Hotel Stays: Dunkeld House Hotel
If you’re looking for a mix of modern elegance and Scottish charm, Dunkeld House Hotel in Perthshire delivers in spades.
From the moment you arrive and are handed a complimentary dram of whisky (yes, please!), you know you’re in for a treat.
The interior strikes that perfect balance between sophisticated and cozy—think chic design with just enough of that laird’s home vibe to remind you you’re in the heart of Scotland.
The hotel sits right by a stunning stream (practically a loch) that makes for the ideal afternoon stroll.
The gardens? Huge and open to the public, so expect to see plenty of locals out for a walk with their dogs.
And speaking of dogs, Dunkeld House is extremely dog-friendly—because why wouldn’t it be? It’s Scotland, after all!
The afternoon tea service in the conservatory is an absolute delight. The conservatory is enclosed, so you enjoy the sunlight when it’s out but you’re also protected from the elements, which is the case most of the time here, of course.
I was running on fumes after my transatlantic flight, so naturally, I ordered a double espresso to save myself, but I couldn’t help but notice the unique tea menu. They’ve got some seriously innovative flavors, including a few made with whisky. (Don’t worry, you won’t feel a buzz from these.)
And the food? The vegetarian tea sandwiches were stellar, making sure no one is left out of the experience. Whether you’re a tea traditionalist or just there for the snacks, it’s definitely worth sitting down for an afternoon treat.
Dunkeld House also has a gym and an indoor pool, which is great for staying active during your stay. The pool was a hit with guests, filling up almost as soon as the facility opened at 7 a.m. every morning.
The gym, while not the most modern, had everything you need to get a decent workout in, and honestly, I was just glad it was there.
If the sun had risen earlier or the weather had been warmer, I would have loved to go for a run outside—the setting is perfect for it—but at 7 a.m., it was still dark, so the gym it was!
Breakfast each morning is exactly how I like it when traveling: there’s a buffet so you can pop in 10-15 minutes before you need to leave and there’s also a menu if you want to order something extra from the kitchen. There’s plenty of seating, so you don’t need to worry about that either.
Whether you’re into a full Scottish breakfast or just a coffee with pastries, the hotel restaurant doesn’t disappoint.
Add in the super friendly staff who go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic escape.
If you want to explore beyond the grounds, the village of Dunkeld is just a few steps away. You’ll find charming little shops and restaurants to satisfy any cravings for local flavor.
Compared to other similar places I’ve stayed in Scotland that honestly just felt dated, Dunkeld House gets the balance just right—cultural charm with modern luxury.
Verdict: Would definitely stay here again, and next time I’m booking a longer stay in Scotland so I can bring Dash!
