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"Currently service at the Thainstone House Hotel is falling far short of expectations and leaving guests such as ourselves disappointed. The staff at the hotel work incredibly hard and are polite despite the pressures they are under. However too few staff meant that we encountered numerous service issues. For example, at breakfast there was a 10 – 15 minute wait for a table, food stuffs unavailable from the buffet, numerous uncleared tables and almost no staff around to take your order. Staffing in the evening was similarly problematic. Perhaps the crowning glory of an underwhelming experience was when, on Saturday night we were told we could not order cocktails as there was no-one on duty who knew how to make them. Although the hotel is taking bookings on its web site for its fine dining restaurant, it is closed to guests and all meals are served in the hotel bar. Ironically, after you have eaten in the bar, you receive an email asking you for feedback on your dining experience in the Green Lady. One reason we chose the Thainstone House was because of the restaurant. Knowing it is not available and to keep advertising it, is a questionable business practice. Sadly nothing in this post appears new, other guests have made similar points - having now stayed there, I understand why it is compared to Fawlty Towers"

"Convenient hotel. Food good, friendly staff."

"It is a beautiful property on the banks of the Dee. Our room was large and beautiful, with a great bathroom and an amazing shower. We did not eat in the restaurant, but the staff recommended a great place in Peterculter (the Ploughman) that was excellent. The staff was great - the only negative for us was the room was too hot, making it difficult to sleep. Otherwise, great!"

"Really nice hotel with ample parking and lovely staff. Manager was great too"

"Everything was OK it was just an overnight pit stop "

"Really lovely locally owned and run hotel. Our kingsize upgraded room was stunning, and massive. Spotlessly clean and very comfortable. The homemade shortbread in the room was incredible, and they even refilled it when we scoffed it all! Breakfast was tasty, and the hot food was made to order. The on-site gym “The Unit” was really great and fully included in the room rate, which felt like a treat! They are clearly modernising the hotel to an high standard, and as far as we saw only the room corridors and stairs were still to be upgraded. The parking was free and plentiful, and it’s a great base for exploring the surrounding area. All the staff were exceptionally lovely & friendly (with the one exception of the older gent who checked us in who treated us like an inconvenience, and shouldn’t really be working in hospitality) "

"Room was spotless warm plenty of towels and hot water"

"The food is great but very expensive, although Ballater is an expensive place to stay. Evening meal and bar lovely, breakfast amazing. Nice feel to the hotel, very traditional and cosy. We stayed in a standard room, which is basic. Mattress and pillows felt cheap, it overlooked properties but there was no net curtain to offer privacy, dusty, TV had no apps to log into, noise from downstairs clearly audible, door in the hallway made a creaking noise. We were pretty disappointed as the next level was almost double. "

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