Knockendarroch Hotel

The feel of a Victorian country house in town prevails in Struan and Louise Lothian’s ‘friendly and well-run hotel’ with ‘great food’, on the leafy edge of Pitlochry, with views to the Perthshire hills. Modestly sized top-floor rooms have a furnished balcony. Another good choice might be a dual-aspect premier room with both town and country views. Suites in a 1990s extension have a lounge, a coffee machine and drinks cooler, smart TV, a bath and walk-in shower. Dog-friendly rooms can be found in a new timber annexe, with underfloor heating and patio doors to a small private garden. On a cold night, settle in with a dram by the fire in one of two adjoining lounges. In both dining room and orangery, a short, modern menu that changes daily might include dishes such as supreme of guinea fowl with cheddar mustard dauphinoise, shallot purée, and smoked bacon glaze. At breakfast there are free-range eggs, smoked salmon, a full Scottish with potato scone, black pudding and haggis. This is hiking and biking country, and Pitlochry golf club is five minutes up the road. ‘Just trying to find an excuse to go back.’ (NM)