Today, I had a meeting with a representative of McKever Hotels, at the Ewington, Glasgow. McKever own 11 hotels in Scotland, including the Ewington in which I place clients from to time. The Ewington has excellent self-catering apartments across the road. The Ewington is in need of a refurb with 3 rooms already done. I took the opportunity to take some pics of a room which has already been refurbished-see following 2 pics. The Ewington enjoys a good location, being on a relatively quiet street and close to Queen's Park.




Views of the front of the Ewington Hotel




Here are some swans and ducks on the pond in Queen's Park. All swans in the British Isles (except Orkney) belong to the Queen and thus enjoy protected status.

Labels: hotels

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:02 PM  0 comments

Star Rating

This hotel currently has no current star rating but will apply for same (probably early 2007) post the refurbishment which is currently in process. In the writer's estimate rating should be strong "3" if not a "4". Absence of 24 hour reception may militate against the latter.

Rooms

Five Superiors (doubles/twins) each of which has a lake view. These are currently priced at GBP70 per person for bed and breakfast.

Five/six intermediate rooms which are priced at GBP55.00 per person for bed and breakfast. One bedroom with four poster bed and lake view.

Four standard rooms priced at GBP45 per person for bed and breakfast.

Location

A former manse which is set just a few metres/yards form the edge of Scotland's only lake-Lake Menteith. The bar and dining room benefit from superb lakeside views of this famous lake in which is located Inchmaholme Priory with its Mary Queen of Scots connection. The pontoon from which the small boast which transports visitors to the island on which sits the Priory is conveniently situated just a few hundred metres form the hotel.

Close to the hotel is a large local church. Behind are the beautiful hills of the Trossachs. Aberfoyle is about 5 miles distant whilst Stirling is 14 miles away. Glasgow and Edinburgh are each about one hours drive.

Food

Nick Nairn's Cook School is about 5 minutes away from the hotel. Nick Nairn appears to have a small equity interest in the hotel.

With Nick Nairn's School close by and the two rosette Glasgow Buttery under same ownership/management as the hotel, there is, naturally, a strong emphasis on quality food and fresh, local produce.

Staff

Staff (about 8) are mainly British with a small contingent (2) from Eastern Europe. The writer was very well received by the staff during his visit and gained a favourable impression of service quality.

Public Rooms

A stylish, New England type interior with a fresh/clean impression notwithstanding which an upgrade/refurbishment is planned.There is a bar dedicated to malt whisky tasting.

Market Niche

The hotel appears geared towards the private visitor as opposed to budget coach tours. Location relative to Edinburgh and Glasgow means the hotel is convenient for corporate offsite activities such as "brainstormings" and conferences. The hotel management have targeted this market and provide a well equipped conference room and a connected "break-out" room. There is limited internet "wi-fi"connectivity.

Publicity

A new brochure is planned for 2007.

Summary

This hotel far exceeded the writer's initial impression gained from the website. The latter does not do the hotel justice.

Visit the Trossachs and Inchmaholme Priory with catswhiskerstours

Labels: hotels

posted by Catswhiskers @ 6:21 AM  0 comments