Holiday Apartments in Ayrshire

Reviews

What our customers say about their holidays

• K - Verified booking

  Stayed in many Trust properties over the years and this was the most disappointing and ironically the most expensive one we have visited.

  Not value for money! There was the basics, but a lack of attention to the details. For example, there was washing up liquid to do the dishes but no sponge or dish brush and only one tea towel for the week. The 'private' gargen was not marked as such and had at least two groups come around to see what was there, one of whom was part of a wedding party looking for a quite spot to drink thier beer. The garden is a small mown triangle of lawn, with 8 manhole covers, one of which must have been part of the sewers because it smelt and the smell blew into the flat (hence the need for the scented defuser in the living room. The dark chocolate brown carpet and cream walls are depressing and the feel of the flat was dark. The view from the windows over to Arran is obscured by Sycamore saplings the have grown up, and really could do with a prune. As mentioned by others, the WiFi is only really accessible in the hallway. That is another quick fix, but as I say the lack of attention to detail (and previous feedback) mean that this is still an issue. While on gadgets, the cheap TV need updating to receive HD because we were unable to watch the local news for weather updates. Like a lot of things about this property, for the price you'd expect better and from the Trust too. Finally one of the polite notices ask that you don't put tea bags down the toilet: who knew that was a thing! So overall a lovely setting in a lovely part of the country, but a not so lovely flat. We will not be back.

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• Andries - Verified booking

  The dullest and most sparse furnishing ever seen in a historic holiday cottage.

  Battleship grey sofas on liver coloured flooring! Jig! Neatly and large but not cousy. Comparative standards: NT cottages, other NTS cottages before Sykes took over, Landmark Trust Cottages and Irish Landmark Trust Cottages. And what we three really missed: a simple garden set to be able to enjoy outside meals, tea and coffee while admiring the view on Arran! NT cottages always have those small iron sets. The last ten years or so we have seen many NT and NTS cottage furnishings change in to non-descript interiors without any historic atmosphere. Pity, the attraction once was exactly that bit of shabby chic with antiques, book cases - including books -, old prints, worn tapestries, snug sofas ... in line with the 'genius loci''. But, admitted, the location itself made up for everything. Of course Adam's architecture, which was the main reason to stay at Culzean, incredible sundowns (and even one moondown) over Arran, fantastic private coffee drinking (before opening time of the parkland) in the orangerie building in the fountain garden among the blossoming and weet smelling lemons, walks along cliffs, beaches and estate boundaries, strolling in the walled garden, cream tea at the home farm ... Culzean whiskey in our flat ... so after all: 5 stars!

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• Robert - Verified booking

  Had a great time at the flat, all rooms were spacious especially the bedrooms, the kitchen was well appointed and all the appliances looked new, the bathroom however was what you would call "bijou".

  Even though I was there in June the weather was very windy and a bit cold, however the night storage heaters were on when I arrived and the whole place was nice and warm. The main attraction is of course where the flat is - in a castle surrounded by beautiful woodlands with great walks and a large adventure playground for the kids. I have visited Culzean many times (I used to have a caravan along the shore) and I never grow tired of the place, I have stayed in two of the suites on the top floor of the castle and also in the Royal Artillery cottage - anyone staying in any of the properties will certainly not be disappointed. However, a few little suggestions for the managemant to consider:- 1. A net curtain on the inside front door for a wee bit of privacy. 2. A handle to be fitted on the wardrobe door in the bedroom with the two single beds, the door was sticking - I had to use a spoon handle to prise it open. 3. A tray for carrying food to the dining table (maybe there was one but I didn't see any) In conclusion, I can highly recommend the properties I've stayed in and I have every intention of booking in again.

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• Eileen - Verified booking

  Beautiful setting.

  However, an absolute farce one of the nights we stayed as the castle fire alarm went off twice. Once just before midnight and again at 2:45am. This alarm was the most horrible sound and extremely loud from the accommodation. In both instances, the alarm rang continuously for approximately 45 minutes. Also, on both occasions, two fire engines arrived with continious blue flashing lights that lit up the accommodation like a disco. The lights were not switched off. The fire engines were left waiting for some time, until a member of staff eventually appeared with a key to the castle. The next morning, I called to try and speak to a member of staff at Culzean. Despite leaving a message and trying several times, nobody ever got back to me. This was so very disappointing, especially when paying a premium price to stay in unique accommodation. It was most difficult to settle on the following nights, as we were worried that the same situation would arise again. Would not return or recommend staying here.

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• Anthony - Verified booking

  The setting is wonderful and very special in the evenings when you can wander the grounds and the beach in peace.

  Numerous walks and paths kept us busy for a week and the excellent restaurant makes a good back up when self catering.The flat is well supplied and the beds are comfortable . The storage heaters make it quite hot so we turned them off in the bedroom. It would feel more luxurious if there were some more pictures (hooks but no art), the throws were of better quality with an armchair in the bedrooms etc. The furniture in the second bedroom was rather tatty and again no pictures or ‘comfort’. Visible cobwebs in the kitchen and bathroom window recesses and greater attention to cleaning skirting boards and around the toilet area was needed. While appreciating it is a coastal property, clean window exteriors would enhance the magnificent views and a more comfortable seating area outside would be an asset.

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