We stayed at The Loch Tummel Inn at Strathtummel for just two night recently, wishing it had been longer. It is a rare find in a world where tourist board ratings are reduced when rooms don't have television or a trouser press. Who ever uses a trouser press in a hotel anyway?

The location is stunning; the rooms on the first floor have amazing views over the loch and are individually furnished with beautiful antique fixtures and fittings. There are two residents' lounges with books, games, magazines for dreich days, and the ground floor lounge has an amazing old fire, which is regularly stoked at night with fresh logs.

The bar/restaurant menu uses only local produce, even to the point of offering salmon and cheese smoked right next to the inn, and there is a fine selection of wines to choose from, as well as a stunning array of malts and blends behind the bar, for what is a small independent establishment.

The proprietor, Michael, and his delightful staff are a joy to spend time with; you could not be made to feel more welcome. There is no tv, no phone (except for emergencies), no radio, and mobile phones are forbidden in the public areas. This is a fantastic principle to maintain, given the beauty of nature surrounding you and all the things you hear and see without the distractions of constant external communications.

A breath of fresh air in every sense, I cannot recommend this wonderful little inn highly enough.