This is an older hotel in the small town of Dunkeld north of Perth. The town is not as quaint as many others we visited, the hotel not as cozy and modern, but the management made up for any flaws we might have found. Our room was spacious but plain, the bathroom large and dimly lit but reasonably clean. Not spectacular but no complaints there. There is a large sitting area, several dining areas, and a nice bar. Dinner was very good - my wife asked our good natured but less than knowledgeable server what a steak and ale pie was, and 2 minutes later the night manager showed up to give her a detailed description - and she loved it! A couple of hours later in the bar I asked for a local whisky - the bartender was stumped but 2 minutes later our same helpful manager whisks in with a quick lesson on regional whiskys, the taste differences, and a recommendation. We couldn't have been more impressed.

Odds are that if you are making your way to Dunkeld you already know about the pcturesque town, its Cathedral ruins, the tranquility of the River Tay which separates Dunkeld from its sister town, Birnam, and the genuine charm of a small Perthshire town with interesting history and happenings. My wife and I, traveling through Scotland on our honeymoon, knew none of these things about Dunkeld. It was simply a place on the map and our last stop before heading back home.

Dunkeld, and our stay at the Atholl Arms, will be one of the most memorable aspects of our trip. We were overwhelmed by the character of the town and the Atholl Arms in particular. The staff, top to bottom, was attentive, professional, warm, and engaging. The food was superior and the location is perfect in town, right at the foot of the bridge as it dumps the traveler into Dunkeld.

The Atholl Arms has earned two very devoted customers and we will undoubtedly stay here every time we return to Scotland. Treat yourself in a meaningful and special way: travel to Dunkeld and stay at the Atholl Arms.

The room was fine , the location good and the staff were friendly. The food, however, was appaling.

For dinner I ordered the sea bass which was one of the most expensive items on the menu. It tasted odd/old, wasn't seasoned AT ALL, the potatoes were overcooked and the peppers undercooked and the whole thing floated in half a cm of oil. I couldn't eat it it was so bad and when I told the waitress she just said 'Oh dear'. My partner had pork which was average but edible. We ordered coffee which was so weak as to be undrinkable.

For breakfast our potato cakes were so hard we could practically snap them and both of our eggs were so undercooked that most of the white was still liquid. I noticed that other diners left most of what was on offer.

The pub next door (not related) did great cheap Scottish food so if you're going to stay here then eat there. The venison burger was particually good.

We spent two lovely nights at the Atholl Arms over this weekend (18th- 20th May). The thing that really sets this place above many other 3 star establishments is the staff. Every single member of staff we encountered was extremely friendly, helpful and welcoming. Even at their busiest times, they remained unflustered and willing to help. The food was very nice, though we preferred the atmosphere in the bistro to that in the more formal dining room. We would definitely stay in the Atholl Arms again because of it's lovely setting, comfortable rooms and great staff.