View from the Room: Stirling Highland Hotel

"Not many schools get turned into hotels, but not many hotels have an astronomical observatory on their roof’”

This is one of those dream-come-true moments. Tucked away below the castle, we stopped by this grand hotel a few years ago when in an effort to get away from the dullness of staying in Fort William. It was Easter weekend and there was no public transport to Ben Nevis(!) so we took the train to Stirling for the day. We liked it, more so after discovering this stunning hotel where we stopped for a couple of hot chocolates in the ‘head-masters room’.Yes the Stirling Highland Hotel was once a school built in 1854. I said if I ever wanted a relaxing, sit-and-watch-the-world-go-by type holiday, this is where I’d come to sit and read. The views from the hallways – now wonderfully decorated with yuletide stars (they know how to do Christmas here) was what hooked me.There was no reading (there never seems to be these days now that I am no-longer a solo traveller) other than one-half of a Sunday Times Style magazine from early December.But, having been away for a month travelling around a few provinces in Canada, it seemed extravagant even by my standards to have the Christmas break abroad too.We decided on Aberdeen as a UK city we’d never been to but as we wanted a road trip (to pack up any remaining gorgeous festive food and bring it with us) Stirling seemed an appropriate first stop and the Highland Hotel oh so convenient.I can tell you know, I will be back, every year if I can help it, considering it is so close to the train station.

Location

Incredibly central with a few minutes’ walk to the main shops and the amazing castle. There is limited free parking and it it’s likely you can see your car parked in the courtyard from your window. 

Bathroom

• Towels – basics, 2 small bath and two hand towels
• Overhead shower only
• Possibly the most powerful taps I have ever experienced; bath runs an incredible powerful bubble bath in about 3 minutes!
• Good space to store essentials around sink unit
• Just shower gel, body lotion and shampoo/conditioner (which was not replaced upon room service – is this a new thing now? I had all my own toiletries on this occasion so I didn’t question it)
• Toothbrush charge point
• Tissues
• Sanitary bags

Room

• Power points: dotted around the room with one fairly close to a mirror
• Controllable heating and very warm! I had to open the window at one point - in December!

Storage

• Three Drawers + one on each bedside
• Double wardrobe with sliding doors with 8 hotel hangers plus deep shelf.
• Shelf in refreshments cupboard

Refreshments

• Kettle although curiously no socket for it nearby on a table surface. No fridge
• Usual sachets tea/coffee

Breakfast: an excellent hot buffet offered in a couple of luxurious rooms with views. Welcoming service.

Dressing

• Mirrors in the right places, including a full length one
• Iron and board in wardrobe

Relax & sleep

• Two armchairs and a table
• Desk/dresser unit with one chair
• TV on wall
• Double bed with one large winter duvet and 2 pillows plus 2 spares of cushions

Lighting

All befitting lamps rather than a central light and only a little dark

Service

Excellent throughout from reception, breakfast and the lovely bar in the lounge where we returned for a cheeky nightcap. I vow to spend more time in there upon a return visit.Room 305 suited our needs and looked on the courtyard. Maybe we'll strike out for something even more luxurious next time.

See the full article with photos on my travel blog: Reach up for the Sunrise@RickieWrites