As someone with paranoia regarding noise and cleanliness in hotels I need not have worried about my stay at The Marcliffe.
Housekeeping clearly had an obsession with cleanliness and as for peace and quiet and a good night’s sleep I could have heard the proverbial pin dropping in my luxurious suite (an upgrade received by virtue of being a SLH Club member).
Arriving after a full days touring of Royal Deeside, something which should not be missed, we sank into our armchairs in front of the log fire in the bar. Looking across at the impressive array of malts I was delighted to see bottles from each of the six distilleries we had passed during our trip. Now with no drink and drive restrictions it was time to sample their delights. Our barman’s extensive knowledge was impressive as was his obvious dedication in having made the effort to sample such a wide range of malts himself!
Suitably rejuvenated we turned or attention to ordering our evening meal. Local produce dominated with fish lobster and scotch beef to the fore. Options such as 20oz steaks (with or without lobster) suggested, as was later confirmed, that the clientele included many Americans from the oil industry! Scallops are a personal favorite but I have rarely if ever experienced anything approaching the quality of the dish we were served. Exactly the same comment can be made regarding our (8oz!) steaks – like the scallops not served up as fancy dishes but simply the result of top quality ingredients being prepared with care and skill and then beautifully presented.
It would be difficult to leave The Marcliffe without being aware of the owner’s love of golf. The walls are covered with a veritable whose who of professional golf together with a fair number of celebrity amateurs, invariably pictured with the owner. The inside word from many of the staff is to resist the temptation to issue a challenge – or if you do to limit the stakes, he appears to be rather good! Apparently Donald Trump is a regular visitor and player but he probably can afford the odd loss!
I could honestly say that during my stay I did not meet a single member of staff who did not act as anything but an ambassador for the hotel displaying exceptional pride in the hotel and in the professional execution of their own role. A simple recipe for success in any business but so rarely achieved.
Very impressive.