Drumnadrochit Hotel

It was inevitable, I had to do it, the draw inexorable and pure.

So, after a couple "scotch fudges" (fudge with a scotch whiskey inside) to warm my guts, I suited up in my 4/3 wetsuit, climbed down from the ruins and paddled across Loch Ness. I don't know anyone who's done this and it was across one of the thinnest links to the other side, but I did it. I paddled my surfboard across Loch Ness.

Was I scared of "Nessie", the prehistoric monster that supposedly lurks beneath these cold, dark waters? Naw, I even splashed around a bit to see if I got her attention. Nothing. As I figured. My bf thought I was crazy for doing it but I thought he was the crazy one for not. (We're no longer together)

I peeled out of my suit, fingers frozen to the bone from the cold, ate a couple more of the fudges and headed back to the hotel to dine and swap Nessie tales with the visitors and proprietors. I didn't have to pay for one drink all night long. But I think I got sick from the venison.

The "Drum" hotel was warm, close to the loch, had a small cafe and offered pack lunches to take for walks along the shore. And everybody wanted to hear my Nessie story. I would've made headlines world-wide had I been eaten. "Aye, Robin Z, a brave American lass, eaten by Nessie, how tragic. So what's for dinner? Not venison again, I hope."

The lore continues.

We stayed in the lodge, which I guess has different style rooms than the main hotel. Our experience of the property was more of a motel, not a hotel. For a motel, it was fine. If you're looking for luxury or amenities the lodge style rooms didn't have any. The room was basic, but clean and serviceable. If you're going to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition then you definitely want to stay here, they are right next to each other and basically share the same parking lot. It's also a short drive to Urquhart Castle and the loch. The location and price are the big positives here.

For the price and location it's hard to find a better place to stay near Loch Ness. The staff were all exceptionally friendly and helpful and the fish 'n' chips at the hotel restaurant was delicious. A free breakfast each morning and having boat tours of Loch Ness originating from right in front of the hotel were also convenient.
On the negative side there was no alarm clock to be found in the room, the telephone did not work, the bed was too firm for my liking and the walls were extremely thin which made sleeping difficult at times. Overall I was happy with my experience at Drumnadrochit Hotel.