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Wall of Love

Read heartfelt stories from unpaid carers who found comfort and support following their break.

Fiona avatar
Fiona
I needed to do what I wanted to instead of always meeting the needs of others. The hotel was lovely, and the staff were really nice. The leisure facilities were great, and a chance to swim. The views were nice, and in all it was very restful and nice.
Aug 5, 2026
Claire avatar
Claire
It gives me some time to relax away from home. It gives me a chance to explore and switch off. The hotel was very welcoming, with a lot of history and a beautiful garden just two minutes walk away. We explored the local Portpatrick harbour and went down into the coves to explore. The hotel meals at night were lovely and good quality, and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Many thanks. Very much appreciated.
Jul 10, 2026
Carole avatar
Carole
The break gave my friend and me the opportunity to travel together and meet up with another friend for a long-awaited social get-together. The journey up was very comfortable, all connections were easy to make, and the hotel was fantastic and very accommodating. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, and my partner was happy to see me back home.
Jun 9, 2026
Rebecca avatar
Rebecca
I am so grateful to Carefree and the hotel for the opportunity to have a break. I was so lost before the break, but it has given me a new lease of life and made me feel so happy and energised. As a result, I feel like a better carer because I’m happier and have more energy. Thank you so much to the Hilton for their kindness, hospitality, and for recognising carers and helping them to thrive when we so often suffer in silence. I will be forever grateful, and this break has made such a huge difference to me. The staff were so kind and lovely, and the hotel was outstanding in every way. Thank you so much for my stay.
Jun 6, 2026
Kathryn avatar
Kathryn
I had such a great time away in London. I do have opportunities to relax at home, but what I’m often looking for in a break is excitement and inspiration, which having easy access to museums and galleries gives me. The staff at The Zetter were wonderful and the room was great. I’m only sorry that I missed out on my second breakfast due to feeling ill! Thanks.
Jun 5, 2026
Rebecca avatar
Rebecca
This break has given me the rest I needed to get my spark back and find myself again. I was so burnt out and exhausted that I forgot myself and that there is a whole world out there. I feel so optimistic since the break. I am truly so grateful to Carefree and all the hotels that take part in this. You help not only carers, but their whole families, as my having a break, we are able to be the best carers we can be once we regain our energy and have some well-deserved me time.
Apr 29, 2026
Esther avatar
Esther
Taking this break was truly a blessing, and it came at a time when I was feeling very overwhelmed. I am caring for two, one under 18 and one over 18. I was at a point of exhaustion, but the time away gave me the retreat I needed to recharge, reconnect with myself and feel better to continue with my vital role.
Apr 28, 2026
Fiona avatar
Fiona
It was lovely and relaxing. The hotel and staff were nice. It was great just to wander and sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by.
Dec 16, 2025
Carole avatar
Carole
Break was important because it allowed me to do something for myself without having to worry about cared for person. Hotel was very comfortable and staff very friendly.
Dec 15, 2025
Anne avatar
Anne
My husband and I had a lovely time in Dundee. We even went for a wee massage which was lovely. The hotel was really nice and the staff were friendly. Thank you again so much for the opportunity
Dec 3, 2025
Rebecca avatar
Rebecca
Carefree has made a huge difference in my life. I was living Groundhog Day for months, and was exhausted and overwhelmed. Since my break I feel like I have a new lease or life, I feel energised, inspired, and like my world has opened up. I’m truly grateful for Carefree, and the hotels who partner with Carefree. The service provided is lifeline for carers like me who often go under appreciated and are often neglected by society. Thank you so much.
Dec 1, 2025
Rhona avatar
Rhona
I sometimes feel trapped in my caring situation, and a short break is an ideal way to give me some space and time for myself. I’m not happy leaving my husband for long, so a break of about 2 nights is ideal. It was great that I could take my friend, who is also a carer, with me. The break did us both good. A day when you wake up and don’t have to prioritise washing, dressing, feeding, and medications is a great weight lifted. It helps you cope when you know you have a couple of days’ break to look forward to.
Nov 10, 2025
Deborah avatar
Deborah
The hotel was a beautiful small scottish castle set in woodland. Very peaceful. The reception staff were really kind and attentive. We had a beautiful room with a sitting room area. There were relaxing walks in woodland and on the shores of the loch. It was a really relaxing break for me and my husband and helped me to focus on myself and how I feel for a change. In a caring role you tend to put yourself last. I am really grateful for the break and feel refreshed. I would love to go on another Carefree break next year. Thank you so much
Oct 13, 2025
Rebecca avatar
Rebecca
I am so grateful to Carefree and the hotel for facilitating this break. Before it, I was isolated, anxious, and overwhelmed. I now feel recharged and energised. It has truly been transformational. I am so thankful. This is an incredible service and helps us carers be better carers and also better versions of ourselves, as we get the rest we need.
Jun 13, 2025
Anne avatar
Anne
My husband Dave and I had a lovely relaxing night at the Village hotel in Aberdeen. We were able to use the pool and spa which was lovely. Thank you again
Apr 8, 2025
Adele avatar
Adele
I’d like to thank everyone involved in me being able to take such a wonderful - and much-needed break. So grateful for the friendly faces and the wonderful facilities at the hotel. Writing this from the hospital as the person I care for had a scare the day after I got back! I feel much calmer and more able to cope with all the uncertainty and trying to make the ‘right’ decisions.
Mar 12, 2025
Tracey avatar
Tracey
The hotel was fabulous, everyone was so caring. I received a complimentary breakfast, and there was also a handwritten card and a gift in the room when I arrived. It was the icing on the cake of a fabulous break which I needed so much. The older I get, the harder I find it to cope with my full-time caring role on a physical, emotional, and psychological level. Two nights away without hearing the beeping of a ventilator or a feed pump was absolute bliss and has really helped recharge my batteries. Thank you, I am truly grateful.
Mar 12, 2025
Stuart avatar
Stuart
The break feels like it recognises what we do as carers. It's hard to feel appreciated. It made us get away from our hime chores which do not stop. It also made us get out and go to cinema at the same time and and have time as a couple.
Mar 5, 2025
Carol avatar
Carol
It's important to recharge and have some time away from caring. It's great to have some me time. I'm more able to continue caring now that I've been able to relax and recharge. Thank you.
Feb 12, 2025
Christine avatar
Christine
We had already been to this hotel about 5 years ago and it had all been done up. The break was lovely and we had a great relaxing time, very peaceful and tranquil, and the walks along the coastline were very invigorating. The hotel and staff are very friendly and helpful, the beds are so comfortable and everything was catered for in the rooms.
Feb 5, 2025
Valeria avatar
Valeria
The hotel was very friendly and gave me a very quiet, relaxing room at the end of the corridor. I loved my serene breakfast facing a magnificent view. The atmosphere at the hotel is very relaxing, very nice stuff and hotel guests. The spa was fantastic, nice warm sauna. Food was very good. Everything went well. I feel less pain after the sauna and my tension is much less. I can take care of my family in a much more relaxed manner. It was rejuvenating. Thank you very much.
Jan 27, 2025
Carole avatar
Carole
The break was important to me because I often feel bogged down having to do all the cooking, cleaning, housework etc, so it was lovely to have these things done for me. I went with a good friend and we had a great relaxing time, went on some lovely walks, visited museums and had a great time for ourselves. The hotel was super, very clean, and central.
Jan 8, 2025
Mary avatar
Mary
The hotel staff were excellent; they were all friendly and helpful. I particularly enjoyed the historic building and spent many enjoyable hours researching its history. I feel privileged to have stayed in such a remarkable place.
Dec 3, 2024
Aliaksei avatar
Aliaksei
I like the hotel and the staff was very friendly. It was a spontaneous decision and it was really great for me.
Oct 28, 2024
Carol avatar
Carol
As a single parent and an unpaid carer, an opportunity to have an overnight stay is extremely rare. Everything is geared towards my children and their needs, my own take a backseat, which needs to change. The hotel was great, the staff were very friendly and the amenities were excellent. I'd love to return at a later date.
Oct 10, 2024
Christine avatar
Christine
This break was much needed at this moment in time. The hotel and staff were great, and the room was absolutely lovely, with everything you needed and more. The spa pool was lovely and relaxing, and the bed was so comfortable. I really had a lovely, relaxing time.
Jul 8, 2024
Leighanne avatar
Leighanne
It was absolutely amazing. I got to chill out in the spa. Enjoy my breakfast in peace without being constantly on edge. From start to finish was just wonderful. Would just like to say thank you so much. You truly have made it so easy to book & keep in touch.
May 3, 2024
Fiona avatar
Fiona
I enjoyed the freedom of doing what I want, when I wanted to, without having to consider a lot of other things. It was lovely to have time to enjoy things I enjoy. I feel rested and more able to continue caring. Sleeperz Hotel is in the perfect place for exploring Dundee, right next to the train station, V&a and town centre. The views were lovely. The hotel was spotless, staff were welcoming and helpful and the atmosphere was relaxing. I would highly recommend this hotel. It is a wonderful service and makes us carers feel valued. I appreciate your service very much.
Apr 21, 2024
Beverley avatar
Beverley
I'm so thankful for this time away from my caring responsibilities. I really appreciated the big skies, beautiful landscape, fresh air and time with a friend. It really was a gift, thank you!
Mar 4, 2024
Elaine
Video transcript: I'm just back from the Arakar Hotel. It was a lovely trip away. I do feel quite rested and I had to think about some things and I felt I had time to do that. And I got. I managed to pick up some more sleep than normal. And it's just. It's really beautiful place. It's in the heart of the trossachs and there's some nice little cafes and things like that nearby. It's very, very different from living in the city, just in the middle of nowhere, really. But it was very much of a quiet break, just what I needed.
Elaine avatar
Elaine
Just being away from the city has been amazing. Great service.
Feb 13, 2024
Adele avatar
Adele
I went on a beautiful trip last year, whilst looking after my mum. She later passed away. This is my second trip, now looking after my dad. I really look forward to the opportunity of getting some time away and take time thinking about and choosing where I'd like to go - taking time over the whole process. It gives me a light on the horizon. Thank you all so much. I just told a friend who I hope will be joining up too.
Nov 29, 2023
Elizabeth avatar
Elizabeth
I appreciate Carefree contacting me and having the opportunity to book a break!
Nov 29, 2023
Aliaksei avatar
Aliaksei
Thank you for the opportunity. Now I have many more ideas about how I can take a break for myself.
Nov 22, 2023
Pauline avatar
Pauline
The hotel was fabulous! We loved it. Thank you so much!
Nov 17, 2023
Avril avatar
Avril
Amazing hotel with such wonderful staff at the Kyle of Lochalsh. Very clean hotel. Great weather and lovely breakfast. This break gave me time away to do things for myself. I was able to relax and not be on edge.
Nov 13, 2023
Esther avatar
Esther
The environment was very serene and it allowed me to walk around and clear my mind. It afforded me the chance to eat dinner without worrying and I also had a few more hours of sleep. Thank you for the opportunity to participate and feel truly re energized and inspired to know that I also matter, even though I am a carer.
Jul 31, 2023
Christine avatar
Christine
Time relaxing. The castle and staff were great and friendly. No meals to cook. Time for me.
Apr 14, 2023
Tracey avatar
Tracey
It was really wonderful to be able to spend time with my daughter who also needs support. She really enjoyed the break too as she often has to help me care for her brother.
Mar 6, 2023
Kathryn avatar
Kathryn
I loved getting away with my other kid and having alone time, which we rarely get together.
Feb 20, 2023
Carrie avatar
Carrie
Thank you very much for your support. I felt happy, satisfied. Most importantly of all, I wanna break free!
Jan 25, 2023