We’re only being a little bit biased when we say that Funkeydoos is one of a kind. In fact, there’s no other website quite like us. We’ve set out to become the go to website for hotel deals, events and packages here in Scotland; and we’re well on our way!

Want to know more about what makes us special? Here goes!

Customers love us because…

• The events on Funkeydoos are always a bit different, we offer a lot more than just B&B!
• We showcase great value hotel packages
• Our site highlights events they may not have known about otherwise
• The Funkeydoos website is really easy to use
• We share a huge range of hotel deals all in one place
• The search categories we offer are very varied
• Our blog is packed full of helpful advice and fun things to do
• We can put them in touch with a wide range of event types
• They can connect with us on Twitter and Facebook
• We cater for corporate events as well as leisure events
• It’s easy for them to discover new hotels and wee gems
• We inspire them to do something different!

Hotels love us because…

• We showcase conference and leisure offers all in one place
• The advertising packages we offer can be individually tailored
• We reach huge numbers of customers every week across our platforms
• Advertising with us is great value
• Our site is the ideal portal for sharing a range of events, deals and packages
• We write regular shout outs and reviews for hotels on our blog
• Our website is slick and effective
• Customers can’t search for individual properties on our site: so there’s no favouritism!
• We’re active on social media
• Our offering is effective: we get results!

Want to know more? You could visit some of our more unusual event categories to get a sense of what we’ve got on offer. Hop on over to our Gourmet Events, Murder Mystery Dinners, Special Interest Packages and Shopping Breaks!

For more questions, or to discuss advertising options, get in touch!

Have you heard of Prestonfield House in Edinburgh? If not, let us let introduce you to one of Edinburgh’s true gems. Here are twenty things we love about this unique hotel.

1. Prestonfield is one of our capital’s most luxurious five star hotels.

2. It has a fascinating history, starting in 1687 as the grand baroque home of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost.

3. It’s surrounded by twenty acres of glorious grounds and parkland…

4. …but is located in central Edinburgh just five minutes from the Royal Mile.

5. There are just twenty three rooms and suites, all as stylishly opulent as each other!

6. Rhubarb, the hotel’s glamorous destination restaurant is situated in a pair of grand regency rooms.

7. Despite it’s five star reputation, Prestonfield is a hotel with a very personal feel.

8. They have an impressive collection of art and antiques on display.

9. Inside there is a wide selection of historic sitting rooms and private dining rooms.

10. The decor is rich and colourful: you’ll find no minimalist white walls here!

11. Prestonfield House has been awarded the title of Scotland’s Best Hotel 2015.

12. They really know how to look after you with services such as valet parking, twenty four hour room service and complimentary shoe shining.

13. This sprawling mansion has plenty of secluded corners to sit to work, share a drink with a loved one or even just take in the view.

14. They have a croquet lawn, a putting green and an 18 hole golf course.

15. Guests who really want to make an entrance can make use of the helicopter landing pad facility!

16. In the eighteenth century Prestonfield was the first ever estate in Scotland to grow rhubarb.

17. The hotel boasts an elevated terrace called the Tapestry Room Terrace. It’s surrounded by historic balustrades and impressive topiary: making it a gorgeous spot to enjoy an aperitif.

18. The concierge on duty will always be very welcoming and full of advice on making the most of your visit to Edinburgh.

19. You’ll be able to make use of free wifi throughout the hotel.

20. There’s a fantastic tea house room that’s surrounded by hundreds of old fashioned roses. This gothic-inspired room overlooks the lawn and is lit by candlelight each evening.

If we’ve inspired you to soak up some of the Prestonfield House magic for yourself, we’ve got the perfect offer for you. The hotel has a delightful Afternoon Tea package, served each day from 2pm – 7pm. For £20pp you’ll be treated to spectacular finger sandwiches, home-baked scones and a mouth-wateringly good cake selection, all served on silver cake stands.

Why not treat yourself?

Photo by Stu Smith

There’s something very special about autumn in Scotland. In many ways this is the time of year when nature is at it’s most vibrant… and we certainly have a lot of nature to offer!

Not sure if you should bother making a trip to the countryside to experience it for yourself? We’re going to let this stop motion video taken in the Cairngorms National Park answer that question on our behalf. Anything we have to say couldn’t possibly compare to the absolute beauty of these images!

If you’d like to get out and see this impressive changing scenery for yourself, we’ve put together a handful of tips for how to make the most of it.

Visit the nation’s favourite autumnal landscapes 

There is, of course, no definitive favourite spot to see autumn in Scotland. On the other hand, there are a few spots that come close. Two spots in particular are often recommended: Dawyck Botanic Garden in Stobo, near Peebles, and the Pass of Killiekrankie in Pitlochry. These two spots offer very different views that are both equally beautiful.

Leave the city behind

To get a real sense of the changing Scottish landscape we think it’s important to immerse yourself in it! The best way to do this is to leave the city far behind and escape to the highlands. Where better to see stunning scenery, beautiful hilltops and peaceful glens?

Keep your eyes open for wildlife

The autumn foliage in Scotland is beautiful, but that’s not the only thing that’s special about this time of year. There are certain animals that you have a far better chance of seeing in autumn than any other season. These include red deer ruts, snow buntings, pink-footed geese, and atlantic salmon. For tips on how to improve your chances of spotting something special, take a look at the Wild Scotland website.

Experience autumn by night

We’ve blogged before about one of our favourite seasonal Scottish attractions. The Enchanted Forest in Perthshire is an incredible autumnal light show that’s on between the 1st October and the 1st November. It takes place in a gorgeous woodland and the natural beauty of autumn is very much the star of the performance.

Wrap up warm

We’ve said it many times before, but it’s always worth repeating. Make sure you’re wearing enough layers. There may be blue skies: but don’t be fooled. The temperature can drop very quickly once it gets to late September or October. It’s also fair to say that we’re never more than a few grey clouds away from heavy rain!

Autumn is a very special time of year in Scotland. To give yourself the time and space to truly soak it in, why not treat yourself to a few nights away? Our collection of Autumn Breaks has something to suit everyone.

It’s not often that these two sides come together… but many of our funkey hotels have excellent offerings on both sides of the business/pleasure divide.

Here are some of the best!

At number five is… Macdonald Crutherland Hotel

It’s great for pleasure because… this historic hotel was built in 1705 as a Dower House. It has extensive leisure facilities including luxury bedrooms, a spa, an award-winning restaurant and even a ballroom!

It’s great for business because… it offers purpose-built self-contained conference facilities. Variety is key at this hotel as they really can offer a bespoke meeting to suit you. Their meeting spaces can accommodate anything from five to five hundred people!

Take a look at their Day Delegate Rate and their National Museum of Rural Life Break.

At number four is… Cringletie House Hotel

It’s great for pleasure because… this is a hotel with a seriously good reputation. It’s the only hotel to have been awarded AA Top Hotel status. It’s also been awarded four stars by Visit Scotland. The hotel is surrounded by 28 scenic acres and you’re welcome to bring your dog!

It’s great for business because… a beautiful location makes for an inspiring event! If the idyllic location and unique country house isn’t enough to tempt you, how about the huge range of delegate dining options? All food is produced by the hotel’s Sutherland Restaurant which has been awarded two AA Rosettes.

Take a look at their Residential Delegate offer and their Taste the Seasons break.

At number three is… Murrayshall House Hotel

 

 

It’s great for pleasure because… This gorgeous country house hotel sits right in the heart of two eighteen hole golf courses. The courses span over 350 acres and feature stunning Perthshire countryside and mature woodland.

It’s great for business because… They have five very different conference rooms that work for a whole range of gatherings. Try the Quiet Lounge complete with open fire for an intimate board meeting, or The Lynedoch Suite to seat up to 200 people for a video presentation.

Take a look at their Executive Residential package and their Murrayshall Mondays golfing deal.

 At number two is… Huntingtower Hotel

 

 

It’s great for pleasure because… this hotel has the best of both worlds: it’s set in a secluded relaxing location but is only a few minutes away from the city of Perth. It’s also adjacent to Huntingtower Castle and a meandering burn.

It’s great for business because… you can make the space your own. The hotel’s extensive Huntingtower Suite can seat up to 200 people in it’s entirety, or it can be split into five different sound-proofed zones. There are extra wide doors that enable you to bring in large displays (we hear this is popular for car launches!) and you can opt for a two and four hour meeting block in addition to the standard day and twenty four hour options.

Take a look at their Four Hour Meeting with Lunch offer and their Sunday Night Special.

And at number one is… The George Edinburgh

 

It’s great for pleasure because… this sophisticated hotel is a luxurious choice for a city break. Inside you’ll find elegant decor, plush furnishings and all the latest technology. Outside you’ll find all the attractions of Edinburgh right on the doorstep.

It’s great for business because… it would be difficult to find a more impressive location! The George Edinburgh sits on George Street, right in the centre of Edinburgh. Their conference facilities include eight conference and event suites all set within an attractive Grade II listed building.

Take a look at their Impress the Board package and their Love Your Partner break.

Want to get more of a taste for the fabulous events we have on offer? Hop on over to the rest of our site to see our latest leisure events and latest business events.

Photo by Michael D Beckwith

This week we all have a fantastic opportunity to see more of what goes on behind the scenes in Glasgow. As part of the city’s Doors Open Days festival more than a hundred buildings will be open to the public. There are also be a range of talks, walks and events on offer. Do you want to know what the best part is? It’s all free!

You can find out what’s on in the festival’s online programme. Don’t forget to take a look at the children’s programme too, which is new for this year!

We wanted to help kick off the week’s celebration of what makes Glasgow great by sharing a selection of delightful hidden gems. We’d love to hear your favourites too: check the end of the post for information on how to share yours!

Our favourite hidden gems

The Glasgow Museums Resource Centre

Ever wondered what happens to museum collections when they’re not on show? Well… they all come here! This purpose-built venue offers a space to store around 1.4 million fascinating objects. It’s free to visit but you need to book in advance.

Ruthven Lane vintage shops

This cute little cul-de-sac is adjacent to the bustling Byre’s Road, but it often gets forgotten. Find the entrance opposite the subway station.

The Brittannia Panopticon Music Hall

The Brittannia Panopticon is the world’s oldest surviving music hall. You’ll find it on Trongate above Mitchell’s Arcade. It’s open for viewing most afternoons and also offers a full programme of shows and performances.

Holmwood House

Enjoy a sophisticated day out at this beautiful villa on the southside. The house was built in the 1850s by renowned architect Alexander “Greek” Thomson. It offers incredible ornate rooms and peaceful riverside gardens.

The Glasgow Police Museum

This great museum is located in Merchant City, right in the heart of Glasgow’s city centre. It follows the history of the City of Glasgow Police, who were the first in the UK. There are some incredible old photos on view here in addition to Europe’s largest display of police uniforms and insignia.

The Summerlee Museum of Industrial Life

This fantastic museum of social and industrial history is an excellent choice for a day out. It’s a bit further out of the city than some of our other suggestions, but we’re sure you’ll agree it’s well worth the trip! Thanks to @MrsPandP for suggesting this one!

Your favourite hidden gems

What’s missing? We’d love to hear your suggestions too. Share them with us on Twitter or Facebook.

Photo by Alan Jamieson

 Each month here on the Funkeydoos blog we like to highlight a different Scottish town. This month it’s the turn of Beauly, a popular village in the highlands.

If we tell you that the village’s name comes from the French beau lieu, meaning ‘beautiful place’, you’ll get a very good idea of why you should visit! This pretty little spot sits on the River Beauly, just ten miles west of Inverness. It’s surrounded by delightful countryside and waterways, and is easily accessible from the Far North railway line.

The village is great to wander through as it has a varied range of shops, cafes and restaurants. The village square is a social spot and even has its very own pipe band who perform in it every Thursday evening during the summer!

Beauly is a favourite spot for fisherman as the nearby River Beauly is one of the best salmon fishing streams in Scotland. The river also offers plenty of gentle scenic walks, so it’s a must visit even if you haven’t got a fishing kit to hand!

Another popular nearby spot to visit is Beauly Priory. This ruined church was founded around 1230 by monks from the Valliscaulian order. The monks came from Burgundy, France, and built a pretty tree-lined abbey to suit their contemplative life. Though the abbey hasn’t been in use since 1560, today it stands largely intact, minus the roof!

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the children, we recommend a visit to Robertson’s farm shop and children’s farm. The farm shop sells a delicious range of home farmed goodies, and little ones will love petting and feeding the animals on the farm.

Are you planning a visit to the area? We’ve got some great suggestions on where to stay.

Bunchrew House Hotel in Inverness have an Overnight Stay deal for £90pp. Enjoy overnight accommodation in the hotel’s stunning castle and a full Scottish breakfast.

For a longer break, why not take advantage of the Nethy Bridge Hotel’s Autumn Warmer Break? This package costs £119pp and includes a two night stay, a full Scottish breakfast each morning, dinner each evening, a bottle of house wine per room, and a pot of tea/coffee and handmade treats each afternoon.

Alternatively, gourmet fans might want to go all out and sign up for The Lovat Hotel’s Highland Dinner, Bed and Breakfast Break. This two night offer costs £166.50pp and includes a full Scottish breakfast each morning, a three course dinner in the Brasserie on one night and an impressive five course set dining experience in the hotel’s 3 rosette restaurant on the other night.

Have you ever been to Beauly? We’d love to hear your recommendations!

Photo by Robbie Dale

There’s something incredibly satisfying about completing a feat of athletic endurance. If you’ve got the running bug, you’ll know exactly what we mean! The good news here is that there are a range of opportunities over the coming weeks for you to challenge yourself on your feet.

We’re talking, of course, about three upcoming Scottish marathons.

Scottish Half Marathon

This excellent event is set to take place on the 19th September. The Scottish Half Marathon is one of the newest events on the UK’s running calendar, but it’s already gaining traction as one not to be missed. It’s particularly popular for it’s seriously flat course, so it’s a great opportunity to set a personal best! The half marathon sets off just outside Edinburgh then takes in the East Lothian Golf Coast before finishing at Musselburgh Racecourse.

Loch Ness Marathon

The beautiful area of Loch Ness is home to one of the most popular marathons in the country. In addition to the main event, there’s also a 10k, a corporate 10k, a 5k fun run and a ‘Wee Nessie’ race for under fives. All races take place in a stunning rural setting with incredible views. What could be better?

Great Scottish Run

Want to run the streets of Scotland’s biggest city? The Bank of Scotland Great Scottish Run is coming to Glasgow next month! This huge event will take place on the weekend of the 3rd and 4th October. The Super Saturday events will include a toddler dash, a junior run and a family run. Sunday is when the serious events take place: the half marathon and the 10k. Both Sunday events will be broadcast live on BBC 2.

Not sure about taking on the challenge yourself? We don’t blame you! All three events will have plenty going on for those of us who prefer to watch from the sidelines. And, of course, a celebratory afternoon tea may be called for in any event!

Photo by Tim Regan

Think festival season is over? Think again! There are a wide range of fantastic festivals and events taking place in Scotland throughout September.

We’ve gathered together a whole host of things to do and see over the coming weeks, from science festivals to highland gatherings and film screenings.

1st-6th September Nairn Book and Arts Festival

3rd-9th September Orkney International Science Festival

4th-13th September Midfest 2015

5th-6th September Doors Open Days

5th September Murder Mystery Dinner at the Maitlandfield House Hotel

5th September  Braemar Highland Gathering

6th September Wedding Fayre at the Normandy Hotel

10th September Meet the Authors at the Enterkine Country Hotel

10th-12th September The Changing Clyde Valley Flower Festival

11th September Dolly Parton Tribute Night at the Carlton Hotel Prestwick

11th-13th September Tidelines Book Festival

12th-13th September  Doors Open Days

12th-19th September Isle of Harris Mountain Festival

12th September Pitlochry Highland Games

18th-20th September Dunoon Film Festival

19th-20th September  Doors Open Days

19th September Tom Jones Tribute Night at the Holiday Inn East Kilbride

19th September Invercharron Highland Games

19th September Night at the Movies Boogie Night at the Erskine Bridge Hotel

25th-26th September Loopallu

25th-27th September Moniaive Michalmas Bluegrass Festival

25th-28th September Jura Music Festival

26th-27th September Doors Open Days

27th September Rod Stewart Tribute Night at The Angus Hotel

27th September “The Artist” Screening at the Enterkine Country Hotel

For more event ideas, make sure you connect with us on Facebook.

Photo by LabLit

Today marks the end of the 2015 Edinburgh Book Festival. No need for book lovers to be too sad, though. The last few weeks have filled us all with reading inspiration and our ‘to read’ lists are now much longer!

The best news from this year’s book festival is that they enjoyed a record breaking opening weekend! Sales in both festival book shops topped 10,000 books (we’ll leave it up to you to work out how many pages that was…). The top sellers were The Shed that Fed a Million Children by Magnus Macfarlane-Barrow, How to Be Both by Ali Smith and The Bolds, a children’s book by Julian Clary.

Sad that it’s all over? Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of inspiration to be had. The folks at the @edbookfest twitter account have done a stellar job of sharing what’s been happening across all their events.

We wanted to share some of our favourite literary quotes from this year’s festival.

“A life without books and a life without reading wouldn’t be a life worth living.” Nicola Sturgeon

“Reading was and is a lifesaving activity. I grew up in a house with no books but there was a local library, a free passport to other worlds.” Andrew O’Hagan

“Nothing quite like being in a landscape, the smell of the shore. I feel a need to hear birds, feel the squelch under my feet.” Simon Sylvester

“You remember stories in a much deeper way than you realise. You don’t memorise them. You read them and they get inside you.” Kirsty Logan

“Happiness is forgetting the time. If you forget time, you are happy.” Ahmet Altan

“Good fiction creates the future, it doesn’t just anticipate it… When fantasies are strong enough, they become reality.” Carlos Gamerro

“I start a day’s work by reading. It lifts you out of your ordinary mind processes into story and narrative. Writers lift you.” Tessa Hadley

“Publishing a novel is like having a child and suddenly they move out and appear to be on Facebook or traveling in Vietnam.” Emma Hooper

“What any art does is balanced between two things: an attempt to make the new and a continuing conversation with the past.” Julian Barnes

Now that autumn is setting in we can think of few better things to do than to curl up somewhere cosy with a very good book! If you’re in need of a reading spot, why not take a look at some of our funkey autumn hotel offers? In return, we’d love to hear your book recommendations! Tweet them to us @Funkeydoos.

Don’t worry: we do know it’s still August! But we also know that the super organised among you are already thinking about the festive season. The best events and packages get booked up months in advance, so if you’re on the fence about when to start planning… that time is now!

Luckily for you, we’ve got a santa-tastic selection of festive events right here on the site (did you see what we did there?!) Today we’ve gathered together eight excellent Christmas party options. If you’ll be organising a celebration for your friends, family or colleagues, you’ll want to keep reading.

Here goes…

1. Sparkling Party Nights at the Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel

Want to celebrate in true style? The Hilton Dunkeld House Hotel are offering Prosecco, live entertainment, delicious food and an overnight stay! Tickets cost £75pp.

2. Christmas Party Nights at the Fishers Hotel

Join the party in the heart of Scotland! This Pitlochry hotel are offering a pre-dinner drinks reception, dinner with wine and a live band for £29 per ticket.

3. Party Nights at the Western House Hotel

The Western House Hotel are putting on a lavish celebration in the ballroom complete with spiced cider, roasted chestnuts, a table magician, a casino table, a four course dinner and midnight snacks. Tickets cost £42pp.

4. Ceilidh/Tribute Party Nights at the Winnock Hotel

Dance the night away at the Winnock Hotel’s traditional ceilidh or rocking tribute party nights. Tickets cost £29.50pp and include a three course dinner within the historic 18th century inn. Make the deal even sweeter by adding on a night’s stay plus a full Scottish breakfast for an additional £39.50pp!

5. Perfect Party Nights at the Macdonald Houston House Hotel

If you believe in going big or going home, the Macdonald Houston House Hotel’s Perfect Party Nights are for you! The hotel are offering two fab options this year: the Vegas Party Night and the Masquerade Disco Night. Both events include festive cocktails, a superb four course meal and a disco, along with special themed treats!

6. Fairfield Suite Christmas Party Nights at the Fairfield House Hotel

The Fairfield House Hotel is a stunning seafront hotel that was once the country home of a Glasgow tea merchant! You’re invited to party the night away with them on Friday and Saturday nights in December. Tickets cost £32.95pp and include a three course meal and dancing till late!

7.  Festive Party Nights at the Mercure Eddleston Barony Castle and Spa

How about a venue fit for a fairytale?! Barony Castle and Spa is the ideal backdrop for a wonderful night! Their Festive Party Nights cost £29.50pp and include a glass of bubbly, a festive four course menu and a disco. To really make a night of it, why not extend your stay overnight? Bed and breakfast prices start at £29.50pp on selected dates in November and December.

8. Festive Fun at Dalhousie Castle

What could be more memorable than a Christmas celebration in a stunning 13th century fortress?!Dalhousie Castle’s Festive Fun event costs £35pp and includes a drinks reception, a three course festive meal and a disco to celebrate another year passed.

And all of this is just the beginning! If you want to get really organised, why not check out our full festive section?