Apex Dunblane Hydro Hotel

We came up from Essex on the night train and reached Dunblane at 5am to see my son, so having the hotel let us wait there until breakfast at 7 was a big help. Then they checked whether our room was ready, and it was, which gave us so much more time with him. It was great that they were willing to handle an unusual request. Breakfast comes with amazing views, and the place feels cosy. The staff were really friendly and acknowledged us whenever we caught their eye.

The staff were welcoming and friendly, and the food was excellent. The hotel itself is comfortable and lovely, with a basic spa on site. The resort is due for a full renovation, so I'd be happy to return in the future.

Breakfast had a great selection, and the staff there were much better. The rooms are a little tired, though refurbishment is underway. Bar service was excellent. Dinner service in the restaurant was a different story: one male staff member was very brusque and made us feel like a nuisance for asking about the menu. The dinner itself was bland and uninspiring.

We spent a few days here over Christmas in December 2025, during a longer holiday, and the peaceful setting in Dunblane made it a wonderful retreat. The grounds are huge, and the hotel feels luxurious and opulent. Christmas lights and decorations made the main areas look beautiful, and the place still felt cosy and charming even though some of the room decor was dated. We stayed just after Apex acquired it, before its renovations began, and Hilton hadn't done much refurbishment in recent years. My room's sink had a hairline crack and the towel rail was loose. The food was a real highlight. Breakfast was divine, restaurant meals felt five-star, and the cocktail bar was a lovely spot to sit with a drink and unwind. I'd definitely return.