Atholl Palace Hotel

The upscale Atholl Palace Hotel is an impressive and
majestic sight, reigning from a hilltop over lush lawns and parkland. The
grand stone manor, complete with turrets, dates to 1871, and even has a
museum for those wishing to learn more about its rich history. Interiors are
traditionally furnished, paved in patterned carpets and strewn with elegant old-world-style details like damask wallpaper, oil paintings in ornate gilded frames,
glass chandeliers, decorative ceiling moldings, and plenty of fireplaces to
curl up in front of. Large windows framed by plush floor-length curtains
illuminate rooms and hallways that are filled with leather couches and
armchairs, with lots of corners for guests to settle into, be it in the
spacious, high-ceilinged lobby, or with a drink at the handsome Stag’s Head
Bar, where dark burgundy hues prevail and hunting paraphernalia, such as taxidermy
game on the walls, imbues the space with a masculine edge. The hotel’s
restaurant is equally elegant, with stately and refined decor that includes white
tablecloth-clad tables and lavish damask curtains on huge windows that offer
beautiful views of the grounds and Tummel Valley.

The hotel is situated on the edges of the small Victorian
town of Pitlochry, surrounded by lovely green grounds, woodlands, and
countryside. The location is easy to reach and close to town but is
removed enough to offer a dose of seclusion and privacy. The town center is
within walking distance of the hotel, and several restaurants, shops, and bars lining the
main street, Atholl Road, can be reached in 10 to 15 minutes. The bus and
train stations are a bit farther away -- about a 20-minute walk from the
property. There are several sights in the area that are worth visiting, including
Blair Castle (15-minute drive) or one of the nearby whiskey distilleries, such
as the Edradour Distillery (seven-minute drive) or the Blair Atholl Distillery
(two-minute drive or 10-minute walk). Edinburgh is about an hour-and-a-half
drive away.

Rooms at the Atholl Palace Hotel are spacious, comfortable,
and tastefully decorated with elegant contemporary furnishings. Though decor
varies from room to room, all are bright and fresh, full of natural light and a
soft color palette. Many have lovely patterned wallpaper accent walls that
complement the bedspreads and wooden furniture. All rooms have flat-screen TVs,
work desks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and lovely views
over the gardens, mountains, or valley. Bathrooms are standard, with shower/tub
combos or walk-in showers as well as toiletries and heated towel racks, though
some are more modern than others. The Turret Suites are duplexes
located in the circular towers and offer the best views, as well as spacious
separate living rooms. Self-catering cottages, lodges, and apartments are also
available (though guests should note that Wi-Fi is not available in all of these),
and for particularly large groups, the 10-bedroom manor house is also
available.

The hotel’s Verandah Restaurant serves locally sourced
Scottish fare (though it gets mixed reviews) in an elegant and refined setting
with beautiful views over the grounds and valley. There’s also an atmospheric
bar with rich leather couches, a fireplace, and hunting decor along the
walls. Breakfast is included in the room rate, and some rates also include
dinner.There’s also a full-service spa, which offers a wide list of
treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. The spa
facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, and steam room, as well as a
fitness center with a variety of modern machines. The sprawling grounds also
include tennis courts and a small putting green for those seeking some outdoor
activity, as well as various walking trails to explore. The hotel even has a
museum dedicated to the property's history, and the town of
Pitlochry. The hotel has several meeting rooms and event space, as well as a
conference center that can accommodate up to 400 people.