Based on checking the website, Lochsandglens.com appears to be a legitimate and well-established coach-tour holiday company specializing in trips to Scotland.
They offer package holidays that include coach travel, accommodation in one of their six owned hotels located in scenic Scottish areas, dinner, bed and breakfast, and evening entertainment, along with planned excursions.
The site highlights over 40 years of experience, a strong focus on customer satisfaction evidenced by numerous positive testimonials, and various holiday options throughout all seasons, aiming to provide a comprehensive and relaxing travel experience for those looking to explore Scotland.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
Understanding Lochs and Glens: A Deep Dive into Their Holiday Model
The “All-Inclusive” Philosophy: What’s Covered?
When you’re shelling out for a holiday, you want to know exactly what you’re getting.
Lochs and Glens prides itself on offering a package that covers most of the major expenses once you’re on your way.
- Coach Travel: This is a core component. They emphasize comfortable, relaxing travel directly to their hotels, with scheduled comfort breaks. This takes the stress out of navigating unfamiliar roads, dealing with parking, or renting a car.
- Accommodation: This is a big one. They own six hotels spread across various picturesque parts of Scotland. This ownership model means they theoretically have direct oversight of the quality, cleanliness, and service standards. Each hotel is designed to be a base for exploring the surrounding “lochs and glens.”
- Meals: Specifically, dinner, bed, and breakfast are included. This is a significant cost saver, as you won’t be scrambling to find restaurants for two of your daily meals. It also adds to the convenience factor, especially in more rural locations.
- Evening Entertainment: This is a nice touch for those who enjoy social evenings. It’s often live podcast or other performances, designed to keep guests entertained after a day of sightseeing.
- Advertised Excursions: Crucially, their tours include a “wide variety of excursions.” This means you’re not just staying at the hotel. you’re actively exploring key Scottish attractions and beauty spots. This is where the true value of a coach tour often lies, as the logistics of visiting multiple sites are handled for you.
Decades of Experience: The 40-Year Mark
When a company boasts over 40 years in the business, it’s not just a number.
It speaks volumes about their resilience, adaptability, and presumed expertise. In the travel industry, longevity often signifies:
- Established Routes and Logistics: They’ve had ample time to perfect their itineraries, identify the best routes, and iron out any logistical kinks. This means smoother journeys and more efficient use of time.
- Deep Local Knowledge: Four decades operating exclusively in Scotland means their team, especially the coach drivers and tour planners, likely possess an unparalleled understanding of the local geography, history, and hidden gems.
- Customer Feedback Loop: Over 40 years means millions of customer interactions. A company that survives and thrives for that long is typically one that listens to feedback and continuously refines its offerings. This iterative improvement process is vital for consistent quality.
- Reputation Building: A long history allows for the gradual accumulation of a strong reputation, which is often reflected in direct testimonials and external review platforms like Trustpilot.
The Hotel Portfolio: Your Scottish Home Base
Lochs and Glens emphasizes that they own their hotels, rather than contracting with various third-party accommodations. Fixdapp.com Reviews
This is a key differentiator and deserves a closer look.
- Ardgartan Hotel: Described as their “flagship hotel,” it offers panoramic views of Loch Long and is overlooked by the Arrochar Alps. With 874 reviews and a strong Trip Advisor rating, it appears to be a popular choice. Its location suggests excellent access to dramatic scenery and outdoor activities.
- Loch Tummel Hotel: The “first custom-built hotel for Lochs & Glens,” nestled in Perthshire, an area rich in Scottish history with clan battles and Jacobite rebellions. It boasts 812 reviews, indicating a solid customer base.
- Highland Hotel: Originally a Victorian Railway Hotel, it’s within walking distance of Fort William town center and offers views across Loch Linnhe and the distant Sunart hills. With 762 reviews, its historical charm and central location are likely draws.
- Loch Awe Hotel: Built in 1881 to accommodate the tourist boom, it retains its own scenic train line to Oban and Glasgow and offers views of Kilchurn Castle. It has 676 reviews, appealing to those interested in historical architecture and dramatic views.
- Loch Achray Hotel: Situated in the heart of the Trossachs, overlooked by Ben Venue, an area frequently visited by Queen Victoria. With 626 reviews, it promises a serene and historically significant setting.
- Inversnaid Hotel: Tucked away on the north-eastern banks of Loch Lomond, sitting on the West Highland Way route, and once a hunting lodge. It has 831 reviews, suggesting it’s a favorite for its remote, picturesque location and historical ties.
The consistency in positive review numbers across their portfolio, averaging in the high hundreds, suggests a generally well-received guest experience across their properties.
This self-ownership model allows for uniform standards and potentially more consistent service delivery, a significant advantage in the hospitality sector.
Coach Travel and Excursions: The Journey as Part of the Destination
For many, the thought of long coach journeys might elicit groans, but Lochs and Glens aims to make this an integral, comfortable part of the holiday.
- Modern Coaches: The website mentions “modern coaches,” implying a focus on comfort, safety, and up-to-date amenities. While specific features like Wi-Fi or USB charging aren’t explicitly listed, the emphasis is on a relaxing journey.
- Knowledgeable Drivers: Numerous testimonials highlight the drivers’ expertise, not just in navigation but also in providing informative commentary and being generally helpful and friendly. This transforms a simple drive into a guided tour, enriching the travel experience. One testimonial specifically mentions a driver named “Steve” who was “knowledgeable and an excellent driver,” and another praises “Peter” for being “very Informative all through the journey.”
- Planned Excursions: This is where the magic happens for many. The tours include a “wide variety of excursions,” meaning you’re not just dropped off at a hotel. These are pre-arranged visits to key Scottish landmarks, towns, and natural beauty spots. This saves guests the time and effort of planning transport, entry tickets, and navigating unfamiliar areas. It’s a structured approach that maximizes sightseeing opportunities.
Customer Testimonials: A Glimpse into Real Experiences
While website testimonials are curated, the sheer volume and detail provided by Lochs and Glens offer a useful insight. Ionos.co.uk Reviews
The feedback consistently touches upon several key themes:
- Staff Friendliness and Helpfulness: Repeated mentions of “friendly staff,” “helpful and pleasant,” and “nothing too much trouble” across hotel staff and drivers. This suggests a strong customer service culture.
- Food Quality: Many reviews commend the “food top class,” “meals were wonderful and plenty of choice,” and “food excellent.” This addresses a critical aspect of any holiday experience, especially when dinner and breakfast are included.
- Cleanliness and Comfort: Phrases like “hotel clean, comfy,” “rooms clean and comfortable,” and “hotel rooms spotless” indicate a focus on basic but crucial hospitality standards.
- Driver Excellence: Beyond just driving, drivers are praised for being “knowledgeable,” “informative,” “funny,” and making guests “feel completely safe.” This personal connection with the driver seems to be a major highlight for many.
- Overall Enjoyment: Overwhelmingly, customers report having “absolutely fantastic holiday,” “wonderful holiday,” and being “not disappointed.” This strong positive sentiment across a wide range of individuals suggests a generally satisfying experience.
- Repeat Business: Several testimonials mention being repeat customers “We have been several times,” “This was our fourth holiday with Lochs and Glens,” “I’ve been with lochs and glens for a few years now”. This is a powerful indicator of customer loyalty and satisfaction, as people typically don’t return to services they disliked.
While testimonials are inherently positive, the sheer volume and the consistent themes across diverse individuals lend them credibility, providing a strong signal of overall customer satisfaction.
Seasonal Offerings: Scotland Through the Year
Lochs and Glens highlights its ability to offer tours “throughout the entire year,” showcasing Scotland’s beauty in different seasons.
This flexibility is a significant benefit for travelers with varied preferences or scheduling constraints.
- Autumn Holidays: Focus on “pretty towns and villages in the beautiful autumnal colours,” suggesting tours that leverage the scenic beauty of fall foliage and potentially milder weather.
- Winter Holidays: Described as “early year breaks” offering the chance to see “Scotland at its most tranquil. With snow-capped hills…” This caters to those seeking a serene, possibly crisp and cold, winter wonderland experience.
- Summer Holidays: Highlights “Scenic Scotland tours” where guests “could find yourself exploring the Isle of Arran…” This appeals to those who prefer longer daylight hours, potentially warmer weather, and more vibrant outdoor activities typical of peak tourist season.
This year-round operation allows them to cater to a broader market and ensures their coaches and hotels are utilized consistently, which is good for business stability and potentially for keeping prices competitive due to continuous operations. Lightbulbs-direct.com Reviews
Financial Peace of Mind: A Note on Security
In an industry that has seen its share of company failures and holiday disruptions, a mention of “Financial Peace of Mind” and inviting customers to “Read About the Financial Position of Lochs and Glens Holidays” is a positive sign.
While the specific details are not on the main page, it indicates a company that understands the importance of reassuring its customers about the security of their bookings.
For UK-based travel companies, this often relates to ATOL protection or similar schemes that safeguard customer funds in case of company insolvency.
This level of transparency, even if it requires clicking through, builds trust.
Accessibility and Mobility Considerations
The website mentions “Mobility” as a key area within their “Why Us?” section, which is crucial for a demographic that often benefits greatly from coach tours. Projectcloudshoes.com Reviews
While specific details aren’t provided on the main page, simply highlighting this suggests:
- Awareness of Diverse Needs: They acknowledge that not all travelers have the same mobility levels.
- Potential for Adapted Services: It implies they either offer specific accessible tours, have accessible rooms in their hotels, or provide assistance for guests with mobility challenges. This is a significant advantage for older travelers or those with physical limitations who might find independent travel more difficult.
For a company targeting a demographic that often includes retirees, addressing mobility concerns proactively is a smart and customer-centric approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lochsandglens.com a legitimate travel company?
Yes, based on checking the website, Lochsandglens.com appears to be a legitimate and well-established coach-tour holiday company, boasting over 40 years of experience and owning its own hotels and coaches.
What kind of holidays does Lochsandglens.com offer?
Lochsandglens.com primarily offers coach tours to Scotland, including travel, accommodation in their owned hotels dinner, bed, and breakfast basis, evening entertainment, and planned excursions to various Scottish attractions.
How long has Lochs and Glens Holidays been in business?
Lochs and Glens Holidays has been perfecting their holidays for over 40 years, indicating extensive experience in the coach tour industry. Eil.com Reviews
Does Lochs and Glens own their hotels?
Yes, Lochs and Glens Holidays owns six of their own hotels, all located in stunning Highland locations across Scotland.
What are the names of the hotels owned by Lochs and Glens?
The hotels owned by Lochs and Glens include Ardgartan Hotel, Loch Tummel Hotel, Highland Hotel, Loch Awe Hotel, Loch Achray Hotel, and Inversnaid Hotel.
Do Lochs and Glens holidays include excursions?
Yes, all Lochs and Glens coach tours include a wide variety of planned excursions as part of the package.
What meals are included in a Lochs and Glens holiday package?
Lochs and Glens holiday packages include dinner, bed, and breakfast at their hotels.
Is there evening entertainment at Lochs and Glens hotels?
Yes, evening entertainment is provided every night at the hotels included in Lochs and Glens coach tours. Haier-europe.com Reviews
What is the customer feedback like for Lochs and Glens Holidays?
Customer feedback displayed on their website is overwhelmingly positive, consistently praising staff friendliness, food quality, hotel cleanliness, value for money, and the professionalism of their coach drivers.
Can I travel with Lochs and Glens throughout the year?
Yes, Lochs and Glens Holidays offers coach tours to Scotland throughout the entire year, with itineraries suited for every season, including Autumn, Winter, Spring, and Summer.
Are the coach drivers knowledgeable on Lochs and Glens tours?
Yes, many customer testimonials specifically highlight the Lochs and Glens coach drivers for being knowledgeable, informative, friendly, and excellent at their job.
How do I request a brochure from Lochs and Glens?
You can request a brochure directly from the Lochs and Glens website by clicking on the “Request a Brochure” option.
Can I find holidays that pick up near me with Lochs and Glens?
Yes, the website has a feature to “See holidays that pickup near you,” allowing you to find convenient departure points. Dentlaracity.com Reviews
Does Lochs and Glens offer gift vouchers?
Yes, the website indicates that Lochs and Glens offers gift vouchers for their holidays.
How do I contact Lochs and Glens for booking help?
You can contact Lochs and Glens for booking help by calling their provided phone number, 01389 713 713.
Does Lochs and Glens cater to guests with mobility concerns?
The website includes a “Mobility” section under “Why Us?”, suggesting they address or offer considerations for guests with mobility needs.
Specific details would likely be found on that dedicated page.
How can I stay updated on the latest holidays from Lochs and Glens?
You can subscribe to their email list on the website to be the first to know about their latest holidays and receive tailored lists straight to your inbox. Tcgpokemon.nl Reviews
What is the typical room experience at Lochs and Glens hotels?
Customer testimonials frequently describe the rooms as clean, comfortable, and spacious, with many offering excellent views.
Is the travel by coach comfortable with Lochs and Glens?
Yes, the website emphasizes “Relaxing Coach Travel” on modern coaches, and customer reviews often praise the comfort of the journey and the skill of the drivers.
Does Lochs and Glens provide financial peace of mind for bookings?
Yes, the website states “Financial Peace of Mind” and encourages visitors to “Read About the Financial Position of Lochs and Glens Holidays,” indicating they address the security of customer funds.
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