Beinn Bhracaigh Guest House — Hotel in Great Britain

Please be aware, this B&B offers no refund, partial or otherwise even if you cannot use their services due to exceptional circumstances.

I tested positive for Covid 19 via a lateral flow test the day before my booking (yesterday) so I phoned and spoke to James to make him aware immediately. Today my PCR test came back positive so I called James to let him know.

During this second call James then informed me I would lose my full payment of £248 but on the previous call he seemed willing to work something out. I fully appreciate it has been a tough time businesses but it has been for individuals too so to be told that I would lose my full payment has been very upsetting.

I would have been happy to get a partial refund or an offer to move dates as understand it is not their fault either. Please note, I did not expect a full refund.

He said that he’s had this many times and people could just be saying that they had a positive PCR test to get out of the booking. At that point of the call, I said I can provide a copy of my text / email with my positive result but James declined to see it.

James did say that if I want to stay in the future to give him a call and he will see what he can do however he said the exact same thing during the first call and yet nothing was offered when I advised that I am positive.

In my view, this type of response may encourage people to go to places like this with covid symptoms and not get tested prior so they do not lose out which doesn't help anyone.

My advice is to only book here if; you know 100% you will not catch covid OR if you are quite happy to lose your money if you do test positive.

**09/08/2021, my response to the reply below from the Owner:

Firstly I find it odd that you would wish me well in your response since during our call you implied I may be lying…

Regarding the travel site I booked via, Booking.com class Covid 19 as a health emergency and they contacted you after I did to ask you to consider a refund but for a second time you refused.

You say you tried to go the extra mile which is a very strange comment to make considering you told me point blank we would be losing our money. At no point during our call did you say you would try and rent the room again and that if you could you would offer us something, you are only saying this now on a public platform. Also, booking.com cancelled my booking and yet later that day the room for the dates I had booked were showing as SOLD OUT …

You dispute that testing positive for Covid 19 is an exceptional circumstance. In what other scenario are you legally (and morally) required to stay in your home for 10 days? I had no choice but to do the right thing and stay at home.

I booked the option where payment was taken 4 days before arrival, I have not disputed this but other providers have been a lot more understanding and flexible than you have been when it comes to Covid 19. I have heard this from many friends who have found themselves in the same situation due to Covid 19 self isolation rules.

Regarding travel insurance, you are right I did not have any and to be honest I did not consider getting an due to the fact Pitlochry is only 1.5 hour journey from where I live.

In future, I respectfully suggest that you treat your customers with more compassion to avoid reviews...

Everything was perfect for our visit to Beinn Bhracaigh. The location was excellent for walking to town. We had an American-sized bed and room in the Junior Suite; the water was hot and strong in the shower. We had ordered Champaign and chocolates for our arrival - and I highly recommend that; the local handmade chocolates were interesting and delicious; on our way home we stopped at the chocolatier to take more home. I mention that because it is just one example of the attention to detail that our host, Tom, provided. Everything was comfortable, delicious and beautiful, from the honor bar to the lovely breakfast overlooking the garden. On the well-stocked breakfast buffet, which was in addition to the individually prepared breakfast, all of the handles of the 4 juice pitchers were at the exact same angle- this is the detail I am talking about. This was the perfect blend of quaint and comfortable- I wish I had planned to stay longer.

I am a pretty accurate and critical reviewer, and if it sounds like I am gushing, it is because the amenities and service were hands-down the best we experienced, including large hotel, small hotel, guest house, bed and breakfast, and AirBnB. Tom was so friendly, knowledgeable and helpful- he has found his niche as an innkeeper. It was lovely in every way. Not a thing I would change. The price was...

We had the absolute pleasure of staying at Beinn Bhracaigh over a gorgeous May bank holiday weekend made all the more beautiful by everything that this utter sanctuary has to offer. The welcome we received from Tom set the tone for our entire stay. We were given a tour of the house and were charmed by every detail: from the cosy and stylish honesty bar to the dining room and lounge complemented by a breathtaking view of the stunning, epic scenery.

Too often do places cater for vegans as an afterthought, but this couldn't be further from the case with Beinn Bhracaigh's breakfast menu. There was a generous, delicious offering including full vegan Scottish breakfasts and simply the best fluffy pancakes I have ever had - vegan or otherwise. There were also soya yoghurts, oat milk, and vegan spread, in addition to a delicious fruit salad.

Tom even catered for my fussiness by kindly lending me a fan to ensure I slept like a very content log.

Our experience was wonderful in every way. Tom and family have created a truly special place and I couldn't recommend it more. In the words of a certain Austrian...