Mishnish Hotel Invite (Tobermory, Mull) 2024

Visit & Vibes

Well, this was an intriguing invitation, and one I was extremely excited about.

I instantly said yes as soon as I received it—a two-night stay at the Mishnish Hotel in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

The Isle of Mull and Tobermory have been on my list for a while; they were actually going to be one of my trips this year. However, it seems they’ve come sooner than expected.

I was thrilled, packed, and made sure I had everything I needed to fully enjoy this wonderful two-night stay, as well as to conduct some research into the surrounding sites.

About The Hotel

The Mishnish is one of the few iconic bars left in Scotland and is known all over the world by visitors to the island, sailors, musicians, and rally drivers. The bar maintains a cosy, friendly atmosphere and remains traditional with a collection of old memorabilia from shipments and the town itself. The hotel offers 12 comfortable bedrooms with en-suite facilities with several rooms overlooking the harbour.

Booking Experience

The booking experience was perfect, as it was all done through a PR company and a hotel, so I have no issues at this point.

Arrival and Check-In

I disembarked from the ferry and drove straight to Tobermory, which made for an interesting journey.

Upon arrival, the hotel was easily visible when I entered the harbour, and parking was hassle-free, given the late February timing.

Inside the hotel, a friendly staff member warmly welcomed me, providing clear directions to the breakfast area and my room.

Overall, it was a seamless and delightful experience.

Décor★★★★
Entrance Cleanliness★★★★★
Staff Friendliness & Welcome★★★★★
Staff Appearance / Uniform★★★★★
Restaurant Cleanliness★★★★★
Hotel facilities & layout explainedYes
Hotel ParkingOn Street Parking

Bedroom and Amenities

Upon entering the bedroom later in the evening, I relied on the room lights, which is why the pictures may appear slightly dimmer than desired.

However, they emit a pleasant, warm glow.

The bedroom exudes a classic style with a cosy ambience. Upon closer inspection, I noticed it was impeccably clean. Intrigued, I made my way to the window to admire the view.

As I mentioned earlier, checking out the view was a priority for me. It was lovely at night, and I enjoyed sitting by the window, gazing over the harbour as the sun rose. I spotted several birds and even caught a rare glimpse of an otter, sighting it twice.

The view truly enhanced my stay; simply sitting there, I felt immensely relaxed and content.

ROOM FEATURES

  • Ensuite facilities
  • Complimentary refreshments
  • Television
Quality of bedding★★★★★
Bedroom Cleanliness★★★★★
View from Room★★★★★

Bathroom

The bathroom was delightful and modern, featuring a bathtub with shower facilities, offering the flexibility to either relax in the tub or enjoy a quick shower, providing the best of both worlds.

Similar to the room and every other aspect of my visit thus far, cleanliness was exceptional.

I eagerly anticipated settling in for the night and indulging in dinner.

Quality of Towels★★★★★
Bedroom Cleanliness★★★★★
Temperature of water★★★★
Did the hotel/venue provide toiletries?YES

Breakfast Area

Regarding breakfast, I must admit that I’m not particularly fond of it. I seldom eat anything substantial; typically, I stick to at least two cups of coffee.

Therefore, I can’t provide feedback on the food. However, I’ve included a picture of the menu, so if you do decide to dine here, you’ll have an idea of the offerings.

The menu provides a wide selection, offering something for everyone.

The breakfast room itself was delightful—bright, and modern, and one feature I particularly enjoyed was the funky cradle on the bar area. I’ve always had a soft spot for those, and this one looked especially appealing.

The service during breakfast was also excellent—warm, welcoming, and friendly.

Quality of Seating★★★★★
Cleanliness★★★★★
Choice of Foods★★★★★
Noise Level★★★★★

Location and Accessibility

Location-wise, this area is absolutely fantastic, offering numerous places to explore. In one of the pictures of the bedroom (above), you might have noticed a booklet containing information about various attractions, as well as taxi numbers and transportation options.

I drove here and had already conducted some research, finding the area very enjoyable to explore. However, I discovered that having a car is essential, as many places are not within walking distance. Some destinations require a 40-minute drive or more, so unless you’re a dedicated walker who doesn’t mind covering long distances, bringing a car is advisable.

Below is a list of some places I visited, though there were several more I would have liked to explore. Unfortunately, with only one full day and a bit of time in the morning, I couldn’t fit everything into my schedule.

  • Tobermory Harbour
  • Aros Park
  • Aros Waterfalls
  • Calgary Bay beach
  • Tobermory Lighthouse
  • Salen Ship Wreck
  • Moy Castle

In terms of accessibility, regrettably, the hotel doesn’t appear to be wheelchair-friendly based on my observations. Upon entering, I only noticed a staircase leading upwards. If wheelchair accessibility is a necessity, I would recommend exploring other hotels that may offer ground-level accommodations.

Final Thoughts…

Firstly, I’d like to extend a big thank you to the team at the Mishnish Hotel for the invitation, as well as to the staff who welcomed me during check-in, and check-out, and served me my morning coffee. Your hospitality was greatly appreciated.

Overall, I had a truly enjoyable stay. As mentioned, the hotel was impeccably clean, and waking up to such a breathtaking view truly enhanced the experience. Stepping out into Tobermory Harbour, with its stunning views, makes it an ideal destination for either a long weekend or an extended stay.

I would gladly return to this hotel, not only for its convenient location and captivating views but also because of the wonderful stay I had. I felt completely rejuvenated on the morning of my departure, a testament to the relaxing experience from start to finish.

Exploring the sights further added to the overall excellence of the weekend, making it a truly fantastic experience for me.

This review is entirely genuine; I’m sincerely impressed with my stay. I’ll be adding the Mishnish Hotel to my list of top places to stay, as I can’t find fault with anything. I highly recommend a visit to experience it for yourself.

Overall Value for Moneyn/a
MY OVERALL RATINGn/a
The above blog post review is 100% honest and has not been influenced in anyway. Its a true representation of my thoughts.

Revolver Hotel-Hostel (Glasgow) 2024 : Review

Visit & Vibes

The folks at Revolver invited me for an overnight stay. I had heard of them but didn’t know much about their place.

I also didn’t do any research prior to my visit because I wanted to have a genuine first-time experience without any expectations.

About The Hotel

Revolver is located in the gorgeous Virginia House in the heart of Merchant City, beside the best of Glasgow’s restaurants and nightlife.

We are bringing a brand new overnight stay experience to Glasgow and have a mix of accommodation styles from king-sized rooms. group rooms, solo traveller accommodation and serviced apartments.

Booking Experience

As this was an invite the guys did all this for me.

Arrival and Check-In

There is no hotel parking available, but there are NCP and Qpark facilities nearby. If you’re a driver like me, you can easily park at one of them. After a short walk, you will reach the hotel.

Upon entering the hotel, you have the option of using a secure entry or pressing a buzzer to reach reception. As I walked in and ascended the stairs, I was greeted by a very friendly staff member at the reception. They explained my assigned room and also provided information about the check-out time.

Just beside the reception, there is what I can only describe as an entertainment area. There, you can enjoy a game of pool, and it also appears to be a breakfast area. I was unsure about this part because it wasn’t mentioned to me, but it looked very nice and exceptionally clean.

Décor★★★★★
Entrance Cleanliness★★★★★
Staff Friendliness & Welcome★★★★★
Staff Appearance / Uniform★★★★★
Hotel facilities & layout explainedRoom & Checkout Time Only
Hotel ParkingNo

Bedroom and Amenities

After leaving the reception, I ascended the stairs and headed toward my room, situated on the second floor. Upon entering, I found a double bed and a single bed. However, I noticed there was no ensuite.

Curious, I looked outside my room and discovered a shared bathroom and shower either for the entire floor or the nearest rooms.

The room I was given was a Triple Room

The hotel provided a towel, a hand towel, some earplugs, a condom, and a bottle of water.

The room itself was exceptionally clean and modern, with a cosy vibe.

How was my sleep? Well, it was quite a mixed experience!

Firstly, the room at Revolver had single-glazed windows, allowing every outside detail, including conversations (not just casual chatting but rather loud, drunken conversations) and the music, to be clearly heard.

I went to bed early to make up for much-needed sleep after a busy day at work.

However, I woke up at 1 am to the sound of someone in the hall walking past, blasting music. Unfortunately, that was the situation until I left.

Don’t get me wrong; I did anticipate some hallway noise, as you typically encounter in any accommodation. However, it was excessive, and the additional noise from outside didn’t make matters any better.

Revolver does provide earplugs, but even with my own inserted, I could still hear everything.

Despite the noise, the sleep I managed to get was quite restful. The bed was exceptionally comfortable, the pillows were cosy, and the blanket kept me pleasantly warm.

ROOM FEATURES

  • Towels
  • Ear plugs
  • Free WiFi
  • Bottle of water
  • 1 x Condom
  • Television
  • Plug sockets with USB points
Quality of bedding★★★★★
Bedroom Cleanliness★★★★★
View from Room
Quality of Overal Sleep★★

Bathroom

As mentioned earlier, the bathroom (consisting of a toilet and a separate shower room) was located outside and shared with the floor or the nearest rooms.

The sink was situated in the hallway and was impeccably clean. The toilet was of a good size, and the shower, while not overly spacious, was satisfactory.

Unfortunately, by morning, the cleanliness of the bathroom wasn’t as good as it was the night before. I’m assuming that’s due to everyone returning from their night out.

Quality of Towels★★★★
Bedroom Cleanliness★★★
Temperature of water★★★★★
Did the hotel/venue provide toiletries?YES Shared

Location and Accessibility

The hotel’s location is excellent; you are just a stone’s throw away from Merchant City and a short walk to Buchanan Street, allowing you to easily pop out and grab a nice meal, visit a pub, or do both.

Final Thoughts…

Firstly, I’d like to express my gratitude to Revolver for the invitation and extend my thanks to the staff for their warm welcome.

Overall, my experience was a mixed bag.

If you seek an affordable hotel-like stay, this may not be suitable due to shared bathroom and shower facilities.

However, if you prefer a clean and pleasant hostel-style accommodation, this could be right up your alley.

As reflected in my honest review above, the hotel’s location is perfect for enjoying nearby meals, bars, pubs, or even a night out clubbing before returning to a comfortable bed.

While my visit was enjoyable, the noise and bathroom facilities didn’t align with my preferred style of stay. Nonetheless, I’m glad I had the opportunity to visit, and I welcome your thoughts if you decide to check it out.

MY OVERALL RATING★★★
The above blog post review is 100% honest and has not been influenced in anyway. Its a true representation of my thoughts.

Cairndale Hotel And Leisure Club (Dumfries) 2024 : Review

Booking Experience

The guys at Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club extended an invitation for a dinner, bed, and breakfast experience.

Although I have not stayed here previously, I have travelled to this / or through this area during my numerous journeys around the country.

Visit & Vibes

After a delightful hour-and-a-half drive from Glasgow, I made a short stop at Moffat.

Upon reaching Dumfries, I checked in at the Carindale Hotel.

The hotel boasts a generously sized parking area located at the rear.

As I entered the hotel, the receptionist warmly welcomed the gentleman ahead of me and extended a lovely greeting to me as well.

About The Cairndale Hotel

With our perfectly central location, The Cairndale Hotel is the ideal spot for exploring the local area, playing a few rounds of golf or enjoying a family holiday. Known as one of the friendliest hotels in Dumfries and Galloway, we are ready to welcome you with open arms

Arrival and Check-In

Upon arrival, the receptionist greeted me warmly and welcomed me to the hotel, guiding me through the necessary documentation. Subsequently, they explained the hotel layout, provided details regarding the timing for dinner and breakfast, and informed me about the location of my room.

Additionally, I was assured that should any issues arise, I could simply dial a number from my room to connect with the reception.

This comprehensive welcome provided me with all the necessary information for a comfortable stay.

Décor★★★★
Entrance Cleanliness★★★★★
Staff Friendliness & Welcome★★★★★
Staff Appearance / Uniform★★★★★
Entrance Cleanliness★★★★★
Hotel facilities & layout explainedYes
Hotel ParkingYes at the rear

Bedroom and Amenities

After receiving all the necessary information about my stay, I proceeded to my room.

Upon entering, I was delighted to find an exceptionally clean and nicely decorated space.

Taking a closer look, the room was equipped with tea and coffee facilities, a television, and an additional heater for those particularly chilly evenings. The room temperature was perfect, especially considering the cold weather today.

Inside the wardrobe, I discovered an iron and some dressing gown for my stay.

Curious to explore further, I headed to the bathroom. Upon opening the door, I was greeted by an extremely lovely, modern, and impeccably clean bathroom. The bath even featured jets, a feature I was looking forward to trying. The bathroom was spacious and maintained an exceptional level of cleanliness.

ROOM FEATURES

  • Ensuite facilities
  • Free WiFi
  • Tea & Coffee facilities
  • Iron
  • Television

The Sleep…

After dinner, as you’ll soon read about, it was time to unwind in the room and savour my evening before settling in for a good night’s sleep.

The bed was remarkably comfortable, and the pillows, surprisingly plush for a hotel, were absolutely perfect for me—often, hotel pillows tend to be either paper-thin or brick-hard.

My sleep experience was truly restful. While there were the usual sounds of people coming and going, a common aspect in any hotel, I still managed to enjoy a very relaxed and refreshing sleep.

Quality of bedding★★★★★
Bedroom Cleanliness★★★★★
View from Room★★★★

Bathroom

As mentioned earlier, the bathroom was exceptionally bright, modern, and impeccably clean, featuring a bath with jet options.

While waiting for dinner time, I opted to explore the bath and its jets.

The water pressure was perfect, and the hot water provided was wonderfully warm. The functionality of the jets, both with and without, was very good.

I had a truly relaxing time, which was especially pleasant after a delightful journey. This experience set the mood for my overnight stay, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the upcoming meal as my hunger grew.

Quality of Towels★★★★★
Bedroom Cleanliness★★★★★
Temperature of water★★★★★
Did the hotel/venue provide toiletries?YES

Dining Area

Now, it was time to descend and explore the dining area, along with deciding which dishes would capture my attention from the menu.

Given that it was my inaugural visit and I aimed to promote the establishment, I mentally committed to indulging in three courses, contingent on how satiated I felt after the initial two courses.

Upon entering the dining room, I was greeted by a delightful atmosphere, and I was ushered to a tastefully presented table. As I perused the menu, I decided to enhance my experience by ordering a glass of wine.

Eager to explore dishes beyond my usual choices, I found that every option on the menu sounded exceptionally enticing. Faced with the challenge of selection, I had to trust my instincts and narrow down my choices.

STARTER

Confit Duck Terrine £n/a tonight (normally £7.50)
with soused vegetables, toasted sourdough & orange gel

Contemplating my starter, I considered at least three dishes but ultimately settled on the confit duck terrine—an intriguing choice not typical for me.

Upon arrival, the presentation was exquisite, and every element looked appealing.

As I indulged, the duck terrine proved to be remarkably flavorful with a delightful texture. The toasted sourdough was fresh and complemented the dish perfectly, while the accompaniments, even on their own, were bursting with flavour.

Each bite crafted the perfect amalgamation of tastes, making this dish truly amazing. I couldn’t find a single flaw, and I’m thrilled I opted for it. It set the tone perfectly for tonight’s meal.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★★

Fillet of Pork £n/a tonight (normally £17.50)
wrapped in prosciutto with black pudding, mash, caramelised apple puree, grilled spring onion & wholegrain mustard jus.

As I contemplated my main course, I debated between two dishes: the roast butternut squash risotto and the fillet of pork.

After careful consideration and reading the description, I chose the fillet of pork.

Upon arrival, the presentation was once again exceptional, and the enticing aroma heightened my anticipation. Sampling the pork on its own, I found it perfectly cooked, without a single fault.

The mash had a delightful flavour, and the black pudding chunks were expertly prepared—light and not overly heavy. Combining these elements, along with a touch of caramelized apple puree, created an extraordinary bite.

The caramelized apple puree elevated the entire dish, allowing each component to shine individually while creating a perfect balance. The balance between the whole-grain mustard dew and the apple puree was nothing short of perfection.

Following the main course, I struck up a conversation with a guest at the adjacent table, and it turned out she had ordered the exact same dish as me.

Without sharing my thoughts on the dish initially, she expressed sentiments identical to mine. We both praised the perfect balance and agreed that it was an exceptional dish. Impressed, we both conveyed compliments to the chef. That’s how remarkable the experience was.

Dish Flavour★★★★★
Appearance★★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★★
Value for Money★★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★

Iced Honey & Drambuie Parfait £n/a tonight (normally £7.50)
with sable biscuit, poached pear & blueberry compote

After relishing two fantastic courses, I was somewhat full, but the temptation to explore dessert for a potential trifecta of amazing courses led me to the Iced Honey and Drambuie Parfait.

Once again, the presentation was impeccable, and I eagerly indulged. The poached pear proved to be absolutely amazing, the biscuit had a delightful taste, and the combination of all elements, much like the previous courses, harmonized splendidly.

This was undeniably a fantastic meal, offering yet another delightful option that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Dish Flavour★★★★
Appearance★★★★
Serving Size★★★★★
Aroma★★★★
Value for Money★★★★
MY RATING:★★★★

Breakfast Area

After a restful sleep, I made my way down for breakfast.

The breakfast area, situated in a distinct section adjacent to the dining area, was also aesthetically pleasing. Inside, there were options for warm foods, cereals, teas, coffees, juices, and savory items like toasts and croissants. I’m not usually one for breakfast, typically opting for just a coffee, but on this occasion,

I tried a couple of small items, and it was quite enjoyable.

Final Thoughts…

As always, before I proceed with my final thoughts, I want to clarify that everything you’ve just read is my honest opinion. Even though I was invited, and the dinner, bed, and breakfast for the day were completely free, I have provided my feedback with the same level of honesty I would have offered if I had paid for it.

Firstly, a big thanks to the team for extending the invitation.

Overall, my stay was flawless. Right from the moment of arrival, the staff was exceptionally friendly, extending their warmth not only to me but to all guests in the hotel. Dinner surpassed my expectations, offering exceptional food.

I enjoyed a truly pleasant sleep, and the checkout and breakfast experiences were equally delightful, with the staff maintaining their friendly demeanour.

I genuinely couldn’t find any faults during my stay. Despite my efforts to identify something to comment on, I came up empty-handed.

If you happen to be in the area, I highly recommend checking out this hotel. I’d love to hear about your experience and whether it matches or even surpasses mine.

Overall Value for Money★★★★★
MY OVERALL RATING★★★★★
The above blog post review is 100% honest and has not been influenced in anyway. Its a true representation of my thoughts.