Find Dog-Friendly Hotels in Alford

"Currently service at the Thainstone House Hotel is falling far short of expectations and leaving guests such as ourselves disappointed. The staff at the hotel work incredibly hard and are polite despite the pressures they are under. However too few staff meant that we encountered numerous service issues. For example, at breakfast there was a 10 – 15 minute wait for a table, food stuffs unavailable from the buffet, numerous uncleared tables and almost no staff around to take your order. Staffing in the evening was similarly problematic. Perhaps the crowning glory of an underwhelming experience was when, on Saturday night we were told we could not order cocktails as there was no-one on duty who knew how to make them. Although the hotel is taking bookings on its web site for its fine dining restaurant, it is closed to guests and all meals are served in the hotel bar. Ironically, after you have eaten in the bar, you receive an email asking you for feedback on your dining experience in the Green Lady. One reason we chose the Thainstone House was because of the restaurant. Knowing it is not available and to keep advertising it, is a questionable business practice. Sadly nothing in this post appears new, other guests have made similar points - having now stayed there, I understand why it is compared to Fawlty Towers"

"It is a beautiful property on the banks of the Dee. Our room was large and beautiful, with a great bathroom and an amazing shower. We did not eat in the restaurant, but the staff recommended a great place in Peterculter (the Ploughman) that was excellent. The staff was great - the only negative for us was the room was too hot, making it difficult to sleep. Otherwise, great!"

"Great hotel, very relaxed and suited our children with pool and other games downstairs. Liked the bar and food offering, especially when we arrived late and still needed dinner. Bedrooms were comfortable - would stay again. Only one issue - TV surround in room 505 fell off the wall on arrival. Thankfully no one hurt but could have been much more serious. Staff moved us to a new room quickly but hope this is fixed so no risk of it happening again. "

"The food is great but very expensive, although Ballater is an expensive place to stay. Evening meal and bar lovely, breakfast amazing. Nice feel to the hotel, very traditional and cosy. We stayed in a standard room, which is basic. Mattress and pillows felt cheap, it overlooked properties but there was no net curtain to offer privacy, dusty, TV had no apps to log into, noise from downstairs clearly audible, door in the hallway made a creaking noise. We were pretty disappointed as the next level was almost double. "

"The receptionist was far from welcoming - very matter of fact. I enquired to see if there was any cancellation with a dog friendly room - shrugged her shoulders and that was a no - not even I am sorry. Bar staff where we could take a dog was over the top - as we walked in announced to whole bar we were walking in - there was a very loud child approx 9 yrs old who he was encouraging to be even louder - we moved table. We have stayed here a few times but will not be back."

"Lovely room but sadly no hot water in the morning to have showers. Staff apologised but didn’t seem to take onboard that our stay was spoiled.Food at lunchtime was delicious but breakfast wasn’t the same standard. "

"Comfortable beds and good size rooms. "