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Summary of reviewsThe DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel stands out for its picturesque and historic location atop a hill, offering breathtaking views and convenient access to central Dunblane and nearby attractions in central Scotland. Guests admire the serene and grand atmosphere, well-maintained grounds and dramatic approach to the hotel. Its strategic location also makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas with easy connections to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The breakfast at the hotel is highly praised for its excellent variety and quality. Guests enjoy the plentiful selection, fresh ingredients and accommodating staff, often considering it a highlight of their stay. The dining experience, particularly in the Kailyard Restaurant, receives accolades for the delicious and high-standard food with Nick Nairn's menu frequently mentioned. Despite occasional criticisms regarding service and menu variety, the overall dining ambiance and taste leave a positive impression.
While the guest rooms are generally appreciated for their spaciousness and comfort, many reviews suggest a need for refurbishment due to dated decor and inconsistent cleanliness. Guests noted comfortable beds and stylish interiors but pointed out issues with stained carpets and worn-out furniture. Room service is often rated highly, contributing to the overall comfort despite some areas needing improvement.
Cleanliness draws mixed reviews with many finding rooms spotless and well-maintained, while others mention lapses like dirty carpets and insufficient housekeeping. The inconsistent cleanliness in public areas and the swimming pool also garnered attention.
Staff at the hotel are continually praised for their helpfulness, friendliness and professionalism. Many guests felt the attentive service and welcoming environment significantly enhanced their stay with particular commendations for reception and dining staff. Even with some instances of service issues, the overall sentiment towards the staff remains positive.
The Wi-Fi service is seen as a significant area for improvement with mixed reviews on its reliability and the additional cost being a notable downside for many guests.
The gym facilities receive a mix of feedback, being described as well-equipped but sometimes small and outdated. Despite this, many guests found the fitness amenities satisfactory.
The pool facilities are generally enjoyed by families and individuals alike. It is praised for cleanliness and warmth but also noted for needing updates and better maintenance. Pre-booking and long hours were positives, though occasional closures and booking difficulties were downsides.
Family amenities in the hotel are well-regarded with ample space, good meal options for children and enjoyable pool facilities. However, some reviews suggest improving the cleanliness and room sizes for families.
Golf enthusiasts appreciate the hotel's proximity to renowned golf clubs like Gleneagles, adding an extra layer of appeal for guests interested in golfing activities.
Overall, the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel impresses with its beautiful location, quality food, friendly staff and family-friendly features, making it a popular choice for visitors despite some areas needing attention. Show more
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Hotel with EV Charging Stations
Hotel near Golf Courses
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool Pool Lap Lanes
Business Hotel
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4-Star Hotel
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Hotel with Indoor Pool
Room Types
Twin RoomThis contemporary room has a, 32-inch LED TV, a work desk with ergonomic chair, 2 beds, and a roll-away bed. You can also enjoy tea and coffee-making facilities.
This room can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child.
Please let the property know in advance if you require a fold away bed to be placed in the room.
Double RoomThis contemporary room has a, 32-inch LED TV, a work desk with ergonomic chair and 1 double bed. You can also enjoy tea and coffee-making facilities.
This room can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child.
Please let the property know in advance if you require a fold away bed to be placed in the room.
Junior SuiteThis suite features a separate seating area and a sofa bed, complimentary water and wine, and an HDTV. This room can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children.
Sofa bed is suitable for one child age 11 and under.
Additional amenities include bathrobes, slippers, and a desk with tea/coffee making facilities.
Double Guest Room PlusThis room offers either a front-facing view or additional living space. It is located in the main building. This room has a 32-inch LED TV. Additional amenities include bathrobes, slippers and tea and coffee making facilities.
This room can accommodate 2 adults.
Family Room plusThis room features amenities such as countryside views or additional living space, bathrobes and slippers.
Additional amenities include a work desk with tea/coffee making facilities.
Sofa bed is suitable for one child age 11 and under
Twin Plus RoomThis room offers either a front-facing view or additional living space. It is located in the main building. This room has a 32-inch LED TV. Additional amenities include bathrobes, slippers and tea and coffee making facilities.
This room can accommodate 2 adults.
Single RoomThis contemporary room has a 32-inch LED TV, a work desk with ergonomic chair, a luxurious bed, and facilities for making tea and coffee.
Family Double Room with Sofa BedThis room features bathrobes and slippers. Additional amenities include a work desk with tea/coffee making facilities. Sofa bed is suitable for one child age 11 and under
Superior King SuiteThe suite features a separate living area and dining area with front-facing views, and a desk with an HDTV. Additional amenities include bathrobes, slippers, complimentary mineral water, house wine and handmade chocolates.
Double Room - Mobility AccessThis contemporary room has a 32-inch LED TV, a work desk with ergonomic chair, a bed, and tea/coffee making facilities. The room also features a walk-in shower, and is located close to the elevator of the hotel.
Family Connecting RoomsThe family room offers a tea and coffee maker, a safe deposit box, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.8
Good
Location
The DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel is highly praised for its picturesque location and historic charm, nestled atop a hill overlooking the quaint town of Dunblane. The setting is described as beautiful, stunning and grand with expansive, well-maintained grounds that offer impressive views of the surrounding countryside and towards the Highlands. The hotel's positioning provides easy access to central Dunblane, making it convenient for guests to explore the town and nearby attractions in Stirling, Perth and the Trossachs. It's also a short drive from renowned places like Gleneagles.
Guests appreciate the hotel’s quiet and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The drive up to the hotel is particularly noted for its dramatic and majestic approach, which leaves a memorable first impression. The historic building itself is celebrated for its character with a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities.
The location is also highlighted for being a great base for exploring central Scotland with ample parking and good connections to both Edinburgh and Glasgow. This makes the hotel ideal for both leisure and business travelers. Additionally, the hotel offers good facilities, including a well-regarded gym and pool.
Overall, the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel is lauded not only for its strategic and convenient location but also for its breathtaking views, accomplished blend of history and modernity and beautiful surroundings, making it a favored choice for visitors to the area.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel consistently receives high praise from guests with many lauding it as excellent, amazing and first-class. The variety and quality of the offerings are frequently highlighted with a plentiful selection of both hot and cold options, catering to all dietary requirements. Numerous guests found the breakfast exceptional, delicious and well-organized, appreciating the fresh, high-quality ingredients and the spacious, accommodating breakfast area. Specific mentions include the well-executed buffet setup, the superb condition of the food and the appeal of specific items, such as Scottish specialties and traditional English breakfast components.
Guests also valued the efficiency and friendliness of the staff, which contributed to a positive dining experience. Despite some reports of minor issues such as undercooked or overcooked items and occasional lapses in organization, the overall consensus remains notably positive with breakfast often described as one of the highlights of their stay. The complimentary warm cookies upon arrival were also a pleasant touch that enhanced the overall hospitality experience at the hotel.
Dinner
The dining experience at DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel is mostly met with high praise, especially in the signature Kailyard Restaurant. Guests lauded the food as fantastic, delicious and of an amazing standard, often exceeding expectations in both quality and presentation. Many reviews highlight specific meals as being out of this world, superb and exceptionally good, particularly noting the great flavours and well-presented dishes. Nick Nairn's menu is frequently mentioned as a standout with some guests describing it as mind-blowingly good.
The restaurant's atmosphere also receives positive feedback, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. Diners appreciate the attentive and helpful staff, enhancing the overall meal enjoyment. Breakfasts also deserve commendation, often described as lovely, excellent and substantial.
However, there are occasional criticisms. Some reviews mention disappointments such as food being too salty, undercooked or bland and uninspiring. A few guests found the dinner menu limited and observed that it had not changed over the years. Service issues are noted, including slow service and early dinner closing times. Despite these drawbacks, many consider the dining experience at the hotel to be largely positive, describing the food and environment as first-class and thoroughly enjoyable.
Rooms
The DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel offers a mixed bag when it comes to guest room experiences. Many reviewers appreciated the spacious and comfortable rooms with some describing them as lovely, spotless and well-maintained. Comfortable beds and stylish decor also garnered praise, contributing to the positive impressions.
However, a significant number of guests pointed out that the rooms are in need of refurbishment with dated or tired decor being a common complaint. Issues such as stained carpets, dusty surfaces, worn-out furniture and unpleasant smells were mentioned frequently. Some rooms were also described as small with limited facilities and lack of air conditioning, leading to discomfort. The family rooms, in particular, were noted to be quite inadequate in size.
Room service generally received high marks for excellence, but the overall standard of cleanliness seemed inconsistent with several guests reporting dirty windows, stained towels and unclean bathrooms. Issues with temperature control were also highlighted with rooms often being too hot or too cold.
Despite the drawbacks, the overall ambiance of the hotel, combined with the beautiful exterior setting, made positive impressions. While the rooms could use some upgrades and a more thorough clean, the hotel's location and comfortable accommodations were appreciated by many guests.
Beds
The reviews for the beds at DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel reveal a mix of experiences with a significant number highlighting the comfort and size of the beds as very positive aspects. Many guests found the double and large beds to be extremely comfortable with some describing them as the most comfortable they've slept in recent years. There were numerous mentions of the beds being comfy or very comfortable, contributing to a good night's sleep.
However, some guests noted issues with the bed sizes, describing them as small or narrow, which seemed to be a concern for taller individuals or those with specific preferences. Additionally, several reviews mentioned problems with sofa beds, such as discomfort, bad conditions or even broken parts, indicating a need for improvement.
The quality of pillows received mixed feedback; while some guests described them as fluffy and excellent, others found them too soft or entirely flat. This discrepancy may have affected guests' overall sleeping experience.
In summary, while many guests enjoyed the comfortable, large beds with clean and superior bedding, there were notable concerns about bed size, the condition of sofa beds and pillow quality that future guests might want to consider.
Cleanliness
The DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel presents a mixed picture regarding its cleanliness. On the positive side, many guests found their rooms to be very clean, spotless and well-maintained. Clean and comfortable rooms were frequently mentioned with some visitors highlighting the modern feel and thorough cleaning protocols, especially in light of Covid-19.
However, there were significant concerns as well. Some rooms and public areas were described as tired and dated with dirty carpets, mould, cobwebs and insufficient housekeeping services. Issues such as stained furniture, dirty bath areas and lack of proper vacuuming were pointed out by several guests. The cleanliness of the swimming pool and changing areas also drew mixed reviews with some remarking positively while others noted the need for better maintenance.
Overall, while the hotel does receive praise for cleanliness from numerous guests, there is room for improvement, particularly in more consistent and thorough cleaning practices to address the negative experiences reported by other visitors.
Staff
Visitors to the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel consistently praised the hotel staff, marking their experiences with the phrases "helpful," "friendly," "polite," and "attentive." Guests noted that the staff was well-trained and professional, offering a warm and welcoming environment. Many reviews mentioned that the staff went out of their way to assist, providing exceptional and accommodating service, especially during check-in and throughout their stays. Staff members were also highlighted for their friendliness and approachability, making guests feel comfortable and valued.
The reception staff received numerous commendations for their helpfulness and efficient service, often being described as lovely and professional. The bartenders and waiting staff also garnered positive remarks for their friendliness and attentiveness. Reviewers felt that the hotel's staff significantly contributed to their enjoyable and comfortable stays, often making their experiences special with personal touches like welcome cookies and anniversary messages.
Despite some instances of service issues and understaffing, the majority of guests were impressed by the dedication and positive attitude of the staff, which left a lasting impression on their visits. The overall sentiment suggests that the staff at DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel played a pivotal role in enhancing the guest experience with their consistent professionalism and warm hospitality.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi experience at DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel garners a range of opinions from its guests. The reception and connection quality are generally praised with several guests noting that the Wi-Fi was good, quite good or worked well. However, there are mentions of Wi-Fi being spotty, unreliable and having a weak signal, indicating some inconsistencies. Notably, there are reports of slow internet signals and long login processes, which can be a drawback for those needing swift access.
Another significant point is that Wi-Fi access is not free, which is highlighted as a notable downside, especially in the context of 2021. Guests have expressed dissatisfaction about being charged for Wi-Fi and noted that even Hilton Honors members do not receive free internet. Additionally, some guests struggled with initial connectivity and faced issues such as not being given the Wi-Fi code or finding no information about the Wi-Fi in their rooms.
Overall, while the Wi-Fi service at DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel often meets basic expectations, the need for improved consistency and free access is apparent.
Gym
Guests at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel have mixed reviews about the gym facilities. Positively, many guests noted that the gym is well-equipped and well-kept, providing all the necessary fitness equipment. Some even found it better than their local gym and appreciated the suggestion from staff to take bottled water. The leisure facilities, including the gym and swimming pool, were described as very good and sometimes even fabulous.
However, the gym does have its drawbacks. It was frequently mentioned as being small and sometimes too busy with claims of it being only suitable for up to two people at a time. Some of the equipment appeared outdated and a few guests were dissatisfied with having to go outside to access it. There were also instances where guests experienced no access to the gym during their stay, which led to frustration. Despite the mixed opinions, the positive aspects of the gym facilities stood out, providing a generally satisfactory fitness experience for most guests.
Pool
The reviews for the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel pool are generally positive but mixed. Positively, many guests highlighted the excellent and well-maintained pool facilities, praising the pool for being clean, warm and a pleasure to swim in. Families particularly enjoyed spending time in the pool with their children, while the sauna and steam rooms also received commendations. Many appreciated the leisure facilities overall, finding them to be of good quality and clean. The pool’s long hours and opportunity to pre-book were also beneficial for many visitors.
However, there were notable issues mentioned by several guests. The pool area was sometimes described as dated and in need of a refresh. Some reviews noted the inconvenience of the pool being located in a different building and occasional closures due to renovations or maintenance, which led to disappointment. The pool also faced criticism for being occasionally cold or poorly maintained with mentions of cleanliness problems in the pool area and adjacent facilities. Guests had mixed experiences with the booking system for pool use, reporting difficulties in securing slots and limited availability.
Overall, the pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel has potential for providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience but could benefit from updates and more consistent maintenance.
Family
The DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel demonstrates a strong commitment to family-friendly accommodation and amenities. Many reviews speak highly of the ample space in the family rooms and the comfortable upgrades, making it an excellent choice for families of all sizes. Visitors with young children especially appreciate the complimentary breakfast for kids under six and the good selection of meals for younger guests is frequently noted.
The hotel's breakfast options are praised and the warm cookies provided on arrival are a delightful touch for kids. The pool facilities are highlighted as a major attraction, being well-maintained and a favorite activity for children. Families celebrating special occasions like weddings or birthdays also find the venue accommodating and pleasant.
Despite the plentiful positive feedback, there are some concerns. A few guests felt the family rooms were smaller than expected and occasionally not as clean as they hoped. Some reviewers mentioned that the children’s meals were not included in certain deals and a lack of children's activities beyond the pool was noted. However, the overall impression is that of a family-oriented hotel with friendly staff, quality food and a convenient location, ensuring it remains a popular destination for family getaways.
Golf
The DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel boasts proximity to several impressive golf options, including the renowned Gleneagles. Guests appreciated the nearby golf clubs and the convenience of the location for golf enthusiasts. The presence of golf storage facilities added to the convenience, along with helpful staff enhancing the experience. The combination of golf opportunities and pool facilities provided a well-rounded and satisfying stay for visitors passionate about golf.
Business
The DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel offers a range of facilities and services that cater well to business travelers. The hotel is particularly noted for its excellent location, making it ideal for business stays with easy access to the town and various business amenities. The modern business meeting rooms are described as lovely and suitable for informal meetings, offering a quiet environment conducive to productive discussions.
The hotel also provides a selection of good conference facilities, though the space for conferences is noted to be somewhat small. Despite this, the hotel does cater to larger groups, tours and business conferences effectively with many guests returning multiple times for such events.
The hotel's breakfast selection is highly praised, along with refreshing and delicious drinks and overall excellent service from the attentive staff. Business travelers will find the available amenities sufficient, though there have been occasional difficulties reported in obtaining invoices.
While the hotel serves its business purpose well, some aspects, like room standards, are noted as being quite pricy and in need of updating. Similarly, the leisure facilities, although good, could benefit from some minor improvements, particularly the lockers. Nonetheless, the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel remains a favorable option for business meetings and conferences.
Accessible
The DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel presents a mixed picture in terms of accessibility for guests with disabilities. Positively, the hotel boasts several accessible features such as lifts and large corridors, which make navigating the premises easier for those with mobility challenges. The property is generally deemed accessible with specialized rooms and easy access to various hotel facilities enhancing the experience for guests with disabilities. Disabled parking is provided, though some spots are located under trees, which could pose minor inconveniences.
However, the hotel does have certain areas that need improvement. Accessibility issues include difficulties with lifts, inadequate disabled facilities and some rooms not meeting the needs of guests requiring walk-in showers. The dining staff receives praise for their attentiveness, ensuring that guests' specific needs are met. Yet, there are complaints about certain areas, such as wedding reception rooms, being inadequately heated and problematic access with prams and trolleys throughout the facility. Overall, while the hotel offers several accessible options, there are notable areas that require enhancements to better serve guests with disabilities.
Indoor Pool
The indoor pool at the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel generally receives positive feedback from guests. The pool staff is appreciated and the facilities are often described as clean and in good condition. Many guests find the pool area to be beautiful and suitable for children, making it a year-round attraction. The warm temperature of the pool is frequently noted, enhancing the swimming experience.
However, the pool's location in a separate building is mentioned, which can be either a convenience or a drawback. While some praise its adequate size and cleanliness, others remark that the pool can become busy and might only be suitable for a quick dip.
On the downside, several reviews indicate occasional closures of the pool, which is disappointing for some guests. There are also mentions of the pool area needing an upgrade with changing rooms and access for disabled guests highlighted as areas for improvement. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the overall sentiment towards the indoor pool is largely positive, particularly for its warmth and cleanliness, making it a significant highlight of guests’ stays.
Honeymoon
The DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel is widely celebrated for its romantic ambiance, making it a popular choice for honeymooners. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's peaceful and charming setting, ideal for a honeymoon stay. The hotel offers special honeymoon packages that include thoughtful touches like prosecco and treats, adding to the delightful experience.
The views and overall atmosphere are often described as perfect for a romantic getaway, infusing the stay with honeymoon vibes. Despite a few mentions of lapses in acknowledging specific honeymoon occasions, the overall feedback points to the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel as a wonderful destination for couples celebrating a significant milestone in their romantic journey.
Romantic
Nestled in a beautiful environment, the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel offers a splendid retreat for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The hotel's setting is consistently praised for being lovely and oozing romance, making it an ideal destination for couples. Guests particularly enjoy the romantic atmosphere and views that contribute to a peaceful and relaxing stay, ideal for special occasions like Valentine's Day.
Dining is also a highlight with a wide selection of breakfast items receiving rave reviews. The Valentine's dinner, hosted in the hotel's lovely restaurant, further enhances the romantic experience. Despite some occasional service hiccups in the Kailyard, overall, the caring staff contribute to a pleasant stay.
The rooms themselves are noted for their romantic ambiance, perfect for couples seeking a tranquil retreat. With its beautiful setting and romantic touches throughout, the DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel stands out as a charming option for couples.
Dog Friendly
DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel proves to be a haven for dog lovers, earning widespread acclaim for its pet-friendly policies and overall welcoming environment. Guests with dogs are particularly impressed by the hotel's proactive approach, noting that the friendly staff are exceptionally accommodating to canine companions. On arrival, dogs are greeted and even receive a goody bag, adding a personal touch that many guests appreciate.
The hotel's location enhances its dog-friendly appeal with good walking areas nearby that allow for enjoyable strolls with pets. There are also specific rooms designated for those traveling with dogs, ensuring that the needs of pet owners are well met.
However, there are a few areas that indicate restrictions; dogs are not allowed in the main bar or restaurant area, leading some guests to dine outdoors or in designated areas. Additionally, some reviews highlight minor inconveniences such as not catering specifically for dogs in breakfast offerings and a few miscommunications regarding pet fees.
The overall atmosphere is highlighted as dog-loving with many guests appreciating seeing other dogs around the hotel. This communal aspect is marred slightly by occasional barking, but it does not significantly detract from the positive experience.
In summary, DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel impresses with its dog-friendly facilities and environment, making it a preferred choice for pet owners seeking a comfortable and accommodating stay. While there are some limitations on where dogs can go, the overall experience for pets and their owners remains superb.
Yes, DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool, Pool Lap Lanes.
No, a spa isn't available at DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel.
Yes, DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel.
Yes, DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro Hotel has a gym.