The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Warm welcome goes a long way
The weather could have been kinder, but a break by Loch Rannoch is a relaxing treat, as Emma Crichton discovered
N estled perfectly at the foot of snowcapped Schiehallion and overlooking the tranquil Loch Rannoch, it felt like we had stepped straight into the scene of a chocolate box.
At least it would have, had we not been battered by freezing rain the moment we stepped out of the car.
Our frozen fingers thawed as soon as we stepped into the Macdonald Loch Rannoch Hotel.
Our welcome at the reception desk could have been warmer, but with people waiting to check in before and after us, efficiency over niceties could be forgiven.
The interior design of the hotel is perhaps a little dated and could do with freshening up but the tartan soft furnishings and mahogany wood is perfectly in keeping with its Highland Perthshire location.
Our room was warm and cosy, with plenty of space for two. Hotel bathrooms can be cramped but this one was bright and spacious, and the complimentary Elemis products, a regular feature in Macdonald hotels, smelt beautiful and were a pleasant addition to the room.
The window offered a perfect view of both Schiehallion and Loch Rannoch, although by then darkness had started to fall and both were shrouded in ominous-looking mist and clouds.
We were keen to check out the leisure facilities and picked up fresh, fluffy towels from reception on the way, but unfortunately the leisure building is separate to the main hotel so it meant braving the elements again. In light of this, it would be worth reception staff offering bags to carry the towels in to stop them getting soaked on the short journey across the parking area, but this was a minor inconvenience.
We were slightly disappointed to discover the steam room was out of use but the sauna was a warm embrace from the cold and the perfect way to relax the muscles after travelling. The water in the pool was warm and after a quick dip, we relaxed on loungers in front of full-length windows, perfect to enjoy the view.
Back to the room and a quick change for dinner in the Schiehallion Bar. Bar menus can often be limited but this was extensive and it was clear quality had not been spared in favour of the restaurant. The staff were extremely welcoming and advised us on the wide range of cocktails, spirits and wine on offer for a pre-dinner drink.
When the cocktail I had my eye on was unavailable, the bartender was quick to offer similar but bespoke alternatives and I enjoyed an espresso martini made from her own recipe.
I was in the mood for steak, but suspecting something similar may be on offer at the Ptarmigan Restaurant where we planned to eat the following evening, I was in two minds between that and a comforting macaroni. Bartender to the rescue again – who quickly found me a sample menu from the restaurant – although this changes daily – to help me with my decision.
I opted for steak in the end, which came cooked perfectly medium rare as requested. It was accompanied by fluffy chips and a creamy – but not too thick – peppercorn sauce.
Fish and chips were devoured by my friend, the only complaint being slightly soggy batter.
Afterwards, we were offered a comfortable spot to settle by the roaring log fire in the Malt Bar. There were books and board games on offer for entertainment but we were more than happy chatting over drinks.
At bedtime we melted into the mattress and slept like logs. We woke feeling refreshed in the morning and both agreed it was one of the best sleeps in a hotel bed either of us had experienced.
We woke feeling refreshed and both agreed it was one of the best sleeps in a hotel bed either of us had experienced