The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa

Called in for mid morning coffee and scones. We live close by, first visit since new management. Overall experience good as usual though service a little slow. Scones took some time to appear after we had been served the coffee. Cheese scone came warmed, not given a choice of warm or cold. Cheese appeared to be all on the outside none actually in the scone which doesn’t qualify as a cheese scone for me and I definitely don’t like them warm! My husband enjoyed his fruit scone and the shortbread which accompanies the coffee was lovely. Maybe I’ll stick to the fruit scones next time.

Visited the Marcliffe on 24.01.25 as we were attending a corporate event. From arrival, during our over night stay and on departure we experienced the best customer service I’ve experienced in Aberdeen in years. Every member of staff we happened across were professional, welcoming and friendly. The room we stayed in was second to none, spacious, with under floor heating and lovely extras included. The bed was one of the comfiest I have ever slept in. The meal at the corporate event was delicious and the service was fantastic. I was astounded at the breakfast that was included as part of our room rate. Many hot options to choose from, artisan coffees, meat and fruit platters, smoothies and offers of more toast! I haven’t stayed at the Marcliffe for a few years, but I was delighted ti see the high levels of hospitality are still ingrained in all they do. We will definitely be back soon.

As Marcliffe regulars we attended the Xmas Day Dinner with no Piper playing, which was a shame, but upon arrival I had to open the glass door to let myself in which before that was already noted with a warm Merry Xmas welcome to the Marcliffe, well that was certainly not what we got when we arrived. On a plus point the 2 bar staff in the foyer we5re very good and asked how we were, and wished us a Merry Christmas and gave us our pre dinner drink's before we went in they stepped in quickly to give us their undivided attention with canopies and taking our main order. Well different story when we entered the main drawing room with no fire lit, we were greeted by a Scruffy looking Head Waitress with a "Clipboard",really!!, She asked for our names barley smiled at us and said just take a seat, well we started walking towards any table not Escorted to the table, very bad Service indeed, you really need to step up your game here. The canopies were nice, but noticed dirty plates on tables, the head waiter should of been making sure that tables were free from clutter. Now on entering the restaurant for dinner we were greeted by a lovely young waitress she was excellent throughout the whole process, the Xmas meal was First Class, piping hot plates, Prompt service, First Class was the word where the food was concerned Staff are young & very friendly but need training & a proper a front of house person to ensure the service is aligned with the premium dining experience & premium prices. Please bring back the white gloves and the Tunics that the staff wore in the Restaurant area. Also there were too many young staff chatting, laughing, etc, it didn't feel like a 5 STAR SERVICE really. In order to have that the floor staff need to be neat and tidy, professional and discreet when around customers when dining. I also want to add the Floor manager with the Clipboard!! That was awful to be met with that in a 5 STAR Hotel and really she needs to dress appropriately and have a very tidy appearance while doing her job. Please can you address this with all your staff. I felt on this occasion the atmosphere was lacking, such a shame but feel the hotel is going down hill now.

We attended a Christmas party night on 20th. I would like to say what an excellent event this was. A great effort from Claire and her team for organizing a great night. The meal at the event was first class, service was prompt , it was very refreshing to see everyone doing there job in a professional manner, A well organized and structured team lead by both the bar and floor managers. We stayed overnight, our room was spotlessly clean, we received first class service from the housekeeping staff. Once again a thank you to all at the Marcliffe for making our night and stay at this very special time of year so memorable

Everything is there for a fantastic visit. Lounge and dining room lovely as usual. Food fantastic. However, the service has slowed considerably since my last visit. Staff are very friendly but service very slow. Drinks taking a long time to come before and after dinner. Had to ask for the olives that are usually served. Bill was incorrect at the end also. It became frustrating. I love this hotel but please can you return it to the same service standards as when the Spence family owned it. You pay a premium for top service and this is not what we all experienced. I’m feeling hopeful this was a blip and when I return in the new year it will be rectified.

Advertised as Aberdeens only 5 star hotel & spa, but could not say that about the restaurant now adays. Been going to the Marcliffe for many years. Food very good, but service is far from 5 star. Staff are young & very friendly but need training & a proper a front of house person to ensure the service is aligned with the premium dining experience & premium prices.