My wife and I have been traveling across Scotland and Ireland, staying in a mix of high-end and boutique hotels. The Rathbaun Hotel was by far the warmest and most welcoming of them all. While the building is a bit older, it’s incredibly well maintained — everything was clean, solid, and cared for. Even the bathroom silicone joints were spotless, which says a lot about the attention to detail. We stayed at far more “modern” hotels that looked nice from afar but were worn and dirty up close. Not here.
The staff were the true highlight. We arrived late around 10 PM, and an older gentleman came out to the street, saying they were worried and waiting for us. While I parked the car, he carried two 55lb suitcase's upstairs — an act of kindness I won’t forget. The woman working downstairs was equally lovely, funny, and full of local recommendations that really made our trip special.
And I have to mention the bed sheets — unbelievably soft, better than any we had at pricier hotels.
If you’re all about trendy looks, this may not be your place. But if you care about genuine hospitality, cleanliness, and a great night’s sleep, this hotel is a hidden gem. Highly recommended.
