Narcissse529
August 2, 2024
My husband and I recently stayed for an overnight at Cringletie as one leg of a 10 leg trip in Scotland. We also stayed for a night last year in August, near the end of a trip through the UK, Wales, and Scotland. We continue to be pleased with our experience at Cringletie. We've stayed at many other refined establishments in GB and feel fairly well versed in identifying special qualities at those places and we must say that Cringletie was exceptional among them. I think it's important to praise what is done well, so here we go: Cringletie is very clean throughout. Thank you. It's difficult to feel luxurious when there are splotches, stains, crumbs, huge marks on the walls, etc. Not only are the rooms clean at Cringletie, but the whole estate is well cared for and guests absolutely do notice that. Mr. Cross was the only owner/manager to have a presence and attempt any communication with guests at the many hotels we've stayed at. Beyond a lovely handwritten note (a fantastic touch) in the room, he also came to speak to us during dinner and greeted us on a morning walk on the lawns...even greeting my husband by name. The little things: no other house supplied homemade yummies in the room; it was only packaged store shortbreads. Having a fan in the room was also super important, thank you...especially during summer heat. The rooms had bottles of sparkling and still water and accoutrements for tea/coffee and some other treats. The woman at the front desk who helped wrap up our artwork purchase was very lovely and personable. She was funny and welcoming. Thank you to her - and sorry we bought the sheep art you loved so much! The dinner staff maintains the decorum one expects of the caliber of meal service offered. The young man who handled the bar and portions of our table service was pleasant and you could tell they were all actively taking care to provide refined service. The food was delightful as always. We have yet to finish all courses in the tasting menu (we had to throw in the towel last time, too!) but only because each course was so good that we ate every bite. The food was refined and delicious and, I believe, and was among the very best of every restaurant we dined at, regardless of how many rosettes they boasted. Similarly related to dining: Cringletie was the only place in our 10 leg trip to serve quality toast at breakfast. Every other house offered only bland packaged mass-produced bread. As someone who doesn't enjoy breakfast but who sits for it while on vacation for her husband's sake, something as trivial as toast quality does make an impression and adds to the pile of finer details that have a synergistic impact. The bedding is lovely - comfortable. Room had everything one would need. The artwork sprinkled in the house is great. Not only does it promote and support local artists but it is so much more authentic and aesthetic than looking at countless mass reproduction posters that have been slapped in a frame. We even e