Crieff Hydro

Amita at Reception was fantastic with advice and useful information, and kept remembering our name. We’d also like to recognise Kirstie at reception and Careen, the Duty Manager. The activity staff were all great, with special mention to the team at the children’s Care Centre. This was our family’s first self-catering apartment stay. The apartment was superbly equipped and close to the hotel, and we loved the whole visit. The hotel and The Glen have excellent facilities, and our grandchildren were thrilled. A delightful stay with so many highlights. We’ll return.

The spa was a real bright spot: my partner had a great time and would love to go back, and thanks to the manager for helping with the booking. We didn’t try any activities, so can’t comment on those, though we may when our little one is older. Our room was spacious and nice, and having our own parking space was handy, but it wasn’t very clean. There was dust by the skirting boards, mug rings and residue on both bedside units, and marks on the carpet. I’d asked for a cot for our five-month-old in the online booking notes, then called a week ahead to check. None was there when we arrived, but reception brought one about ten minutes after we called. I was surprised we weren’t in the main building. A hand or body lotion in the bathroom would have added a little luxury, as would better toilet paper. Breakfast was decent but just what you’d expect, and the cold meat and cheese selection was poor. Lunch in the main restaurant was basic and overpriced, so we went elsewhere for dinner. A place four minutes down the road was fantastic and good value. We might stay again, but even with the 20% online offer, we’d choose the cheapest room and spend more time outside the resort. It was a mixed experience.

There have been lots of upgrades since our last visit, and Crieff Hydro remains one of our favourite places for a family treat. We came for two nights to celebrate my sister’s birthday and had a wonderful time together. We had dinner at the Meikle on Saturday with a table of 12. All the staff were great, and Poppy looked after us meticulously all evening. A special thank you to her and to everyone.

Our daughter loves the kids club, pool and adventure glen, and there’s plenty for families to do at Crieff Hydro even in winter. On this visit, the kids club was excellent and the entertainment staff were brilliant. Roman was especially good with our daughter and made her feel special. We enjoy coming here, which is why we still rate it well, and I’d recommend it. The service can be inconsistent. I’d requested and paid for birthday extras for my wife, but none had made it to our room when we arrived. Sunday lunch was sloppy and seemed rushed by the chef. Our Croque Madams were badly burnt underneath, with a large chunk missing from mine and a hole in my wife’s. They were replaced, but we were still charged full price, £28. When we raised the issues with Management, they apologised and were keen to address them.