Gleneagles Hotel

This was my second stay at Gleneagles, and just as wonderful as the first. This time we brought our 10 year old boy, who loved it. We weren't sure it would suit children, but the range of activities for adults and kids was endless. What really stands out is the attention to detail and the lengths staff go to make things easy. I called weeks ahead to explain that my wife was heavily pregnant and ask if anything could be done to help. They put us on the ground floor, just a few metres from the Garden Cafe and leisure facilities, and even sent up a little congratulations cake. The food in every restaurant we tried was perfect, the staff were unreal, and the accommodation is second to none. We can't wait to return at the end of January with my wife's mother for her 60th.

It's my fourth visit, and I can still recommend the hotel, though I'm having doubts after my experience at The Strathearn. The setting and atmosphere are unique, and while the food is good quality, it's far too expensive. The sommelier gave me a bad feeling. I ordered a Saint Romain Burgundy and had to repeat it twice before showing the menu. We dined as a group of eight twice in a row, ordering two bottles each of white and red wine on both occasions, but the hotel had only one bottle of the wine left each time. That can happen, but three times? The sommelier offered an alternative, saying it cost more but we could have it for the same price. It was inferior in quality and had a completely different palate. When he brought it, he also wanted to switch my glass. I preferred to keep it, but he insisted because it was a different wine. For a similar wine, I know it's much better to keep the same glass. We all ordered beef Wellington, but the cutting and portions were very inconsistent. My two neighbours got servings 100% bigger than mine and even asked if I wanted some of theirs. At over 100 euros per person, the quality and service should be impeccable. It'll take me time to get over the disappointment and focus on the good things about the venue before coming back.

We treated ourselves to Sunday lunch at the Strathmore Restaurant in the magnificent Gleneagles hotel. It was faultless, with amazing food and service. The place was exceptionally busy, but the staff gave everyone five-star treatment. Our roast was carved at the table and tasted delicious. A special spot for lunch with someone special.

I had a spa day at Gleneagles, and what a fabulous experience. Jenny Campbell was an amazing therapist. She listened to what was bothering me and addressed it, and I floated out of the therapy suite. I highly recommend Jenny. Helen