I stayed at Scotland’s best known ‘lavish’ hotel

It’s one of the world’s most iconic hotels, and the endurance of Gleneagles is down to its service, excellent staff and range of food, drinks and activities finds Rosalind Erskine.

There are many things that are always a good idea; drinking enough water after a night out, clearing out emails before a holiday and booking Gleneagles before a birthday celebration. The hotel is often called iconic and one of the world’s best known, which can seem a bit hyperbolic until you visit and see first hand just how slick an operation this behemoth of a hotel really is. From a personalised welcome to little extras throughout, and thoughtful birthday additions after some Instagram stalking by the staff - who are some of the best around - this is a hotel you’ll remember long after you’ve checked out, whether you’re there for a celebration or not.

Budget or boutique?

There are a whopping 205 bedrooms and 28 suites at Gleneagles, spread across the original building and the newer wing. With rooms from £595 per night, this is a boutique offering.

placeholder image — Gleneagles exterior | contributed

Room service

We took our dog Archie as the hotel is dog-friendly, and we’ve experienced the lovely ground floor rooms in the Braid House wing before. This time we were upgraded to a manor view suite within the main building, which had views across the lawns and tennis courts where families were out enjoying the sunny weather. As with the rest of the hotel, there’s an understated elegance about the interior decor, found here in soft cream panelled walls, heavy draped curtains and dark wooden antique style furniture. Pale velvet furnishings were reflected in the light teal and white tiled bathroom which had a standalone claw footed bath and large shower as well as jack and jill sinks.

Wining and dining

Gleneagles is home to The Strathearn restaurant, where dinner and breakfast is served as well as the Two Michelin Starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, the Birnham all day cafe, the Glendevon where afternoon tea is served, the Century Bar and the famous American Bar. Outside in the summer they have the Chicken Coop, serving fried chicken and champagne and for golfers there’s the Dormy. While there we also discovered the new Dom Perignon Cellar experience which included a cellar tour, glass of champagne and seasonal canapes before a dinner at the Strathearn.

Like stepping back in time to the roaring twenties, this bustling restaurant serves dishes such as caviar bellinis, Scottish lobster and beef wellington. With many, such as the smoked salmon and beef of the day, being served tableside on trolleys by the excellent waiting staff. Service here is like a well rehearsed dance, with tables and trays being cleared seamlessly and conversation flowing easily. Breakfast is just as theatrical with the best and biggest buffet around. Dishes can also be made to order and I recommend the grain bowl for something a bit different.

After dinner, head to the American bar to try their range of cocktails from the wonderful Rose Compendium menu. Each is influenced by a member of the rose family, and made with ingredients that may otherwise be thrown out, such as leftover blueberry muffins from breakfast. It is easy to lose track of time in this atmospheric bar with its enthusiastic staff.

Gleneagles The Strathearn Dining Room | Richard Gaston

Worth getting out of bed for

Known as the Glorious Playground, there are plenty of activities on site from clay pigeon shooting and pitch and putt to falconry as well as walks into the hills. Keen golfers will appreciate the championship course. After a day exploring and activities the spa is an ideal place to unwind. For adults only, the spa has its own jacuzzi pools, steam rooms, saunas and relaxation rooms. Book a bespoke full body massage to really unwind and soak in the peace and quiet.

Little extras

Our room was awash with branded extras that ooze elegance from the cosy Gleneagles robes, full sized Gleneagles toiletries made by Scottish Fine Soaps and boxed Gleneagles shortbread. We also were served a Strawberry Collins cocktail in our room on arrival which came with a crystal bowl of fresh (and delicious) strawberries and two handmade chocolates. There’s a turndown service available meaning you don’t need to worry about closing curtains, dimming the lights or finding the slippers when you get back from dinner and drinks.

Guestbook comments

Since opening its doors in June 1924, Gleneagles has been one the world’s most iconic hotels. Set beneath the Ochil Hills, in Perthshire, the 850-acre grounds have welcomed guests for over a century. Beginning its life in the glamorous age of travel when guests arrived in great style at Gleneagles’ very own train station, the hotel epitomises the natural beauty for which Scotland is famed. Known as the ‘Glorious Playground’, Gleneagles offers an endless range of classic country pursuits, wellness experiences, and dining destinations, and remains a fixture on the social calendar.

Hotel info

Gleneagles Hotel

Auchterarder

PH3 1NF

01764 662231