The Gleneagles Hotel
Hotel · Perth and Kinross ·
Three championship golf courses and activities like falconry
Three championship golf courses and activities like falconry
"Set in the Scottish countryside, we highlight this as one of the 14 properties holding the MICHELIN Three Key distinction." - The MICHELIN Guide
"Set on an 850-acre estate anchored by a centenary luxury hotel and three world-famous golf courses, Gleneagles has been thoroughly reinvented since Sharan Pasricha bought it a decade ago and no longer feels like the fusty, tweedy resort I remembered from 15 years ago. The vibe is rambunctious and family-friendly now — energetic, full of well-to-do families, and always in motion — making it ideal for groups who want activities on tap. Rooms are consistent and tasteful, though the Main House is more charming than the modern Braid House wing (my Braid room was spacious and had a small balcony). The breakfast buffet is the standout reason to stay: an abundant, moreish spread with a Fuel for the Day cart, DIY caprese with fresh basil and mozzarella, and a Bloody Mary station; later, the Century Bar’s martini (made with Isle of Harris gin) is a highlight. Service is impeccably oiled under GM Conor O’Leary, with armies of staff who appear whenever needed. Think of it as a self-contained fun palace — indoor pool, falconry demos, clay pigeon shooting, ice cream stand, a well-equipped gym (including a rack of Theraguns), and a shopping arcade mean you rarely need to leave. Nightly rates from $599, including breakfast." - Mark Ellwood
"This sprawling 850-acre estate hotel is a readers' favorite (2024) and uniquely convenient for rail travelers, as it even has its own train station; the property offers an expansive countryside setting ideal for leisurely walks, tea breaks, and traditional pub visits." - Travel + Leisure Editors
"Set on 850 acres in Perthshire and celebrating its centenary in 2024, this sprawling resort marries Scottish country‑estate grandeur with a luxury summer‑camp vibe, offering three championship golf courses (it hosted the Ryder Cup in 2014 and the Solheim Cup in 2019) alongside a wide range of outdoor pursuits. Guests can try traditional activities such as falconry—complete with a memorable encounter with Porter, a Harris’s hawk who readily takes venison—plus horseback rides through pine forests and glens, fishing, clay shooting, Highland cattle encounters, and guided nature walks. A new sporting club that opened in 2024 adds a climbing wall, tennis and padel courts, expanded equestrian facilities, and a dedicated lounge. The 232 rooms favor an Old World aesthetic—brocade curtains, tufted wingback chairs, polished mahogany, oil portraits and heated marble bathroom floors—with suites that offer postcard views and separate lounges with fireplaces. Dining spans about half a dozen outlets, from a two‑Michelin‑starred kitchen to casual options: highlights include a tandoor‑baked naan with chicken tikka masala at the clubhouse, chandeliered fine dining with lobster and fresh cod accompanied by live jazz, Italian‑American dishes like garlic prawns and truffle‑and‑Parmesan hand‑cut fries, tableside Caesar service, and an atmospheric American Bar with art‑deco lighting; breakfast is abundant with freshly baked breads, house jams, traditional Scottish dishes (the reviewer enjoyed the haggis) and house‑made shortbread served with tea. Staff are personable and relaxed—chatty doormen in kilts and patient activity guides—and the property is relatively accessible, with ramped public areas, valet drop‑off, and several rooms equipped with roll‑in showers and grab bars, though some dining areas require corridor navigation." - Jennifer Flowers
"Set on an 850-acre Perthshire estate, this centennial property blends country-house elegance with active outdoor programming—falconry, horseback riding, archery, Highland cattle encounters, and more—making it feel like a refined Scottish summer camp for adults. Rooms exude old-world charm with brocade curtains, antiques, and heated marble floors, while new facilities like a Sporting Club expand sporting options; dining ranges from lobster under chandeliers to tandoor-baked naan, and convivial staff contribute to a warm, clubby atmosphere." - Mary Holland