What people think

• Last minute getaway deal was well worth it!

  Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

  Sitting at home with miserable weather we decided to book with Riva and hope for the best. Travelled next day and weather was same in Helensburgh but we received a warm welcome - once we figured out how to open the main door! Designed to keep the wind and chill out we got our bags in and we're greeted by a lovely lady who said that our room was ready and hour before check-in, bonus! Asked where we had parked and advised to go across to the car park near the leisure centre (closed for refurbishment) opposite the hotel as restricted times applied for the nearest parking outside hotel. We went up a wide spiral staircase to room 2 with seaview (weather dependent!). Lovely big room, double windows, well laid out and a hideaway bathroom with underfloor heating which was another bonus! Slippers for your stay in the room and the biggest surprise, a turntable with a small selection of records to entertain you (though there were more empty covers than vinyls. Nice nostalgic touch. Went down to the bar area and staff again very friendly and service with a bit of chat about the local area. Got a preview of the menu for the evening and made our choices for later only thing was, Thursday night is Curry and Quiz night and it was a different menu by evening. We took a brisk walk along the front, couldn't do anything else as very windy. Found a wee gem, The Clyde Bar. Independent quirky pub with good music for 50+ age group. Back to hotel for change and dinner. 3 courses on the deal so chose from new curry night menu and starter of chicken tikka kebab was nice. Quiz was starting so moved table to lounge area to take part and our lovely waitress Caitlin was also the quiz host! Our chicken tikka masala with rice and naan arrived and was okay but not as flavoursome as we'd expected. With the quiz, we came 2nd; happy with that. Had to ask for dessert and again with Indian themed. Enjoyed the meal, the quiz, the atmosphere and rest. Headed to room about 10pm though staff assured us they would be available if we wanted anything else. Asked for teabags as no regular ones in room (fruit, breakfast tea and earl grey not my choice). Yorkshire tea bags and fresh milk given, happy residents. Bed was comfy, got a good night's sleep and set alarm for breakfast next morning. Continental breakfast only though wide selection of cereals, fruit, breads and pastries. Check out straightforward and settled the bill for drinks we'd charged to the room. Weather was better as we left so went to visit The Hill House designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh before we headed home. All in all, a lovely wee getaway with the only problem being the Scottish weather 🤣

• Excellent

  Reviewed on 28 Feb 2026

  We enjoyed our dinner fish and chips was lovely