Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Dunblane Hydro, Stirlingshire

Sitting atop a grassy bluff overlooking the Stirlingshire town of Dunblane. This 200-bedroom hotel lies just a short hop from the A9 road artery, making it easy to access from Central Scotland and the Highlands. The hotel lies in ten acres of grounds on the edge of rugged hills and the historic Carse of Stirling.

The Rooms at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Dunblane Hydro

There are four types of room available – Guest Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Suites and Accessible Rooms, the later for ideal for those with impaired mobility. Rooms come draped in luxurious fabrics with a trendy design edge you don’t always find at bigger hotels.

Eating and Drinking at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Dunblane Hydro

We dined in their Kailyard Restaurant both nights. Celebrity chef Nick Nairn is the culinary brains behind a comforting Modern Scottish menu that impressively packs many local ingredients in. Highlights included a chunky fish pie overflowing with salmon, haddock and prawns and the perfectly pink lamb rump.

The wine list was fairly reasonable too with some decent options. The waiting staff were great with our daughters. The Cocktail Bar is the place for a cheeky wee aperitif before dinner, while the Stuart Lounge is the ideal venue for a relaxed coffee during the day.

Good Facilities

The leisure club boasts a 17m swimming pool and also decent gym machines to help you work off the pounds that are easily accumulated at the Kailyard. A personal trainer is on hand if you are really serious about getting fit, while more sedentary souls can just enjoy a spa treatment. The hotel grounds are lovely for a wee stroll and the hotel looks at its most impressive from the lawn that spills bellows its grand façade. Business types can use the eight modern meetings rooms.

Discover Dunblane

Dunblane’s main attraction is its Cathedral. This voluminous edifice has a rich history with the Picts and the Gaels both holding the site in high esteem before Bishop Clement in the 13th century made it his mission to rebuild the remarkable cathedral. The interior is a hushed oasis of peace no matter what your religion and poignantly it is home to a touching memorial to the children and their teacher who died in the dreadful massacre in 1996. Just outside the town is Sheriffmuir, a dramatic old Jacobite battle site.

Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, Perth Road, Dunblane, FK15 0HG. Tel: 01786-822 551. www.doubletreedunblane.com

InsiderScotland Rating

For Families 7/10

For a Romantic Break 7/10

For Food 7/10

For Business People 8/10

InsiderScotland Rating 7/10