Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa

The only complaint we had was the expensive meals inc b’fast and dinner,

There was nobody at reception to check me in and I had to wait a while but the staff were friendly. Ordered room service which was not great as dish was slightly cold and I was charged quite heavily for the convenience! Room was quite noisy as above the area of the bar where people could sit outside.

Decent stay. Main reason I chose here was that it listed it had laundry facilities (according to its details on Expedia), only to come and find out there are no laundry facilities. Ended up having to find a hacky way to get my laundry done. But other than that, it’s a decent place for the night: spacious, comfy bed, front desk was really nice. It was good for a night, but wouldn’t really want to stay any longer honestly

Lovely hotel in beautiful surroundings.

Even though it was a little dated, the hotel was nice and comfortable. It’s a beautiful location and we did lots of walking and enjoyed the pool and steam room. However the service was poor at best. Breakfast was pure comedy. On the night of stay, I was frustrated to have to wait 15 mins plus to order a drink and then despite sitting patiently at the bar for 15 mins, the bar served someone who arrived behind me. We waited so long to be served we went to another local pub for more drinks. Breakfast was hilarious. We waited 30 mins to be seated in a queue, whilst looking at at least 10 empty tables. The food was quite nice but the service was so slow to clear tables that other hotel guests started clearing and cleaning tables to help get the queue moving. Never seen anything like a child cleaning tables at a hotel his parents paid for. Some young lass was literally telling staff what to do. Then to top it off one of the candle heaters under the food somehow grew to an actual fire. Another guest in a strong Scottish accent shouted ‘Fire. There’s a fire. Is there a fire extinguisher or a blanket’ to which no staff responded. Some guy put out the fire and everyone cheered. Breakfast was funny and quite tasty.

Properly needs attention, unclean restaurant tables dirty not cleaned. Staff can do better

For a 4* hotel the building, in a lot of places, was tatty. In my room there was a lot of paint which had flaked off the windowsill, one of the windows didn’t close, there were chips on both the shower tray and sink, and the radiator was covered in rust. Some areas of carpet in communal areas was fraid. There was a very limited amount of tv channels and the lift didn’t work the whole time I stayed. The receptionist originally directed me to the lift. I was up two flights of stairs, I am an OAP but there was no offer to help me with my luggage on arrival or departure. I was asked during my stay to give feedback from the company and did. I got no response. For the price I paid I was extremely disappointed.

Beautiful views.Plenty parking and excellent service .Staff more than helpful at reception and food first class.

Very aged, limited breakfast, not worth the price

Bits falling off the entrance door, toilet door, bin broken, wardrobe door broken, wc broken/cracked gutter leaking, iron plug broke.

I felt the hotel was tired and the furniture dated, the food menue was poor and bar was very expensive.

Great break with my husband

Staff were insular and not helpful. We were not aware checkout was at 11 am and they actually opened our door and yells at us to get out.

Great hotel, swimming pool really good size that you can actually swim in. jacuzzi would be good in the future. Bar prices unrealistic - spirit with mixer and zero beer just less than £20, won't pay that again.

Won’t be back. Initial bedroom dated and very poor wifi. Managed to get another room with good wifi but again the room was dated. Lift was not working but luckily I was on the ground floor. No biscuits with the coffee/tea in 2nd room. At one breakfast sitting no water available to drink next to the juices, they had ran out of some hot breakfast food and I had to ask for more (usually the food is checked and topped up regularly at other hotels). Bedroom view was lovely.

Outstanding venue, location, staff and facilities but the sad part was the food which was very very expensive and so disappointing.

Have stayed here many times A good location for walking and quite Needs to be refreshed, parts of the hotel are currently being redecorated but furnishings in the bedroom starting to show their age! Spa and pool facilities good and staff there very accommodating and friendly

The location is what we wanted. Things that could have been better reception needing new flooring looked very dirty with tired looking furniture. Further upgrade to rooms required extra keys,fridge,safe,,decor. Why we wont be back served drinks in dirty glasses machine fault i guess. Waiters not really trained enough, also BO personel hygine not coverd at dinner and breakfast.

We booked a rare overnight stay to celebrate my birthday, having arranged childcare for our two young children — but the experience was incredibly disappointing from start to finish. Upon arrival, there was no one at reception and we waited nearly 10 minutes before anyone acknowledged us. Our room was dirty: the safe didn’t work, there was no fridge, visible mould in the bathroom, and a stained headboard that left us uneasy. When we complained, we were told no other rooms were available and the only solution offered was a re-clean. The hotel felt run-down. The lifts were out of service, the pool area was unclean, the steam room didn't function, and the spa itself was in poor condition. My massage was interrupted by scratched, skipping CD music and noise from an adjacent waiting area. Worst of all, the therapist ignored my request for lighter pressure, leaving me in pain. Staff at Spikes Bar were rude when we asked about food, replying simply “not today.” We ended up paying £10 for four dry, stale chicken wings at the main restaurant — a total rip-off. In the morning, the kettle in our room was full of mouldy water and the mugs were dirty. This was meant to be a relaxing birthday treat, but instead it was a stressful, unhygienic and disappointing experience. I am requesting a full refund and hope the hotel takes serious steps to improve. I would not recommend this hotel to anyone based on our stay.

Our room was clean and comfortable, cannot fault the room. The dining area/restaurant was not clean. We were seated at the window on tuesday early evening and I looked down and noticed the carpet particularly grubby with lots of crumbs, we had the same table next morning, the same crumbs plus more, by our final morning on thursday we were siting further back so could see all along under windows, wrappers, chips, crisps etc all still lying. It felt like no attention to detail, place getting quick hoover in middle of floor. They are in the middle of painting the stair well so some attempt to freshen it up. The lift was out of order however this didnt effect our stay. Our bedroom had no faults however we wouldnt stay here again, much nicer hotels for the money

We arrived late after a long drive. Reception was indifferent Room was fine if a little tired . Comfortable bed

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Friendly staff and very comfy bed. Room seemed a little dated. Breakfast lovely. Disappointing that pool was closed but overall nice stay

No plug for sink and outsidr windows needed cleaning Apart from this it was ok.

I booked the superior room and it was anything but. Dirty linen, holes in the divan, shelving was battered, bathroom panels in a terrible state, no leather left on headboard, chairs were in a right state and a dusty smell to boot. I asked to change rooms and was taken to the only other superior room which was in just as bad state. The hotel worker even commented on how bad the smell was. Had to downgrade my room to find one that was clean enough to stay in. The surrounding area is beautiful but this hotel needs a major refurbishment it’s tired and dated and I wouldn’t waste my money staying at another Macdonald any time soon.

Room was fine, zero WiFi on the lower ground floor. Breakfast was extortionate (and not particularly good). Website said pool and sauna were being renovated but I didn’t go to check if they were open (no reduction in price of stay).

There was a pungent smell in our room as you opened the door maybe the fabric chairs need washed tv is out of date as no Bluetooth facilities the bed in our room was two singles bases joined together the latch that should lock them together was not fixed so the beds were splitting apart when we were about to use them bathroom nice and large clean food in restaurant is overpriced Indian section bland tasteless service in restaurant great manager and waiting team location is beautiful where to hotel is chefs need to be trained better carpets in rooms need washed so that rooms feel fresh

Rooms are tired, now also cashless

Could do with some improvement, carpet in rooms very worn and stained. Same with upholstery, sofa in room had holes in the upholstery and appeard dirty. Beds comfortable, ensuite clean and nice shower with Elemis products. Reception staff very helpful. Pool, sauna and spa unavailable for use but we werent informed either before our stay or at check in.

2 night stay. First room had view of car park and a large stain on carpet. We were moved to a room with a lovely view of golf course. Breakfast was nice but our main complaint is to Hotels.com for not advising us that the pool was closed for a few weeks.

Reception welcome was very good . Room was very good ,nice and comfortable. Restaurant for dinner was very pleasant. Breakfast was shocking ,we were seated, waiter wanted our hot drinks order and hot food order ( we had only sat down and haven't even seen the menu). We waited a long time for our hot order to be taken ,in fact 2 clients stopped the waitress to give there order .We went for fruit and cereal, while awaiting our hot order. Hot order came and our finished cold food plates were still on the table we had to move them ,because the waiter only has 2 hands !!!!. No supervision of tables ,tables left with dirty plates and cutlery. I went to get bread to toast ,,no tongs to lift any bread or pastries . Nobody came to ask if everything was okay . I wouldn't class the breakfast as busy ,,just not enough helpful staff that know what they are doing . Very disappointing.. Im glad the breakfast price was included in the room price because £24 per person is very expensive.

Such a shame McDonald Hotels are not investing any money into their properties. They should be ashamed of themselves. We visited here in 2021 and found it to be charming. Such a beautiful location and service as a 4 star hotel should be. We returned for another 1 night stop over this week and were so disappointed to find the hotel tired and grimey with dreadful carpets and faded drapes, cracked tiles and even a hand towel hanging on the back of the bathroom door from the previous guests! The reception staff were pleasant and welcoming but the prices in the bar and restaurant were terrible. Breakfast was £24 Person if you didn’t book it with the room, but then also they had a £6 supplement for certain dishes like avocado on toast, eggs Benedict and eggs royale etc and the moment I ordered one of these dishes I was immediately asked if I realised this incurred a £6 surcharge. Obviously being able to read I could see this and said yes, and to my amazement, instead of adding it to the room bill for checkout, the card machine was whipped straight out and we had to pay there and then before breakfast was even cooking. Having then tasted the poor excuse for this dish with hard poached eggs, a measly amount of hollandaise sauce, a far from fresh muffin with very strange textured salmon, I could then understand why, as frankly I wouldn’t have paid £15 for such a sub standard offering let alone £30. Thank god we were only there for one night. We won’t be returning again as frankly I be

Super place and super staff

Great stop off for family wedding at Kailzie gardens. Thanks

Very quiet, checkin was seem less, very easy and room was beautiful. I had booked a king and required it to be a twin, this was no problem and the ‘late maid’ setup the room perfectly! Highly recommend this hotel.

Lovely 3day break. Food was lovely, serviing was very helpful, staff were excellent willing to go the extra mile. Really nigh time with no hassles recommend it to anyone.

The facilities were very good and we were very comfortable. The restaurant experience was poor - long waiting times to be served, had to ask more than once for water, menus etc. Customer focus was missing. Seemed like the restaurant staff needed more training & supervision.

Great short break in a lovely hotel in beautiful surroundings

The location and staff at the hotel were brilliant but sadly the rooms (at least my room) was badly in need of renovation and a good clean. The bed was super-comfy and I liked the water fountains on each floor, although sadly none of them had gas for the sparkling water option. Breakfast was lovely, plenty of choice and served piping hot.

Location of outstanding beautt

Hotel is on beautiful grounds and in a stunning location. However, the rooms are a bit aged and need some work to really be a top level hotel. It felt as though it had mostly new staff working - service reflected lack of experience and thought. There were some experienced staff who were excellent but not enough of them. Lack of attention to detail, lack of dining options, lack of those nice touches that make a hotel special. Overall, a safe and pleasant stay, but wouldn’t necessarily choose to return to the area to stay here.

The deluxe room overlooking the golf course with opening patio doors was excellent and made our stay memorable. Leisure facilities such as swimming pool, steam room and sauna were good and the spa staff wonderful. On arrival, Bob on reception made us feel welcome and was brilliant. Dining in the restaurant in the evening was pleasant and with good menu options however breakfast service disorganised with being asked to wait while a table was made available which was annoying as never experienced this before at other hotels we have stayed at. The hotel is perfectly located for hiking and beautiful views so scenic. We couldnt fault any of the staff they were all wonderful and polite. We will certainly be visiting again as one of the best hotels we have stayed in.

Spa facilities were basic and not very clean, a bit disappointing. Room was a good size and bed very comfortable

Loved the Spa, 18 metre swimming pool, sauna and steam room.

Hotels pretty run down, our room was a good size but curtains were ripped and carpet stained. Most of the staff were great but the breakfast staff with the exception of the manager all just walked around aimlessly. Almost every table was covered in dirty plates and they just walked past them back into the kitchen at snails pace. Pool is a good addition and hotel is a great position to access peebles if yiu have a car as about 5 min drive

Nice Spa, bar is a bit dismal

Only thing wrong was poor internet signal

The food was excellent. The room was comfortable and spacious. The staff were excellent in every area of our stay could not fault them. I would highly recommend the Cardrona to anyone

The WiFi was poor and kept loosing signal. Not as bad after moving rooms.

Lovely hotel with friendly staff and good food.

Lovely location with good countryside views. We found the waiting staff and one night male receptionist were not very welcoming with a smile 🙁 Daytime female receptionist was jolly and chatty and helpful 😀. The bed maker made the quilt cover too short and didn’t reach our shoulders. Following morning we pulled the excess quilt cover out of the bottom of the bed and had a better warm night sleep. Very good breakfast.

We had a one night stay and could not fault a thing, will definitely recommend to others

The hotel is in a brilliant location

Lovely hotel, pool, sauna, steam room and a great breakfast

Great facilities.. Staff were attentive to us considering I sure theve just had a busy festive period Fiona on reception is an asset to the hotel.

It wasn’t nice , beds were like sofa come beds , which were not comfortable and double bed was was too small like single bed , there was only hot water in taps , pool closed 2 hours early on our arrival, chairs in room were too dirty , overall it was just a waste of money .

I have just had a lovely stay here. The room was very comfortable and clean. I noticed a previous review saying that the room was cold. I put the heater on and it was warm in 5 minutes. The staff were amazing especially check in at reception, the bar and the lovely lady at the spa. They were all so helpful and attentive. I had a lovely time at the spa. Room service was nice. It was such a relaxing stay. I will stay again.

Room was spacious but not set up as you would expect for a 4 star. Bed comfortable. Mirrored door came off the runner when I slid it open, husband put it back in place. No kettle, no hairdryer, mismatched cups, 1 packet of biscuits. Bathroom products were lovely. Lounge area had no fire on so not very welcoming and temp was cool. Enjoyed dinner, less so breakfast. Pool and steam room were good.

Bedroom heater was not working so we were given an upgrade ro a superior room. Would recommend a visit.

Having stayed here in the past I found this hotel disappointing no tv working in bedroom despite staff effort to fix it. We found the bed less than comfortable and noisy from the road Evening meal had to be reheated all of which means I may not be returning to this Hotel

Very nice

Excellent stay all in all. We was planning to attend the Edinburgh Xmas markets but didn’t want to stay in the hustle and bustle of the city center. We wanted a hotel with a pool so this hotel fit the bill exactly! It’s about 45 minute (very scenic) drive from Edinburgh and better still there’s a bus literally on the doorstop to the city center. We checked in at approx 10pm and found the hotel and its staff to be warm and inviting. The room was very spacious with all the amenities you’d expect (coffee/tea equipment, iron, ironing board, hair drier) and even a branded luxury was kit included! The bathroom was spacious with hot water and good water pressure. The main king size bed was very comfortable and the bedding pristine and warm. Our daughter’s sofa type bed was less comfortable and the mattress was a bit thin and flimsy but she said it was ok to sleep on. We had the full English breakfast which was cooked to perfection but wasn’t the biggest breakfast. I’d have liked hash brown, beans and more mushrooms but couldn’t knock the quality. We used the pool which was lovely (but a little cold) the steam room and hot rock sauna were fantastic. Better still they allow children over 8 into the saunas which my daughter loved. Areas of the hotel are a little tired and need a bit of a touch up but all in all a very nice stay. Thanks to the staff who were very helpful and made it a really pleasant stay.

Beautiful location, personnel very attentive

Excellent stay as always, beautiful setting, great staff, relaxing spa experience - all good. Outstanding breakfast. See you soon!!!!!

It was ok

Was all fine, apart from the room being very cold and the heater didn't seem to do anything even when turned up, the towel rail also didn't want to work and when you tried to turn it on the knob came away exposing wires. Otherwise was a nice place to stay for the price.

Lovely hotel, breakfast is very nice and plentiful. Swimming pool although a little dated is very nice. Hotel is let down with the price of drinks from the bar, pint of Guinness, rum and lemonade, £14.95.

Hotel was nice and staff in the restaurant and check in at reception were great. Food and facilities were great but there no heat in our room. We managed to change room and the next room the heater also did not work. Reception were not helpful after this and did not offer any other solution or a portable heater so was a cold overnight sleep. We had to sleep with jumpers on.

Hotel is in need of a refurbishment.

Very clean.hospitable staff. Dining experience was very good

Staff is really lovely the food is great

The staff are all lovely and helpful, the view is amazing xxhighly recommended ✨✨✨✨✨

Facilities were good.... Accommodation was fine..... Plenty of staff around, but all seemed to be doing their own job, not working together. Food good, but long time between courses. Disagree with 10% added service charge and cashless payments only.

Stunning location with rolling hills , lots of walks and cycle paths Property was constantly getting cleaned and the rooms were very spacious The breakfast was delicious and the staff very friendly Will definitely be booking again , and passing on how great the hotel is to family and friends.

The overall feel of the hotel is quite dated but for the price we paid it was good value. The staff at reception were very welcoming and efficient. The room was huge, loads of space for family of 4 and it was clean and comfortable. We used the swimming pool which was a good facility, the whole pool is 1.2m deep, slightly too deep for small kids but we made do. Next was dinner, most importantly the food was pretty good and we enjoyed the meal. Service was organised but perhaps a bit rushed at times and I have to admit I did a double take at the bill, while happy with the meal we felt the prices are high for what you get. We got a good nights sleep, all the beds were comfortable and breakfast the next morning was also good, plenty of choice between continental and cooked options. The hotel is in lovely scenery with plenty of options for walking, cycling, museums etc nearby. Overall felt the bed and breakfast rate was excellent value but this was offset by the cost of the evening meal!

Beautful hotel in a lovely part of the world! Just down the road from my work visit at forest holidays. Food was great and room was spacious and comfortable. Would love to stay again and for longer!

Not worth the £110. Room was tired looking, poor WiFi & tv didn’t work. Checking out there was no one on the desk so didn’t get a chance to tell them directly

Country club feel, with lovely surroundings.

Cant believe no wifi in room and patchy unusable in most areas. Restaurant staff are not that engaging. Massage was awsome. Food was nice. If ur not into Golf would stay somewhere else.

Wasn’t a great stay.

N

Lovely hotel great pool and spa

1 night only , but very nice room with amazing views and very comfortable room

Great mini break with the dog. Good walking and unusually good weather!

Stayed one night. Food and beer were very pricey for the remote location. £34 for Sirloin is extreme. I had Fish and Chips for £20 Bed was big and comfortable. Furniture was very tired hence the 3 for condition. I would still go back though.

To be honest I was barely at the hotel as I had something to sort out in Scotland. The room was comfortable and the restaurant was ok. The staff were polite and helpful.

The room could do with refurbishing the arm chairs were very low and difficult to get out off. The bathroom ceiling was slightly mouldy from the shower. The breakfast was fine but disappointing as the bacon was smoky and no jam for the toast.

The room was a bit tired but the staff and food were excellent.

Breakfast was terrible but the staff are outstanding

Upon entering the room it was clear that the bathroom hadn’t been cleaned with a very dirty toilet, basin, shower and bath. Head of Cleaning staff was annoyed that we had raised this issue and was extremely rude. Bar service was almost non existent as very short staffed. At dinner rib eye steak cooked all the way through when asked for medium. Only had sirloin left that then came totally rare. Don’t normally complain or leave bad reviews but from start to finish the stay was very poor. Definitely wouldn’t return.

Upon entering the room it was clear that the bathroom hadn’t been cleaned with a very dirty toilet, basin, shower and bath. Head of Cleaning staff was annoyed that we had raised this issue and was extremely rude. Bar service was almost non existent as very short staffed. At dinner rib eye steak cooked all the way through when asked for medium. Only had sirloin left that then came totally rare. Don’t normally complain or leave bad reviews but from start to finish the stay was very poor. Definitely wouldn’t return.

1. The shower temperature kept fluctuating. Reported twice but not fixed. 2. Cooked breakfast was appalling! Kept in large “dome” vessels but all tasted “rubbery”. Was pointed out to Management who did try to improve it the following morning.

Our room was spacious and clean , bathroom was bright clean and towels were fluffy white . Food in restaurant was very good ,friendly staff nice walks round by hotel and golf course right beside hotel

Uncomfortable beds with singles pushed together. I booked KING ROOM. So really it should have been a King bed, not singles pushed together that seperate with the slightest movement. We were also basically chucked into a mobility room. It seems that this is common practice when you book any "Superior" chain hotel via hotels.com. The room wasnt what was advertised, expected or in my opinion worth the money. Very disappointing.

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Pillows had hairs and grass in them. Transferred to honeymoon suite - no shower gel, no shampoo, no handwash and coffee machine did not work

Beautiful location, hotel a bit tired. Service ok but quality of food could improve. All elements generally could do with review and updating.

Stayed here for one night with my partner, room was nice, basic and clean. Comfortable bed. Horrible shower that went really hot and really cold intermittently. Quite expensive food and drink wise. The breakfast was awful… so so bad. Nice pool. Nice Surroundings. Friendly staff.

I arrived having pre booked a top floor room - no ! Was the response until I explained I have pre booked - then I got to my room having booked a double to get a twin room - then I got told no cash - when it started on you information that card only began in November - then on checking out - no body at reception- this is by far the worst hotel I have ever stayed in - never never again and I will make sure non of my cycling colleagues and friends never have to go through the humiliation I had to suffer - discussed

Beautiful surroundings, comfortable beds, nice choice at breakfast. Booked following visit to Edinburgh to see Taylor Swift at Murrayfield. 45 minute drive from Edinburgh. 24/7 check-in which we needed.