My girlfriend and I have just returned from a short break at the Maple Court Hotel in Inverness.

We booked the hotel after reading the glowing reviews on this website.

First impressions of the hotel were good, it looks really nice from the outside and is in a good location beside the river.

However, when we went inside we were both a bit disappointed. The decor is a bit shabby and could definitely use a revamp.

Our room was a decent size and was clean enough. The furniture seemed a bit cheap and worn. The hotel says that the furniture is only a few years old - well, it looks older. They've also scrimped on quality. With only 9 rooms in the hotel, and at the prices they charge per night, I'd expect the rooms to be a bit more classy. As it stands, they're functional but nothing more.

Oh, and before i forget, who in their right minds decides to put carpet in a bathroom?? Note to the person who thought that was a good idea - water, pee etc. will get into the carpet and is difficult to get out. The carpet will go damp. It will smell. Of mould. And pee.

Anyway, the staff were pleasant and courteous. If you decide to go to the Maple Court, you'll have no problems with them.

So, overall, i'd describe this hotel as functional but nothing more. Definitely not worth the going rate. I'm at a loss as to how other reviewers could possibly give this hotel 5/5. Seriously, do they live in caves or something? To give a hotel 5/5, I'd expect trained monkey butlers to attend to my every whim whilst i sit in a gold-plated bath. I wouldn't expect a hotel that looks and smells rather fusty.

We stayed at the hotel for a three night period and found the hotel to be adequate and value for money.

Location is good for walking into the town and the nearby sports stadium.

The staff were very pleasant and very helpful. We were running the Loch Ness Marathon and they kindly helped out with an early morning breakfast tray which had everything we needed. The cooked breakfast was very good indeed.

Our only gripe during our stay was with the loud amplified music played during the Saturday night. This went on until 0038. Whilst we have nothing against party venues the amplification of the music was just too high for the building. Some thought maybe for the guests staying in the hotel and booking future functions.

The room we stayed in may need some maintainance work. The hand basin was cracked, the bath didn't hold water due to leak and ill fitting plug. Loo roll holder hangs loose on the wall. Lining fabric on the armchair is torn and hanging down. Extractor fan in bathroom is very loud. Puts you off whilst reading the paper and attending to the necessary.

All in all an OK hotel.

Finding the hotel can be a bit of a challenge: Ness Walk consists of three parts, the middle of which is for pedestrians only.

The property is kept in its original style and does appear somewhat dated in several places but it does have character and the staff is very friendly and service is good.

Our room was a smal suite with a longe and a bedroom. The lounge was nice but really lacked some better lighting – it was not possible to sit in the lounge reading a book, even during the day as there is no window in the lounge.

The bathroom was terribly small and a large person may simply be unable to use the toilet (or may be exteremely uncomfortable), which is in a way too narrow space between the tub and the wall.

The breakfast, on the other hand, is absolutely fantastic and once again I must say, that the staff is very friendly and the service is excellent.

There is ample parking if the place is not full of people having a meeting there.

Unfortunately, they offer no internet access, but they are happy to tell you where this can be found nearby.

This place is in need of some repair and updating. There is a mold problem in the main hall leading to the rooms - you can see mold growing under the wallpaper. The rooms themselves were just OK. I pulled out a stool from under the desk and it had a broken leg. The furniture is old, not antique, just old and worn. There is a bar area with a pool table, but it seems to be full of employees on their break - it feels like you are intruding. It is near the river ness which is nice to walk along.