West Highland Lodge

An overall satisfying experience. The rooms are comfortable with good beds and clean provided bedding. The kitchen is fully equipped and there is plenty of fridge space. The improvement point lies in number of showers that is insufficient for the size of lodge. The location is great, close to city center and pubs, but far enough to be in a call area in the green, and half of the rooms get a stunning view over the next leg of the West Highland Way. Staff was kind for check-in, luggage delivered alright, and onsite instructions clear .

For the price they charge this place should be a LOT better than it is. Having stayed at other hostels in Scotland where I have had pre-made beds, ensuite showers and towels supplied for less ££ / night I think this place is just coasting on the back of a captive market. There really weren't enough showers for the capacity of the bunkhouse. Worse those that were there weren't clean (I mean basic not clean not high-end deep clean standard). The kitchen had malfunctioning sockets so it was hard to use appliances. One of the 2 TVs didn't work - not a big deal, but if you are going to provide one then at least make sure it is useable. Parking was made very difficult - again not really a problem for most but IS if you have children, dogs, mobility impaired people - if there is no parking then say so BEFORE people turn up. There were two large fridges & one freezer for which was great but the dry goods storage capacity could have been better given the amount of people the hostel can accommodate when full. The good points were the wonderful location / views and the weather!

The aggressive and unfriendly greeting ruined the uplifting effect of the spectacular scenery and surroundings. The proprietor’s sister lives next door and seems a complete misfit in the hospitality business, shouting, as she did, at new arrivals and, on her own admission, watching and listening to our conversations via CCTV. The Lodge is dirty. Two ladies’ showers ( 3 for 8 four -bunk rooms) were so filthy that they would not drain. And we had the disgusting task of clearing them ourselves in order to have a shower. The kitchen shelves had clearly not been regularly cleaned. The TVs were not working. Despite the myriad notices ordering guests to clean up after themselves, very little staff cleaning and hoovering was carried out during the day. Despite Covid prevalence and instructions as to hand washing one soap dispenser was not refilled. One ladies loo-paper dispenser was not refilled.