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Summary of reviewsAtholl Arms, nestled in the picturesque Perthshire countryside, offers guests a delightful escape characterized by its scenic, idyllic setting in the small village of Blair Atholl. Its prime location near Blair Castle and Cairngorms National Park is ideal for those looking to explore local attractions or enjoy hiking, all while surrounded by well-maintained gardens and traditional Victorian architecture.
The breakfast experience at Atholl Arms is highly applauded, featuring a variety of delicious options from traditional Scottish fare to blueberry pancakes, served in a grand Victorian dining room or cozy Baronial hall. Guests praise the food for its quality, freshness and the warm, inviting atmosphere. Similarly, the dinner options do not disappoint with the Bothy Bar being a popular spot for superb food and local beer. The dining experience is noted for its exceptional quality, generous portions and friendly service, though a few find the menu somewhat basic.
Room experiences vary with many guests appreciating the clean, comfortable accommodations that feature traditional Scottish decor and scenic views. Some rooms boast unique amenities like four-poster beds, enhancing their charm. However, a few guests have mentioned that certain rooms could benefit from refurbishment due to issues like outdated décor and plumbing problems.
The hotel overall maintains a strong reputation for cleanliness with meticulous upkeep in both rooms and common areas, despite occasional mentions of mold and dust. Staff at Atholl Arms are consistently praised for their friendly, welcoming and professional service with numerous accounts of staff going above and beyond to meet guest needs. This hospitality significantly contributes to the hotel's warm and homely atmosphere.
Guests generally appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi, although some note areas with weak reception. The hotel is family-friendly, offering spacious rooms and amenities that accommodate children, making it an inviting destination for family trips. Despite a few criticisms about room and bed conditions, many guests find the beds comfortable and conducive to a restful stay.
Atholl Arms's historic charm is another standout feature. The beautifully maintained Victorian building with its castle-like ambience and historical décor, provides a captivating glimpse into the past. Guests enjoy the authentic, old-world Scottish atmosphere that permeates the hotel, enhancing the overall experience.
In essence, Atholl Arms offers a blend of charm, convenience, excellent service and scenic beauty, making it highly recommended for travelers seeking a quaint, historically rich and welcoming stay in the Scottish countryside. Show more
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Hotel near Golf Courses
The Atholl Arms is located in Blair Atholl, near Pitlochry and Blairgowrie, offering access to multiple golf courses. Blairgowrie Golf Club has two 18-hole courses.
Historic Hotel
Located in Blair Atholl, this hotel provides a traditional Highland experience. Its location and architecture evoke a sense of Scottish history.
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Single RoomWith a TV and free tea and coffee, these traditionally styled rooms also have a private bathroom, a hairdryer and ironing facilities.
Classic Double or Twin RoomPlease request a double or twin at time of booking (subject to availability).
Superior Double/Twin RoomWhen booking, please state whether you would prefer a double or twin room (most rooms have twin beds; doubles are subject to availability).
Family RoomWith a TV and free tea and coffee, these traditionally styled rooms also have a private bathroom, a hairdryer and ironing facilities.
Some rooms can accommodate an extra bed, see policy section.
Standard Double RoomThe unit offers 1 bed.
Standard Twin RoomThe unit offers 2 beds.
Superior Twin RoomThe unit offers 2 beds.
Superior Double RoomThe unit has 1 bed.
Family RoomThe unit offers 3 beds.
Family Room
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the scenic Perthshire countryside, Atholl Arms boasts a picturesque and idyllic setting in the small village of Blair Atholl. Its prime location is repeatedly praised, described as perfect, ideal and superb by guests. Situated just a stone's throw from the train station and a short walk from the magnificent Blair Castle, the hotel is conveniently positioned for visitors looking to explore nearby attractions. Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to the Cairngorms National Park, offering numerous walking routes and stunning views.
The old building exudes a charm typical of traditional Scottish residences, enhanced by its Victorian décor and characterful communal areas. The peaceful and quiet surroundings complement its central location, making it an excellent base for both local exploration and longer journeys to the north of Scotland. Guests mention the beautiful building and well-maintained gardens, which add to the homely and inviting atmosphere.
Aside from the convenient access to various attractions, including Athol Castle and the House of Bruar, the hotel also features a lovely pub serving delicious food and breakfast in a sumptuous setting. Staff friendliness and an excellent value for money are consistent highlights in reviews. In essence, Atholl Arms offers a blend of charm, convenience and scenic beauty, making it a highly recommended stop for travelers.
Breakfast
Atholl Arms offers its guests a highly praised breakfast experience, marked by a wide variety of choices and well-prepared dishes. The options range from traditional Scottish breakfasts to delightful items like blueberry pancakes and Eggs Benedict with crispy smoked bacon, ensuring there is something to satisfy every palate. Guests often highlight the hearty and filling nature of the meals, coupled with the exceptional quality and freshness of the food.
Breakfast at Atholl Arms is not just about the food but also about the setting. Served in a grand, Victorian dining room or the stunning Baronial breakfast hall, the ambiance enhances the overall dining experience. Some guests even enjoyed their meals in front of a warm open fire, contributing to a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
The service provided during breakfast is described as efficient and friendly, reflecting the overall positive atmosphere of the hotel. Despite a few remarks about the breakfast being average, the overwhelming majority of reviews commend the breakfast as lovely, excellent and memorable.
In summary, Atholl Arms provides a top-notch breakfast experience with ample variety, high-quality ingredients and a beautiful setting, making it a standout feature of a guest’s stay.
Dinner
Nestled in a charming and atmospheric dining hall, Atholl Arms promises a memorable dining experience enriched by its traditional and beautiful setting. Guests frequently praised the quality of food, describing meals as excellent, superb and tasty with many highlighting the plentiful portions and well-prepared, rural menu.
The Bothy Bar, a favored spot for casual dining, received accolades for its great food and local beer with many citing it as a delightful venue to enjoy rich, varied and traditional pub fare. While the range of food offerings was described as basic by some, most reviews celebrated the overall dining experience, noting both the superior quality and friendly, helpful staff.
Among the abundance of positive comments were mentions of the delicious and high-quality dishes served. Reviewers appreciated the plentiful choices and variety, particularly for dinner, which consistently met high standards.
Although a small number of guests felt the food was overpriced or noted occasional inconsistencies, these views were overshadowed by the glowing commendations recognizing the food as flavorful and the environment as welcoming and unique.
In summary, Atholl Arms offers a delightful dining experience with its fabulous food, traditional hall setting and friendly service, making it a prominent feature of this country hotel. The bar area, particularly the Bothy Bar, stands out for its excellent meals and inviting atmosphere, making it a popular choice for many visitors.
Rooms
Atholl Arms offers a range of room experiences with many guests appreciating the comfortable and clean accommodations. Several reviews highlight rooms as spacious, well-decorated and featuring traditional Scottish decor, which adds a charming touch. The hotel offers rooms with scenic views and some rooms boast unique amenities like four-poster beds and bay windows, enhancing the cozy, inviting atmosphere.
However, guest experiences vary, as some rooms are described as small, outdated and in need of refurbishment. Issues like poor water pressure, old-fashioned decor and musty smells are noted by some visitors. Despite these drawbacks, the hotel maintains a warm and clean environment overall with recent upgrades to some rooms addressing previous concerns.
The presence of comfortable beds and refreshed decor in some rooms contrasts with criticisms of old, noisy plumbing, dated furniture and occasionally unclean conditions. Reviews indicate that while certain rooms provide a lovely and well-maintained stay, others fall short with maintenance issues and an overall tired ambiance.
For those travelers seeking a quaint Scottish lodging with potential for both charm and some dated elements, Atholl Arms can still offer a pleasant stay, particularly in its upgraded rooms.
Beds
Atholl Arms offers a mixed experience when it comes to its beds with feedback highlighting both positive and negative aspects. Guests who appreciated their stay remarked on comfortable, large and clean beds that provided a comfy and warm experience. Some reviewers specifically mentioned that they found the mattress firm, which suited their preference, while others enjoyed big and very comfortable beds which added to a restful stay.
However, several guests pointed out issues with the beds. Complaints included beds being hard, ropey or squeaky and mattresses that were old, lumpy or had broken springs. Some guests noted discomfort due to soft or poor-quality mattresses, resulting in sleepless nights. Issues with bed size and bedding, such as duvet covers being too small or beds being compact, were also mentioned.
Overall, while many have found the beds at Atholl Arms to be comfortable, there are clear indications that updates and improvements are needed to ensure a consistently positive guest experience.
Cleanliness
The Atholl Arms hotel has a strong reputation for its cleanliness in both rooms and common areas with many guests highlighting spotless and meticulously cleaned spaces. Visitors frequently note the traditional Scottish vibe combined with clean and comfortable accommodations. Rooms are often described as very clean, neat and well-maintained, which extends to public spaces such as the lobby, bar and dining room.
However, not all reviews are entirely positive. A few guests reported specific issues, such as mold in the bathroom, dust on light switches and some outdated and musty rooms. In addition, a handful of remarks pointed to areas needing more thorough cleaning, such as dirty carpet and sofas and occasional mildew smells. Despite these isolated incidents, the general consensus leans heavily towards praise for the overall cleanliness and upkeep of the property.
The hotel's cleaning facilities generally receive favorable comments with many guests appreciating the care taken to ensure a clean and comfortable stay. Although there are areas identified for improvement, the Atholl Arms largely succeeds in providing a clean environment for its guests.
Staff
Atholl Arms boasts an overwhelmingly positive reputation when it comes to its staff with many guests highlighting their experiences with friendly and helpful personnel. The staff are often described as friendly, welcoming, attentive and professional, contributing to a warm and pleasant atmosphere throughout the hotel. Exceptional service appears to be a consistent theme with several mentions of staff going above and beyond to assist guests, whether it was finding a pack of cards, accommodating special dietary needs or helping with transportation arrangements.
Despite a few mentions of less enthusiastic or grumpy individuals in reception or among the older staff, the majority of reviews emphasize the exemplary and efficient hospitality provided by the team. The bar and restaurant staff also receive high praise for their informality yet effective service, enhancing the overall dining experience with quality food and beverages.
Notably, guests appreciate the comfortable and homely feel of the hotel, facilitated by the diligent and cheerful staff who appear to take pleasure in ensuring a welcoming environment. Even during busy times like Valentine's Day, the staff are recognized for their hard work and friendly demeanor, making every visit special for the guests. Overall, the staff at Atholl Arms are regarded as a significant asset, consistently providing courteous, helpful and attentive service that leaves a memorable impression on their guests.
Wi-Fi
At Atholl Arms, guests generally appreciate the complimentary Wi-Fi, highlighting its availability and adequate service. Many visitors have experienced no technical issues with the connection, describing it as good and fast. However, there are recurring concerns regarding poor Wi-Fi reception in certain rooms with several reviewers pointing out the need for signal boosters to enhance coverage. While intermittent connectivity and weak signals have been noted, the overall consensus remains that the Wi-Fi service is functional and appreciated by most who stay at the hotel.
Family
'Atholl Arms' is a hotel known for its warm hospitality and family-friendly environment, making it a great choice for group stays. The property features plenty of family areas with rooms tailored to families, ensuring that there is enough space for everyone. Guests have noted that the family rooms are particularly spacious and well-equipped with the staff frequently going the extra mile by setting up additional folding beds for children when required.
Families appreciate the variety of facilities available, including child-friendly options, which ensure a comfortable stay for all ages. Despite some mentions of rooms being cramped and the occasional lack of hand drying facilities, the positive experiences largely outweigh these minor inconveniences. Many have highlighted the welcoming and helpful nature of the staff, contributing to a truly magical stay.
Whether families are enjoying a meal in the impressive dining hall or relaxing in the family areas, the hotel's atmosphere is consistently praised. The Atholl Arms is not only a pet-friendly destination but also serves as a reliable hub for both family and business travelers, offering well-priced family rooms to accommodate various needs. Many guests have had such pleasant experiences that they look forward to returning in the future.
3 Star
Atholl Arms offers a pleasant and comfortable stay in an older, charming setting. The hotel is good for families with plenty of family-oriented benefits that add to its appeal. While the establishment is unique and has an appealing character, the facilities align with its three-star rating. Some guests find the rooms dated and the mattresses in need of an upgrade, noting that a refurbishment would enhance the experience. Though the price may be steep for the quality offered, Atholl Arms still provides a quaint and satisfactory stay for those appreciating its old-fashioned charm.
Historic
Travelers seeking a journey through time will find the Atholl Arms a delightful and historically rich destination. Dominated by a beautiful stone exterior, this stunning Victorian dining room and imposing Minstrels Gallery make a glorious entrance that sets the tone for an authentic experience. Nestled in the charming Perthshire countryside, this traditionally Scottish hotel exudes loads of character and a castle-like atmosphere that perfectly complements its surroundings.
The hotel retains much of its original charm and historic features, offering old rooms that are wonderfully fitted with enticing fireplaces and inviting halls. The beautifully maintained 19th-century building stands as a wonderful piece of Scottish history, capturing the spirit of a bygone era with its delightful classical English ambience. Guests marvel at the historic charm that has been carefully preserved, from big mirrors to superb breakfasts in a grand room.
Stepping into the Atholl Arms feels like stepping back in time; its old-world Scottish style and strong historical atmosphere create a sense of tradition that's both relaxing and captivating. Notably, the hotel's decoration remains true to its historical roots, highlighted by photograph of Queen Victoria in the dining room. This very Scottish hotel with its castle-like allure and unparalleled charm, presents an authentic and quiet retreat into Britain's storied past.
Dog Friendly
The Atholl Arms Hotel is highly regarded for its dog-friendly policies and facilities. Dogs are welcome in the rooms and the bar and there's a genuine effort to make pets comfortable with provisions like dog dishes in the rooms. Guests appreciate the pet-friendly rooms and the welcoming atmosphere for dogs throughout the hotel. The hotel’s location is ideal for pet owners, featuring nearby parks that are perfect for dog walking and jogging.
While dogs are allowed in many areas of the hotel, they are not permitted in the main dining area, which means pet owners might need to make arrangements to eat breakfast separately or dine in the connected Bothy Bar, where dogs are welcome. The attached Bothy Bar is noted for its excellent food and friendly service, adding to the hotel's appeal.
The overall sentiment is positive with many guests praising the hotel’s accommodation and location, although some felt the dog-friendly policy leaned more towards tolerance in certain aspects, especially when it came to dining arrangements.
No, Atholl Arms doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Atholl Arms.
Yes, Atholl Arms welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Atholl Arms.