Knockendarroch Hotel

The charming Knockendarroch House Hotel resides in a Victorian house on a hilltop with views over the quaint town of Pitlochry and its  surrounding countryside. Elegant, traditional interiors are full of such charming details as log-burning fireplaces, windows with stained-glass detailing, and decorative ceiling moldings. The lovely lounge is an inviting space that inspires lingering in front of a cozy fireplace with a book or magazine from the hotel's ample collection. The space is filled with natural light that streams in from several large windows. There's a lovely bay window seat, and lots of comfortable couches and armchairs to hunker down into. Soft colors are paired with dark-brown hues and wooden furniture, with splashes of tartan and damask patterns. The atmosphere is friendly and tranquil, suitable for a relaxing countryside break.

Situated on a quiet hilltop, the hotel has beautiful views over the small Victorian town of Pitlochry and the surrounding Perthshire countryside. The area is rich in scenic hills and woodlands, with lots of hiking and walking trails nearby. The property is about a five-minute walk to the town center, where several restaurants, bars, and shops line the main street, Atholl Road. The train and bus stations are within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. The Pitlochry Golf Course is a five-minute drive away, and nearby sights worth visiting include Blair Castle (a 15-minute drive) and the Blair Atholl Distillery (a 10-minute walk). Edinburgh is an hour and a half away.

Each room is individually designed, and the decor varies, but all are pleasant and contemporary, filled with natural light that streams in through the large windows, along with views of the town and countryside. Some have lovely damask-patterned accent walls in subtle shimmering metallic hues that pair well with the tufted headboards; others feature soft shades accented by tartan pillows and bedspreads, and one room has a romantic four-poster bed against a decadent-looking crimson-and-gold backdrop of damask wallpaper. The rooms are fairly large, and each is equipped with a work desk and sitting area. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities with a selection of free teas, coffee, cookies, and bottled water, as well as free Wi-Fi (though no minibars or mini-fridges); some rooms have balconies with great views. Bathrooms are a bit small, with shower-tub combos, heated towel racks, and bath products from the Scottish Fine Soaps Company.

The hotel’s award-winning restaurant serves classic Scottish fare with a dinner menu that changes daily (dinner is included in the room rate) accompanied by an extensive wine list. Breakfast is also included in the rate and features a range of standard buffet items like fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, porridge, and pastries, plus a choice of a traditional Scottish breakfast, eggs Benedict, and smoked Haddock. The hotel has free parking and Wi-Fi throughout. Families traveling with young children should note that they must be at least 10 years old to stay here.