Knockendarroch Hotel and Restaurant, Pitlochry
It was recently voted one of Britain’s most romantic hotels and “Discovery Of The Year 2016”. We’ll be honest, it’s isn’t budget. But they do offer last-minute discounts and midweek deals, so check out their website for details.
Price: £££
Where: Knockendarroch Hotel & Restaurant, Higher Oakfield, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH16 5HT
Tel: 01796 473473
Premier Inn, Dundee West
It’s at the cheaper end of hotels, so don’t expect to get a butler. However, it’s well situated for Dundee and Perth and, even though it’s near a busy road, rooms are insulated. There are accessible rooms and an attached Beefeater restaurant. It may be budget but our team thinks the beds at Premier Inns are pretty great – and we love the choice of pillows!
Price: £
Where: Premier Inn Dundee West, Kingsway West, Dundee, DD2 5JU
Tel: 0871 527 8326
Knockshannoch Lodge, Kirkton of Glenisla
Fancy somewhere quirky and unique to stay? Knockshannoch is your answer. It’s the only remaining thatched roundhouse left in Scotland (unless there’s one hidden somewhere no-one knows about). It dates back to about 1880, but the owners have managed to modernise it while maintaining its unusual character. So alongside the sound system, flat screen TV and wifi, you’ll find a stuffed head on the wall (don’t worry – it’s not human!), a woodburning stove and a comfortable four-poster bed. There are two bedrooms – one double and one with adult-sized bunk beds. The lodge is up a quiet country lane – but perfectly within reach of a local pub which is both dog and child friendly. A truly unusual find.
Price: £££
Where: Knockshannoch Lodge, Kirkton of Glenisla, Perth & Kinross, PH11 8PE
Tel: 07974 236 664
Jolly’s, Broughty Ferry
Like Wetherspoon’s? Jolly’s is a hotel and pub owned by the budget chain and it’s really nice. Rooms are clean and nicely decorated. Plus, of course, you can eat in the pub downstairs. There are burgers a-plenty, steak and curry clubs and “small plates” for dainty appetites. Great if you’re on a budget and fancy a meal and a cheap pint!
Price: £
Where: Jolly’s, 43a Gray Street, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2BJ
Tel: 01382 734910
Beech Hedge Caravan Park, Cargill
Like your caravan sites with bingo, discos and non-stop partying? Then don’t stay here. However, if you like peace, quiet and tranquillity, then this small site is a winner for you. We found the caravans spotless and they come supplied with TV/DVD player, and bed linen. The rivers Tay and Isla are within walking distance and you’ll enjoy some fantastic views. Beech Hedge has lodges for more luxury living, too. It’s perfectly situated if you like getting out into the great outdoors. The park is a mile away from the Meikleour Beech Hedge. It’s the longest hedge in Britain and the highest of its kind in the world. See it in autumn and you’ll be knocked out by its beauty.
Price: £
Where: Beech Hedge Caravan Park, Cargill, Perth, Perthshire, PH2 6DU
Tel: 01250 883249
beech-hedge-caravan-park.co.uk
Rosebank House, Blairgowrie
Sometimes it’s the little details that count. At Rosebank, you’ll find welcoming tablet in your room. There’s an array of home-baked breakfast goodies for you to enjoy, too, including bread, granola, jams, jellies and scones. Bedrooms are cosy and comfy and nearly all have en-suite facilities. Perfect for walking the Cateran Trail, less than half a mile away.
Price: ££
Where: Rosebank House, 42 Balmoral Rd, Blairgowrie and Rattray, Blairgowrie, PH10 7AF
Tel: 01250 872912
Four Seasons Hotel, St Fillans
The Beatles stayed here in 1964. We reckon it’s had a lick of paint or two since then because this is a lovely hotel and the staff are great. Chalets are also available. It’s dog-friendly, so if you can’t bear to leave Fido behind let the staff know that when booking. You might just find a welcoming Bonio for pooch on arrival! Many rooms have lovely views over hills and Loch Earn.
Price: ££
Where: The Four Seasons Hotel, St Fillans, Perthshire, PH6 2NF
Tel: 01764 685333
Riverside Cabins, Comrie
This is a small site with only six cabins – but in this case, small is beautiful. The cabins are cosy and have a homely feel. We love the views – why not enjoy a walk around Loch Earn and then a well-earned drink? It’s pet-friendly, too. If wifi is essential, specify that when booking. But why would you need internet access when you’ve got that view?
Price: £££
Where: Riverside Cabins, Dunira, Comrie, Perthshire, PH6 2JZ
Tel: 01764 685 310
Huntingtower Hotel, Perth
Three miles outside Perth, the Huntingtower is a country house hotel set in its own grounds. It’s a bit of a Perth institution and you’ll often find locals eating here. It’s no wonder – there’s a light, airy conservatory for dining in and afternoon teas are really popular. Room rates are generally a little more expensive than you’d pay for a chain hotel, but you’ll often find deals online, including two-night breaks with breakfast and a meal one night included. Fancy something different? Try a Murder Mystery weekend, described as “scarily great”!
Price: ££
Where: Huntingtower Hotel, Crieff Road, Perth, Perthshire, Scotland, PH1 3JT
Tel: 01738 583771
Crieff Hydro
It’s got a reputation for being a fabulous place to take children. With great facilities including swimming pools, clubs for kids and outdoor activities, that’s well deserved. But what isn’t so widely talked about is that they take great care of their grown-up guests here, too. There’s a wee oasis of calm in the adults-only spa – with its own separate pool, it’s the perfect get-away-from-it-all spot. Eating and drinking is a big deal here. There are various dining options, including full-on formal dining, Italian and deals – a pie and pint for £6.50, anyone? We love that the staff at Crieff Hydro take particularly good care of elderly guests. Fantastic fun for all the family and the good news is there are often offers available.
Price: ££
Where: Crieff Hydro, Strathearn House, Ferntower Rd, Crieff, PH7 3LQ
Tel: 01764 655 555
West Adamston Farmhouse, outside Dundee
This is a working farm and small bed and breakfast seven miles outside of Dundee. There are two rooms to choose from and there are also two lounges for guests to relax in after exploring the surrounding area. You’ll eat like a king here, with full Scottish breakfasts made with local produce, including home-made jam. And what could be better than rounding off your day with some delicious home baking? Forget about calories when you’re here. Rooms are cosy and peaceful and have en-suite facilities. Situated close to many of Dundee’s great attractions, it’s a perfect location for exploring Dundee, Perth and St Andrews. There are 20 golf courses within an hour’s drive and fishing is available at various locations in the area, too. Perfect for getting away from it all or letting kids see a working farm in action.
Price: ££
Where: West Adamston, Muirhead, Dundee, DD2 5QX
Tel: 01382 580215
Want to explore more of Scotland? Head to our Scottish Gems section.
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