This
is the first time we’ve ventured into Scotland; we were invited to a wedding and
flew up a couple of days early to stay in a “nice place”. We had a look on the
web and, courtesy of Google, found an advert for the 4 starred Knockomie.Knockomie is one of those strange places that has a website that doesn’t really show you the hotel. We’ve found that most places have the same spiel, but you’re looking for pictures to describe the place and see if it really looks like what you’re after. From being an amateur photographer, this is actually really easy – as all you need to do is get a pro in to take the pictures, then pop them up on the site! Strangely Knockomie has already done this, but put the pictures only in it’s paper brochure. Anyway, it sounded nice so we took a punt.
The first thing that struck us was how far away it was from the airport… and how expensive the taxi was! We were led to believe that Scottish taxis are much lower priced than in London, but the reality… they’re the same! We would have spent less hiring a car. Still, very nice chatty taxi driver so it wasn’t all bad!
Knockomie is basically an old, large house. Not that old at about 1930s, but you might think older as it is rather grand and has large, unusually shaped areas and could never be called modern. Arriving you are greeted warmly by staff waiting for you who know your name, and immediately whisk your bags away and guide you through into the reception area... which is actually a lounge as the area doesn’t have a checkin desk. This was very tastefully decorated in “stereotypical Scottish lodge style”… or what I think that should be anyway! They perform the check in formalities quickly and informally by asking you to sign once on a pad. I’ve never had a problem waiting at a hotel’s check in desk, but someone greeting you by name, having your details and key ready and asking you to sign once comes across as very organised.
The
room we stayed in was on the ground level and walking to it we passed another
nice lounge, tastefully decorated corridors and saw the nice views it has to
offer. The room was immaculately presented, spacious, well equipped, and with a
very nice looking 4 poster. The bathroom was rather bland by comparison, but
perfectly adequate.For a 4 star the hotel is small on facilities, but makes up for it for that small, warm and cosy feel. The Whisky bar was particularly lovely with a huge range and extremely knowledgeable barman (a Scotsman with a South African accent!). The restaurant was on 2 levels, and seemed to have quite a few private cubby-holes and areas for not feeling you were being overheard.
The
gardens were very picturesque and well maintained… and quiet. There wasn’t
really much to do though. We decided to go for a walk and did came across Dallas
Dhu Distillery which was quite interesting (link
here). We didn’t get to where the manager suggested as a route though and
when we got fed up of walking, a local pub that we enjoyed until our rescue taxi
arrived!In the evening we ate in the hotel. The restaurant itself was lovely (very private too!), the service was very good and the food excellent – far greater than we were expecting. After the meal we had some amazing Whiskies by a rather gorgeous fire and cat! A really nice evening – very quiet, private and everything as it should be.
Knockomie is a strange one. It’s best described as a private, cosy, intimate 4 star hotel tucked away in the middle of nowhere. Lack of facilities or not, it certainly deserves its 4 star badge and you’re certain to come away relaxed and content.
