8 · Botanical Balcony King Suite with Bath

We had a lovely time despite the criticisms above. Blackheath is a beautiful location. Positive: Breakfast was adequate (Cereals, milks, juice, boiled eggs & breads, butter, jam, honey & spreads were provided). Location was very good for us as we travelled by train. It was also nice to have the cakes and treats available in the Common Area (the so-called "Reception"). It was good to have a verandah to sit on to look at the rather well-kept garden. Kookaburras visited the yard each day to add to the country garden effect. Negative: There is no Reception. The room referred to as "Reception" in the confirmation email is just a Common Room or lounge. That email says that they "offer" self-check-in. No, They IMPOSE self-check-in! There is no choice. There is no-one to greet you when you arrive or to explain anything you might need explained. You are not "received" by anybody. This means there is no-one on site who takes responsibility for anything. There would be no assistance if you had difficulty with a heavy bag, for example or if, as we encountered, there is no "toaster" or "electric jug" in the room (as specifically promised.) On the other hand, the promise of a toaster in the room was quite odd, given the breads provided were actually in the kitchenette (as you would expect). No bread is provided in the room. The door you enter that Common Room through is a French Door and is extremely narrow. It would be very hard to get through if you had a large bag or were a physically substantial human. There is almost no material about the local area in the room and there is absolutely no material about the accommodation itself or its features or facilities. A welcoming folder with information and on these aspects of the accommodation is standard amongst places like these and all the more so as there is no Reception to answer any questions you might have.

Comfortable stay at traditional mountains guest-house Positive: Close to town centre, very comfortable, and complimentary self-serve breakfast Negative: Nothing

Beautiful Retreat Positive: Room and amenities were clean and comfortable and set in a beautiful garden environment. Short walk to Blackheath where you will find sufficient eateries, supermarket, boutiques, gift and antique shops. Negative: That we couldn't spend more time at Rowan Brae.

Positive: Was last-minute booking, lucky to get a place for stay. Very well maintained house, clean and comfy bed. Negative: We travelled with kids, and no extra bed can add in the room. have to book separately room, extra coast

A peaceful oasis with fabulous beds. Positive: Old world charm with a beautiful garden and extremely comfortable beds. Kitchenette provided the makings for afternoon tea and breakfast. Rooms all had small fridges and nice crockery and glassware for breakfast or drinks. Negative: The plumbing! The shower was very temperamental and getting the right balance of hot and cold was a challenge.