Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa

This is a lovely hotel with impressive views over the Forth that has undergone a stunning refurbishment. The impact of the refurbishment on arrival is one of elegance, quality and taste. The reception staff were competent but not welcoming. We had arrived 10 mins early and although they agreed to keep our bags they did not suggest we take a seat in the lounge to await our room etc etc This was ok as we are pretty self sufficient but would have been a nice touch in a 4 star Hotel. We were allocated a very lovely spacious room and... more

My husband and I had first stayed in The Marine nearly 20 years ago as a young couple escaping in my mothers mini with my first credit card for a night alone (you know what I mean!) It therefore seemed a romantic notion to revisit on our tenth wedding anniversary the same suite we stayed in and relive some memories. We paid £216.00 per night bed and breakfast which, as we go "all out" a couple of times a year was not unusual for us. Our room was a huge suite which although the decor had been renewed the windows hadn't and let in an... more

Disagree with some of the comments in other reviews about this hotel. Stayed 1 night and found the staff very friendly and helpful. Very impressed by the huge reception/ lounge area with views over the Forth and the Christmas decor made it look even more impressive. Had dinner in the restaurant which was excellent, though some of the dishes could have had less pretentious descriptions (though the staff cheerfully went off to find out what we were potentially ordering). Our only criticism of this meal was the accompanying music (a repeated... more

Following a very nice spa day in December I returned to the Marine for another. Despite written confirmation and phone calls they were not expecting our arrival. All treatments were cut short. The food at lunch was excellent however the service on BOTH our visits was appalling. I agree with the other reviews regarding rude and unhelpful staff in the bar and restaurant. On this visit we heard other guests complaining about the lack of service. I cannot fault the location - views are fantastic and the spa facilities are great however for... more

We arrived late in the evening and were directed to a spacious and comfortable double room. Unfortunately the television and phone did not work but we were quickly placed in another room and given the choice of remaining or returning to the original room. The concierge and reception staff were extremely helpful and anxious that we should be happy. Building work continues but it had no impact upon our stay. The breakfasts were excellent, lots of choice, and the service pleasant and efficient. Having stayed here before we were... more

We visited this hotel for a relaxing weekend, so were a little worried when we saw the construction going on! It turned out that our room was right next door to the scaffolding, and we were woken up on the saturday morning by noise from it. We also discovered that our room phone didn't work, and room service didn't show up. After a discussion with the manager (who was very pleasant) we received a complimentary evening meal, and a bottle of champagne to our room. We were pleased with this outcome, but the phone never was fixed! As previously... more

We had a lovely room at a good proce but 2 lamps were dead and although reported at once, were never changed in our 2 day stay. the room was never serviced, and on our second day we passed the chambermaids arguing on the corridor about being asked to do too many rooms. We found the £35 dinner too pricey, especially as we would never eat 3 courses (they should offer a price per course) so had bar meals in the Library. Very nice but after serving the food, noone ever came back to see if all was well. the knives were so blunt i could not cut... more

After a £13.5 million refit, we thought the Marine Hotel would be ideal for Christmas Dinner. We were sadly disappointed. While the food was acceptable, other aspects were far from satisfactory, eg. waiting a full hour after the booking time until our table was ready (with no complimentary drink to pass the time); another half hour until we were served; having to ask staff repeatedly for basic items such as:- cutlery, bread with the soup, butter for the bread, a wine list (which only offered a choice from 3 red & 3 white!), coffee, mince... more

This hotel is in a fantastic location with wonderful views over the forth of firth. It has recently undergone a massive refurbishment and it shows - you could never describe this hotel as tired! However, We had a massive problem with the reception desk. Despite having written confirmation of our room rate, the receptionist was adament that the room we had been allocated should be charged at an extra £30 for the night. I should point out at this stage that they had allocated us a sea view room, which we hadnt booked and the hotel... more

My fiance and I went to this hotel for a 1nt break just to relax. The hotel has just undergone refurbishment, well most of it. The halls to the rooms are still the same and look very 70's style. But what has been done is very nice. Our room was huge and we later found out why we were given such a nice room. It was adjoining, therefore the couple who returned to there room at 2am who woke us up, I felt as though they were in the same room as us. We could even hear them turn over in there bed..coughing...sneezing. I would have asked to... more