a perfect way to arrive at our destination. A warm welcome took on an extra meaning following a quick dash from the car park to the protection of the grand portal of Stobo Castle. For 24 hours at least this 'destination spa' also became a refuge from the worst weather of the … [Read more...] about A haven of peace is just so Stobo