My wife and I have been enjoying the surroundings, the service and the cuisine at the Hilton Dunkeld for the past 10 years. We visited with friends on 15 August 2007 and we were so disappointed and embarrassed by what we experienced during our visit that we are now unlikely to return.

The price of alcoholic drinks at the bar had risen to £6.50 for a 175ml glass of Chardonnay and £4.50 for a pint of lager. A half bottle of table wine at dinner was £17.00.

We had to point to the Stella Artois pump for one of the bar staff as his command of the English language was inadequate.

A group of four waitresses were talking in the restaurant during breakfast. I attracted the attention of one to ask for another jug of milk but she looked away and continued her conversation for at least 3 minutes before responding.

We saw a family sit down at one of the patio tables for lunch and watched as a waitress served bread rolls. The family informed her they needed to get something from their car but would be back shortly to order. In their absence, three birds landed on their on their table and proceeded to peck at the bread rolls as the waitress watched. The family returned, ordered and proceeded to eat the bread rolls. The waitress watched and said nothing. A photo is attached.

I have complained twice to Hilton Hotels about these points. They acknowledged the criticism about their bar prices and maintain they are competitive but they have ignored everything else.

This used to be a superb hotel but standards have fallen and my family and I will looking to stay elsewhere in future. I would suggest anyone else reading this does the same.

What a beautiful location and nice facilities but how run down and dreadful food. A total shame. We chose it for a break with the children and the pool was like ice. - No notices but after asking why we were told the boiler was broken!! breakfast was fine but do not try the evening meal!! Service was dreadful. So if you are after a luxury break do not be deceived by the beautiful drive way up, and the location.

Reviewer: Trip advisor member from Brechin, Scotland.
We have just returned from a two night stay at the Hilton House Hotel in Dunkeld.
The mile long drive down to the hotel gives some indication of the stunning location of this hotel and the fantastic selection of local walks to be enjoyed.
The building itself is typical of Scottish landed gentry from a bygone era but gives the impression of faded grandeur and a property that is in need of a bit of TLC.
Our room was on the first floor, directly above the main entrance, overlooking the gardens and car park. Whilst the room itself was of adequate dimensions, it was a bit dated. It was, however, clean and the bed was extremely comfortable. The ensuite bathroom was not only in need of decoration but was very disappointing insofar as the heated towel rail did not work which meant that the bathroom was terribly cold and the shower only worked if one wanted cold water. Both of these faults were reported but were not rectified.
The food in the dining room was good but the overall experience was a bit disappointing because of a lack of attention to details e.g. we had to seek out a waitress to ask for morning coffee; butter; sugar and they forgot to mention that if one wants vegetables with dinner they have to be ordered as an "extra". Generally, prices and quality were comparable to those available at local eateries.
We took advantage of a special offer advertised by the Hilton group - 2 nights + dinner on the first night for the price of 1 night's B&B. This was excellent value for money. Taking cognisance of the service & facilities, I would be reluctant to pay the full advertised rates.
Overall, although we had a lovely time it was the location as opposed to the service/ facilities that primarily contributed to our sense of relaxation.

The Hilton chain normally offers a reasonable compromise between luxury and value, and the Dunkeld House Hilton is, generally speaking, no exception.

Set by the side of the River Tay in a country estate just outside the cathedral town of Dunkeld, it very much has the appearance of a Victorian fishing lodge. At the slightly poky reception area, a dram or sherry awaits you as you check in, a quick and easy procedure carried out by the east European staff. Our room, in an eighties extension was clean and satisfactory, but a little poky and old fashioned. Its wardrobe was open and a little awkward to use, and its double glazing was rather cheap looking uPVC with metal parts which led to condensation. Heating, disappointingly, was by electric wall heater, which made clicky noises as it switched on and off, and also led to stuffy nights. Otherwise the room was fine and the bed, though perhaps on the hard side, was certainly large.

The restaurant was well run and despite the hotel being completey full on Valentine's day, dinner was served promptly and without fuss. Staff were polite and helpful and appeared to have been well trained. The food was served attractively and hot. However, the menu appeared to be the same each day, which is perhaps one way in which prices are kept down. One could not say in all honesty that the menu was inspiring, and many of the more interesting items attracted a hefty supplement. Nevertheless, dinner was a pleasant experience. There is an extensive and reasonable quality wine list, though it was far from cheap. Breakfast was a buffet, again good quality and well organised.

Overall you would have to say that although the standard was good, it is probably a bit lower than many other Hiltons in cities. It could certainly do with some investment to bring it up to the most modern standards, although it is by no means unacceptable, and the wonderful location might make up for some of the shortcomings of some of the rooms.