I have stayed at the Hydro a few times and have always been impressed. It is a large resort in a stunning location, and it never stands still. Every time I have visited, some of the facilities have been extended or upgraded, improved and developed. This time I took advantage of the hotel's January midweek offer which is EXCELLENT value. Two friends and I were allocated a refurbished spacious room with a kingsize double and adjoining twin. Comfy beds, great bathroom, good shower - spot on for our needs. Slightly disappointed with the view of the dining room's extensive (and noisy) ventilation system, but this wasn't a huge issue.

We chose to dine in the Meikle restaurant on our first night and the Brasserie the second, and I'm glad we did it in that order - we saved the best 'til last. The Meikle is a dramatic and grand dining room - a more 'formal dining option'. The starters & mains fine, but deserts were a bit disappointing. Coffee terrible (Avoid the instant decaf!) and service mediocre given the oppulent surroundings - not as friendly as one would expect in such a family orientated hotel. However, the meal was great value for money based on our special off-peak rate.

The Brasserie really was excellent the following night. The menu was extensive & interesting, and all courses were tasty and well presented by pleasant, friendly staff who were more on-the-ball than their colleagues upstairs in the Meikle. Our £19 per head allowance was fine for two courses and the house wine. Would definately recommend the Brasserie which was being refurbished at the time, but was still relaxing and well run.

The Meikle redeemed itself at breakfast time. Plenty to choose from, friendly & efficient staff and much better coffee than the previous night. It was very busy so I would recommend an early start (We ambled down half an hour before end of service) to enjoy a more peaceful ambience.

We enjoyed use of the hotel's Lagoon leisure complex - a decent sized pool, hot tub, sauna & steam room, and well-equipped gym. There is also the Victorian Spa - an adult's only option available for a surcharge, but we just used the Lagoon pool which was fine for our needs. We managed to use it while it was quiet - I expect it might not be so great during high season. A dip before breakfast is a good way to beat the masses.

The location of the hotel is a real selling point - it commands beautiful views over the Perthshire countryside. The extensive estate is home to a diverse range of activities and many woodland walks - far too much for us to fit in in just three days. We liked the fact that the Hotel actively encourages you to make the most of your stay by making use of the facilities on your arrival and departure days.

This hotel is great, I would imagine, for families - loads to do, great facilities, lovely buildings & diverse choice of hotel or self-catering accommodation. There is also a wonderful atmosphere of homely friendliness, even though the hotel is so large. The Hydro confidently meets the needs of families, groups, individuals and couples - it was great to be on holiday with such a wide range of people. The Winter Garden serves good coffee and is great for people-watching or enjoying the view outside.

The fact that it was busy midweek during off-season is testimony that the Hydro Team are getting it right. We will be returning, but will make sure we book a longer stay next time!

We have stayed here 3 times and are looking forward to our next visit in Feb'08.We stayed late Nov'07 for a long weekend in a studio room ,we like this location as you get a parking space allocated near your studio,it is a quiet area but still only a minute away from the main hotel.The interior of the studio is modern and clean the bathrooms are very nice with White company tolitries,another reviewer said these were not replenished daily, ours were, if not ask, housekeeping are lovely.The kids club is what brings us back each trip as our 2 children love the atmosphere of Big Country.The nannies in the club are friendly and the children always have a good time.
The restaurants are ok,it is just so nice to have adult time while you know the little darlings are safe and happy.I prefer the Bistro to the Meikle which tries to be something it isn't.
The beauty salon is well run and stocks Clarins products,I had a facial which was very nice.
Horseriding is good fun we always book in advance
I like the victorian spa and I know you have to pay extra but I think it is still worth using.
To sum up I think the Crieff Hydro is super for families with children of all ages as there is so much to do,we love it!

Another brilliant stay at Crieff Hydro. My husband and I stayed on a Sunday night when they had their out of season special offer of around 85 pounds per night for 2 adults, for dinner, bed and breakfast. What a bargain ! The dinner in the Meikle restaurant was superb, as was the breakfast. The gym is great and the Victoria Spa (Only around 7 pounds extra per day per person) is a delight.

Highly recommend this for couples of all ages who just want to chill out and relax, whatever the weather. Also great fun for mother-daughter weekend away !

Stayed, yet again, at Hydro from 27th December for 3 nights. In room 89 which is the executive studios which are still BB & dinner but you are allowed to keep the dog in them! Great rooms and the dog was welcomed with bed, towels and blankets!!

If anyone is thinking of taking your dog the walking is great - if not a little steep and harsh on the legs (yours not the dog!!). There were deer on "The Knock" so keep a keen eye whilst walking - 3 dogs were lost in one day due to chasing them.

Hotel, was as usual, fantastic apart from "The Brasserie" which, I thought, was not up to its usual standard. We altered our dinner bookings to eat every night at The Murraypark.

Daughter, who is 12 yrs old, still loves the kids club - seemed to do loads more with them this year ie took them quad biking & the low ropes.

Husband and daughter did the off-roading and quad biking and really enjoyed it (hubby does off-roading every year - what else does he need to know!!!).

If anyone wants to know anything feel free to email me.