Hotel Square in Moray

We actually didn't get to eat here because the waitress took one look at us and said they had no room. Interestingly we had been told by someone we met in another pub prior to going to the hotel that they had just booked and that there was space. I got the distinct feeling that they didn't want walkers turning up in their outdoor walking gear. Not a nice welcome. Had the waitress been apologetic about not having space rather than giving us a disparaging look we would not be leaving this review.

We didn’t have the best start here. It was pouring with rain, and we got wet from the over flowing gutter right above the front door. It was too early to check in, however, I wanted to let someone know I was leaving my car, wasn’t sure if it was a private car park. The owner(I presume) came out into the cold dark hallway(not welcoming at all!) told us room not available yet, fair enough as it was only 1.30pm. Being unable to find anywhere open in the village to grab a drink, we decided to return to hotel & wait in the bar, until room ready. When we asked, the owner said no, bar not open until 5.30pm and that they didn’t have staff to open the bar as well as service the rooms. Wouldn’t have hurt to offer a pot of tea though to be honest. We went for a drive around, feeling quite dejected. I really didn’t want to go back to stay. The hallway and staircase could be grand, huge old wooden beautiful balustrades, but all very dimly lit & musty smelling The room, very dated. The second night, the heaters weren’t working. We were freezing & had to go downstairs to ask for heating to be put on. No hairdryer in room. Positives were, the lady that seemed to be doing everything, (ie, she was there serving breakfasts, and there in the evening serving drinks in bar) was really nice. Everything we’d asked she’d sort really quickly. The bed was comfortable, with fresh linen and lovely thick duvet. The towels were pretty new and fluffy. The breakfast was well cooked and served quickly. I wouldn’t recommend staying here. I didn’t have high expectations, the lack of reviews was odd, however, this hotel fell below my expectations.

I noted the last reviews prior to this were in 2022. Avoid this hotel at all costs, we found out that it is becoming increasingly common for customers like us, to arrive and then upsticks to another hotel, as did another guest that evening, if you can get one, thankfully we did. No heating in the public areas, we didn’t even have lukewarm water in our rooms and our three rooms had dirty toilets and some dodgy looking heaters, see picture. I could go on, but hopefully people get the drift. Such a shame for this area.

I ate dinner at the Hotel Square during a Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle tour. Several colleagues on the trip also stayed at the hotel and were given a hot toddy on arrival! (I stayed elsewhere). The food was exceptional and service was also very efficient and friendly. A good selection of whiskies, and happy to give advice on favorite whiskies, too! The hotel itself looked pretty amazing, and I would definitely dine there again if I was in the area - but next time I'll stay there, too.

I popped into Hotel Square for dinner. Ordered haggis, neeps and tatties as a starter. Inedible is the kindest description I can offer. As a Scotsman, I’ve eaten HNT all over but this was unacceptable. Please do not be duped into eating this stuff and thinking it reflects our national dish. Shameful. Even worse - when I cancelled the order, whilst still being polite to the poor (and lovely) waitress who tried to alleviate the situation, I was told I had to pay for this dish. Con artists - do not give them money!!!

Disappointing. Woman on service was great but food not so much, overpriced and average quality. £21 for McDonald style ‘fries’, fatty pork and a small spoonful of veg is really not good enough.

The restaurant is in dire need of a bit of tlc, the heating was turned off so we were a bit cold. Tablecloth’s were stained in places, which is never good to see. Staff were friendly enough, but (in my view) not very efficient. We booked a table for 6pm and had placed our order by 6.15, but it took almost an hour and a half to arrive. I had ordered the wild boar cutlets, which were overcooked and dry. My wife ordered the Highland pie, which was nice but due to the long wait she’d got a bit past it, so didn’t eat it all. It’s clear this establishment is struggling due to the aftermath of Covid and also the current economic crisis, and unfortunately they are allowing standards to slip. Hopefully they will recover and regain the standards other reviews have shown they’re capable of achieving. As other establishments in the town are no longer serving food, due to not being able to re employ chefs following Covid, we’re very limited with choices of where to eat out, so we’ll probably visit again but with lower expectations.

Das Ambiente ist Ok, die Karte entspricht dem in Schottland üblichen, also keine negativen Ausreisser, man darf aber auch nichts außergewöhnliches erwarten. Die Gerichte an sich sind gut, auch hier wieder: Nichts negatives, alles vernünftig gemacht. Das Ambiente ist Ok, für deutsches Empfinden wäre das weglassen der auseinander- gefalteten Papierservietten, die das Tischtuch schützen sollen (komplett abgedeckt...) schöner für's Empfinden - aber, na ja, eigentlich ist das je eine Kleinigkeit und sowieso Geschmacksache. Hervorzuheben ist jedenfalls das Personal, dass sehr freundlich ist und ehrlich (und erfolgreich!) bemüht war, auf unsere Wünsche einzugehen, hier klar 5 Sterne. Ich würde wieder hingehen!

The perfect spot, close enough to everything yet a wonderful sense of being away from it all. Reservations were simple to make. Thanks, Gallia. The en-suite rooms were large, welcoming and well appointed. I had a knee issue and was afraid the stairs would be too much but the hosts actually counted the stairs to reassure me. They were correct, had no problems. Breakfast was tasty, served with a smile and quick chat in the bright dining room. Wish we could have stayed longer.

After 3 attempts trying to get to the Cairngorms, we are just finishing a week long stay at the hotel Square in Tomintoul. The hotel is lovely and clean, the room is very spacious and the bed is very comfortable. The hospitality is top class and the hosts are very welcoming. Nothing is too much trouble, the food is great, after a day out adventuring. Recommendations of things to see and do were very much appreciated, especially Caorunn gin distillery. We have felt very much at home. Thank you ladies and to your staff, oh, forgot to mention the very adorable dogs! Thank you! Laura & Lyndon

Absolutely delicious meal, really outstanding. The wild boar was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond, I would recommend the food here, we haven’t stayed so can’t rate the rooms.

This hotel is situated in a perfect location and has the most helpful staff I’ve come across. The bedroom was cosy and bed was very comfortable. Plenty of parking and an amazing breakfast to set the day off just right. Thank you

After a 7 hour drive they were the only placed in town that welcomed us in and to say the food was outstanding is an understatement. A member of the party has a lactose allergy the chef here not only accommodated but made custard they could eat. If your in town I highly recommend eating here xxx

Can’t rate the food here high enough. Crafted and cooked with skill and care, highest quality ingredients. Lovely food at a decent cost. Easily on par with other local restaurants that charge far more. Will definitely be coming back

Stayed here for a stopover. Food was well cooked and very tasty. Combined with really friendly and obliging service nothing too much bother. Would definitely return thank you

Lovely food and very friendly. The food was amazing and there was something for everyone. It’s definitely on the list for another visit.

Beautiful evening meal. We’re staying at the Bowling Club campsite but walked round for an evening meal. All the food was beautifully cooked and presented. The girl serving was so attentive and friendly. Will definitely add to our list for next years tour of Scotland.

We arrived tired on a cycling tour, the staff looked after us so well ( I am ashamed I didn't get their names ) Our room had a great bathroom with a nice sized bath, comfortable beds helped us sleep so well. When we got down to the restaurant the food was excellent and the atmosphere so relaxed and friendly. A tasty and substantial breakfast the following morning set us up to ride for yet another day. I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel

I’m in the extremely clinically vulnerable group and didn’t want to sit in the restaurant with others as I’m still a bit nervous. They offered to do us a delivery to our guest house and even trusted us with their crockery which was so kind. The duck was incredible so we went back the next night and they had outside seating. My husband had one of the best steaks he’s ever had and I had a really lovely vegan burger- I’m not vegan but just fancied it and it was delicious! Thanks for accommodating us!

We stayed for 1 night in the evening if day 7 of a 9 day cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats. Galia took such good care of 8 cyclists and 4 support crew, nothing was too much trouble-we even had Epsom salts for a recovery bath. The food was amazing, rooms were spotless and very comfortable and the setting is stunning

Spent a couple of days there, the food and service was outstanding, will definitely go back, the area is stunning as is the scenery

Having cycled over land from Loch Insh, with 2 punctures (and a bulged, about give out, tyre) on the way, I arrived at Hotel Square late, hungry and cold to join my friend for a meal. The staff were outstandingly warm and friendly, the food excellent and there was a welcoming fire adding tho the atmosphere. We were not staying at the hotel nevertheless the owner offered to take me to Granton on Spey the next day to get a new tyre which she duly did. That allowed me to continue my cycling adventure. Salute to Hotel Square for their hospitality and generosity.

This is a perfect hotel to stay in if you want a quiet getaway. Zero light pollution makes for beautiful stargazing even with no telescope. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Room was clean and warm even on the chilly mornings. I would definitely recommend this hotel and restaurant to any one looki for an adventurous getaway! Ps. They are dog friendly!!

I am in love with this place! My food was amazing and my vegetarian friend was pleasantly surprised by the variety of options for him on the menu. The service was great and I had a lovely conversation with the owner. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone staying in Tomintoul or just walking by.

I popped into The Square on a wet week morning whilst cycling through the cairngorms. The host was excellent, letting me leave my bike in reception, before being able to settle down with a pot of tea and toast. Staff, location, friendliness top rate.

We chose to have dinner here on the basis of really good reviews. Unfortunately our experience was disappointing. We both had the venison medallions, which were overcooked and rather tough, vegetables lukewarm and dry, accompanied by skinny fries (!). We had a bottle of Malbec, which was chilled, and had to be heated by the fire. The dining room itself was also cold.Our after dinner drinks by the log fire were very pleasant, and the waitress was very friendly and helpful.

The rooms were light and fresh. I enjoyed the view over the square and the rolling green pastures. Will definitely stay here again.

We stayed here for 3 nights as a base for walks in the area and cycling. The hotel faces onto the village square and is a nice looking old building.Check-in was different due to COVID-19, no usual hotel welcome with info on breakfast times or dinner etc but this is on a form to fill in when you get your keys.The room we were in (room six) was a really good size with a big comfortable bed and two arm chairs with a table by the bay window. Plenty of teabags, coffee and hot chocolate in the room. But only two little UHT milks, I’m sure we would have gotten more if requested. We just didn’t use them. The bathroom has old style brass taps and shower head, I liked this as it fits with the old building. Plenty of hot water and the shower was more powerful than it looked. The room was very clean but I found it very cold. There are electric heaters which take a while to heat the room up and the windows were a bit drafty. The same for the dining area.The breakfast was very good, cooked fresh to order with proper filtered coffee and fresh squeezed orange juice. The manager (I think) was very friendly and attentive and quick to offer more juice or coffee and check that the food was all ok. Very good sized breakfasts as well.We ate dinner here on two nights and although the menu is a bit limited the food was very nice and staff serving were very nice and the service was quick. I would recommend the stuffed chicken breast. The drafty windows and temperamental heaters let the hotel down a bit but I really hate being cold so it might be ok for someone else. Overall a good stay.

I stopped here for four nights. The room was comfortable, warm and very clean.Service was excellent with a very accommodating and friendly hostess, and two very efficient and polite young Polish women. Breakfast was both hearty and tasty. If you're a walker (like me), there are good, well-signed walks very close by. If you're having an evening meal then go for the lamb - exquisite! And the rhubarb crumble reminded me of my childhood days - lovely!I travelled a long way to get to Tomintoul - this lovely hotel made my journey worthwhile.Would highly recommend this hotel.

Food very good and service very welcoming. Good selection of food and well cooked & presented. Lovely log fire to sit round after with a coffee and brandy. The staff were very friendly and helpful

Hotel Square does indeed stand in a prime location, facing the village green/square, and looks welcoming. However, when you step inside, it soon becomes apparent the hotel is crying out for a makeover. Carpets are threadbare in places, paint and woodwork chipped, and a very tired looking lounge area. Our room was clean and basic and we had fresh towels everyday. The cooked breakfast was of a good standard but the cereals were just put out in open bowls with the milk often sitting in the sun. The staff were always very friendly but even that didnt give the hotel any soul.I found it frustrating as the hotel could and should be amazing as it is in the perfect setting. I hope it soon gets the facelift it deserves as the staff are lovely.

Enjoyed a lovely meal in a relaxed environment with very friendly staff. Rhubarb crumble was really good. Thanks !

Stunning service! Very friendly and helpful staff! Excellent menu! Top quality food! I highly recommend it! We will be back again!

A lovely historic place to have a highland meal. Mouth-watering food served by very friendly staff. To be highly recommended.

I arrived at about 7:30pm, and decided to have a meal straight away.Unfortunately I'm intolerant to certain foods, but the owner who served me was very accommodating and it was easy for me to select a very good meal.Again at breakfast there was a good choice, so again no problem.The room was clean, tidy and the bed was comfortable.One of my reasons for visiting that area is that it's a designated dark sky area, and I wanted to photograph the sky at night. I was not disappointed by the hotel or the sky.

We walked past the Square Hotel each night of our stay in the village and it was mostly empty. TBH we only decided to eat here because the Clockhouse Restaurant was full. It's a strange place in some respects. The decor is very bland, the dining space looks like its not quite finished and there was Rap music playing in the background. We were wondering whether we had made a mistake, but we soon changed our minds after we had eaten the food. Both the starters and the main meals were delicious and the chef certainly knows how to cook. The service was good and the bill was very reasonable.

Wonderful fine food, loved my salmon pate starter and char-grilled steak, my daughter also confirms that vegetarian food was good, plus the staff were friendly and pleasant.

I came for the tomintoul gathering and had booked with this hotel last minute, upon arrival I was greeted with a smile and amazing service the hotel is clean and the food is great.Just a big thank you to the owner for making my stay fantastic I will be returning again next year.

Second week staying here, the new owners are doing a remarkable job in such a short space of time. They are so friendly and welcoming. The customer service is outstanding, they go the extra mile! I am here for the Fishing and leave very early morning! Breakfast and packed lunch is waiting for me when I leave at 4am!!! The food is fantastic and to a very high standard! Brilliant choice of whisky, gins and good ale! Highly highly recommend!!!!

We visited this establishment on good reviews but were somewhat disappointed. I was meeting friends for dinner and on arriving, they had just received their drinks. I waited but was not offered a drink so had to ask. The orders were taken and we waited for the food. It arrived promptly and looked good. Sadly the plates were not warm, 2 of the steaks were cold, the veg was somewhat cold too. The taste was great just not hot. We were asked if the food was ok but not until we’d almost all finished.

Had a delicious meal at the hotel square for my son's 17th birthday, they even let us take our own birthday cake and presented it to him after our meal. Will definitely recommend to friends, family and guests.

We had an excellent dinner here, by the roaring fire. The barman was very knowledgeable on whiskey, so we had a great time tasting the whiskeys they had.

Zwar waren Teile des Objektes noch in der Renovierung, aber das Restaurant war in Betrieb. Sehr gemütlich eingerichtet mit loderndem Feuer und unglaublich nettem Personal. Auch das Essen, vor allem aber der Nachtisch waren sehr sehr Gut

This newly opened hotel/restaurant is just what is needed in Tomintoul. There aren't many places to eat out there and hotel square fills a gap in the current offerings.

We arrived at 9 pm and we find very nice personnel and good food!! Thanks a lot for your kindness! Don't miss the tomato and pepper soup and the lamb!

Beautifully cooked food served my warm and friendly staff. Visited on two occasions and every course was amazing! Highly recommend an evening meal.