Escape to Crieff: Unwind at the Stunning Comelybank Guesthouse
Escape to Crieff: Comelybank Guesthouse - My Unvarnished Truth (and a Seriously Good Spa Day!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Comelybank Guesthouse in Crieff, and I've got thoughts. This isn't your sterile, corporate hotel review; this is me, unfiltered, spilling the tea (complimentary Earl Grey, naturally) on what it was really like. And spoiler alert: it was a rollercoaster.
First Impressions (and a Little Panic About the Stairs - Accessibility, ugh!)
Landing in Crieff, the Perthshire air hit me like a gentle (but slightly damp) hug. The Guesthouse itself? Gorgeous. Seriously, postcard-worthy. But the accessibility…well, let's just say my knees were screaming a bit. The website promised "facilities for disabled guests", which sounds encouraging, but getting to the front door involved a few steps that, frankly, had my aging joints staging a rebellion. Access could be better. They did have an elevator, which was a godsend, but navigating the older building involved stairs here and there. I'm not exactly a wheelchair user, but if I were, this place would require some serious planning.
The Room: Cozy Chaos and Killer Views
My room? Ah, bliss! Okay, maybe not total bliss. It was a bit like stepping into a curated antique shop. Room decorations were definitely a thing; think floral wallpaper, a beautiful old mirror, and a desk I could actually work at. The bed was a cloud of comfort, and thankfully, the blackout curtains were top-notch! My sleep is sacred. Air conditioning? Check! Felt glorious after a day of exploring the area. Free Wi-Fi? Ding ding ding! Wi-Fi [free] in ALL rooms! The Internet access – wireless was lightning fast.
There were a few (very minor) imperfections. The carpeting seemed a bit dated, and the bathroom was on the small side. I’m not sure if having a bathroom phone is actually a thing. But the separate shower/bathtub was a lifesaver after a long day hiking, and the toiletries were lovely. They even had bathrobes and slippers! Makes you feel like a queen – until you realize you’ve spent the last half hour wrestling with a particularly stubborn clasp on your suitcase. But hey, daily housekeeping sorted that out.
Safety First (& Second, and Third… Especially Lately!)
I'm a worrier by nature (thanks, anxiety!), so the Cleanliness and safety aspects were a big deal for me. Comelybank took things seriously, which really eased my mind. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, staff trained in safety protocol, and anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use. There was a safe dining setup and the rooms were sanitized between stays. I saw CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, giving me peace of mind. There were smoke alarms in the room and a fire extinguisher in the hall. Seriously, they thought of everything. The safe in the room was a nice touch, but I’m honestly not sure what I’d put in it. My collection of hotel key cards?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Adventure!
Okay, the food. Let's talk food! The Breakfast service was included, and it was a proper feast. A buffet in restaurant was available, but they also offered a more leisurely breakfast in room option, which I highly recommend. I'm not a huge fan of mingling before I’ve had my coffee. They had everything: Western breakfast (classic!), Asian breakfast offerings, and even a vegetarian restaurant option. The coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful, and the bottle of water in my room was a nice touch.
I had a couple of meals in their restaurants. The food was generally good, I especially enjoyed the salad, The bar was perfect for a pre-dinner drink. I also noticed they had desserts in restaurant, and I definitely sampled those! I thought they could add a bit to the Happy hour, but that’s just me being greedy.
The Spa Experience - Where Everything Melted Away (Including My Stress)
Now, THE highlight. The spa. Let me tell you, Comelybank's spa is pure, unadulterated heaven. I'm talking Spa/sauna, Swimming pool, Pool with view, the works. I booked the "Ultimate Pampering Package" and, honestly, it was worth every penny.
First, the Body scrub. My skin has never felt so soft. Then, the Body wrap (rose-scented, swoon!). Followed by a massage. The therapist worked out knots I didn't even know I had. The Massage was so good, I actually almost fell asleep. The Sauna was perfect, and the Steamroom was divine.
They also had a Foot bath, which was surprisingly wonderful. The Fitness center… well, I glanced at it. Honestly, after the massage, I was more interested in the pool. The Pool with view was spectacular; I could have stayed there all day, just staring at the landscape.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
Comelybank excels at the small touches. They have a Concierge was incredibly helpful, and the doorman always greeted me with a smile. They offered daily housekeeping without even having to ask. The Luggage storage was convenient, and the safe deposit boxes were available if you needed them.
They also had contactless check-in/out, which I appreciated (no waiting in line!). There's a gift/souvenir shop if you're looking for a memento, and the dry cleaning and laundry service came in handy (especially after my clumsiness with the local curry). There was even car park [free of charge] on site. A real score!
The Verdict?
Comelybank Guesthouse is a mixed bag of charm and minor imperfections. The things they get right, they get really right, especially that spa. The food is good, the staff friendly, and the location is ideal for exploring Crieff and the surrounding area. But the accessibility could definitely be improved.
Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I’m bringing my own personal sherpa to help navigate the stairs!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Villa Kuretake, Hamamatsu's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is real life, Comelybank Guesthouse edition, Crieff, Scotland. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the occasional existential crisis sparked by a particularly delicious scone.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Scone Conquest (and, Oh God, the Sheep)
1:00 PM: Arrival at Comelybank Guesthouse. Cue triumphant music! Or, at least, a slightly bewildered squint at the quaint, slightly crooked sign. First impressions? Charmingly… weathered. Gives off the "lived-in, loved-in" vibe, which is either reassuring or terrifying, depending on how much you appreciate a spot of dust.
1:15 PM: Check-in. Met by the owner, Agnes (I think? names are tricky when jet lag is involved). Agnes is a force of nature, a whirlwind of floral prints and vaguely disapproving smiles. She's got the kind of voice that could soothe a banshee or guilt you into eating your vegetables.
1:30 PM: "Settling In" - or, more accurately, dumping my suitcase on the bed and collapsing. The room is small but cozy, with a view that almost makes up for the slightly lumpy mattress (note to self: invest in a travel pillow).
2:00 PM: The Great Scone Conquest begins! Agnes recommended the local bakery. "Best scones in Perthshire, dear." Famous last words? Absolutely not. I swear those scones were sent from the heavens. Flaky, buttery, with just the right amount of jam… I'm not exaggerating when I say I think I heard angels sing. I ate two. Don't judge me.
3:00 PM: A wander through the town of Crieff. Adorable! Shops selling tweed, whisky, and things I can't even begin to identify. Almost bought a kilt. Almost. My thighs are already judging me.
4:00 PM: SHEEP! Everywhere! Seriously, these fluffy little beasts are like the mascots of Scotland. They're cute, but they also make that unsettling baa-ing noise that makes you wonder what they're plotting. I may or may not have tried to (gently) pat one. He definitely didn't reciprocate.
6:00 PM: Dinner at a pub recommended by Agnes. Fish and chips that were… decent. Nothing to write home about, honestly. But the pint of local ale? Sublime. Starting to see why the Scots have such a reputation for warmth. It's the beer, people. It's the beer.
7:30 PM: Back at the guesthouse. Trying to read a book. Falling asleep. The mattress… I’m starting to see her point.
8:00 PM: Contemplating the meaning of life while staring out the window. The Scottish countryside is beautiful, it's true. But it's also making me want to write poetry. And I'm absolutely terrible at poetry. Should I start a blog instead? Maybe not now.
9:00 PM: Bed. Sweet, slightly lumpy bed.
Day 2: A Day of Adventures (and More Scones, Because, Duh)
8:00 AM: Wake up! I'm alive! Breakfast, which is a perfectly decent full Scottish breakfast. Haggis is… interesting. Let me just say that.
9:00 AM: A road trip! Agnes recommended the Glenturret Distillery. Whisky tasting, obviously.
10:30 AM: Arrive at Glenturret. The tour is informative, the whisky is smooth… and the gift shop is dangerous. I may have purchased a bottle of something I can't pronounce. Worth it.
12:30 PM: Lunch somewhere? I am hungry.
1:30 PM: Okay, okay. Time for proper adventure. I decide to go to the the Comrie Croft for a little hike. It was the weather that was pretty. The ground was muddy. As I took a wrong turn and got lost with a map.
4:00 PM: Back to Comelybank, I need a shower. I am too much time to get back home.
5:00 PM: Oh, right. Yes, I forgot. The scones. I get scones. And a scone made.
7:00 PM: I may go to a restaurant for dinner. I am still full.
8:00 PM: I am going to the bar!
9:00 PM: I am going to bed.
Day 3: Departure (and The Great Scone Farewell)
8:00 AM: The last breakfast. The last scone. I ask to speak to the chef.
9:30 AM: I must depart. The guesthouse looks sad.
10:00 AM: A heartfelt goodbye and thanks. I love it here!
10:30 AM: Trip to the next place.
Reflections:
Comelybank Guesthouse, Crieff. It wasn't perfect. The mattress was a menace. But it was real. It was authentic. And, yes, it had the best scones in Perthshire. Scotland. You've got me. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing a better pillow. And maybe, just maybe, I'll learn to appreciate the sheep. (Probably not, though.)
Flushing's HOTTEST Hotel: 4-Star Sheraton Luxury Awaits!
Escape to Crieff - Comelybank Guesthouse: The Truth (and A Few Rambles)
So, Comelybank... is it actually nice, or just Instagram-pretty? Don't lie.
The breakfast. Tell me *everything* about the breakfast. I live for breakfast.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they all the same? And are they *actually* clean?
Location, location, location. Is Crieff a good base for exploring?
Anything I should be aware of before booking? The fine print gotchas?
Okay, be honest. Is It REALLY "unwind-able" at Comelybank? Or is it just another place to stress me out?
The Garden: What's so special about it? Is it just grass?
What about the downsides? Anything that annoyed you? Spill the tea!
Would you go back? And would you recommend it to a friend?
