Atholl Palace, Crieff Hydro or ??

[TheBucktoothedGirlFromLuxembourg]

I'm looking at hotels in Scotland for an early autumn break. It needs to be within 90 minutes drive from Edinburgh.

I have looked at both the Atholl Palace and Crieff Hydro after they were recommended here. I like the look of both of them but wonder if the Hydro would be too busy.

The break is for 2 adults. We are looking for lovely rooms, good food and a nice bar for a quiet drink.

Any other recommendations?

I've heard good things about Piperdam.

Atholl Arms in Blair Atholl. Lovely hotel, great staff and food. Got married there. They were amazing

Thank you both.

Piperdam looks lovely @FionnulaTheCooler. We did a hot tub lodge a couple of years ago and it was fantastic but it's a special anniversary and I fancy someone else doing the cooking for a couple of days. I have bookmarked it for the future though.

It's interesting that you recommend the Atholl Arms @EnjoyingTheSilence. I think I'm definitely booking something in that area. I'm just unsure whether to book dinner and B&B to eat at the hotel every night or just book B&B and stay flexible for the evenings.

There's greater variety in Pitlochry if you want to eat outside of the hotel. Atholl Palace is lovely and probably quieter than Crieff.

Phew!, was just about to jump on and say "don't do the hydro" but realise that I went to the DoubleTree Dunblane Hydro, which was really quite dreadful on every level. Apart from the grounds I can't think of anything nice to say about it.

I'm going to show DH the two Atholl choices tomorrow and see which he prefers.

Crieff Hydro looks as if it would have been perfect for a holiday with the DC with all the activities on offer but I'm looking for something a bit more relaxing.

I’ll throw in Dunkeld House hotel, spent a nice weekend there for babymoon. Nice restaurant, pool & spa, and you can do the walk into the village

I’m from this area and would definitely recommend Atholl Palace over Crieff Hydro if you’re wanting a trip without kids.

As someone else has mentioned, Pitlochry (where AP is) has a few different options for food and drinks too.

The grounds at AP are beautiful and easy to walk round. I would say though, it’s an incredibly popular wedding venue so might be worth asking about this when you book (will there be availability of the bar, free to roam etc).

FonabCastle, Pitlochry is amazing.

@jazzyseph I'll add Dunkeld House to the list. Thank you.

@Preg1989 thank you for the tip about weddings at AP. I'll check in person before making any booking rather than booking online.

We honeymooned at AP many many years ago - such a lovely setting.

No, definitely not. Shabby, run down, grubby, no atmosphere, terrible food. Was there very recently.

For a special occasion definitely Fonab Castle. It's more upmarket than Atholl Palace. Crieff Hydro is fab for families but if it's two adults Fonab means you've got lovely accommodation, nice restaurant, spa, can explore Pitlochry, go to the theatre nearby if there is anything on the.

Atholl Palace in Pitlochry is full of coach parties (of Americans), I've not stayed there but have been during the day, and walked round the grounds. General impression - on a downward slide.

If you do go to Pitlochry, try Cidsin for dinner - amazing curry!

Have you thought about St Andrews? It's a lovely little town with nice shops, sights and restaurants. The two nice hotels are The Old Course and Fairmont. Both quite pricey though so depends on your budget.
Crieff Hydro is okay but super busy with kids and the food is not good.

Cromlix - Andy Murray's hotel is on my list but not got there yet.