Cromlix Hotel, Dunblane

The hotel has been beautifully and sensibly refurbished, with interiors by Kathleen Fraser and input from Andy Murray’s girlfriend, Kim Sears. The changes complement the traditional feel of the Victorian country house and incorporate many of the paintings and (restored) furnishings that were in the house when it was sold, plus new sofas and armchairs, fabrics and wallcoverings. The result is sober, comfortable and gracious. Given that Cromlix is celebrity owned, a fitting dash of glamour has been added by designer Ian Smith in the new bar, decorated with lovely oriental gold leaf murals. The hotel also has a billiards room and a whisky room, library and two drawing rooms. uk, england, scotland

Location

Cromlix is a luxurious country house hotel best known for its tennis champion owner -- Andy Murray -- who reopened the property in 2014 after a multimillion-pound renovation. The hotel is surrounded by pretty woodland and set in the heart of rural Perthshire, Scotland which is just 45 minutes from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Traditionally styled rooms and suites are cozy with high-end touches that include concealed TVs and underfloor heating. While the restaurant is certainly impressive and has an open kitchen

Accommodation

The 15 rooms are luxuriously kitted out with thick pile carpets, thickly lined curtains, top quality beds and large soft towels, as well as generous supplies of toiletries from Arran Aromatics. Two of the suites have steam showers, while the gate lodge is perfect for families. Each one of the ten bedrooms and five spacious suites at Cromlix is unique with its own individual design. Named after great Scots from the past and present, the rooms are havens of peace and tranquillity and have superb country views. The elegant interiors enhance the feeling of comfort. This is a place for complete relaxation and indulgence while providing the chance to get out and enjoy a fantastic selection of outdoor activities.

Dining

The centerpiece of hotel Cromlix is its fine-dining restaurant, Chez Roux, overseen by the celebrated French-born chef and restaurateur Albert Roux. Its setting in a modern glass-walled conservatory with large skylight lends itself well to breakfast, which is served a la carte (with cold buffet items) and includes local favorites such as Full Scottish breakfast, smoked trout, and porridge with whisky; it is also included in the room rate. Lunch and dinner is served from a la carte or set menus (though dishes are interchangeable for a surcharge) and typically combine Scottish produce with French-style cooking -- herbs and some vegetables are also grown on-site. The open kitchen forms part of the dining area, which allows some diners to watch their food being prepared -- but also means cooking smells and fumes can encroach on the dining experience. Diners have also complained that drinks are on the pricey side. Besides the main bar, beautifully decorated in gold with Art Deco touches, guests can pick from over 60 single malts in the Whisky Room, take afternoon tea in the drawing room, or take a drink by the fire (one of nine working fireplaces) in the cozy lounge. 

Facilities

While there's not a great deal in the way of on-site health facilities (no swimming pool or spa), in-room massages can be arranged. There's also a games room complete with full-size snooker table and board games, plus a croquet lawn with giant chessboard. As well as tennis courts, activities on the estate include clay-pigeon shooting, archery, and trout fishing on the lake.