About
Between Stranraer and Girvan, Glenapp Castle in Ballantrae offers luxurious accommodations in 36 acres of gardens and woodland. Dating back to 1870, this 5-star South Ayrshire hotel includes an award-winning restaurant and provides free on-site parking and Wi-Fi. All rooms and suites at Glenapp Castle include a flat-screen TV with DVD player, trouser press, desk, alarm clock, safe, seating area and tea and coffee facilities. Each has an private bathroom with bath, shower, hairdryer, bathrobe and complimentary toiletries. Rooms have views of the sea or gardens. The restaurant offers 3-course Gourmet Dinner, a 7-course tasting menu and also offer Gourmet Lunches and indulgent afternoon tea is also served. An extensive list of wines and champagne is offered. The Castle Restaurant offering classical Scottish gourmet dining, and The Azalea, by Glenapp Castle, offering a more informal dining setting in the heart of our Walled Gardens. Glenapp Castle is around 35 minutes’ drive from Galloway Forest Park. Ayr, Troon and Prestwick Airport are all around 1 hour’s drive north of Ballantrae.
126 Reviews
- Cleanliness
- 9.9
- Staff
- 9.8
- Location
- 9.8
What Guests Say
- “This place is the real deal. I can't imagine why you would come to Scotland without staying in a Castle. This one is the real deal. We…”
- “THAT was our biggest problem! We were not informed that the glorious breakfast was included in our stay. As we were extending ourselves…”
Top Amenities
- Restaurant
- Free Parking
- Accessible Rooms / Facilities
- Pets Allowed
- Airport Shuttle
- Non-Smoking Rooms
Room Options
Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.
Exclusively for Priceline members Details
1/4Two-Bedroom Apartment
- Additional bathroom
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
- Carpeting
1/4Four-Bedroom Penthouse Apartment
- Additional bathroom
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
- Carpeting
1/4West Wing Suite
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
- Carpeting
- Closet
1/4Master Suite with Sea View
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
- Carpeting
- Closet
1/4Grand Sea View Suite
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
- Carpeting
- Closet
1/4Grand Garden View Suite
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
- Carpeting
- Closet
1/4Cottage with Garden View
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
- Coffee/tea machine
- Garden view
1/4Junior Suite
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
- Carpeting
- Closet
1/4Garden View Suite
- Bath or Shower
- Bathrobe(s)
- Carpeting
- Closet
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What Guests Loved
Based on 126 reviews
Pros +
- This place is the real deal. I can't imagine why you would come to Scotland without staying in a Castle. This one is the real deal. We enjoyed every minute.
- THAT was our biggest problem! We were not informed that the glorious breakfast was included in our stay. As we were extending ourselves and paid for dinner, we did not do breakfast due to the anticipated cost. And THEN, at check-out, we found out it was included but it was too late!SOOOOO sad. We actually had some food at the only thing open which was a gas station.
- Food/Decor/Grounds
Cons -
- Communication regarding the included breakfast. This is HUGE!Americans would not assume breakfast is included in high-end properties.
- The location. I wish there were more things to do and see nearby.
- Some of the staff are very young and whilst this is to be commended, there were a few minor points to address. I never got my dessert wine after dinner, despite asking twice and the dessert on the tasting menu was unavailable. This was only advised after the main course but we got a good alternative. The young waiter kept topping up white wine to point where glass would have been almost full. This is what the sommelier is there for but, if I'm honest, he was not actively moving around the tables. There were 6 covers that night so hardly demanding. He was focused more on a couple with the tasting menu and wine flight rather than other guests. When I'm paying almost $500 for dinner and a bottle of white and bottle of red, I don't expect to be topping up glasses ourselves! Afternoon tea menu was incorrect as items delivered were not what Xmas menu offered. We were a day after the xmas menu had officially stopped but the old menu was still in the sleeve and had not been changed. Room service food (burger) was very poor and didn't even arrive with any ketchup/mustard and fries were certainly not 'chunky chips' as advertised. This was sorted without any problem on checkout but given the standards the hotel sets itself, was slightly disappointing. I guess best way to summarise is it was generally very good but missing some attention to detail. For the price point, this needs working on. However, non of the above would put me off returning as these are issues that can be easily rectified through constructive feedback and training.
This place is the real deal. I can't imagine why you would come to Scotland without staying in a Castle. This one is the real deal. We enjoyed every minute.
THAT was our biggest problem! We were not informed that the glorious breakfast was included in our stay. As we were extending ourselves and paid for dinner, we did not do breakfast due to the anticipated cost. And THEN, at check-out, we found out it was included but it was too late!SOOOOO sad. We actually had some food at the only thing open which was a gas station.
Communication regarding the included breakfast. This is HUGE!Americans would not assume breakfast is included in high-end properties.
Food/Decor/Grounds
The staff were amazing and the castle was beautiful. The food was creative and delicious.
The location. I wish there were more things to do and see nearby.
From the personal and friendly meet and greet as we arrived, the seamless portarage, castle itself, excellent food including best smoked salmon I've tasted, fireplace in a lovely room (Glenapp) and relaxed luxurious surroundings, this was a very special place to spend a few nights after new year. Comfortable room with lovely Christmas decorations over the fireplace and very friendly staff with personal service, it was a great way to relieve the post Xmas blues. Very personable owner who's on sight to oversee operations. Exquisite food in the evening but choice is limited if more than 2 night stay.
Some of the staff are very young and whilst this is to be commended, there were a few minor points to address. I never got my dessert wine after dinner, despite asking twice and the dessert on the tasting menu was unavailable. This was only advised after the main course but we got a good alternative. The young waiter kept topping up white wine to point where glass would have been almost full. This is what the sommelier is there for but, if I'm honest, he was not actively moving around the tables. There were 6 covers that night so hardly demanding. He was focused more on a couple with the tasting menu and wine flight rather than other guests. When I'm paying almost $500 for dinner and a bottle of white and bottle of red, I don't expect to be topping up glasses ourselves! Afternoon tea menu was incorrect as items delivered were not what Xmas menu offered. We were a day after the xmas menu had officially stopped but the old menu was still in the sleeve and had not been changed. Room service food (burger) was very poor and didn't even arrive with any ketchup/mustard and fries were certainly not 'chunky chips' as advertised. This was sorted without any problem on checkout but given the standards the hotel sets itself, was slightly disappointing. I guess best way to summarise is it was generally very good but missing some attention to detail. For the price point, this needs working on. However, non of the above would put me off returning as these are issues that can be easily rectified through constructive feedback and training.
Luxurious, fabulous surroundings and lovely staff. Peace and quiet. Comfort of room and bed.
Leaving
Lovely professional staffComfortable roomExcellent food
The grounds were amazing. Food was excellent and staff attentive but not overpowering
Nothing!
Staff were so helpful, especially Iona, Rueban and Rose. Food was very nice. Location is amazing and very peaceful.
There was nothing to dislike. If I'm being picky I would maybe revue service for drinks outside. Also the woman who looks after the eagles was quite rude and abrupt.
We had room service for breakfast. Faultless. Food was great and service amazing. 7-course tasting menu was outstanding and we had a babysitter for the dog who was wonderful allowing us to fully enjoy our celebration meal
Mostly everything was spectacular but the staff made the stay at the Castle relaxing and utterly enjoyable. As you’d expect they were attentive and professional, but it was their genuineness and warmth that took it to another level. Incredible!
The food was exceptional with a new menu each evening. The staff were fantastic, very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the area. My husband was celebrating a special birthday and the staff went out of their way to make him feel special. Our room was a good size, standard of cleanliness excellent and tastefully decorated. Bed very comfortable. All rooms were lovely and warm.
Didn't realise that we could have hired bikes. But to be honest it wasn't a major issue.
Loved the Bathroom. The Bed & Pillows were comfortable, the Food and Service were excellent. Special thanks to Lily and the sommelier (apologies didn't get his name) who recommended an excellent wine for me :-)
Although the service was prompt for us, for tea & coffee in the guest room, there's nothing like having the facilty in your room. For the hot water bottle (lol) or making your own tea/chocolate when up in the middle of the night & having the dishevelled look!
Beautiful location and gardens. Lovely breakfast.
For a 5 star having having a remote spa facility is a little of a let down for Glenap
Lovely hotel, stunning in fact.
Some degree of 'management' missing' orders taken and not delivered in the bar, a highlight if the weekend was a pre arranged Champagne meet on the main day (which was confirmed by email from the property) then being 'forgotten 'about due to key management supporting another function.
Dinner and breakfast were amazing. The castle was beautiful, romantic, and clean. The grounds were lovely and so was the room. This was a memorable stay.
No availability for a la carte dinner.
The Castle is set in the most beautiful location, is exceptionally peaceful and quiet and fantastic for a very relaxing break. The food was delicious and the staff were very helpful and polite.
My Wife and I were at the Castle for my birthday yet I did find it very strange that the Welcome Card in our suite wished my Wife Happy Birthday. I also found it strange that the Receptionist then wished ME Happy Birthday!!! This was very poor at 5 star level. No complimentary glass of anything was offered for the occasion, but saying that they probably weren’t aware who to offer it too!!!There was no mini bar or tea and coffee facilities. The pillows were poor and uncomfortable and no pillow menu was offered. The bathroom needed an upgrade although very clean.
Absolutely stunning location , staff were absolutely amazing and went above and beyond to make our stay memorable , food was exceptional . Highly recommend a visit . A personal thank you to Benjamin for making my engagement so perfect . Thank you to all the staff who looked after us.
Nothing to add here it was perfect
Immaculate property set in beautiful grounds, lovely attentive staff and service was first class. Attention to detail was brilliant and nothing was too much trouble. Food and service was next level.
No real issues.
Exceptional facilities, service and attention to detail. The staff were incredibly helpful, polite and hospitable. Immaculate grounds and so much to see and experience within the local area made for the perfect stay.
The stay wasn’t long enough. They could benefit from an on-site spa.
Amenities & Policies
Amenities
Food & Drinks
- Restaurant
Transportation
- Free Parking
- Airport Shuttle
Health & Safety
- Health Services
- Daily disinfection
Accessibility
- Handicapped Rooms/Facilities
- Facilities for disabled guests available
- Wheelchair accessible
Kid Friendly
- Family Friendly
General
- Pets Allowed
- No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
Guest policies
| Check-in | After 3:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Check-out | Before 11:00 AM |
| Parking | Free parking is available. |
| Children & Extra Beds | Children of all ages are welcome. |
| Pets | Pets are allowed. Charges may apply. |
| Room Rates | All rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted. |
Important info
Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Location
Ayrshire, Ballantrae



