IMPORTANT: Have you had a holiday in Scotland Lately?

[wheels5894]

I had a poor experience of the Columba House Hotel a month or two ago. Rated *** and Grade 1 Accesibility, it looked just  the part for a holiday. I am putting together a website to show off the photos. I asked VisitScotland for a copy of the inspection report under FOI but was refused. We are appealing.

So, have you had a recent holiday in Scotland and relied on VisitScotland ratings? If so, could you give some details. I am very concerned that the inspection regime is not really doing the job at all and want a bit more evidence to throw at them.

I would be very grateful for for anything you can tell me.

Robert

P.S. Email me if you are not happy putting stuff on the forum - my email address is in my profile.

[Gary Anderson]

Wheels just back from 2 weeks in Aberdeenshire. Me and my mate an Iraqi veteran who has lost both legs (one above knee one below knee). He uses a wheelchair for showering, etc. We had no problems whatsoever, mind you, we did not use any VisitScotland sites or suchlike. We did it all ourselves simply by calling to B&Bs ahead of our visit.

When it came to sightseeing - there was nowhere that we did not manage to get to. Everyone was very kind and helpful to us. My mate has 2 x "C-legs" which tell him what surface he is walking on however, assistance came in all shapes and forms.

[beeboi]

To claim that you are a higher rated hotel than you actually are, and advertising that you have facilities which you don't is actually an offence. What amuses me is that the hoteliers may think that they are doing themselves a favour, but in the long run they are actually damaging their reputation. If a visitor sees that the hotel doesn't actually offer what is advertised in a magazine or on their website then the number ofwill no doubt increase.

The internet particularly is making a hotels offerings increasingly transparent. Most sites now offer reviews by visitors and such, and there are even comparison websites which offer a good insight into what facilities are at certain locations. The best thing is, such information sites are usually populated by people like you and me, who have been to these hotels / holiday parks  

[Gary Anderson]

Just returned yesterday from a few days in Inverness with "Big Bruv." He arranged the accommodation and everything. We were in a B&B and to be honest the facilities were spot on. I have no complaints. Considering it is a couple who have turned their house into a B&B, the adaptations were superb.

[wheels5894]

Where did you you stay, Gary? We ought to start to compile a list of good places.