A Grand Exterior, A Slightly Underwhelming Stay (With Potential)
Set in an imposing and rather beautiful building in the heart of Stirling, the Collasio Hotel couldn’t be better placed. Surrounded by cobbled streets, period buildings, the dramatic presence of Stirling Castle and the nearby Old Town Jail, you genuinely feel like you’re about to step onto the set of a period drama—grand, atmospheric, and full of promise.
Inside, however, that sense of occasion fades rather quickly. The décor feels oddly generic and, at times, a little cheap—more “Dunelm clearance aisle” than historic Scottish landmark. There’s little to no sense of the building’s story or its surroundings, and the overall effect leans towards something slightly tacky rather than thoughtfully styled. Strip away the exterior and you could just as easily be in a budget chain hotel off a motorway.
This continues in the Bruce Suite. While the name gives a nod to Robert the Bruce, the design leans more towards crushed velvet, silver accents and modern abstract art. It’s not without effort, but the overall feel is less “curated design” and more “recently discovered a love of interiors and gone all in at once”—plenty of enthusiasm, if not quite a clear point of view.
There are also a few small quirks that raise a smile. A decanter and glasses are thoughtfully placed in the room—though entirely empty, leaving you to decide whether to admire it or start your own minibar. In the otherwise impressive marble bathroom, t
