Atholl Palace Hotel

The upscale Atholl Palace Hotel is an impressive and majestic sight, reigning from a hilltop over lush lawns and parkland. The grand stone manor, complete with turrets, dates to 1871, and even has a museum for those wishing to learn more about its rich history. Interiors are traditionally furnished, paved in patterned carpets and strewn with elegant old-world-style details like damask wallpaper, oil paintings in ornate gilded frames, glass chandeliers, decorative ceiling moldings, and plenty of fireplaces to curl up in front of. Large windows framed by plush floor-length curtains illuminate rooms and hallways that are filled with leather couches and armchairs, with lots of corners for guests to settle into, be it in the spacious, high-ceilinged lobby, or with a drink at the handsome Stag’s Head Bar, where dark burgundy hues prevail and hunting paraphernalia, such as taxidermy game on the walls, imbues the space with a masculine edge. The hotel’s restaurant is equally elegant, with stately and refined decor that includes white tablecloth-clad tables and lavish damask curtains on huge windows that offer beautiful views of the grounds and Tummel Valley.

The hotel is situated on the edges of the small Victorian town of Pitlochry, surrounded by lovely green grounds, woodlands, and countryside. The location is easy to reach and close to town but is removed enough to offer a dose of seclusion and privacy. The town center is within walking distance of the hotel, and several restaurants, shops, and bars lining the main street, Atholl Road, can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes. The bus and train stations are a bit farther away -- about a 20-minute walk from the property. There are several sights in the area that are worth visiting, including Blair Castle (15-minute drive) or one of the nearby whiskey distilleries, such as the Edradour Distillery (seven-minute drive) or the Blair Atholl Distillery (two-minute drive or 10-minute walk). Edinburgh is about an hour-and-a-half drive away.

Rooms at the Atholl Palace Hotel are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated with elegant contemporary furnishings. Though decor varies from room to room, all are bright and fresh, full of natural light and a soft color palette. Many have lovely patterned wallpaper accent walls that complement the bedspreads and wooden furniture. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, work desks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and lovely views over the gardens, mountains, or valley. Bathrooms are standard, with shower/tub combos or walk-in showers as well as toiletries and heated towel racks, though some are more modern than others. The Turret Suites are duplexes located in the circular towers and offer the best views, as well as spacious separate living rooms. Self-catering cottages, lodges, and apartments are also available (though guests should note that Wi-Fi is not available in all of these), and for particularly large groups, the 10-bedroom manor house is also available.

The hotel’s Verandah Restaurant serves locally sourced Scottish fare (though it gets mixed reviews) in an elegant and refined setting with beautiful views over the grounds and valley. There’s also an atmospheric bar with rich leather couches, a fireplace, and hunting decor along the walls. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and some rates also include dinner.

There’s also a full-service spa, which offers a wide list of treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. The spa facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, and steam room, as well as a fitness center with a variety of modern machines. The sprawling grounds also include tennis courts and a small putting green for those seeking some outdoor activity, as well as various walking trails to explore. The hotel even has a museum dedicated to the property's history, and the town of Pitlochry. The hotel has several meeting rooms and event space, as well as a conference center that can accommodate up to 400 people.