Indoor pool, pool loungers

Reviews of Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa
Kinlochard, The Trossachs, Aberfoyle, Stirling, Scotland

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 279 out of 703 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 254 out of 703 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 106 out of 703 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 44 out of 703 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 20 out of 703 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

8.2/10

Staff & service

8.2/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very pretty views, very good quality for the price.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Andrew on 27 Mar 2024
Thank you for your lovely review and your kind words and we hope to welcome you back very soonAndrew

10/10 Excellent

Fiona

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024
Response from Andrew on 16 Mar 2024
Thank you for your 5 out of 5. We hope to welcome you back soon.Andrew

2/10 Terrible

Gez

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Staff & service
After driving 7 hours for my birthday weekend I could not have envisaged the catalogue of incompetence I was about to experience. Reception couldn’t find my booking despite me showing them the booking number on my phone. The girl on reception handed the hotel phone at me and told me to deal with it. I couldn’t use my own phone as the hotel wi-if was not working. Finally they gave me a room. When we got there the door was ajar and all the furniture had been pushed to the middle of the room. I went back to reception where I was told by a it was being decorated. Tried sending me to another room that was also being decorated, before putting us into a disabled room with the heating off. The temperature outside was 3 degrees. We had to go downstairs to warm up. We finally got to our room after 9pm when the room was a little warmer. When I asked to speak to a Manager I was informed he went home at 3pm but he’d contact me next day. No contact was made. Throughout this ordeal I was treated like this was my fault. There were no apologies and no attempts to compensate us. Their main focus on checking out was making sure they had my Expedia booking details so they could get their money. A beautiful hotel which should have offered an amazing experience. The hotel was not cheap but the service from the reception and management was not befitting such a lovely place. I hope all Macdonald hotels aren’t run the same. On a positive note, the bar and restaurant staff were first class.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024
Response from Andrew on 23 Jan 2024
Thank you for your review, as we mentioned to you, the booking did not appear either on our computer or Expedia portal. So a little unsure what has happened. I will be in touch with you from the email you sent meAndrew Tighe

10/10 Excellent

Oliver

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024
Response from Andrew on 17 Jan 2024
Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely review and we hope to welcome you back very soonAndrew

4/10 Poor

Lakshmi

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Andrew on 17 Jan 2024
Thank you for your review.

8/10 Good

John Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Nice place to stay. The room was great. The bar area is a little disappointing though, the 2 bar men were also responsible for preparing drinks for the restaurant which left a long queue at the bar. The drinks are overpriced, I get that the location is remote but it the prices were unreasonable. I was also so surprised that there was no room service available.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Andrew on 17 Jan 2024
Thank you for taking the time to write your review and we hope to welcome you back very soonAndrew Tighe

10/10 Excellent

Robert A.

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Serene and secluded location with excellent bedding. It ranks in the top 10 of comfy hotel pillows and mattress. Food is excellent but my chicken breast portion and accompanying veggies were minuscule and I had to order a starter afterward. Nice breakfast with quality ingredients. Area around the hotel is lovely. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Response from Andrew on 30 Dec 2023
Thank you so much for your lovely review and your kind words following your recent stay at Forest Hills Hotel. We hope to welcome you back very soon.Andrew TigheGeneral Manager

2/10 Terrible

Laurence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Dec 2023
I am sorry that we have received such a low score from you,

8/10 Good

Allan

Liked: Room comfort
Allan
Tv problem when we arrived took three tv later to fix problem, maintenance guys were great but reception did not care ! Time we checked in a 3pm and 2.5 hours to fix the tv ! Dangerous stairs leading from bedroom to lounge area / bathroom in bedroom no reason for them to be there ? Hotel tired but suppose adds to the character of the hotel and grounds view were breathtaking.cooked breakfast was small to say the least but plenty of coffee and toast, pastries etc .checkout was surprising we ask if we could leave the car there while we had a quick walk around the reply " stay as long as you want " :-)) ladies at reception must have had a bad day the evening before lols but nice touch to let us stay longer:-))) over all nice location clean hotel maybe tired interior but adds to the character of the building and area . Would stay there again
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Andrew on 16 Nov 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write a review following your recent stay at the hotel. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near futureAndrew Tighe

8/10 Good

Colin

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel nice, but high food and drink prices
Hotel was nice and our family room was ideal. Pool and leisure complex were great. Breakfast was fine, although a little cold when it arrived. Dinner tasted nice, although not great portions. Biggest area that let the hotel down was the price of food and drink. £24 for a chicken or vegetarian was OTT especially as its not exactly top notch food, plus £13 for a glass of wine and £7.85 for a pint of lager. Basically costs like this means we will not be returning. I'm glad breakfast was included as if i had paid £25 for it i would not have been happy.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Andrew on 15 Nov 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write your review, we are reviewing all of our prices regularly to keep them in line with other 4 star hotels.I am sorry to read that you will not return.Andrew TigheGeneral Manager

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great stay, stunning location the views breath taking - staff were lovely, breakfast was great (black pudding prob the best I’ve tasted) lengthy wait for the cooked breakfast but they are made to order and you can help yourself to the continental selection whilst you wait. Hotel tired in places especially the leisure facility (steam room not working) but overall fab stay in a stunning location with great staff and good food.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023
Response from Andrew on 14 Nov 2023
Thank you for your lovely review, we are currently awaiting the steam room to be fixed, my apologies for this. We hope you will consider Forest Hills again in the future.Andrew Tighe

8/10 Good

Paul

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Walk-swim-steam room-eat-drink-sleep. Oh yeah.
Great wee break on the edge of the highlands, with a few hours walking in the woods before arrival. Straight into a swim and sauna is terrific after a walk. Of course it's better to have a view of Loch Ard or Ben Lomond than The Car Park, but so it goes.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023
Response from Andrew on 24 Oct 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write your review and we hope to welcome you back in the futureAndrew TigheGeneral Manager

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stunning views ,pleasant and helpful staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Andrew on 14 Oct 2023
Thank you for taking the time to write your lovely review. We hope to welcome you back very soon. Andrew

10/10 Excellent

William

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Andrew on 28 Oct 2023
Thank you for your lovely review and we hope to welcome you back very soonAndrew

6/10 Okay

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

10/10 Excellent

Sandra

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful Surroundings.
Beautiful surroundings, stunning views of Loch Ard. Staff at hotel very friendly and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Andrew on 4 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review. I am pleased you enjoyed your time with us

8/10 Good

Iain

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice traditional hotel, bit dated but good facilities.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Andrew on 4 Oct 2023
Thank you for your lovely review

8/10 Good

Kevin

Business traveller
Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Andrew on 4 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Business traveller
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The grounds and the location is beautiful,overlooking a loch
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

6/10 Okay

Nick

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Did not like evening meal menu as it is the same every night.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

8/10 Good

Colin

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

10/10 Excellent

Julie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Hotel Room
Very large comfortable bedroom and living area.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

6/10 Okay

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

8/10 Good

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Andrew on 6 Oct 2023
Thank you for your review

10/10 Excellent

Margaret

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Karen

Enjoyed our stay !
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Walter

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The big man with glasses ho did the breakfest was very unfriendly
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Pierre

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very peaceful place by the lake with lots of green space. Dining room food is over priced for what you get, stick with the bar menu. Overall place needs tlc before it's too late. Staff was great, hotel room was great but toiletries were limited.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Andreas

Travelled with group
Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
A place in decline.
Pool closed, elevators closed, second restaurant closed. Tired/jaded personnel, toilet unclean, toilet flush broke....and 1 ply toilet paper what is this Russia ? The whole place feelt like it was in decline from former glory days, it was reflected in everything about the place.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

2/10 Terrible

Marie

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Oh dear. The unhelpful and unfriendly lady on reception upon arrival. When a single male traveller arrived, she became much more helpful and attentive to his needs...... The room that was dirtier after the cleaners had been in. We were left with a dirty duvet cover and blanket, dirty cups and glasses that weren't replaced and when we went to reception to complain, we were told to get our own new cups from the bar. Breakfast only had a few basic options. Anything you might have wanted, was an extra £7 on top of the £15. We had booked a twin room, had been emailed and asked if we wanted twin beds or King. We asked for twin. We got King. The only friendly member of staff we met was the lovely lady when we checked out at reception, who usually worked giving treatments, but was covering reception at that time. No management to be referred to.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

6/10 Okay

Florencia

Liked: Room comfort
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Not as promised
To sum it up: The hotel has a lot of potential, but is currently run down because of lack of maintenance. Pool out of order, elevator out of order, dirty windows, old carpets, dog smell in the room, rusty condition overall. The place is beautiful and the hotel could be great. But it’s not a four-star currently.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Glenn

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very nice property with a lovely garden to relax in. Dining was nice. Room was nice and quiet.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ian

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
All staff very very pleasant
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Nicola

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

mark

Liked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Quiet, propreté
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacey

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful overnight stay. Booked just the evening before and requested ground floor room if avaliable. It was indeed and such a beautiful room too (004). Staff were friendly and helpful too. Bed was giant and very comfortable and clean. Pool area was great with sauna, steam and jacuzzi and towels for you. Wouldn't hesitate to book again
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

rob

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Pretty good.
Lovely location, peaceful and relaxing. Room was a good size for the price and spotless. Staff all friendly and food was good. All in all a perfect stay. However, do not give them your email address I have had 14 emails in one week trying to sell me another stay. Nothing puts me off more than being hassled.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had an amazing time at our friends wedding in the hotel. Staff were so attentive. Food beautiful.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leanne

Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

ANNA

Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Patryk

Stayed 1 night in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

James

Travelled with partner, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Lovely hotel in the most beautiful setting imaginable. Having a drink on the terrace overlooking the Loch is sublime.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

8/10 Good

Lesley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

8/10 Good

Helen

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christopher

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Gareth

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Disliked: Cleanliness
It was okay but not blown away
The location was great however when entering our room there was a terrible sewage stink in our room. We did complain and they promptly got someone up to clean the bathroom which kind of helped but not perfect. Apparently there was a burst sewage pipe earlier. They were unable to move us as there were no other rooms. We had to open all the windows and leave our room for a while as we couldn’t stand the smell. Our room was okay but we only had a view of the parking so this wasn’t great. I know it wasn’t a premier room so I guess you get what you pay for.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023