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"An incredible stay!"
The lodge was perfect, exactly as listed and more and the views were spectacular. Of all of our Scottish adventures this has by far been the best. Thank you Alan and Pam!
Reviewed by Sophie5.0★Oct 2023
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"We had an excellent stay."
Good location. Easy to find. Very clean and comfortable. We loved the wood burner. Very well appointed. Superb views.
Reviewed by Rachel5.0★Sep 2023
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"A wonderful house that felt like home from home."
Comfortable,clean, and beautifully equipped. Superbly located to explore the highlands. Highly recommend.
Reviewed by Luc5.0★Aug 2023
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"The Orion Lodge is a friendly house in a beautifful surrounding."
To wake up every morning and see the Nevis range in all of her glory is a guilty pleasure.
To meet the owners who are verry friendly people, was a privilege. They told us about the house and give usefull tips to visite the beautifull Ilse of Sky, the Cairngorns and other places.
Thank you Yvonne and family, it was a privilege to meet you all too and so pleased we were able to help you with information, you made every minute count of your time in the area. Hopefully see you again in the future. Property Owner
Reviewed by Yvonne5.0★Jul 2023
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"A modern, purpose built holiday Lodge that was comfortable, cozy and well equipped."
We have been renting cottages in the UK now for over 50 years and Orion Lodge is one of the very best cottages that we have used.Without nit picking on details I could not find anything to be critical of. As to location, there is not a lot to Roybridge itself but it is extremely well located for exploration of both the eastern and western Highlands. And if you are interested in the great outdoors then it is hard to think of a better spot to be.
Thank you so much for the feedback, 'one of the very best' is just wonderful to hear, we hope to welcome you back in the future. Property Owner
Reviewed by Geoff5.0★May 2023
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"What can I say, Orion lodge is fabulous, not sure I stayed in the same place as the previous review"
Thank you so much for the great feedback Yvonne, so pleased you enjoyed your time at Orion Lodge, we look forward to welcoming you back again in the future. Property Owner
Reviewed by Yvonne5.0★Oct 2022
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"The lodge is beautiful, very clean, warm and cosy, and has gorgeous views of the not too distant mountains and forest."
However, it wasn't as idyllic and peaceful a stay as my family and I had hoped, for numerous reasons: There is a trainline at the bottom of the garden. This is not mentioned on the website. Whilst its not too disruptive in itself, we did have overnight works taking place one evening that disturbed everyone's sleep, and I think it would be reasonable for it to be listed on the website for transparency, especially for those seeking peace and quiet. The house is also not as isolated as it appears on the website. The lodge is located down a rough track driveway and is adjacent to properties on three sides by up the four sets of neighbours. One I believe may be a farmer who seemed to only ever yell at his dog very early in the morning. However, the biggest intrusion is the additional cabin, which is in the garden of the lodge, the same garden that is described on the website as being a "private". One evening a car parked up on the drive and someone went into the cabin. When asked by my mum they said they were the owner and would only be staying one night as they were going cycling the next day. When asked they said they use the cabin regularly and that his daughter had been living in it with her dog until only a couple of months ago. The car remained parked on the drive for a week and was still there on the day we were leaving. The female members of the party felt uneasy not knowing if someone else was on the property or not, and the garden and wider property did not feel private during our stay. During the same conversation my mum was asked how our stay was going. My mum explained that she had fallen down the stairs in the house. Instead of asking if she was ok he asked only what she had been wearing on her feet, which felt like she was being blamed for her fall. My mum was very badly bruised and in pain. The stairs, in our view, are dangerous. The are made of very shiny wood which is slippery, have large gaps between each step, the hand rail moves, there is a gap between the wall and the staircase, and also a large gap between a downstairs doorway and the staircase that passes over it. Later during our holiday another unknown car parked up on the drive, a different man went into the on-site cabin with a dog, and was also seen walking his dog around the grounds. When asked he said he was the owners friend and was staying with him for a few nights in the cabin. Although very polite to us it heightened our sense of unease at having another unknown male on the grounds of the property, which exacerbated it not feeling private. When we were trying to pack our car to leave on our departure day we again saw the owner, who must have been at the lodge as we had thought, who asked if we had enjoyed our stay. It was explained to him that it wasn't enjoyable as the women in the group had felt very uncomfortable with who were essentially strangers staying at the cabin in the garden, who just seemed to turn up unannounced. We didn't feel able to sit outside in our pyjamas and enjoy a morning coffee, or wander with our dog on the ground in the evening after dark. His response was "well, we've only been over there", which feels like it confirms our concerns rather than alleviates them. He never felt apologetic about them feeling intrusive to us, and when we stated that we thought we had exclusive use of the property (as detailed in the terms and conditions), he said yes, exclusive use of the house. This does not feel in keeping with the terms and conditions. Again, I think it's entirely reasonable for information about the cabin on the property to be listed on the website for honesty and transparency, which includes information that the owners and their friends and family may use the cabin whilst the holiday home is in use. We have stayed in numerous holiday homes and never have we experienced anything as intrusive as this. Welcoming touches were also missing from the house. There was no welcome pack, which would have been wonderful for us after having travelled for two days, and not much information about local attractions. Other basic items missing included a potato peeler and masher, refills of hand soap, an oven glove, and extra toilet roll for our two week stay. The TV in the mezzanine sitting room also didn't seem to be pick up any channels, and the DVD players were in a draw rather than set up for use. Overall, I feel that the website needs to be more transparent about the definition of what constitutes exclusive use of the property, the location, the properties surroundings, and local amenities. It's also worth noting that the "Hotel with pub and restaurant 10 mins walk" listed on the website is in fact a 20 to 30 minute walk on a high speed road with minimal pedestrianised routes. Sadly, I would not stay at this property again and would not recommend it to others who want peace, quiet, privacy and a warm welcome.
As owners of Orion Lodge, we get a great deal of pleasure reading how much our visitors have enjoyed staying with us, so to read this review was disappointing, upsetting and frustrating in equal measures.
Disappointing and upsetting because we care, we care a great deal that when staying at Orion Lodge you have the holiday you are looking forward to, by our 95% to 100% satisfaction this year alone, the vast majority do have that experience.
Frustrating, because many of the reasons given in this review are completely out of any owners control and others simply not factually correct.
We would like to reassure our guests that the stairs mentioned here meet all building standards and if used normally with footwear appropriate to any wooden floor, they are not in any way dangerous, the property is only 7 years old of Scandinavian style log build, with traditional open stair construction style, clearly visible in the photographs on the web page along with the solid wood handrail. Sykes Cottages have also reached out to you on two occasions regarding your feedback but had no response from you. Property Owner
Reviewed by Josie3.1★Sep 2022
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"We had a great week at Orion Lodge."
The house is warm and comfortable with amazing views of the Nevis range from the upstairs mezzanine and downstairs sitting area.
Reviewed by Debbie3.8★Aug 2022
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"Surrounded by a beutiful landscape, good welcome information,
Very warm welcome from the owners, very well maintained, special house with warm atmosphere, fantastic view, love for details, very good cooking equipment, all in all we stayed there with three Kids and would definitely go into this house again."
Thank you so much for your feedback, it was so nice meeting with you and your family Property Owner
Reviewed by Jochen5.0★Jul 2022
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"We were immediately very impressed upon entering the lodge."
The property offers great space with the facilities being everything that you need. We struggled with water temperature of the en suite shower for the first couple of days, but eventually got the hang of the tap. Beautiful location, would visit again. Highly recommended.
Thank you for your feedback and info regarding the shower, we noted an intermittent problem following your comment and the shower has now been fully replaced. Pleased you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again Property Owner
Reviewed by Paul5.0★Jul 2022
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"Lovely modern well equipped cottage with stunning views of the Nevis range from both the main lounge area and also the mezzanine area."
Good base for exploring the nevis, Loch ness and cairngorm regions. The added benefit of being able to chill and watch the many varieties of birds that visit the garden.
Thank you very much for the positive feedback, we are so pleased you enjoyed your stay at Orion lodge and we hope to see you again sometime in the future.
Pam & Alan Property Owner
Reviewed by Lee5.0★Jun 2022
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"Wonderful views from the living room no matter the weather."
Accommodating of dogs yet property still good standard. Excellent base to explore the area. Property spacious and warm, boys delighted with WiFi and mezzanine level to hang out in the evening.
Reviewed by Linette5.0★Oct 2021
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"Fantastic house with fantastic views and a great location"
Reviewed by Wendy4.7★Sep 2021
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"Lovely cottage nice and clean, great base to tour the sights of the Highlands , would definitely stay again"
Reviewed by Larraine5.0★Sep 2021
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"Brilliant property with views to die for."
Facilities excellent and in a good location. We took a trail camera with us and recorded hedgehogs and a pine marten in the back garden
Reviewed by Stephen5.0★Aug 2021
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"Fabulous property well run, well set up and well maintained, this was a great place to stay, we loved every moment we spent there."
Great location too.
Reviewed by Pete5.0★Jul 2021
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"Need to be aware owners live on site in cabin in rear garden and use garage at front of property as a work shop"
Its unfortunate you were left with this impression. For clarity we don't live on site. On occasion we do stay in the garden cabin accommodation to cover for our regular housekeeper and any maintenance needs. The garage is used for storage only Property Owner
Reviewed by Rachel3.8★Jun 2021
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"Lovely cottage perfect for seeing the highlands."
Very homely and furnished to a high standard. Would definitely stay again
Reviewed by Larraine5.0★Sep 2020
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"I will definitely book this accommodation again."
Stunning location with beautiful views property was very comfortable and given the current situation with coved 19 it felt very clean and safe and although we had our own hand sanitiser there was plenty provided. Had an excellent peaceful week great family holiday which the grandchildren loved lots of space outside for them to run around.
Reviewed by Gale5.0★Aug 2020
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"Orion Lodge is the best lodge I have stayed in by far."
A lot of care and planning has gone into it which made it extra special. We are a family from Portsmouth on the south coast of England. 3 pensioners, 2 X 40 somethings and a 7 year old, not forgetting our little Chihuahua. The whole lodge was greatly equipped, especially the kitchen that had everything we needed and more. Didn’t get to use the log burner unfortunately as the heating is set to 20° and we were lucky with the weather. The views are fantastic, had 2 very quiet neighbours, sheep to the right, chickens along the drive, lots of birds on the feeders and tree’s, easy to find on Google maps. Sadly a previous guest had left their dog unattended so there was some minor damage to the patio door, but doesn’t effect anything. Owners made it very clear dogs are not allowed on furniture, beds or to be left alone for that reason. Please respect their wishes as it really is a lovely place. The lodge is beautiful and I would highly recommend it. A handy little Spar shop and post office is at the end of the road, turn left as you leave the lodge drive, and the bottle bank a mile away in the other direction. Fort William high street was nice, as was the Morrisons and we had a meal in the Brewers Fayre. My only complaint, which is nothing in the greater scheme of things, were the cushions and pillows being on the flat side. Thankfully we always take our own pillows for that reason. The utility room is a bonus as I got most of my laundry done before leaving. I can’t thank Alan and Pam enough for creating such a beautiful holiday home. If I ever brave the 500 mile drive again Orion Lodge will be at the top of my list. Thank you!
Reviewed by Kelly5.0★Oct 2019
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"I assume the problem with the hot water system has been resolved."
That was the only problem we encountered. everything else was fine and we would go again!
Reviewed by Gail4.7★Sep 2019
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"Fantastic lodge."
Beautiful views. Extremely well equip. Could not have asked for anything else.
Reviewed by Sharon5.0★Sep 2019
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"Single beds very uncomfortable for adults, and all pillows could do with a upgrade."
But lovely place to stay definitely would return.
Reviewed by Harry3.4★Aug 2019
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"Great views across the Nevis mountain range and a good location as a base for exploring the area."
Quiet and peaceful lodge to relax in after an active day out. Well equipped generally and we would recommend to others. A few niggles to comment on; the beds were OK, but the duvets and pillows could do with being replaced. Also, the bins in the bathroom had not been emptied, one of the recycling bins in the kitchen was full, and the dishwasher had not been emptied. Small things, but first impressions on a holiday are important.
Reviewed by Philip3.4★Aug 2019
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"The switch for the oven and kitchenplate was not so easy to find behind the equipment."
A more detailled guide with tips for good restaurants etc... could be more helpfull
Reviewed by Wilfried5.0★Jul 2019
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"A beautiful house in dramatic mountain setting."
Felt like an Alpine retreat. The house was very comfortable and clean. We had a very pleasant stay.
Reviewed by Alex5.0★Jun 2019
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"Property was superb."
Brilliant facilities superbly equiped great location.
Wildlife.....woodpeckers, hawks.....hours watching bird table.
Climbed Ben Nevis superb views.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Rob4.7★Jun 2019
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"Orion Lodge was the perfect location to explore the Highlands."
We were almost always less than an hour and a half from most locations we wanted to visit. The view from the backyard was spectacular and the windows upstairs and downstairs allowed us to see it all the time. The lodge was spacious, the kitchen was a dream, the laundry room was so convenient and the separate lounging areas made it nice for our family to spread out. I cannot say enough about how nice our lodging was. We loved it and would stay here again if we return.
Reviewed by Allison5.0★Jun 2019
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"Great house with stunning views."
Very well equipped. Weather was amazing.
Reviewed by Ruth5.0★May 2019
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"Wonderfull star!"
Reviewed by Alexandre4.7★Oct 2018
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"Orion Lodge is a beautiful place to stay with fantastic views over Ben Nevis."
It's warm and comfy to stay in, fabulous log burner for when the weather's miserable, very well equipped for cooking meals in, and a good base near to many beautiful Scottish hotspots.
Reviewed by Lisa5.0★Oct 2018
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"From your place in the sitting room beautiful views to the scottish mauntains and its always changing weather."
Good equiped house and kitchen. Clean as it should be. Realy a place to return.
Reviewed by Cees5.0★Sep 2018
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"Hemos estado muy bien en este alojamiento, la casa cuenta con todo tipo de comodidades y el lugar es ideal para poder disfrutar de su entorno y de sitios cercanos."
Reviewed by Juan Carlos4.7★Sep 2018
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"I was surprised that the cottage wasn’t cleaned after the first week."
Every other cottage I’ve ever stayed in for a fortnight was cleaned after the first week so we had fresh towels.
Reviewed by Rebecca5.0★Aug 2018
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"My family and I had a wonderful stay at Orion Lodge."
It was well equipped, very clean and the views were breathtaking! We would seriously consider going back and even extending our stay.
Reviewed by Wendy4.7★Aug 2018
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"We enjoyed our stay, we were really surprised by the view from the house, stunning."
It was within driving distance to many beautiful places, Ben Nevis, the Jacobite train, Lochness and Fort William.
Reviewed by Janet5.0★Jun 2018
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"Lovely spot with views over the mountains, lots of birds on the feeders."
Good sociable space, comfortable beds and all the facilities you could want. The only downside was that the weather was very hot and we were unable to open the windows in the evening and at night because of the midges so it was uncomfortably hot - good idea to take fans for the bedrooms. The area is full of things to do and magnificent scenery.
Reviewed by Pat4.7★Jun 2018
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"All perfect, and the weather was almost everyday better than we hoped for, Scotland is amazing"
Reviewed by Markus5.0★May 2018
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"Orion lodge is an amazing house."
We loved to spend time there. The house is cosy and the situation is perfect.
Reviewed by Isabelle5.0★Oct 2017
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"Orion cottage is amazing and its situation overlooking the grey Corries and the Aonachs is awesome."
We loved the open plan design and the upstairs lounge for the views are fantastic.
Reviewed by Andrew5.0★Sep 2017
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