I was very disappointed to read such poor reviews about this accommodation and very nearly altered our travel plans to avoid staying here, but in actual fact, I'm glad we didn't alter them. If you look into what you are getting from a place before finally booking, you should get exactly what you expect. I did, and I think some of the comments in the "terrible" review list are a bit unfair.
Firstly, this is a HOSTEL, not a hotel, so you won't get and don't expect room service, tea/coffee supplies (sugar, milk jiggers etc) although you may have a kettle supplied (we even had to use souvineer mugs we'd bought on the rest of the holiday to drink from), toiletries provided in the bathroom, TV in the room (again, we took our tranny and listened instead) and don't expect a cooked breakfast. We didn't and were quitehappy with cereal, coffee, fruit juice and making what toast we wanted. You even make up your own bed on arrival. Clean bedding was supplied at the end of each bed. We had 4 beds to make up and it took us only 15 minutes.
Secondly, when it says HOSTEL, it usually means inexpensive (or cheap) and at £19.50 per night each including breakfast, I doubt you'll get much "cheaper" without sleeping in a tent.
The accommodation - we had was clean, functional, furnished adequately, beds were comfortable (I suspect they've been upgraded since some of these reviews were written) and the ensuite bath/shower/toilet in both rooms we had were a better, yes, BETTER standard than I expected from reading these reviews. They were clean and functional. The public areas, although reminiscent of the 1970's/80's was clean and well kept. The lighting in the communal lounge/breakfast service area could be improved and the pool table didn't seem to work or operate. The only other minor disappointment was that we couldn't find a way to get into the garden area to show the children the pond that we were told was there.
Breakfast - was adequate. I knew there was no cooked breakfast when I booked, so didn't expect one. Cereal, toast and coffee is what we have at home.
Evening Meal - not available. Just head into town and see what you can get.
Value for money - Yes, less than £20 per head for a comfortable bed, a bath, continental breakfast and a friendly HOSTEL reception.
Generally - on first appearance when you drive into the car park, your heart might sink as the outside does look a little run down. Once inside, it's OK. Pay £19.50 per night, this is what you'll get and expect. Pay £195.00 and you'd have cause to complain.
Stay there again - Yes, if passing through the area again, I know what to expect. Incidentally, I notice it's mainly the natives who've given this place a low rating. The Scots seem to expect an awful lot for very little outlay. Is this something they're famous for?
- Glenfield Hotel Ullapool
