Emma This old lady needs some TLC
A grand-looking granite building with an impressive-looking website, but wait until you step inside.
Ideal for touring Speyside distilleries and not far from Aviemore, Nethybridge Hotel should be filled to the brim with tourists. It is, but of the ship them in and back out coach tours. (If you want a much better Speyside welcome, head along to Firhall Bed & Breakfast)
Check in was quick and up the stairs I went.
The creaky, threadbare carpeted stairs. Now creakiness I don’t mind, that is character and for a building of this age expected. But, the main staircase carpet being threadbare was not a good omen. Well, that and the lovely-looking keyring for my room…
Onto the room. This is their classic room. A good size with some seating next to the window, a desk with a large mirror, a hospitality tray, tv and wifi.
Everything seemed clean and tidy, if a little dated and scuffed. I got a freebie, a pair of shoes from the previous resident. Sadly not my style or size. Do housekeeping check cupboards? I’m not a compete 4-in-a-bed visitor with the white gloves, but ……
The bathroom looked good, until you looked closely or tried to get hot water, or not splashed by the taps.
When sitting on the toilet your eye is drawn to the tiling work..expertly finished….
Just like the edging to the bathroom light switch.
At least the heating worked, too well, and I couldn’t open the windows to cool down as they are “restricted for safety”.
Thankfully I had a quiet nights sleep so down to breakfast.
Cereals, yoghurts, fruit, pastries and a hot breakfast buffet of which I was happy to see potato scones – not enough Scottish hotels do these, far too many hash browns out there.
The breakfast selection reflected the hotel. It was trying and failing. Poor quality ingredients left to dry out under the lights. The beans were good.
Here are some more general photos of the common areas of the hotel.
Verdict
Well I’m sure you can guess that I won’t be rushing back there. What is am impressive historic building with bundles of history is a tired old lady. If she could get some love I’m sure she would be fantastic. Click here to book a hotel in Scotland. Booking.com
Location of Nethybridge Hotel
Nethybridge Hotel, Main Street, Nethybridge, PH25 3DP
