I stayed in ‘charming’ Highland resort - it was an indulgent escape

Budget or boutique?

With Loch View double rooms from £164 per night for two including breakfast, the Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa veers towards the boutique offering, but it’s not prohibitive and there are often deals available.

Room service

We stayed in a spacious, dog-friendly Loch View room on the second floor which had a double and single bed, desk area, window seating and a large bathroom. Much like the rest of the hotel, the room had a bright colour palette of deep blue and teal with tan leather headboard and quirky accessories and modern prints. The only hint of tartan came from the modern plaid carpet. The bathroom was decorated with white and terracotta tiles and had an over-bath shower along with full sized Highland Soap Company toiletries.

Wining and dining

There are three restaurants and a whisky bar at Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa - The Wild Brownie, an informal pub which is dog-friendly and serves lunch and dinner; the contemporary and cosy Rannoch Larder which is where a buffet breakfast is served and The Estate Room - a more formal dining room for dinner, which holds one AA Rosette. After a light lunch in the Wild Brownie, we had an enjoyable dinner in The Estate Room with starters of scallops, a main of monkfish and dessert of raspberry delight, the standout courses.

Worth getting out of bed for

The hotel offers a full Highland resort experience, with lochside dining, an indoor pool, spa facilities, indoor climbing wall, outdoor adventure activities and direct access to the surrounding landscape. Kinloch Rannoch station is a half hour drive along the road from the hotel and is famous for its remote location and charming tea room. We stopped here for a scone before walking Archie along the path to Glencoe.

Pitlochry is about a 45 minute drive from the hotel, with its independent shops, cafes and restaurants and Aberfeldy is about a 40 minute drive where you’ll find more independent shops and cafes, Dewar’s Aberfeldy distillery and the lovely Birks of Aberfeldy walk.

After a day out exploring the countryside, the hotel’s spa - located in a separate building just a few metres away - is well worth a visit for a swim, sauna and steam room. I felt completely relaxed and recharged after a full body massage and time using the facilities, including relaxing on a lounger overlooking the loch.

Little extras

There was plenty of tea and coffee as well as shortbread available in the room. Robes and slippers were a welcome addition as was the dog bed, branded towel and biscuits.

Guestbook comments

Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa is a charming destination resort set on the peaceful banks of Loch Rannoch, surrounded by 250 acres of breathtaking Highland landscape. With uninterrupted views of the iconic Schiehallion - often referred to as the Fairy Mountain - it offers an idyllic escape for families seeking space, nature and adventure. From wild swimming and family-friendly fishing for brown trout and pike, to kayaking and paddle boarding, gentle woodland walks and a spectacular 25-mile cycle route around the loch, there is something to suit every age and energy level.

Hotel info

Loch Rannoch Hotel & Spa

Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire PH16 5PS

Phone: 01882 632201

www.lochrannochhotel.com