Crieff Hydro Hotel

Very much a hotel for a family. As an older couple, we found eating in any restaurant, to be extremely noisy. The food is good and the staff are very good, attentive and pleasant. Food prices we found to be fairly high which may be of relevance if on a Limited budget. There are many activities in the grounds which will be appealing for younger visitors, many are in the trees with zip wires etc.

Really disappointed with our stay at the Crieff Hydro (30th Aug, 2025). We only live in Perth and this was meant to be a relaxing single Saturday night away before my wife returned to work following maternity leave the following Monday. We phoned in advance to make sure there were no restrictions on use of the leisure facilities, or any planned maintenance, as that was the main purpose for the visit. We were told whole family could use leisure facilities up until 21:15. So it was very frustrating to get to the leisure club at 17:15 to be told we had to vacate at 18:00, so they could clean it. This seems like a totally needless requirement. Other leisure clubs seem to manage to mop up at intervals without kicking guests out. But then the real issues began. After our 35min swim (10mins or so to get changed), we then encountered extraordinary difficulty with actually getting a meal. All restaurants fully booked until at least 9pm. Fair enough - our fault for not booking in advance. But no area to even get a simple bar snack seemed ridiculous. We resorted to room service….no menu in room, nobody answering reception or room service speed dials from room either. Had to walk what felt like several miles to the brasserie to get a menu, go back to room to choose with family, then walk all the way back to order. Then waited 1hr and 15mins for food. My wife had to drive to a local Co-Op to get a sandwich for our 10 month old. I also waited an inordinate amount of time (circa 20mins) to get served a drink at the (really beautiful) main bar. Not one barman acknowledged me or said “I’ll be with you in a minute”. Overheard someone else complaining about similar issues at reception, and watched staff roll their eyes and giggle at his frustration after he walked away. Baby cot we ordered was also missing the mattress insert, so that was another hassle getting that. Was told by staff that only place to eat at 12:30 the following day was the Hub. Which offered nothing other than terrible, pre-made and overpriced sandwiches. Got a refund on a stale roast beef and horseradish sandwich after one bite. But we have been told conflicting things be the staff countless times since we arrived, so not even sure that was accurate. Overall, I really do not feel properly looked after. I feel the level of service is not in any way befitting of such a beautiful building/location, or the prices they are charging. Feel totally ripped off. Hotel seemed unable to cater for, or look after, the number of residents they were accommodating. Only redeeming thing I can say is that breakfast was pretty damn good.