Reviews of Kings House Hotel, Ballachulish
Review by peter Phipps-brown on 3rd January, 2013
Add your review Date visited: june 1988
Yes its been sometime since my last visit,what a place i loved it chap called Nicholson owned it at the time,also ill always remember the crzy chef,but dam he could cook.What has happenend to all those people?
Review by Peter on 18th July, 2011
Add your review Date visited: 13/7/11
My wife and I dropped into the hotel on our way up to Glencoe for a coffee.
The lady on the desk could'nt have been more friendly or helpful. She directed us to the bar where a friendly New Zealander gave us our coffee.
We then whent back up to little sitting area. When lady saw us she suggested that we sit in the lounge where there are fantastic views.
After sitting for a little while the owner came through and we had a lovely chat with her.
We found the staff and owner very friendly and helpful.
We liked the character of the hotel and would certainly consider staying there if we where up in that area again.
We always like to make our own mind up about places instead of going by negative reviews
Review by Paul on 22nd March, 2011
Add your review Date visited: 2011/2012
I have never stayed at the Kings House hotel, but while planning a trip of the WHW I have read many reviews.
I am planning to walk the West Highland Way in late 2010 or early 2011 for charity and myself and my fellow female walker plan to backpack the entire walk to add to the challenge.
My original plan was to camp the night at Kings House, and buy evening meals and drinks and breakfast in order to at least be able to use the toilets. However after reading the reviews, it appears this is not welcome at this location. I have also read how people tell the campers to shut up and go elsewhere, this is not possible if backpacking the WHW as the Kings House is one of the few safe places with people between Bridge of Orchy and Kinlochleven and thus will attract campers/walkers and backpackers. It appears that camping is allowed and the land belongs to the hotel.
Myself, like many campers / backpackers would be willing to pay a couple of pounds for a night for access to toilets and showers, with the bonus of having the pub for drinks and food (evening and breakfast) adjacent. I am sure many backpackers would pay say £2 per night to use toilet and showers at this location if made available.
However, in view of the reviews that even using the toilets are out of the question I have decided to skip this overnight stop. I have contacted another location on the route, who have been more than helpful and friendly towards our challenge of backpacking and camping the route and have offered toilets as we are willing to buy evening meals and drinks, along with breakfast and packed lunches with Kings House becoming a lunch stop.
I would have loved to have stopped here and would be willing to pay a few extra pounds to use toilets/ showers, but as they do not seem to allow this then I will be walking past.
I am a regular visitor (every other weekend in summer) to a location within a national park and again very remote, where the pub has bunkhouse and camping facilities and they do a roaring trade from walkers / backpackers. The pub does excellent evening meals and breakfast and has basic toilet and showers for campers and during the summer this is a very busy location, but with very friendly staff and welcoming to walkers.
Thus, my advice to the owners would be to maybe consider providing basic toilet / showers for backpackers and making a small charge for using them. It would sure change my route plans and reduce the long walk distances otherwise involved.
Review by Bill and Sheila Evans-Evans on 6th June, 2010
Add your review Date visited: April/May 2010
Thanks again to everyone at the Kingshouse for another memorable stay. As always, nothing was too much trouble for the staff, and we'll be back for more as soon as we can.
We also met many interesting people, most of whom were walking the West Highland way, and had come from many different countries to do so. Nearly all of these said that the Kingshouse was the best place they had stayed at on their long walk, and those who had read previous reviews, said they just couldn't understand the uncomplimentary comments about the staff.
Looking forward to seeing the view from room 10 again.
Bill and Sheila Evans-Evans
Review by grace on 28th May, 2010
Add your review Date visited: long ago
I worked there years ago. A beautiful place, At present I am looking in to booking for a few days break there
Review by Lucas on 11th February, 2010
Add your review Date visited: 07/02/2010
I was camping so only used the hotel for the toilets and showers (eh yes!)and its clear that they can be improved. I've heard that food and accomodation aren't that great and that the main strength of the hotel lies in its toilets.
Review by Kerry on 29th October, 2009
Add your review Date visited: 31st October 2006, 07 and 08.
Complete waste of money, I only went so much because I thought it might get better as it was the only halloween event in my area. It didnt.
Review by bill and sheila evans-evans on 4th October, 2009
Add your review Date visited: 1st - 19th August 2009
Having stayed at the Kingshouse many times in the last 20 years, (have already booked for 2010) I wonder whether the people who complain so bitterly are actually staying at the same Hotel. I can't help feeling that "Barbara" must have often been looking in the mirror when she saw so many miserable faces!
I also wish the campers who complain so pathetically about the lack of toilet facilities would eiher shut up, as the Kingshouse clearly advertises this fact, or go to a campsite which offers showers and toilets. Perhaps they would rather spend their money on beer, than pay out a few pounds for camping.
As far as we are concerned, the food improves every time we stay, and as I am trying very hard to lose weight, I appreciated the help given by Kitty to lead me not into temptation.
Get a life, you miserable complainers.
The Kingshouse is a lovely hotel, in a lovely situation. It doesn't profess to 5* hotel, but as far as we are concerned (and believe me, if there is something to complain about we will do so............., and we've stayed at many 4* establishments, can't afford 5*!)there is nowhere in the world where we would rather stay. No television programme can equal the views from the windows, and the need for morning papers gives us the excuse to drive up and down Glencoe every day (Too old and inform to walk, unfortunately)
All I can say is "Carry On, Kingy" you've got everything
Review by davie on 27th September, 2009
Add your review Date visited: 1983-2009
some of these reviews are hilarious .especially the daft bint with her nice bit of lettuce !
Kingshouse is great boozer in a fantastic location. Camping round the back is a bonus and does not give you rights to roam around the hotel in the morning in your pants with a toothbrush hanging out your mouth !
Have camped ther many times and stayed in hotel twice.
staff have always been great and food good.
doing the WHW again soon and looking forward to that first pint.
some of these folk would be better off booking into a travel inn,sit down with a wee medium sherry and look at pictures of glencoe on their laptops.
Review by manager on 21st August, 2009
Add your review Date visited: 20 august 2009
You must have visited a different hotel, they don't serve rump steak, just delicious locally sourced sirloin and rib-eye steaks either with blue cheese sauce/ pepper sauce or on a bed of haggis with a whole grain whisky sauce. I would suggest that if you have an issue at any of the places you may dine, you would take it up there and then, instead of using this cowardly route!
Review by Barbara on 15th August, 2009
Add your review Date visited: 14th August 2009
Both myself and my partner recently stopped by the Kings Hotel on our way back from Nairn for some dinner. Having never visited the hotel or read any reviews I must say that it was the worst meal I've ever had,(and I,ve had a few).I ordered the rump steak and my partner ordered the battered haddock. I asked for the steak to be cooked medium to well done and it arrived on my plate burnt to a crisp. I forced myself to eat a few mouthfuls but could not rid my self of the taste of burnt meat. My partners Haddock was obviously frozen fish which was saturated in fat.The side salad on both dishes was a lovely piece of ice berg lettuce? yes , no tomatoes, cumcumber or coldslaw just a few bits of lettuce. During our meal we could not help but over hear the bar women moaning to the other staff (as she was hardly discreet)about management issues which we felt was very professional!!! I also feel the need to mention the condition of the Hotel for anyboby thinking of staying here, it looks like it's never been decorated since it was built, it's very dull and dreary and the toliets are in need of a good clean. The atmosphere must have had a nock on effect on the guests staying there as nearly everyone we met had a face that looked like a slapped arse. I have read the postive reviews that have been posted on this site and have came to the conclusion that they must have been made by staff working at the hotel or individuals who are mentally insane.
Review by Robert Phillips on 8th August, 2009
Add your review Date visited: 27July--3August
I stayed 5 nights a the Kings House and had a grand time. I took many fine walks from the hotel--the Devil's Staircase and Kinlochleven, Glen Etive, Rannoch Moor, and others right from the hotel. Wonderful to be able to walk all day and return to a bed and very good food. The location is outstanding and there is a superb lounge with large picture windows framing the Glen. On cool evenings(most) there is a coal burning fireplace in the lounge in
front of which a wee dram or two goes down well. While there I had a medical emergency which required an overnight stay at the Ft. William hospital--the hotel staff, including the owner and his mother, responded to my problem with a level of care that I have seldom encountered--I am deeply grateful to them. I was soon back on the mountains working up an appetite for the hearty food in the lounge bar. Especially recommend: Steak Balmoral and the Haggis. Breakfasts set you up for a days climbing--try the kippers with a couple of poached eggs on top!
RE the negative reviews;This is a climbing/walking hotel c. 1930'3 and as I said to the owner,"keep it that way". If you don't like it, stay at the Hilton. As for the unhappy campers--Where else can you camp for FREE in what is perhaps the most beautiful site in the world?
Review by pete on 28th June, 2009
Add your review Date visited: june 2009
Stayed at kingshouse in june - had good hearty food a comfy bed and a great view.
Review by Craig on 10th May, 2009
Add your review Date visited: 03/05/09
Having read the reviews of the hotel prior to my visit I will be honest and say that I felt the negatives were probably overstated and that they were made by people with overly high expectations, however having now visited,I would have to agree that in my experience they were justified. The hotel boasts that it welcomes walkers and it did but only whilst activly taking your cash, it would appear that the owner has no understanding of aftersales service. I had until this visit never had any licenced establishment complain to its customers about leaving their cars in their carpark after the consumption of alchohol, ie not encouraging drink driving. The service was nothing short of abismal although to be fair the food was good and the bar warm. Hospitality however is the driver of return visits and of spreading good reputations and is somthing that this hotel would be well advised to work on, hospitality does not stop at the cash register,coming from a background in customer service it somthing which I feel quaified to comment on. As a business I can't help thinking that they are missing a huge opportunity to develop their relationship with their customers and thereby increase their business. Having just spent a not incosiderable sum in one evening I found that Highland hospitality was sadly not in evidence on this first and last visit.
Review by Mike Patterson on 9th May, 2009
Add your review Date visited: May 2009
Having happily camped behind the kingy for years, I may be able to help the unhappy camper below. I have discovered that the land behind does in fact not belong to the queens estate, but does belong to the kings house. What I can suggest though, if he wants to free boot on the crown’s estate, is that he drives himself and his entourage to Buckingham Palace, parks his vehicles wherever he likes, and pitches his tents in the gardens. In the evening spends a few pennies, before retiring to bed. The following morning he can the plant his annus horribelis (I have an A in Latin) on her majesty’s lavatory…all gratis (or would he end up a persona non grata?). Bill Wallace.
Review by Kings House sympathiser on 9th May, 2009
Add your review Date visited: May 2009
The Kings House is a small hotel, which for over 250 years has welcomed in people from all walks of life. It provides food and beverage to residents and non residents alike in both bars and indeed the 'residents lounge' where the stunning views can be appreciated. I my opinion if the hotel were to allow access to the toilets every morning to everyone camping round and about the hotel, they would be dealing with a totally unmanageable situation. I know for a fact that there would be a constant flow of non residents ( wash bags in hand ) queuing to use the loos and the showers for that matter. I have seen fellow campers stripped half naked taking full advantage when the hotel staff are busy serving breakfast. It can't be pleasant for a resident who has to then fight his or her way past in order to get to the loo. They have to draw the line somewhere.
The Hotel does not have or claim to have the wash and toilet facilities to cater for an further 20 or 30 sometimes more people camping nearby.
I understand that people who pay for dinner in the hotel the night before feel they are owed something, but I ask you, if you ate out in a restaurant anywhere else, would you assume the right to use the toilets the next morning as part of the meal deal?
Wild camping is allowed at the back of the hotel at no charge, and if you want to pay to use the shower and toilet blocks at a commercial campsite then you have that option in both Kinlochleven and Glencoe.
I will continue to frequent this fine establisment, and look forward to hearing all the stories that the bar staff have to tell it must be a great place to work. Good Luck Kingy you can't please everyone.
Review by Unhappy Camper on 3rd May, 2009
Add your review Date visited: 02/05/09
As part of a group raising money for a well known charity by walking the West Highland Way we decided to camp at the Kingshouse Hotel. Unfortunately, I have to agree with the previous review that the hotel is extremely unfriendly to campers. We were directed to a different bar than residents by a sign and there are notices everywhere telling you that you are not even allowed to use the toilet!! We spent a considerable amount of money in the bar on food and drink (in the hunredS) which we had to take the order and serve ourselves (the bar staff shouted the order out and we had to go collect it personally). The following morning the owner came out, told us not to park where we had, refused point blank to let us use the toilet even when we offered to buy breakfast for a small number of us and was extremely rude, looking at us like we were worse than something on your shoe. When we reminded him we had spent lots of money he said, "so do a lot of other people, we don't charge you for camping". As we were on the other side of the bridge to the hotel we do wonder if the ground belonged to him or the Crown? As a Scot I am embarassed that this is the impression we give to visitors and knowing what I know now would have walked the further 9 miles and stayed an extra night at Blackwater in Kinlochleven where they were extremely hospitable. Can I suggest that the hotel charges a small amount (people would pay a pound) to campers for use of the toilet and a sink to wash your hands.
Review by Roshene McLaren on 11th March, 2009
Add your review Date visited: Sat 21st March, 2009
Really looking forward to staying at the Kingshouse for my boyfriend's birthday (hint,hint Kingshouse!) Glencoe is my favourite place in the world, have done lots of hillwalking up there in the past and you cannot beat it for scenerie. Used to descend straight into the Kingshouse for a well earned pint!! Happy days!! I especially love the cosy wee bar at the back! Cant wait to stay!
Review by Pamela on 25th January, 2009
Add your review
I haven't stayed at Kingshouse for some years, but when I did, I enjoyed myself greatly. My room faced directly out onto Buachaille Etive Mor, a spectacular view; there were deer feeding under my window at 3 in the morning; and I was made to feel very welcome by the staff. Unfortunately, I did think the food could have been vastly improved: there was bar food, and restaurant food, and the choices were actually better at the cheaper alternative. Perhaps it's better by now. Still, I'd gladly go back...the memories of walking from the hotel to Glencoe village are still vivid.
Review by martine on 7th January, 2009
Add your review Date visited: 2nd 3rd jan o9
very nice hotel indeed, a very warm and cosy place to stay would reccomend to anyone. This was my first time to the highlands and i loved every minute.
Staff friendly and helpful, good food and excellent value for money.
thanks
Review by Dougie Ferguson on 7th September, 2008
Add your review Date visited: may 2007
I have stayed at the kingshouse several times over the years ,(first time was in 1988) tho not actually in the hotel itself, tho i plan to remedy that in November of this year(Around the 16th, which will be my 47th birthday, just in case the owners are reading this.. lol)
Any time i have camped or stayed at the bunkhouse i have always had a warm welcome, the food is great, the staff are great and the atmosphere is brilliant.A real home from home.
ps. The picture on the hotels website makes a lovely desktop background as well.Looking forward to my trip in November.
Review by Bill and Sheila Evans-Evans on 18th July, 2008
Add your review Date visited: October 2007
Having just found this review page, and having read the grossly unfair review above, also Rod's reply, I feel I must emphasise to everyone who thinks about visiting the Kingshouse, that they could find no better place to stay.
I am writing this on the eve of driving up to Scotland, to stay at the Kingshouse once more (first time was in 1989. I am sure that we will receive the same warm welcome as always, that the food and drink will be as good as ever - try the duck breast followed by cranachan - and there will be nothing whatsoever to complain about.
As Rod says, some people always have to find something to complain about - what a miserable life they must lead. We would rather stay at the Kingshouse than the Ritz, and are looking forward to tomorrow.
Bill and Sheila Evans-Evans
Review by Brian on 16th July, 2008
Add your review Date visited: 2007
After a night camping next to the hotel the snow got a bit heavy so my mate and I went into the hotel where we had breakfast and an update on the weather prospects[not good]so we decided to head home [east coast and west coast].We were made very welcome and the food was good [as always].No complaints,this place and the attitude of the staff in it suits me just fine.
brian
Review by Peter Martin on 10th July, 2008
Add your review Date visited: Frequent Visitor
My family at least onece a year holiday within the Glen Coe area and on each occasion visit this hotel for a bar supper. I have always found the quality of food and service to be above standard however the history of the establishment and its setting cannot be surpassed
My children adore this hotel and on one evening within the lounge were invited by a man walking the West Highland Way to join him outside to feed the deer. The man was resplendent in his highland garb as if he was an extra from Rob Roy and the sight of him and my kids feeding a herd of deer in the moonlight is a moment they will never forget. Disney could do this.
On another occasion whilst walking the Way with a friend I had occasion to make an inforced stay at the hotel. Wet, smelly and bedraggled the staff could not have been friendlier or accomodating. Immediately after booking the cheapest room my colleague and I were upgraded - Highland Hospitality at its best.
There are few establishemnets that can boast the ambience of the Kings House. If its not to your liking can I suggest a Travel Lodge.
Review by The Mr G on 8th July, 2008
Add your review Date visited: 29.06.08
Having been a regular visitor for years all I can say about the Kingy is top class,Rod has worked hard to maintain the reputation of a fantastic venue,having worked for the previous owners and for him I saw first hand the effort he has put in to bring the place into the 21st century,it has always been a welcoming place for every walk of life.The staff are great and cant do enough for the visitors,long may it continue.
Review by Sam Pearson on 7th March, 2008
Add your review Date visited: 02/03/08
The king's House Hotel is a homely, welcoming inn positioned close to the Glencoe Ski and Snowboard resort. My girlfriend and I stayed for 3day and it was an amazing experience. The views are unforgettable, some of the most beautiful scenes you could ask for. The staff were friendly and always there for advice or just a chat. The room was warm and clean, and the view from our window was outstanding. The meals were, as expected, a little pricy, but well worth it! I would recommend this hotel to snowboarders, skiers, walkers or just people looking for a pleasant short break, I shall no doubt visit again.
Review by rockmonkey on 24th December, 2007
Add your review Date visited: late 70s
a real climbers place,always something going on from a crazy chef to up market peeps from alover the place ian nicholson made it a home for ever waif and stray ,
nb what ever happened to the big big man
mb
Review by Katie on 25th September, 2007
Add your review Date visited: Easters/Octobers
Every time we go up to Glencoe we make a point of going out to the kings house for a drink and a chat. It is a very nice and atmospheric pub, and if you are just a tasteless loser then who cares?
PS I like the deer!
Review by Neil Lindsay on 9th July, 2007
Add your review Date visited: too long ago
was always my favourite place to stay back in the eighties ,the service was always first class,and when you returned from a day on the hill it was great to have a cool pint before a first class meal,ive stayed in the hotel several times also the bunkhouse when i was skint ,i remember it when real climbers used the climbers bar not some whingeing west highland way walkers,its true what they say there,s some people you just cant please,the place is also steeped in scottish moutaineering history ,magic
Review by Rodrick Leitch on 20th May, 2007
Add your review Date visited: 12 May 2007
Referring to the 'review' below, and not wishing to change this website into an open forum. However, I do feel I need to comment on potentially damaging comments. I find it bizarre for someone to have the audacity to advise readers not to stay at an hotel, and wish bankruptcy upon them, when they haven’t stayed there themselves. Reading between the lines it appears that this person came to the Kings House with a preconceived opinion. In the quest to criticise felt the need to fabricate some sort of signage problem. I had another look, being responsible for notices, I could not find, nor have there ever been any regarding sitting, standing, drinking our beautifully pure vulcanised water, nor sitting on the grass (what grass?). What we do have are signs requesting people not to light fires (could, and have done, cause wild fires) leave litter, and other standard common sense country code rules, and no smoking signs (official government legislation). Maybe she’s referring to the one sign on a pillar in the climbers bar requesting customers to dry their clothes on the furniture, which would otherwise happen. Signs usually appear where there is a necessity to communicate a message. (a sign reading please do not leave personal belongings unattended is recommended by insurance companies).
In the 14 years I have been here, we have welcomed everybody, and worked hard to satisfy our ever growing clientele. If I would ever become complacent I can guarantee that I would be the first to leave. In this business we do strive to cater for a wide variety of customers and there are without doubt some people who we can not please for one reason or another but maintaining a good business and providing the best service we can for our customers is foremost in our mind. The very upkeep of the Kings House Hotel in its location and character does not suffer complacency.
Review by Sylvia Reedman on 14th May, 2007
Add your review Date visited: 25-04-07
Walking the West Highland Way i found the establishments, welcoming and the service comendable until i got to the Kingshouse Hotel. Considering this is a hotel whose existence is now maintained by the walking fraternity i have never been made to feel so unwelcome.Nearly every toilet, pillar and bar had some poster warning walkers not to sit, stand, leave kit, eat, drink, use water from the taps, sit on the grass etc. I was embarrassed that this was the impression that the numerous walkers from Europe were recieving of Scottish hospitality and i felt it epitomised everything that is wrong with the Scottish tourist trade which i had hoped had been eradicated by some good work by other establishments. I can only hope that another establishment opens nearby and the Kingshouse gets off it's complacent backside and/or goes out of business. I would advise you not to stay in this hotel.
Review by sheila evans-evans on 7th October, 2005
Add your review Date visited: August 2005
As always, the staff at the Kings House were very welcoming. Good food and drink, and extremely comfortable beds. We are looking forward to another visit next year.
In the meantime, we enjoy the changing view of the Buchaille from the webcam.
For many years we've enthused about Glencoe and the Kingshouse, and Scotland in general. We've travelled quite a lot in Scotland, but the Glencoe and the Kingshouse are our favourite place to be.
Talking to someone recently about Scotland,I asked if he had been to Glencoe. He replied that he'd driven through "but there's not much there, is there?"
As "flat earth" (from the Fens) we look forward to next year - and what's more, although we've been to Scotland many times, and at all times of the year, we've never seen a midge!
Sheila and Bill Evans-Evans
Review by Anonymous
Add your review Date visited: 19/11/2004
"A good hotel set in the hills making it a good base for walking in a historical area that is full of interest, very helpful and chearful staff,the food is exellent and well presented, in a very relaxed atmosphere. It is ideal for couples, as i no longer have children with me i could not make a judgment on that situation.
I would recommend it to anybody, young or old."
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