Hilton Coylumbridge Hotel

3 readers found this review helpful

This is a 3* hotel pretending to be a 4* and that is generous. We stayed in a twin room. Starting with the tiny bathroom. Hand basin blocked, extractor fan broken, Hook on antiquated door, broken, toilet seat kept sliding sideways. Floor so old it could not be cleaned properly. However, tiling good and modern. It is inexcusable that the guest should have to report these faults. Should be the cleaners. However, the extractor fan and basin were attended to immediately, althought the basin still did not run freely. Next to the bedroom. Bedding had not been ironed/pressed so looked as if somebody had slept in the beds. Room decor good but let down by ancient radiator (looked as if it had been painted by a child) and pipework. There was also a single connecting door to the next guest room which mean't every word could be heard, especially as they were up until 2am. Snoring could also be heard. There should have been 2 connecting doors to prevent the noise. To the Restaurant, the breakfast choice was good although the waffle makers were in need of a good scrub. The dinner menu on the first night was a bit strange but edible. Curtain linings were in shreds, oh dear.
As for the staff, well! It was a struggle to be understood as 90% were non english speaking with the exception of the Reception/Managment staff. We toured Scotland and stayed in 8 hotels ranging from 3 - 4 star and this was by far the worst.

4 readers found this review helpful

Well what can you say about the most child friendly hotel I have every come accross! We have been regular visitors to this wonderful hotel since my son was 1 years old - he is now 10! The location is breaktaking and the amenities just superb. The hotel has recently been refurbished and the leather sofas in the main lounge are so comfortable you cannot help relaxing. For children there is the Fun House next door with a large ball pit, american restaurant, pool table, arcade games, bowling and mini-golf. In the hotel they have 2 swimming pools, the one for kids is like a hot bath and has a chute coming into it. The also have a games room full of their favourite arcade games and a safe outdoor playarea for children. There is also the tennis courts and you can hire rackets etc. The children can eat earlier in the evening with their own selection of food and Hilton do this exeptionally well even catering for the fussiest of children. Usually at school holiday times they have Bubbles the Clown or a Magician entertaining the children at tea-time. Children can then be booked into up to 3 one hour supervised activities from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm which varies from basketball, mini-golf to quizes/games and this takes place over at the Fun House. The children just love it and get to meet new friends. Meanwhile the parents have this time to have their relaxing 3 course meal in complete harmony. At 9.00 am every night the live entertainment commences which is normally a Singer or a Band catering for familes and often playing traditional Scottish music. On a Saturday they have the Disco in the main suite so you can get up and bogie! Recently an outdoor adventure company have set up in the grounds and this offers bungies, climbing wall, simutated ski slope, mini quad bikes and a simulated ice rink which is overlooked by a new bar / restaurant. Our son loves this but it is normally £5.00 for 6 minutes so can run away with your money quickly. Nearby the hotel is the centre of Aviemore and a few miles further is the Wildlife park and Landmark - which are both great family days out. PS - this hotel is excellent over the fesitve season with a real Scottish theme and piper welcoming you in. All in people of all ages love this hotel. We are going back in August for my birthday - cannot wait!

Have just returned from the best short break I have ever had. Booked on the Hilton website using the Saga promotion code. Fantastic value for money. Hotel modern and spotless, ambience very welcoming, food superb, staff could not have been more efficient, helpful and polite. Ideal location either for the surrounding area or as a touring base. Lots to do for those with children, for those with loads of energy or for oldies such as us. Can't wait to return.

Very close to Cairngorm ski resort, about 10 mins drive along beautiful mountain road;
Reception staff were very friendly and helpful.
Swimming pool and sauna is available and in good condition.
Dining: Breakfast includes full hot English and Scottish breakfast, fresh waffles and pancakes are made to order, but a bit slow...
Dinner starters are better than the rest of the meal. Main meal and desserts could be improved. The standard of the dinner over the weekdays varied quite a bit. For some reason, Tuesdays dinner was much better than Thursday dinner.
The hotel was kiddie friendly so a good holiday destination for families.
There is no lift in the hotel but if you are lucky some of the hundred or so kids in the hallways will be nearby to hold the doors open for you!
Rooms are clean but views are restricted to either car parks or trees.

We stayed 3 nights at the Hilton Coylumbridge and wholeheartedly recommend it... ideal for families, maybe not so perfect if you're looking for a quiet romantic break as loads of kids, but it was summer hols.
The staff are absolutely fantastic, mainly Eastern European, extremely friendly and helpful. We arrived just as a huge coach party of Spanish tourists were checking in, but instead of the chaos and long wait I was expecting, everything went amazingly smoothly. Again at breakfast the service was fantastic. It was busy due to time of year and there were a few large groups from coach tours staying, but the organisation by staff was second to none with no one having to wait longer than 2 mins, tables instantly cleared and reset and the gorgeous breakfast food constantly replenished.
The breakfast was the best I have ever had in a hotel, fantastic selection, piping hot, all the usual things plus porridge, haggis etc and a chef making omelettes, pancakes and waffles to order. Staff constantly circulated with coffee, tea and juice and were happy to warm bottles, prepare cereal and arrange high chairs. Despite being busy, the room remained calm, clean and well organised at all times due to the great staff.
We had dinner in the Grant restaurant which was nice, children's menu is a buffet which is a great idea as they can look at what's on offer and just take what they want.
Rooms are nice, clean and comfortable, but no nice views, our room looked into car park which I think most do.
Pool was very pleasant and seemed well maintained and run.
We also visited the Outdoor Centre right by the hotel to hire bikes, staff were great and very helpful.
A great hotel for a family break, loads to see and do in the area. Only thing missing was a lift (we had to lug our cases up to the first floor), and there is no shop in the hotel. There has apparently been one in the foyer but it has closed down so nowhere to get a paper or little odds and ends.
Very welcoming and family friendly...highly recommended.