What is The Torridon?

The Torridon is a Selected hotel located in Torridon, United Kingdom. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does The Torridon have?

The Torridon has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is The Torridon located?

The Torridon is located in Torridon, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book The Torridon?

You can view more details and booking information for The Torridon through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

The Torridon | Selected in Torridon, United Kingdom

Name: The Torridon
Address: Torridon, Europe, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.5

The Torridon: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Highland Retreat

Nestled amidst the "impossibly dramatic landscapes" of the Scottish Highlands, The Torridon stands as a luxurious 5-star boutique resort offering an idyllic escape on the shores of Loch Torridon. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian hunting lodge dating back to 1887, the hotel is renowned for its stunning setting, attentive service, and exceptional culinary experiences, though some guests have noted inconsistencies in service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Torridon is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "simply perfect" and "possibly the best hotel" they've ever stayed at. It is celebrated as a "luxury hotel situated in the stunning Highlands of Scotland" offering an "exclusive luxury with a personal touch". Many highlight the feeling of being completely surrounded by spectacular scenery and the warmth of the welcome.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of The Torridon:

Location & Scenery: The breathtaking setting on Loch Torridon, surrounded by mountains and 58 acres of parkland, is a major draw, offering "inspiring loch and mountain scenery". It's described as a "natural playground" ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Service & Hospitality: While some reviews are mixed, many guests rave about the "attentive and accommodating staff" and "outstanding customer service". The staff's "attention to detail and comfort" is frequently commended.
Design & Ambiance: The hotel, originally a hunting lodge built in 1887, maintains its Victorian-era architecture while incorporating a "refreshingly contemporary" and "richly varied" interior style. Comfortable day rooms feature fine wood panelling and roaring fires, creating a cosy atmosphere.
Amenities: The Torridon boasts a "fabulous Whisky Room" with over 350 bottles of whisky and 80 types of gin, including their own brand. Other amenities include a beautiful garden, terrace, and a wide array of outdoor activities such as archery, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, and guided walks. The hotel also has its own two-acre kitchen garden and farm, providing fresh produce for its restaurants.

3. Room Quality

The Torridon offers 32 bedrooms, split between the main house, The Stables, and The Boathouse, with rooms described as "individually designed" and luxurious. Most rooms in the main hotel offer "stunning views over the loch and surrounding mountains".

Main House Rooms: These are considered the most luxurious and expensive option, blending Scottish heritage with sumptuous textiles and vibrant colours. Examples include the 1887 suite, noted for its spaciousness with a separate lounge and generous bathroom.
The Stables: The 12 rooms in the converted stable block offer "effortless comfort" in a more informal setting and are often considered a more "budget-friendly option" while still feeling luxurious with comfortable beds, fluffy pillows, and modern bathrooms. These are also dog and family-friendly.
The Boathouse: This secluded private cottage on the loch's edge is ideal for families, featuring two bedrooms, an equipped kitchen, a wood-burning stove, and an outdoor sitting area, though it does not offer views.
Comfort & Features: Rooms generally include hypo-allergenic premium bedding with Egyptian cotton sheets, plush bathrobes, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary beverages. One ground-floor adapted Classic Bedroom with a walk-in shower is available in the hotel.

4. Dining Experience

The Torridon offers two main dining experiences:

1887 Restaurant: This fine dining establishment, named after the year the lodge was built, has recently been awarded one Michelin Star and a Green Star for sustainability in the 2026 Michelin Guide. Head chef Danny Young focuses on sustainability, utilizing produce from the hotel's own kitchen garden and local suppliers. The seven-course menu is highly praised for its "high quality cooking", "creative touches and admirable restraint", and is designed to tell a story of the Highlands. Breakfast, also served here, is described as having an extensive menu with fresh juice being a standout item, though some guests have reported slow service.
Bo & Muc Brasserie: This less formal dining area, located in a separate building with the Beinn Bar, offers a more casual menu with simple, seasonal dishes that also use ingredients from the kitchen garden. It is praised for embodying a "less is more" spirit.
The Whisky Bar: Beyond dining, the impressive Whisky Bar offers a vast selection of over 365 malt whiskies and 80 gins, with knowledgeable staff providing tastings.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is generally very positive, with many guests commending the "wonderful, friendly welcome" and "very well trained staff" who strike the right balance of attention and interaction. Staff are often described as "attentive and accommodating". However, some reviews mention "inexperienced staff" leading to "leisurely" meal service, with breakfast sometimes taking 30-40 minutes and dinner at Bo & Muc taking up to two hours. There have also been reports of communication issues, particularly regarding meal charges for guests on activity packages. The hotel management acknowledges the importance of staff development and maintaining high standards.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Torridon is situated in a remote and picturesque area of Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands, offering "one of the most spectacular and idyllic locations in the country". While not the easiest place to get to, the journey itself through glens and past lochs is described as incredible.

Transport: The closest airport is Inverness (INV), about a 1.5-hour drive away. The nearest train station is Achnasheen, approximately 78 km away. Transfers can be arranged, and a sleeper train from London to Inverness is an option. There are no petrol stations, banks, or cash machines directly in Torridon, so planning ahead is advised.
Local Attractions & Activities: The hotel's 58-acre estate provides direct access to numerous outdoor pursuits, including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, archery, clay pigeon shooting, and guided walks. Nearby attractions include the Torridon Countryside Centre, Deer Museum, and scenic drives to the Applecross peninsula and the Isle of Skye.

7. Value & Pricing

The Torridon is a luxury property, and prices reflect its 5-star rating and unique offerings. Room rates start from around £396 per night, with more luxurious options like the hotel rooms being more expensive, and the Stables offering a more affordable alternative. Packages, such as "Out Of Season deals" or "Highland Welcome" which include meals and activities, can offer good value. Despite some criticisms regarding service, many guests find the overall experience, particularly the location and quality of the facilities, to be well worth the cost. Booking well in advance is recommended, especially for rooms with views.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues have been noted by guests:

Inconsistent Service: A significant complaint revolves around slow or inexperienced staff, particularly during meal service, leading to long waits for food. Communication issues between staff and guests regarding included meals have also been reported.
Breakfast Quality/Speed: While the breakfast menu is extensive, some reviews mention delays in service and occasional dissatisfaction with the quality.
Room Cleanliness: A few complaints have surfaced regarding the cleanliness of the rooms.
Limited Menu Variety (Bo & Muc): Due to the focus on fresh, local ingredients, the menu at the more casual Bo & Muc brasserie can be somewhat limited, which might be noticeable for longer stays or guests with dietary restrictions.