Crieff Hydro Hotel

The spa was a real highlight for my partner, who had a great experience and wants to return. Special thanks to the manager for helping with the booking. We may come back too, but at the price we paid, even with the 20% online offer, we’d choose the cheapest room and spend more time exploring outside the resort. We didn’t try the activities, and will do that when our kiddy is older. Our room was spacious and nice, though not very clean: there was dust along the skirting boards, ring marks and residue on both bedside units, and marks on the carpet. I’d asked for a cot for our 5 month old in the online booking comments, then called a week before arrival to check. There wasn’t one in the room when we arrived, but reception brought it about 10 minutes after we called. I was surprised we weren’t in the main building, though we did have our own parking space. A hand or body lotion in the bathroom would have been a nice touch, as would better toilet paper. Breakfast was fine, but only what you’d expect, and the cold meat and cheese selection was terrible. Lunch in the main restaurant felt basic and overpriced, so we went elsewhere for dinner, just 4 minutes down the road, and had a fantastic meal for good value. All in all, a mixed experience.

Breakfast and dinner were both good, though dinner is fairly pricey. With activities and most other things at the hotel also expensive, that wasn’t a surprise. Our first room was small, with a view of the rooftop air-conditioning plant. At reception we were first offered an upgrade for an extra fee, which we turned down. After talking it through, they offered us a third-floor room, since the second floor is being refurbished. We understood we’d have to use the stairs because there are no lifts, and that it’s essentially accommodation in the roof space. We picked the room furthest away, which had a turret. It turned out nicely: a good view and a new shower, so no complaints about that room. We checked out the main pool but didn’t find it very appealing. Instead, we booked a two-hour session at the Victorian Baths for £30 per person. It was pleasant, but didn’t feel worth that price. Having to use a £1 coin for the lockers seemed old-fashioned, and digital locks would make more sense. The strict time slots also made the baths feel controlled rather than relaxing.

The kids' club is excellent, and the entertainment staff are brilliant. Roman was especially good with our daughter and made her feel special, thank you! We keep coming back because she loves the club, the pool and adventure glen, and there’s plenty to do even in winter. I’d thoroughly recommend it. That said, our latest visit had a few letdowns. I’d requested and paid for birthday extras for my wife, but none were in the bedroom when we arrived. Sunday lunch was sloppy and the chef seemed to have taken a shortcut. Our Croque Madams were burnt black underneath, mine had a big chunk missing and my wife’s had a hole. They were replaced, but we were still charged the full £28. We do enjoy Crieff Hydro, which is why I’ve still rated it well. Service can be inconsistent, but when we raise an issue with Management, they apologise and seem keen to put it right.

My mum and I had a lovely two-night stay. The staff were kind and very helpful, and the parking and accessible room worked well for her. Crieff is a lovely place to visit. We’ll definitely come back soon.