Cairndale Hotel & Spa

Friendly staff, dog friendly and in heart of town. Main parts of hotel were decent and to a good standard

For what we got it was very expensive. A small double which was probably 2-3star quality, old windows and just didn't feel very high spec for the price. Entrance from car park felt you were heading past the bins and in the back door. Not very special.

Staff were very friendly

Room decor was a bit dated

Traditional hotel - lovely rooms. Excellent breakfast. Helpful, friendly staff.

My mum and I stayed here from January 23rd – 26th, 2026, for a much-needed girls' getaway. As Scotland’s first and only independent spa to achieve the prestigious Five Bubble Luxury rating, my expectations were high. As someone who visits a lot of spas and values wellness rituals, I can say this was an exceptional experience! Lovely Bubbly Parts Incredible Service & Staff: The staff were the absolute highlight of our trip. Unlike most spas that just give you a towel and point to the door, we were given a detailed, personal tour. It was so helpful to know the benefits of each room and how warm they get—perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting to maximize their visit. The New OAK Restaurant: On Saturday evening, we tried the brand-new OAK restaurant. It’s beautifully themed with plants, wood accents, and a warm log burner that creates a cosy, homely feel. The food was delicious, the prices were reasonable, and the staff were once again incredibly helpful with recommendations. Special Afternoon Tea: We had our tea in the spa café in a quiet, calm setting—all while wearing our robes! They have amazing tea menus where you can actually open and smell the leaves before choosing. We upgraded to the Champagne Afternoon Tea for £46 per person, which was a lovely treat. A Personal Touch: We even met the Director, Matthew, as we were leaving the spa. He was so friendly and down-to-earth; when he asked how our stay was, my only reply was: "Can I move in?!" The Award-Winning Spa (£50pp for 2 hours): Totally worth it. The water beds in the quiet area were a dream for a quick nap, and the infrared sauna was my absolute favourite. Top-Tier Changing Rooms: The changing rooms (near the spa café) are fantastic. They feature the best power shower I have ever had, plus top-of-the-range GHD hairdryers and straighteners. The "Wow" Room Upgrade: We were upgraded to a Family Suite, which was huge!

(sorry, but honest) Hydration Costs: There is no water fountain in the spa. You have to purchase bottled water at the bar for £3.25, which adds up when you're rehydrating after the sauna. Room Location: Our suite was right next to the lift and the maids' towel room, so we heard some noise during the night and early mornings. Out of Order Facilities: The ice plunge pool was down for maintenance during our stay, which was a shame as we were keen to try it. Basic Breakfast: The food was hot and filling, but the variety was a bit limited—likely because it was a quiet period. The Verdict: The staff were the #1 highlight, followed closely by the incredible spa and the new OAK restaurant. Even with the hotel undergoing a fantastic renovation, the experience was wonderful. We’ll definitely be back—and we'll be taking the bus again!