Macdonald Forest Hills Hotel & Spa

It was a lovely stop over on the way to the highlands and was dog friendly which was excellent, the staff were all very friendly and helpful, it was in a beautiful location , highly recommended

A great hotel. Food amazing! Nice stay for Christmas. Thanks!

Worst hotel I have ever stayed in food not fit to eat and still have to pay for staff not interested in any complaints as had a wasp nest over our balcony so could not use when reporting they said we get a lot of them same for food do you won’t it heated up warm water served at tables well as soft drink asked for ice was given in a pint glass lap shade behind the behind the in dining room had food on it I would not stay there if was paid to one hotel I would advise to avoid and definitely not if you are disabled won’t go int that will let the photos paint the picture not a best stay as work in the industry have been to a lot of hotels and this I would rate as the worst I have ever stayed in would not give it one star

Gave a 3 for the views and setting, and the spa area. When we arrived check in was fine but were told that the main restaurant and bar was closed for refurb but the garden restaurant and bar next to it were open no big deal. We stayed in a self catering apartment and must say that the size of the apartment and views were fantastic. Down side to the apartment we had no hot water for 2 days as someone had turned the thermostat off for the water boiler. The bed was terrible mattress was very soft then it was as if concrete underneath. The carpet in the living area was dirty and stained and the floor was giving way slightly in the kitchen area. We used the swimming pool and spa area each day and my partner had a treatment all fantastic. When trying to book the restaurant using the QR code provided in the room was told no availability but when checking at the restaurant was plenty of availability, they said the QR code wasn’t working yet (so why have it in the rooms) We had also viewed the menu online and decided what we would order only to find that the menu in the restaurant was different to what was actually on the menu in the restaurant which stopped us in our tracks. No specials to choose from either. During the meal the wrong sauce was put on a starter (spicy masala instead of burnt tomato and caramelised onion) main course we both ordered the same mine was ok the crushed potatoes on my partners were cold (not sure how they managed that) which meant I had finished my meal before hers came back. Not enough people around to see to the customers we had to go and find them to complain about the meal and were sat with empty drinks glasses with no one in sight coming around to check. My partner was so annoyed with the poor service that she left and let me take care of the bill. When we explained the problems we had when checking out they couldn’t apologise enough and refunded whole meal bill which I wasn’t expecting but shows they don’t want unhappy guests. Was a shame because the setting itself was amazing but let down with poor service and lack of maintenance. Would possibly go again if it was revamped as area was beautiful but would definitely not give it 4 star rating

After booking, we read quite a lot of negative reviews which really disappointed us and lowered our expectations. Upon arrival we were allocated Ben Lomond 3 as an apartment and we had booked for 5 nights. As soon as we walked into the living room and saw the view out of the expansive patio doors, we were blown away. The view from the balcony was like a picture postcard, and I got the feeling that the view from apartment Ben Lomond 3 would be hard to match from the other aprtments due to potential obstructions from trees etc. Yes, as others have said, the decor in the apartment is very dated and the whole apartment is in need of a refresh (looks like it's still the original decoration from when it was built - probably in the 1980's), but it was clean and comfortable, and the kitchen although again dated and looking a bit shabby, was functional and provided everything we needed for our 5 day stay. The bathrooms could absolutely do with an upgrade, there is essentially no shelf space or storage, and the bath surround needs replacing. Having just gone through 2 bathroom refurbs at home, I have an understanding of the massive difference a bit of clever storage and workspace can make to a bathroom. Even a simple cheap vanity unit with some cupboard space to store toiletries would go a long way here. Luxurious it isn't, but as long as you have that in mind, it's more than adequate and comfortable for a stay - and more than made up for by the grounds, setting and location which are all spectacular. The leisure centre likewise could do with a refresh or some investment - half the lockers are broken, but I was able to find working ones on my 3 visits as there were not many people using the facilities when I went in (early evening). I also read comments about tiles being missing in the pool, but it was clean and still fully functional as a pool so no complaints from me, I enjoyed my swims. The gym was well stocked and lots of equipment that all seemed to be working just fine. As we were self-catering and didn't really encounter any issues, I had very limited interactions with the staff, but those I did have made me feel like the staff were nice people and happy to be there. We also didn't eat in the restaurant so can't comment about that, but plenty has been said by others - make up your own minds. This resort is an absolute jewel of a location, and with a bit of investment and vision, Forest Hills could be absolutely exceptional and no doubt command exceptional prices. Whilst my review may be tinged with some negativity, I would absolutely return which I think speaks volumes about the place, as I can look past the tired and dated furnishings, and treat my experience as a whole.