Dunblane Hydro, Dunblane

Advantages: Luxury hotel in beautiful surroundings
Disadvantages: Leisure centre didn't come up to scratch

...grounds, on a hill overlooking Dunblane and the surrounding Perthshire countryside? Dunblane is one of Britain’s smallest cities, as it has a Cathedral, well worth a visit, but sadly Dunblane is remembered for the massacre that happened on my birthday in 1996. A day I won’t forget. It was the reason I had celebrated a birthday that I was here though! A time to pamper myself, relax and enjoy retirement. Easily reached by train from Edinburgh or Glasgow ...
...of leaflets available for tourists. Dunblane is in a great area for visiting tourist attractions, especially in Stirling, Callender, Doune, Blair Drummond to name but a few. The main reception desk, which was opposite the stairs still had a queue! There were glass show cases with jewellery and other gifts which were on sale, and we noticed a lift, which we could have used when we entered but there was no sign directing us by the door! There was a ... Read review

Advantages: Can't think of any
Disadvantages: Service, Price, Food, Atmosphere,

...who had stayed at the Dunblane Hydro before, I thought that a hotel chain such as Hilton will react to such bad reviews and will endeavour that the quality matches the high price asked for. To make sure I would have a spacious room, I even decided to pay the 20 £ extra to get a Deluxe room. In order not to have to look for a restaurant once I get to Dunblane I booked Dinner Bed & Breakfast, expecting a relaxed 3 course menue of high quality in a ...
...for an incredible amount of £ 199.- (a lot of money even for UK standards). A "proper" confirmation letter with some more information about the hotel and surrounding area through my letterbox a few days later was a nice touch of professionalism and gave me a bit more hope of what to come. THE STAY ************ The disapointment couldn't have been bigger than what I experienced during my stay on 11/07/05. I arrived at the hotel after a few hours ... Read review

Advantages: Nice view and good centre for touring.
Disadvantages: Ugly decor, exhorbitant prices and poor food.

My wife and I decided to take advantage of the 'special offer' of two nights bed and breakfast with an evening meal on whichever night suited for the laughably cheap price of £169. Bearing in mind that this is a famous hotel and set in one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland it seemed a reasonable deal. When we arrived a pleasant young lady advised us that check-in wasn't until 4pm. Had we known this we would have made arrangements to visit somewhere ...
...found it dull and dreary with dark furniture, dark carpet and dark bedcovers. The bathroom, whilst large was cold and impersonal and had dark tiles on the wall but at least it was clean and the towels were fresh. Breakfast was horrendous. Firstly, after queueing for 15 minutes, we were shown to a table and with a vague sweep of a hand shown where everything was. The orange juice was so diluted as to be almost tasteless and the self-service cooked ... Read review

Advantages: See Below
Disadvantages: See Below

I have stayed in several Hitlon's now and I have found them all to be of a similair high standard.The breakfasts are always plentiful and very tasty while the staff are friendly and helpful.An example of this was when I was reading a book in the hotel lounge.A receptionist,instead of nodding or ignoring me, stopped , giggled slighlty and proceeded to discuss the books many plots and sub-plots with me.This is the sort of personal touch that I find ...
...One not-so-nice incident however was when I was checking into the Hydro, a Hilton up in Scotland.Upon entering the room me and my family were shocked to find a kilt laid out on the bed.Worried that we would be forced to enter into some sort of scottish induction ceremony involving shortbread , whiskey and one kilt between the four of us we quickly phoned down to reception, after making sure the kilt was a good fit of course:) Apart from this I would ... Read review

Advantages: Facilities
Disadvantages: Price and quality

Having stayed at this hotel whilst attending a course I was somewhat disappointed. The hotel sits in its own massive grounds and looks impressive from the main road. On driving up the long driveway you are under the impression that this is a luxurious hotel. The first problem you find is trying to park the car - there are simply not enough car parking spaces for all the guests and courses run there. The hotel looks is age and is overdue for some ...
...in the newer section ) urgently require upgrading - Travel Lodge rooms are must superior. The furniture and fitting look tired and need replacing. One woman on the couse had the misfortune of being located next to the central heating system and could not sleep for the noise. The food was good and plentyful and the dining room staff were efficent there was nebver any shortage of them. I had lunch on two occasions and it was the same buffet menu ... Read review