Ballathie House Hotel

We booked a Riverside Suite for our wedding anniversary. The suite was spacious with views of the river, but the furniture in the lounge was very shabby. The sofa was uncomfortable, stained and in poor repair. The patio furniture was also very shabby and not what you would expect in an hotel of this sort. The bathroom was functional but a bit dated. Perhaps the management might consider providing bathrobes and slippers to make the experience slightly more upmarket. Our dinner was delicious. The menu is fairly limited but we had no problem making a choice. Everything was well cooked and presented. The waiting staff were very pleasant and efficient. Perhaps more attention could have been given to clearing emptied glasses and plates etc, but this is a minor point. Breakfast was tasty and there was plenty of choice. The setting on the river is the USP of this establishment and we hope that the new owner can spend the money required to make Ballathie a top class establishment.

Stayed here for a couple of nights based on the location and reviews. Situated within a lovely estate with well kept grounds and the river Tay within view. The long drive to the hotel is pretty, but the pot holes need to be either fixed or filled with something. We had pre booked dinner on our first night and after looking at the dining room and bar menu’s we opted to eat in the bar as we both fancied steak. We arrived slightly early and our room wasn’t quite ready so we sat in the bar for a drink.Martin was our barman all weekend and was not only friendly, but polite and attentive. We headed up to our room to unpack,quite spacious with a view over a large lawn.The room had everything we needed,but a bit dated.The floorboards were very squeaky no matter where you walked,hopefully it didn’t bother anyone below,we just laughed about it by the end of our stay. Dinner in the bar was sat at a low table which wouldn’t suit everyone, but the food itself outweighed the table arrangement. Steaks cooked to perfection and finished off with lemon tart for myself and my husband the cheese board,one of the best ever he said! The bar is quite small for the size of the hotel so guests had to sit in the drawing room instead. Drinks are not cheap, a G&T and a large rose £24.50. Sleep quality was quite ok,bed a bit soft and breakfast buffet style was delicious.I liked the fact you could choose what you wanted and not have items on your plate you don’t want. Overall a lovely hotel,the staff really made our stay as they were all so professional and nice. Would we return? Probably no. We prefer something a wee bit updated and a bigger menu choice,but highly recommend if you like oldie worldly and a bit quirky!

Knowing the history and how admired this hotel has been by other in the area in the past, our stay was a shock. Our room would be more at home in a 2 star hotel. Badly marked furniture, dusty pictures and canopy over the bed, very dated bathroom. I complained to reception and we were offered another room, a master suite apparently, but it had a strong smell of sewage which the receptionist agreed with us! Our third room was better but not perfect. Again, needs updated. Sink in the bedroom, away from the bathroom. Burn marks on the carpet, chipped paint on wooden surfaces. Breakfast was good but no vegan option. Staff in the restaurant rather noisy, talking amongst themselves. No one clearing the dirty plates off our table. Receptionists were very helpful, especially when it came to changing our room. I can imagine we are not the first to point out the issues. The receptionist did say she would inform the manager of our issues but nobody approached us at any point to discuss them. I understand the hotel has just been bought over but to be honest I think I'd close the place until it's refurbished otherwise it'll spoil even further, it's reputation. And for anyone attending the hotel, watch out for the potholes on the driveway. Absolutely shocking, especially the one as you approach the hotel. Balathie was a first class hotel, had a second to none reputation, famous people from Billy Connelly and Tom Baker having stayed in the past. That was then and now I would not return to this place or recommend it to anyone. Such a pity.

Once again we had a lovely stay at Ballathie House. Having said that, we are aware that the property is in need of an upgrade and having spoken with the new owner and his senior staff, we are assured that that is in the process of being completed. The meals were excellent and the breakfast has reverted back to table service, which suits myself but disappoints my wife. A BIG thank you to Jalal for his welcome, service and great banter. See you all for the Christmas/New Year break.

5 star all the way

Nice location but hotel is a bit tired. We stayed two nights, room rather small with shower over the bath, a bit cramped but clean. Dinner menu looked good but in reality disappointing. My venison was very tough and over seasoned. Portion sizes were small, perhaps aimed at the elderly who eat little! Breakfast was much better but on 2nd morning my eggs were like rubber and the rest was cold.