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A Stay at the Historic Gleneagles Hotel
A stay at the historic hotel with vast grounds combines country estate pursuits with dressing up for dinner, finds Helen Wilson-Beevers.
This sprawling 850-acre resort in Perthshire features plentiful outdoor activities, three golf courses, varied dining and bar options, a spa, and even its own shopping arcade.
Location
The nearest town to Gleneagles Hotel is Auchterarder, which is two miles away and roughly an hour's drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. If you're travelling by train (it's about a 5 hour 30 mins journey from London King's Cross), Gleneagles railway station lies just outside Auchterarder. The station is a two-minute car journey to the hotel and a complimentary chauffeur will transport guests between the two. Alternatively, the route by road offers a beautiful view as you arrive into the Scottish Highlands.
The Vibe
Gleneagles was originally built in 1924, and the country estate spans across an enormous stretch of 850 acres. It is situated beneath the Ochil Hills in Perthshire, and includes three golf courses and stables, plus shooting, fishing and falconry facilities, and more. The main hotel feels like a deluxe microcosm away from reality, with its spa, shopping arcade (selling everything from Barbour jackets to jewellery), restaurants and bars. Its interior blends opulent Art Deco details with classic Scottish design nods – from panelled walls and decorative ceilings to vintage-style mirrors, tartan fabrics and traditional art inspired by the great outdoors.
Service
Gleneagles has an expansive team of welcoming and efficient staff members. Guests are greeted at the door and helped with any luggage, and valet parking is provided, too. We arrived ahead of check-in so the team arranged a table in the Century Bar for lunch and we received a WhatsApp message while there to confirm our room was ready. Staff are both passionate and skilled, and this shines through – from the American Bar team talking us through the drinks menu and unique mixology processes to the falconry instructor's kind, expert steer.
Bed and Bath
There are 233 rooms and suites in total, across the main hotel building and adjacent Braid House wing. Each room has a pillow menu and a freestanding shower, while some rooms have baths. Views vary by room category, with a few offering an impressive look out onto the nearby Ochil Hills or the sweeping driveway for a spot of people watching. Room decor reflects the hotel's luxurious country house style, with dark wood furniture and plush fabrics. Scented toiletries found in each bathroom (from hand wash to body lotion) are from the Gleneagles & Co own-brand range, so you can buy them at the shopping arcade as a souvenir.
Food and Drink
Fine dining options include Andrew Fairlie (a two-Michelin-star restaurant) and The Strathearn. At The Strathearn, signature dishes are served from a trolley and these include smoked salmon sliced at the tableside and its famous beef wellington for two. There's also a dessert trolley stocked with options like glen blend chocolate and caramel, and rhubarb and vanilla custard. Breakfast is served at The Strathearn, too. This generous spread covers extensive buffet options including a juice bar, cocktail-making station, pastries, fresh fruit and cereals – plus there are cooked dishes and an a la carte menu.
For casual food choices, The Birnam has laidback brunch, lunch and dinner options like Italian dishes and salads. Meanwhile, The Dormy within the golf clubhouse is known for its fry ups, pizzas, and pub classics like burgers. The Garden Cafe is a dog-friendly spot offering light bites such as sandwiches and pastries. Or, you can book afternoon tea in Glendevon. Dietary requirements are catered for in these eateries, with staff happy to talk through menu choices.
For drinks, The American Bar is a chic highlight. This atmospheric, glamorous bar has an illustrated cocktail menu inspired by the British Rose Annuals to provide a botanical backstory for each pick. Meanwhile, The Century Bar serves a range of wines, beers and spirits, and you can also enjoy sandwiches and salads here. Auchterarder 70 is the clubhouse bar.
While guests are spoiled for choice, it's worth noting that the cost of food and drink is pricey at Gleneagles. For example, a sandwich with fries starts from £24 in the Century Bar, while alcoholic cocktails at the American Bar range from £21 to £50 each.
Facilities
Facilities are a key part of the Gleneagles offering, adding adventure and relaxation alike. Within the hotel itself, there are two indoor pools (covering adult-only and family-friendly options), sauna and steam rooms, and an outdoor thermal pool. The gym has high-tech equipment and fitness classes are available. There are 20 spa treatment rooms, with an adjoining spa cafe. Additionally, there's a separate Beauty Lodge which has a hair salon, nail bar and treatment rooms.
For an off-site wellness experience, Frandy Water is a new addition to Gleneagles from May 2026. Guests are driven to this nearby spot to experience a wood-fired sauna and freshwater dip, as part of the hotel's contrast therapy ritual.
At the Gleneagles Sporting Club tennis, climbing and padel are all on offer, as well as an equestrian school. In addition to the three 18-hole golf courses, outdoor activities include shooting, fishing, off-road driving, tree climbing, lawn games, falconry, gun dog training, nature photography and more.
Accessibility
All public areas throughout the hotel are accessible. There are accessible rooms in the Braid House wing. The bathrooms in the accessible rooms all feature support rails, separate showers and a pull cord for emergency assistance.
Pet Policy
Guests can bring dogs up to the size of a Labrador for a charge of £100 per dog per night. Kennels are also available in the grounds, with the cost varying according to single occupancy and sharing rates.
Check-in/Check-out
Check-in is 3pm, check-out is noon.
Family-friendly
Yes, the hotel welcomes children and caters for young kids and teens with its Little Glen and Den Adventurers programmes, creche, family swimming pool, kids' breakfast buffet station and family rooms.
At a Glance
Best thing: The beautiful Scottish Highlands setting and wide range of indoor and outdoor facilities.
Perfect for: A romantic trip, family holiday or to celebrate a special occasion.
Not right for: Those seeking a buzzy city break.
Instagram from: The chic Century Bar while sipping a drink by the open fire or the beautiful country estate grounds as you do a fun activity like falconry.
Book Now
Address: The Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Perthshire, Scotland, PH3 1NF
Phone: 01764 662231
Website: gleneagles.com
Helen was a guest of Gleneagles.
