Fonab Castle Brasserie

One of the best hotels I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Our room was comfortable (though a bit warm as there is no AC but it was unseasonably warm and the windows opened, fan provided). The room was perfectly cleaned throughout our stay and the added touches like the chocolate marshmallow ball were just lovely. The views were incredible and to eat our meals surrounded by that view just made the meals all the more enjoyable. The real show stopper was the dinner meal. I do not typically eat fish as I rarely enjoy it. Though I wish they had more vegetarian meal options, I ended up going for the Trout in an attempt to try something new. Let me tell you, it was the best meal I have ever had in my life. So much so that we returned back for dinner a few nights later and my husband ordered the same thing. I don’t write these reviews lightly as I am very particular with my food but wow it was truly outstanding. The staff were also lovely throughout our entire stay. Warm, welcoming, friendly, and incredibly helpful. They are the true highlight of your stay. This includes all of the staff, housekeeping included were so sweet when we ran into them. Our bartender, Stephen, also kept us quite entertained and we so enjoyed him! Also made me a mocktail when I wasn’t feeling up for a drink which was lovely. My one small critique lies with the spa. While they were also so warm and lovely, I found issue with two things. My massage was a bit underwhelming. The hot stones were wonderful but I felt the pressure throughout, despite requesting firm on my intake card, was very gentle. I did say something when reaching my more needed areas, which was accommodated, but I felt I shouldn’t have had to say that considering the intake process. But, it was a very relaxing time and the room was nice, though there was buzzing that would come on every 20 minutes or so. And I would urge them to figure out the steam room. The grout is quite off putting and something that will stand the humidity may be a better choice. Overall, I already miss this place and hope to return in the future. I also have to say, the rest of our accommodations fell flat of the bar Fonab has set, so maybe end your stay there!

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We booked a meal at the Fonab Castle Brasserie to celebrate our fifth we anniversary, following our wedding here in 2017, so were very much looking forward to returning. To start on a positive note, the staff were very friendly and welcoming and we were shown to our table straight away. The food we ordered was excellent and the service prompt. The venison was extremely well cooked and of very good quality; we could not fault the food or service at all. However… Upon arrival it was apparent that the hotel had undergone quite an extensive refurbishment since our last visit and whilst it still looked extremely modern and luxurious, the chosen ‘theme’ of décor was somewhat bizarre and not particularly fitting for a traditional Scottish castle. The Brasserie dining area had been opened out which made it feel a little sparse and noisy, and again, the choice of décor looked more Morocco than Scotland. Following our meal, we went to take a look in the older part of the building in which our wedding had been held and I’m sad to say, the refurbishment has absolutely destroyed the original character of the castle. Sandermans Restaurant, the Whisky Lounge and adjoining corridor area had been fitted with the most hideous carpet which would have been more at home in a downtown Las Vegas Casino or seaside amusement arcade, and the formally beautiful traditional oak panelling to the walls had been painted an awful shade of green. I have no idea who thought such a refurbishment would be an improvement on what was there before, and unfortunately we felt that the Scottish soul had been ripped out of the hotel in doing so. I won’t say we won’t return again, but it was such a disappointment to see the building with its present interior when it had such personal memories in its previous state.

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I had wanted to come here for years and finally found an excuse when I invited a female friend for her birthday lunch. Everything about the food was excellent. The menu had such a wonderful choice that we all wanted to try every dish on...

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Fab overnight spa break with my daughter and sister. Rooms, service, food and staff all amazing. Spa...best massage i have had. We've been to Stobo. .Fonab was certainly the best. Will be back next year

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Une dame rencontrée lors de notre séjour à Leith nous avait conseillé cet endroit pour un afternoon tea, nous nbus...

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