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Summary of reviewsThe Duke Of Gordon Hotel enjoys a prime location in the stunning Cairngorms, offering beautiful views and easy access to scenic walks and local attractions in Kingussie. Its central position, combined with ample parking and proximity to transportation hubs like the train station and A9, makes it an ideal base for exploring the Scottish Highlands. The friendly and efficient staff further enhance the hotel's charm and welcoming atmosphere.
Guests frequently praise the spacious, clean and comfortable rooms with many noting modern bathrooms and large, comfy beds. The historical ambiance adds to the hotel's appeal and recent refurbishments have been appreciated despite minor issues with temperature control and layout. Cleanliness is generally commended, although occasional lapses in housekeeping have been reported.
The breakfast offerings receive mixed reviews with many enjoying the full Scottish breakfast buffet and the helpfulness of the staff. However, some have found the food quality inconsistent and the variety lacking. Operational issues like long queues and disorganization have also been noted.
Dinner experiences vary with several guests appreciating the value-for-money four-course meals and quick bar service. However, others find the menu choices limited and the food quality underwhelming. The atmosphere in the large dining hall is generally positive, though big tour groups can detract from the dining experience for some.
The hotel's cleanliness, although occasionally marred by issues like stained carpets and mold, is generally deemed satisfactory. The staff's friendliness and dedication play a significant role in creating a hospitable environment with many guests praising the efficient and supportive service across various hotel departments.
Despite some guests encountering issues with the free WiFi, described as inconsistent and unreliable, the overall stay is enhanced by the hotel's traditional character and homely feel. The Duke Of Gordon Hotel with its combination of picturesque setting, modern comforts and classic charm, serves as a pleasant and convenient option for travelers seeking an authentic Highland experience. Show more
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Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in Kingussie, this hotel is near several golf courses in the Cairngorms National Park. It offers a convenient and comfortable stay for golfers looking to explore the regions golfing options.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
The Duke of Gordon Hotel prides itself on its efforts to be as green as possible and highlights local attractions with Green Awards from the Scottish tourist board.
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Superior Double or Twin RoomOffering free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. This twin/double room has a wardrobe, an electric kettle, flat-screen TV, as well as chocolate for guests.
Standard Double or Twin RoomThe twin/double room includes a private bathroom fitted with a walk-in shower, a bath and a hairdryer. The twin/double room offers a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating and a flat-screen TV.
Guest Reviews
7.5
Good
Location
The Duke Of Gordon Hotel boasts a superb and convenient location that appeals to a wide range of travelers. Nestled in the beautiful Cairngorms, the hotel provides stunning views and easy access to scenic walks, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Its central position in Kingussie ensures close proximity to local attractions, the train station and key routes like the A9, facilitating seamless travel throughout the region. The staff are consistently highlighted for their friendliness and efficiency, adding to the overall charm of this cozy and comfortable establishment.
Guests appreciate the well-maintained interior, elegant old-fashioned ambiance and ample parking facilities. Whether planning a road trip, walking excursions or exploring nearby points of interest, the hotel serves as a perfect starting point. The combination of a picturesque setting and modern comforts positions the Duke Of Gordon Hotel as an excellent choice for travelers seeking convenience and an authentic experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at the Duke Of Gordon Hotel presents a mixed bag with some guests praising its quality and variety, while others were left dissatisfied. On the positive side, phrases like good breakfast, very good breakfast and breakfast was lovely are repeatedly mentioned. Guests appreciated the full Scottish breakfast buffet, noting the extensive choices and the delicious options available. The breakfast buffet is described as plentiful with a fair choice of items and the staff were often helpful and friendly, making the breakfast experience pleasant for many.
However, several reviewers pointed out issues such as food quality and preparation. Terms like mass-produced, cold breakfast and very poor quality were used to describe less favorable experiences. Some guests noted the repetitive nature of the offerings with the same choices every day and a lack of variety in items such as fresh fruit, pastries and cold cuts. The quality of specific items like sausages and eggs also came under criticism with some food being described as uninspiring or even inedible.
Operational issues were also highlighted with mentions of long queues, disorganization and instances of staff shortages impacting the efficiency and enjoyment of breakfast. In summary, while many guests found the breakfast satisfying and well-prepared, others encountered significant drawbacks that marred their overall experience.
Dinner
The dinner experience at the Duke Of Gordon Hotel has received mixed reviews from guests. Many appreciated the value for money, particularly the four-course meals priced at £15 or £25 with generous portions and several choices for each course. Some guests highlighted the excellent and well-presented food, especially noting that the bar meals were tasty and fast in service.
However, not all feedback was positive. Several guests found the evening meals to be underwhelming with complaints about limited menu choices and mediocre quality. Some even described the food as subpar and akin to institutional cooking. Issues such as dry chicken, poor meat quality and unappealing vegetables were noted. The atmosphere in the large dining hall received praise for its friendly and efficient service, although the presence of big bus tour groups affected some guests' dining experience.
Despite these inconsistencies, the hotel's affordability and traditional bar offerings were generally well-received, making it a pleasant albeit variable dining option for visitors.
Rooms
The rooms at the Duke Of Gordon Hotel have received positive feedback for their spaciousness, comfort and cleanliness. Many guests highlighted the large, airy rooms and modern bathrooms. The beds, often described as comfy and sometimes extra big, contribute to a restful stay. The historical atmosphere of the hotel adds charm, while the hotel's superb location, offering lovely views and beautiful surroundings, enhances the overall experience.
Guests appreciated the functionality and cleanliness of the rooms with several mentioning the rooms had recently been redecorated or refurbished. Despite some issues with temperature control and room layout, the overall convenience and tranquility of the rooms were well-regarded. The consistent cleanliness and quality of toiletries in the rooms were also noted as positive aspects.
However, a few minor complaints were made regarding maintenance issues, outdated decor in some rooms and inconvenient socket placements. Noise was occasionally reported by guests staying near common areas or above the bar and some rooms were noted to be uncomfortably warm.
In summary, the spacious, clean and comfortable rooms, combined with friendly staff and excellent views, make the Duke Of Gordon Hotel a pleasing option for many travelers.
Beds
Despite mixed feedback about the beds at the Duke Of Gordon Hotel, many guests appreciated the comfort they provided. Several reviews highlighted the beds as comfortable, large and even massive in size, which seems to be a plus, especially compared to what's typically offered in the area. The presence of USB power sockets on both sides of the bed was another appreciated feature.
While positive comments frequently mentioned very comfortable and super comfy beds, there were notable mentions of uncomfortably firm or soft mattresses and some even described the beds as a nightmare. A few guests encountered issues such as old or dirty mattresses with unpleasant smells and some found the double beds, which were actually two singles put together, to be less than ideal. Nonetheless, for many, a restful sleep was very much achievable, complemented by spacious and well-facilitated rooms.
Cleanliness
The Duke Of Gordon Hotel generally receives positive remarks for its cleanliness and upkeep with many guests describing it as very clean, tidy and well-maintained despite being a bit dated. The rooms are noted to be spacious, comfortable and consistently clean, contributing to a pleasant stay. There is an appreciation for the hotel's charming and authentic ambiance, which some describe as having character.
However, several reviews highlight areas where cleanliness could be improved. Occasional issues such as dirty or stained carpets, mold in bathrooms and an unclean bathroom floor have been mentioned. Guests have pointed out that some parts of the hotel, including the carpets, could benefit from more thorough cleaning. There have also been instances where cleaning service requests were not fulfilled.
Despite these occasional issues, the general consensus points towards a satisfactory level of cleanliness throughout the hotel, enhanced by friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel’s classic charm and good location make it a suitable choice for a comfortable and clean stay.
Staff
The staff at the Duke Of Gordon Hotel are frequently praised for their friendliness and professionalism, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for guests. Visitors consistently highlight the staff's helpfulness, noting that they go above and beyond to assist with any issues or special requests. The reception team, in particular, receives high marks for their efficiency and willingness to ensure guests have a pleasant stay, even handling last-minute room adjustments with ease.
Moreover, the restaurant staff are recognized for their attentive service, despite sometimes being busy with large groups. The concierge service and night porter also stand out for their diligence and support, like helping with luggage. The majority of reviews reflect a team that is cheerful, courteous and committed to providing excellent service, contributing significantly to the positive experiences of many guests. However, there were occasional mentions of staff being overrun or less engaging, but these instances seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.
Overall, the dedication and amiability of the Duke Of Gordon Hotel’s staff play a key role in fostering a hospitable and inviting atmosphere, earning the hotel high recommendations for its service quality.
Wi-Fi
The Duke Of Gordon Hotel offers a mixed experience when it comes to WiFi connectivity. Some guests have praised the free WiFi, describing it as superb and perfect. However, a significant number of guests have reported issues, stating that WiFi didn't work in the rooms or common areas, was poor, theoretically available but not functioning or simply not provided. There were also mentions of difficulties in accessing Freeview due to the requirement of signing into an account. Overall, the WiFi experience appears inconsistent with some guests encountering smooth internet access while others faced significant challenges.
3 Star
The Duke Of Gordon Hotel offers a charming, nostalgic ambiance that captures the essence of a bygone era. Many guests appreciate its traditional character and find it very clean and comfortable. The food, especially breakfast, garners positive reviews for its quality. Despite its dated decor, the hotel is well-maintained and has a lovely atmosphere. However, the property primarily caters to coach parties, which may not meet the needs of independent travelers. Some guests feel that the hotel needs significant refurbishment and lacks the ambition to upgrade beyond its three-star rating. Nonetheless, overall impressions of the stay are wonderful, making it a pleasant option for those who appreciate its classic character and homely feel.
No, Duke Of Gordon Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Duke Of Gordon Hotel.
No, Duke Of Gordon Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Duke Of Gordon Hotel.