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2 nights (Apr 4 - Apr 6)
2 adults

The Smugglers Hostel & Campsite Tomintoul

4.7 (169 reviews)
Main Street
Tel: 01807580364
The Smugglers is only open for group bookings. We have some fantastic deals from ÂŁ400 per night for all 22 beds. Please call us on 07557642727 for more details. The Smugglers is the friendliest & highest hostel in the Scottish Highlands, located in the picturesque village of Tomintoul, surrounded by stunning countryside waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Tomintoul is a hidden gem in the Cairngorms National Park and a great location to base yourself for a range of outdoor activities, photography, wildlife watching, whisky tasting and so much more! This 22 bed hostel has great facilities, friendly and informative staff and a superb common room, so whether you are travelling alone or as part of a group you are assured a warm welcome and comfortable stay.
Total rates, from Thu 4 Apr 2024, to Sat 6 Apr 2024, for 2 nights.
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Child Ages Child Age

Facilities

  • Lockers
  • Free bed linen
  • Outside hose
  • Secure access, 24/7
  • Fully equipped kitchen
  • Cycle Storage
  • Pets welcome in private rooms
  • Drying Facilities
  • Internet Access

Policies

Check In: Between 15:00 and 19:00
Check Out: Between 8:00 and 10:00
Wi-fi: Wireless internet is available and is free of charge.
Smoking: There is no smoking permitted anywhere within the property.
Parking: Parking for all guests is available on site and is free of charge.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Pets: Pets are allowed and can stay free of charge.
Groups: All groups are accepted.

Average

4.7
out of 5
169 reviews

100% recommend

Breakdown

Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities
Reviews
5
out of 5

26th September 2022:

What a great little hostel! The large kitchen area and communal space are a real highlight. The hostel is clean and tidy. It is located in the small village of Tomintoul which boasts a very good whisky shop and a couple of pubs. The location is fantastic for exploring this part of the Highlands.

Tips:

The Whisky Shop is great. The Dark Skies reserve must be fab if the skies are clear.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

28th August 2022:

Great communication- last minute booking made very easy.

Tips:

Village centre has great amenities. Shops- cafe- parks

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

19th August 2022:

Perfect for my needs. Everything catered for. Very clean & comfortable. Oli excellent in communications.

Tips:

A bike ride from Tominintoul to Glenlivet Distillery and back on a sunny day in August is very memorable. The Braes of Glenlivet are cloaked in gorgeous purple heather.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

18th August 2022:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

14th August 2022:

Great place lovely facilities can’t fault it

Tips:

Made our own meals well equipped kitchen microwave so easy to heat food up

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

13th August 2022:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

12th August 2022:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

6th August 2022:

Great little hostel, clean and cosy. Great kitchen and locked bike storage was a bonus

Tips:

We were only here one night to ride the trails at Glenlivet MTB centre. Even if not into mountain biking I would recommend a visit to their cafe, lovely fresh breakfast, lunch and even themed dinner menu

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

3.8
out of 5

5th August 2022:

Nice location and small field for tents. Next to a quiet road.

Tips:

Don't forget to walk top the visitor centre in town to check in... Lots of restaurants in town

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

2nd August 2022:

Good to find, good location, nice village, great kitchen, very friendly help

Tips:

Nice walk to the bridge of Avon, the village store has local products and a good selection of products

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

28th July 2022:

Very accommodating for a last minute stay. Really helpful staff and clean facilities. We camped in the garden which was quiet. Our only gripe was due to the long grass there were a lot of midges

Tips:

Good biking at Glenlivit for all abilities, an lecht is worth a visit for more advanced bikers.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

19th July 2022:

I camped in the garden with a small tent. The shower room and kitchen were scrupulously clean. An excellent base to travel the Cairngorms from.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

10th July 2022:

Kept us well informed before date of stay about entry number and bike shed number Everything you could want was there in kitchen and lots of interesting leaflets Would definitely stay there again felt very welcome

Tips:

Fish and chip van on Saturday carry out available from Richmond hotel nice well stocked shop in square We walked the estate walks up carn Daimler it was great That was walk no 6 and details to be had from information centre in square we’ll marked routes

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

10th June 2022:

Thanks for a super stay. We always get a warm welcome and the hostels has good facilities. We had a great bbq . We will be back again

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

23rd May 2022:

Great location, close to cafes, pubs, walks, bike trails

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

3.8
out of 5

21st May 2022:

The hostel was a lovely place to stay. Oliver helped us out and communicated really well.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

13th May 2022:

Very helpful and easy to deal with.

Tips:

Lovely stopping point with options available along the street and around the square. We had breakfast in the Hotel on the Square which was excellent , service great and very welcoming to us non residents.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
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Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

25th April 2022:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

24th April 2022:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

18th April 2022:

Excellent location whether you are passing through or doing lots of walks around Tomintoul. All the facilities you need. Room was clean. Guests were respectful. I would definitely stay there again.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
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Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

11th April 2022:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

29th November 2021:

First things first, this is a nice hostel in a beautiful part of the world, but this review has to be in the context of there being no power for all but the first half hour of our stay. Obviously it is a fairly rare occurrence but there are a few practical suggestions that could make life a bit easier in such circumstances. Firstly, the front door closes via an electromagnet, meaning when there is no power for long enough (there seemed to be auxiliary power for the door and a couple of emergency lights for a few hours) the front door simply cannot be closed. Secondly, having an alternative means of cooking and staying warm, even if just a BBQ / camping stove and some kind of gas-powered heater would have made a massive difference. Finally, an easily located supply of candles / torches would have been helpful as well. I say easily located as there may have been some somewhere but we couldn’t find any. This sounds like a bad review but honestly the hostel is really nice, as is Tomintoul. We were profoundly unlucky to have booked out the whole place for a trip several months in advance only to end up there on the day of a brutal winter storm. Even with the weather, our stay would have been fantastic had the power not gone out or at least come back quickly.

Tips:

You’ll get a warm welcome at the Glenavon and Richmond hotels. Unfortunately, due to the circumstances (winter storm that knocked out the power for our whole time there) there isn’t much more we can say!

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

13th October 2021:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

20th September 2021:

Spotless and ample accommodation, comfy beds and a friendly common room to relax in

Ratings:
Location
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Service/Staff
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

31st August 2021:

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Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

24th June 2021:

Very nice hostel, clean and everything works. Not smelly. Decent shared kitchen. Needs decent lights in bedroom. Recommended. In town so pubs:bars within minutes walking. Local shop only open till 6pm.

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Location
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

5th June 2021:

This is exactly what hostels should be.

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Location
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

30th May 2021:

Perfect for an independent stay. Olie runs a tight ship - cheers!

Tips:

Cycle from the door to Ben a'Bhuird and Ben Avon

Ratings:
Location
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Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

24th October 2019:

All good if a little pricey for hostel accommodation. Cost double what our previous night in. Ballater for pretty much the same facilities

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

18th October 2019:

The kitchen is provided with all you need. The manager is really nice and willing to meet your needs

Tips:

at a short distance from the Glenlivet estate walking trails. A 30-min-drive to the Autumn festival of whisky in Dufftown. Gift shop and the whisky castle + restaurants in the village

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Location
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

10th October 2019:

This hostel is in a wonderful spot. Nice facilities and wonderfully helpful staff. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and exploring the surrounding area. Thanks

Tips:

Go to the playground and ride the zip line!!!

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

14th September 2019:

This is my favourite hostel in Scotland. I first stayed here 14 years ago with my wife. This time I visited with my friends and to my joy it still has the charm and the cosyness I remember from years ago. Also the most hospitable staff. Can't wait to come again.

Tips:

The beers and the food at Glenavon really hit the spot after a long day of sightseeing

Ratings:
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Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

29th August 2019:

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

24th August 2019:

Very enjoyable comfty stay. Feels very homely and inviting.

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Location
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Service/Staff
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Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

23rd August 2019:

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Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

21st August 2019:

Really clean + comfortable hostel, with great kitchen — a good place to stay to check out the area!

Ratings:
Location
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Service/Staff
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Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

16th August 2019:

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Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

14th August 2019:

Friendly and helpful staff. Good facilities and atmosphere.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

12th August 2019:

A friendly welcome awaits, this is a great hostel with large well equipped kitchen

Tips:

Good local pubs just a few mins walk away

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

1st July 2019:

Ratings:
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

23rd May 2019:

Kenny was brilliant during my recent stay at Smugglers. He was friendly, welcoming, helpful and interested in what I was doing while I was taking part in The Great Outdoors Challenge 2019.

Tips:

Everything you need, shops, post office and places to eat, are within a ten minute easy walk of the hostel.

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

20th May 2019:

Smugglers hostel is a cosy, comfortable hostel in a beautiful location. Kenny was an amazingly friendly and helpful host. We really enjoyed our stay and even booked an extra night because we found the place to be just what we needed after a week on the road. Thanks for the best hostel experience we've had in scotland!

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Location
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

13th May 2019:

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Cleanliness
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Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

9th September 2018:

Friendly atmosphere, very well equiped kitchen, clean bathroom - you have everything needed by a travelling man.

Tips:

Good starting point to visit Cairngorms.

Ratings:
Location
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

3rd September 2018:

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Cleanliness
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Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

31st August 2018:

Great facility. The staff was really helpful and great to chat with. Other guests were very respectful. A very quiet and peaceful place. The most beautiful countryside I’ve ever seen!

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

29th August 2018:

Great facilities, friendly staff. All clean and well organised. Bike shed useful.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

29th August 2018:

Great little village & great little hostel Kenny the manager is very helpful with advice on the best way to enjoy the district & the Highlands in general. Would liked to have stayed longer but ran out of time

Ratings:
Location
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

24th August 2018:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

12th August 2018:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

12th August 2018:

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Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

3rd August 2018:

Friendly staff with many ideas for activities around Tomintoul

Tips:

Tomintoul is wonderful town to stay, visit the Genlivet distillery

Ratings:
Location
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Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

20th July 2018:

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Cleanliness
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Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

14th June 2018:

Good, basic hostel. Clean and comfortable.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

4th June 2018:

Friendly welcome, flexible, accommodating.

Tips:

Lapwings grazing up at the top of the village in Spring/Summer

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Location
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Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

19th May 2018:

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

8th April 2018:

Really friendly staff and guests. Well equipped and bright kitchen. Nice lounge.

Tips:

Museum in town worth a visit. We went to the Glenavon pub for a family meal and found it to be good value.

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

30th October 2017:

Very nice and spacious hostel with all the facilities one could need! Hostel owner was very super helpful and made sure our room was warm and cosy when we arrived. Had a wonderful time here.

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

25th September 2017:

The private room (room 5) was great. Lovely to have our own shower, sink and toilet. There was an issue on the 2nd night that the computer system had gone wrong so we were asked if we'd mind having 2 extra people in our room - and we decided to drive home - but it was all very well handled and we were given the choice of saying yes or no or getting a refund.

Tips:

Went to Glenlivet MTB trails - great fun and great café.

Ratings:
Location
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Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

17th September 2017:

This is a small place with a very nice staff to stay some days but it a little bit old, cold and need a little bit confort like light and electrical outlet near each bed, new mattress ...

Tips:

The hostel is at 5/8 min from the place of the town with pub and restaurant.

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

10th September 2017:

We had a great stay- very clean and convenient. The bike storage was an unexpected bonus!

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Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

8th September 2017:

Very friendly and helpful

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Service/Staff
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

4th September 2017:

Ratings:
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

22nd August 2017:

The Smugglers Hostel is a perfect place to stay for exploring the beautiful countryside of the Cairngorm Mountains. The management - Jane - is friendly, capable and really taking care about the guests. Thanks a lot for hosting our two families in that pleasant way!

Tips:

All the local restaurants, bars and pubs at Tomintoul are worth while to be visited. All single malt connoisseurs should visit The Whisky Castle (6 Main Street)! Try to explore the region around Tomintoul by walking on the different trails and enjoy the broad variety of mushrooms and berries along the walks. Walking boots are helpful.

Ratings:
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Would Recommend: Yes

Owner Response:

Thank you so much for taking time to leave us such a lovely review. So glad you ejoyed your stay here at Smugglers Best Wishes Jayne

5
out of 5

19th July 2017:

Lovely place to stay,clean,good facilities,friendly staff who are very helpful, especially to foreign visitors, who don't know the area.

Tips:

Good central location, fine for a base if you want to explore morayshire and the spey valley, mostly superb roads, good for cycling/motorcycling.

Ratings:
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Would Recommend: Yes

Owner Response:

Thanks so much for leaving such a great review , its always good to hear back from guests & know how much they have enjoyed their stay & all that this beautiful area has to offer . JAYNE

4.3
out of 5

12th June 2017:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

29th May 2017:

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Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

14th May 2017:

All was fine thank you

Tips:

Brilliant selection of wisky at The Richmond Hotel

Ratings:
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

11th May 2017:

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Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

17th April 2017:

Very friendly and helpful staff, a great place to stay when visiting this area.

Tips:

Great food and whisky, you can't miss it!

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

12th April 2017:

The room was fairly basic with bunk beds but most importantly was warm and cosy, and very clean. The shower/bathroom facilities were also very clean with instant hot water and heating so made for a pleasant experience. The Smugglers has a huge kitchen-dining area which is very well equipped with everything you need, plenty of storage space for food and clean dishtowels and cloths etc. Our host was very friendly, helpful and welcoming, talking to us about the the local area and recommending walking routes and so on for us. Although check out was 10am he very kindly allowed us to return after our 10K at Glenlivet to shower before heading off home. We had a lovely time here and would definitely recommend to others.

Tips:

Tomintoul is a small village with some beautiful walks and hills nearby. It is also a good base for travelling further afield to Aviemore (get your food shopping/supplies here on the way as the local shop is limited in range), Glenmore, Glenlivet, Grantown on Spey for day trips and takes in a stretch of the Speyside Way. There is no cash machine in the village so you will need to come prepared.

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Location
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Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

30th October 2016:

Hostel has good facilities, is well equipped. Was quite chilly in communal areas and rooms. Hostel manager very friendly and helpful both prior and during my stay.

Tips:

Had a good evening at the Glen Avon hotel and a very nice meal at the Clockhouse restaurant. Lots of walks can be done straight from the hostel without having to travel.

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Location
Cleanliness
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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

11th October 2016:

comfortable stay cold but adequate room heaters. think direction sign to hostel would be useful on road

Tips:

pleasant village circular walk very nice. lovely coffee at fire station café. lot to see at museum

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

27th September 2016:

First class hostel. Very much appreciated the friendly, helpful and very efficient hostess. She is a gem !

Tips:

The Glen Avon Hotel is the town square is the place to go in the evenings. It has a cosy bar with nice ales and excellent food at reasonable prices. At present our hostess at the hostel works there in the evenings as the chef and her service there is the same very high standard as that afforded by her in the hostel.

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

22nd September 2016:

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Service/Staff
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Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

23rd August 2016:

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Would Recommend: Yes

3.3
out of 5

7th August 2016:

Price vs Quality is good.

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

7th August 2016:

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

21st July 2016:

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

5th July 2016:

Small quiet wee Hostel snuggled in the heart of the Cairngorm mountains, a superb base for anything outdoors. Has a well laid out kitchen dining and sitting area and is ideal for small groups.

Tips:

Friendly and welcoming locals in stores and would also recommend the Glen Avon Hotel for food and drink.

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

4th July 2016:

lovely little hostel. I'd definitely stay there again.

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

26th May 2016:

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

24th April 2016:

It is a pity we stayed on a night when the hostel was otherwise empty - I imagine the common room has a nice atmosphere when full. Lovely location, and really friendly staff.

Tips:

I came up to run a race so I didn't do much sightseeing. Loads in the area to do though.

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

20th April 2016:

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

18th April 2016:

Staff were very welcoming and friendly.

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

11th April 2016:

Very helpful staff. The hostel was warm, comfortable and well equipped.

Tips:

Walk out of the village to Delnabo Bridge, cross the River Avon and go up to see the magnificent views of the Ailnack Gorge.

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

3rd December 2015:

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

23rd October 2015:

Had a good few nights at Smugglers thanks to everyone, Hope to see you again soon. Mike

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

18th October 2015:

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

17th October 2015:

Really good family room. Even perfect for us (2 adults and 4 wee kiddies), lovely having the en suite bathroom. It is a shame we didn't have more time to explore more around Tomintoul. The tracks and paths look brilliant for the bikes...we'll just need to come back another time. The heating system in the hostel would benefit from being upgraded.

Tips:

Beautiful area to explore, but save some time to wander around the pathways around and about the village.

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

5th October 2015:

Excellent staff who are very knowledgeable and helpful.

Tips:

The marked walks are very good. The Glenlivet Distillery is also excellent, and the tours are free. Interesting museum in Tomintoul.

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

28th September 2015:

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Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

27th September 2015:

Very friendly, very accommodating. Lovely atmosphere and sleepy little village.

Tips:

Great base for exploring Speyside whisky distilleries. Fabulous mountain biking location.

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Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

21st September 2015:

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Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

13th September 2015:

Web site is not clear for meals. There is no offer

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

12th September 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

11th September 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

5th September 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

5th September 2015:

Really beautiful location with enough going on in the village in terms of places to eat and drink. The rooms were a good size and beds comfortable. a larger fridge would have been preferred, but it was a really pleasant stay in a comfortable hostel.

Tips:

A visit to Whiskey Castle is a must.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

26th August 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

25th August 2015:

Nice staff and great atmosphere.

Tips:

There are plenty of great walks in the area. And the town is a small but cozy place.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

23rd August 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

18th August 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

15th August 2015:

A very good way to enjoy time in Tomintoul!

Tips:

Enjoy good food and whisky in Richmond Arms Hotel, visit Dufftown

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

14th August 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

11th August 2015:

A very good Hostel ! A staff très dévoué !

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

8th August 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

5th August 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

21st July 2015:

The family room we booked was ideal for our weekend stay, the facilities were perfect for us and the breakfast was well worth having. My only issue was the door leading through into the dormitory area which creaks very loudly just before closing.

Tips:

We were in Tomintoul for the Motorcycle Gathering but there were many other events which had just passed or were due to be held there. There are of course many fantastic motorcycling roads in and around the north east of Scotland. The Whiskey Trail passes through Tomintoul and it's a great base for exploring Scotlands Castle Trail with 18 of Aberdeenshire’s most famous and dramatic castles within easy reach.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

13th July 2015:

Thank you about your advices for hiking and for your kindness.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

13th July 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

8th July 2015:

Nice Friendly hostel with all facilities

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

4th July 2015:

The hostel is well run, clean and comfortable with great facilities. Kerry, is a great source of help and information

Tips:

A good location for walking and birdwatching

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

18th June 2015:

It is great hostel with very friendly hosts. Well recommended.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

15th June 2015:

Staff were great ,friendly and helpful. The shower room was warm and shower mats very cosy. The bed was comfy too and sheets etc smelled clean and fresh.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

15th June 2015:

Nice, clean hostel with great facilities and a lovely warm Scottish welcome.

Tips:

Brilliant base for some amazing walking and only a few miles from Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails & cafe.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

15th June 2015:

Noisy door to communal,area should fixed and much too noisy during the night. Some pictures in the dorms wouldn't go a miss and would brighten the place. Some teaspoons in kitchen would be useful and very cheap to buy. Otherwise a very nice place with a pleasant warden.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

8th June 2015:

suggest fire doors are oiled - they make a very loud noise at night!

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

8th June 2015:

Great hostel.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

31st May 2015:

Excellent and friendly booking from Kerry. Our arrangements had to 'flexible' as we were a group from around the UK and I was uncertain of numbers. The facilities were excellent - showers were superb. The only very small point was the varnish on the tables in the kitchen area. I'd guess it was recently done and tea pots melted it and they stuck to table!

Tips:

Munro baggers take a bike and head into the hills. A good place to bike in from to climb Ben Avon. There are local hotels within a short walk of the hostel if you want bar meals.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

26th May 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

19th May 2015:

Very quiet village hostel.

Tips:

So much to see and do and so little time

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

2nd May 2015:

Really friendly and welcoming. A lot of local info provided which was helpful.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

22nd April 2015:

We enjoyed our stay, found staff ( terry ) v friendly and helpful . Plenty food for breakfast , hot showers .

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

14th April 2015:

Great hostel, excellent facilities, warm welcome

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

31st March 2015:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

31st October 2014:

Very friendly Helpful

Tips:

Glenavon Pub for evening meal worth a visit.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

30th October 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

28th October 2014:

It is a intersting building from the outside. LOve it. Enough parking. It is small which I like. The beds are comfortable. The bathroom and the kitchen is a bit cold. I had an awesome stay.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

20th October 2014:

Nice lady running the place and very clean. There is a very good kitchen/dining area with a lot of utensils and storage space for food. Washer and dryer ate a total of ÂŁ1.60 and there was nobody around to tell. Only one shower for all woman to use (and only one for men) and was warm at best despite being electric. No lock to our room and front door was constantly left open by other guests so it was a little unsafe (There were lockers in the room though but bring your own lock). You also have to strip your own bed before you leave. Overall, very pretty location and nice staff but not really worth ÂŁ15 for a bunk in a 6 bed shared dorm.

Tips:

NO shops to buy food, make sure you bring your own. Definitely have a look around the national park- very beautiful.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

18th October 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

7th October 2014:

The people managing the hostel at the time, were incredibly friendly & helpful.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

6th October 2014:

We made the right choice choosing the smugglers,nice relaxed atmosphere worth every penny . First class staff wanting you to enjoy every second you are there, perfect location for the mountain bike trails,walking ect. We will be going next year without fail .thank you lovely meeting genuine nice people

Tips:

nice food at the Richmond hotel a stones throw down the road , a nice relaxed place to eat

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

30th September 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

27th September 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

13th September 2014:

I will come back. Cosey hostel. Great manager.

Tips:

Many walks to do in the neighbourhood. Watch how to travel to Tomintoul. How to return ?By schoolbus at 7.45 AM. or with a taxi to Grantown on Spey.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

13th September 2014:

Friendly, helpful staff. Great location and good for families

Tips:

Turn right out of the hostel for a fantastic adventure playground

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

10th September 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

7th September 2014:

Tips:

Take the circuit around town. Takes one to two hours. Many deer and other animals to see at dusk

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

3.8
out of 5

3rd September 2014:

I was very taken a back to be changing for bed and have a man walk into the dorm I was in. No one told me it was a mixed dorm. I really wasn't happy about this. Given the option I would have chosen a single sex room and would assume that a single female would be placed in such unless the hostel was full.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

Owner Response:

Hello there. Sorry you didn’t realise we have mixed dorms. We do advertise, both via our website and booking platforms that all dorms are mixed. Like many small, low budget hostels, we cannot rationalise having single sex dorms. However, we do try to put small groups of friends together, single sex or otherwise. Best wishes, the Smugglers Hostel.

4.5
out of 5

2nd September 2014:

very good overall. just want to mention that in a full dormitory it gets very stuffy overnight if windows are shut tight, didn't want to open too much because of midges getting in though -might be worth advising people to crack open the windows slighly, or in longe term fit some sort of ventilation.

Tips:

The pub food food available is very basic. May be worth trying the Clock Tower restaurant though. The pubs also don't cater well for likers of real ale. -so don't expect too much regarding night life. During daytime there are nice tea rooms -especially the Old Fire Station one, very welcoming with excellent food and coffees.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4
out of 5

30th August 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

26th August 2014:

This hostel was perfect for our needs as a family of four doing an off-road c2c bike ride. The staff were extremely helpful waiting for our slightly late arrival and directing us to a nearby pub that offered discounted meals for those staying at the hostel. We made full use of the washing / drying facilities to turn around our cycling gear as we were travelling very light. The hostel also provided breakfast the next morning which we helped ourself to and had good bike storage / washing facilities. Perfect stay.

Tips:

10% discount at local pub if staying at hostel.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

24th August 2014:

Beautiful setting and lovely hostel. Very affordable and the staff was incredibly helpful and kind. I'd definitely stay here again and would recommend it highly to others!

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

18th August 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

17th August 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

3.8
out of 5

16th August 2014:

Nice people. Complete breakfast facilities proposed at a good price.

Tips:

Goog base to visit distilleries. Numerous walk trails proposed at the Hostel.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

14th August 2014:

Staff very friendly and as it was my first time staying in a hostel I will definitely be staying again

Tips:

There is a few local pubs serving food, a post office to get cash back and the old fire station cafe

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.3
out of 5

25th July 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

25th July 2014:

Very kind and helpful staff who go the extra mile to assist guests and make them feel at ease. I would suggest putting a larger sign that says HOSTEL at the front of the building, as I drove right by the first time because I didn't notice the word Smugglers on the barrels.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

21st July 2014:

Our host Sean was great and really friendly. The communal living area and kitchen are fantastic assets for the hostel as they provide a lot of freedom for travellers.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

18th July 2014:

wonderful friendly staff...lent me a towel when I forgot mine! very accommodating.

Tips:

lots of lovely walking -we walked in from the Cabrach then back to Glenbuchat

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

4th July 2014:

Lovely location , lovelly village. Good location to visit Whilsky Distilleries. Some of the other guests used the hostel as a base r walking and fishing.

Tips:

There are a couple of pubs and restaurants. There is a local shop but has very limited stock. If you like Whisky then there's a shop called the Whisky Castle which stocks over 550 different types of Whisky. The owner is quite an extrovert.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

3rd July 2014:

Tips:

The glelivet aerea is great to sea, very beautiful. Judt going around and have the nice virw to the cairgorm mountaines!

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

30th June 2014:

This was a wonderful getaway, with very helpful staff and a lovely kitchen/eating room to share stories with other travellers. We loved it and will clearly be back, when in Scotland !

Tips:

It's very close to all the distilleries of course, but there are so many other nature-related activities to enjoy (the most obvious being hicking), that you can't miss this place.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

9th June 2014:

Well prepared for cyclists . Storage , tools , cleaning equipment .

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

3.5
out of 5

7th June 2014:

Well maintained hostel

Tips:

Not a great area for tourist attractions.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

7th June 2014:

Very pleasant place to stay, on quiet street well away from the main road. Charming, helpful young lady receptionist. Good self service breakfast, which included eggs to cook as you please in the spacious s/c kitchen cum dining room cum lounge. Excellent showers, although the one in our en suite would not work till next morning due , according to the led display, to lack of water. Secure sheds to store bikes overnight. Very good email communication with owners. Hostel/phone manned 4pm -7pm

Tips:

Glen Avon hotel does reasonably priced good selection of bar meals.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

4th June 2014:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

24th May 2014:

could use more showers but no big problem. Staff pleasant and helpful. Only stayed one night but a huge improvement from SYHA-owned. Atmosphere within the hostel was friendly among guests and staff. would happily stay longer in future.

Tips:

Was on Tgo Challenge, arrived well into evening so unable to partake of Villages' amenities.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

19th May 2014:

This hostel is of an excellent standard and very clean, with fantastic fastidious. Our only issue was with the booking process, it is a struggle to get people by telephone. Having booked numerous months in advance I was keen to get confirmation of the booking nearer the time, which again was a problem. Our booking was for 4 adults and 2 children and in the end our dorm couldn't accommodate this. The staff are very friendly and helpful and managed to resolve the situation but communication was a problem when booking. We have already recommended it to other friends who have gone elsewhere as couldn't get through after a couple of attempts.

Tips:

The glenlivet biking trails are worth a visit. Our we girl loved the adventure playground in tomintoul and landmark.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

Owner Response:

Hello there. Sorry to hear you had a few issues regarding trying to book with us. Because the hostel was officially closed when you booked, your information was handled by someone other than the hostel team. Apologies for any difficulties you may have had with that. This has now been resolved. However, really glad to hear you finally enjoyed your stay with us and got to experience the Glenlivet bike trails, Landmark and of course our very own adventure playground. Best wishes, the Smugglers Hostel.

4.8
out of 5

17th May 2014:

very good little hostel

Tips:

good for corbett collecting

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

15th April 2014:

Excellent choice at breakfast, cozy rooms, lovely space, good magazines, friendly staff. Faultless

Tips:

The Whiskey Castle is in the village and does great tastings - highly recommended. There are some excellent biking routes at GLenlivet

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

7th April 2014:

Excellent facilities and easy to find. Very friendly and comfortable and amazing value. Thank you.

Tips:

Sunday morning post office isn't open until 1030 so plan ahead if you need supplies.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.5
out of 5

6th April 2014:

Hostel was very cute, staff was friendly, common room with kitchen is wonderful for cooking and relaxing in the evening. Bathrooms are fine, rooms are tidy.

Tips:

Meals and drinks at Glenavon Hotel are nice and not very expensive, Tomintoul whisky is very tasty! Glenlivet distillery is a 20 minutes drive away and offers a very good tour for free.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

4.8
out of 5

31st October 2013:

Excellent hostel. Happy helpful staff and fantastic little hostel. Exactly what I needed!

Tips:

I ran out the top of tomintoul, gorgeous run and stopped of at Queen Victoria view point on the way back into the village.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

10th October 2013:

Fantastic stay staff very friendly and helpful. I recommend comfortable couches would be nice and a bigger sign out the front so can identify the hostel easier.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

5
out of 5

2nd October 2013:

Fantastic hostel run by fantastic people.

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

3.8
out of 5

25th September 2013:

Ratings:
Location
Cleanliness
Service/Staff
Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

.