The Cromlix Hotel may be owned by tennis superstar Andy Murray, but it’s a powerhouse in its own right. During a recent trip to Glasgow, our Editor-in-Chief, Laura Bartlett, checked in for an adventurous few days.
I had Andy Murray’s grandma’s biscuits for breakfast—a line I never thought I’d say until I checked into the Cromlix Hotel, owned by Andy Murray and his wife Kim. A warm welcome awaits from the second you step foot in the cosy lobby. Once inside your room, you’ll stumble across homemade shortbread biscuits made in-house using Andy’s grandma’s recipe. But this hotel is definitely not taking the biscuit; quite the opposite.
Adventure Awaits
It all started with the unexpected pickup at the airport by 4×4 Adventures Scotland, one of the many excursions you can do when you’re staying at the hotel. I was whisked off to explore Loch Lomond behind the wheel of a Land Rover Discovery.
Being the undercover adrenaline junkie that I am, I relished the opportunity to get behind the wheel and dispel all rumours that women are bad drivers, pink fluffy heels optional. The day was spent riding shotgun with Ross, the founder of 4×4 Adventures, who has a natural ability to make you feel like you’re hanging out the side of your best friend’s ride!
With stop-offs along the way, it would be impossible not to fall in love with Loch Lomond at first sight. Nature has an incredible way of soothing even the harshest critics. With the adrenaline pumping, a lunch at The Loch Lomond Arms was the perfect stopgap before spending the rest of the afternoon onboard a yacht on Loch Lomond.
All of this fun, adventure and memory-making and I’d not even set foot in the Cromlix Hotel yet, but I already had a huge amount of respect for them. They really know how to give guests the true Scottish experience from the second you touch down in Glasgow.
Arrival at The Cromlix
From the road, to the water and then it was time for the land. Driving through the extensive driveway at The Cromlix, your breath will be halted when you catch a first glimpse of the property, standing tall and mighty at the top of the driveway.
Cromlix is a five-star luxury country house hotel set in 34 acres of private grounds and woodland in Stirlingshire, Scotland. Since Andy and Kim took over in 2013, the property has undergone extensive refurbishment to offer 15 botanically-inspired bedrooms and suites, each with unique views of the lush gardens and woodlands. The hotel’s prime location is just 49 minutes (to be precise) from Glasgow and an hour from Edinburgh, with the nearby Dunblane railway station providing easy access.
Check in
When you arrive at Cromlix, rows of Barbour wellies welcome you, perfect for a stroll around the grounds. The check-in process is delightfully relaxed, with a glass of fizz (or water) offered as you settle into the giant sofas. The hotel features two pristine drawing rooms, a charming traditional chapel (yes, you read that right) and a garden room ideal for private dining.
The hallway leading to the back reveals a baby grand piano, while the upstairs billiards room, decorated in rich hunting lodge hues, features mounted stags and quirky accessories like ceramic pineapples and flamingo-shaped lamps, adding a touch of whimsy to the elegant setting.
Fun fact, my parents bought me a billiards table when I was a teenager so I became quite a pro at playing which was probably the reason why this room quickly became my favourite spot in the entire hotel. Well, that and it is also where the complimentary chocolates and sweets are on offer all day, everyday.
The Turret Suite
Growing up, my family mantra was always ‘only the best for the best,’ and that sentiment was evident as I was shown to my Turret Suite, the best room in the house. The anticipation builds as you’re guided through the beautifully decorated hallways to your room, where luxury and comfort await in equal measure.
As you walk through the hotel, you’ll be captivated by the decor. Each of the bedrooms and suites is named after local flowers and herbs, adding a unique touch to the décor. The interiors, designed by Suzanne Garuda, blend traditional elegance with modern boutique style, incorporating rich fabrics, eclectic patterns and nature-inspired wall coverings to create a warm, welcoming and stylish retreat. Every corner of the hotel sparks conversation, as the eclectic and bold designs captivate even those with a penchant for beige.
Entering this suite is like walking into your own dedicated wing at the hotel. With an artwork-clad hallway leading to your own private living room, expansive bathroom (hello freestanding silver bath of dreams) and finally, where the magic happens in the huge bedroom.
And by magic, I mean sleep, because I had the best night’s sleep I’ve had in months, two nights on the bounce. Way to show my age, when a good night sleep is a talking point. Slipping into the large bed was like disappearing off to a different dimension. Gone are the days when a boozy night out would be something I would discuss with my peers and welcome to the days where a comfy bed and Egyptian cotton is what we class as riveting conversation. Truthfully, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
As the name suggests, the Turret Suite features two charming turrets cleverly furnished as cosy reading corners. One of these overlooks the Cromlix tennis court, where you might even catch a glimpse of Andy Murray himself playing.
I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in some of the world’s most exclusive hotels, from suites overlooking iconic landmarks to rooms with hefty price tags. Yet, I’d go as far as to say that The Cromlix has winged its way into my top ten hotels of all time. Its unique blend of luxury, charm and Scottish heritage is truly unparalleled.
Food Glorious Food
Passion seeps through every single bite, and having met award-winning Executive Head Chef Darin Campbell personally, who honed his skills under top chef Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles Hotel, it was no surprise. The Glasshouse Restaurant, housed in the glass-walled conservatory overlooking the grounds, offers a dining experience that is both exquisite and memorable.
During my stay, I dined at the restaurant for two nights—one night choosing from the à la carte menu and the other night indulging in the tasting menu. Each dish was an incredible journey of flavours, complemented by the stunning garden views at sunset and the enthusiastic, knowledgeable staff. As someone who is sober, I appreciated the availability of alcohol-free wine and fizz alternatives, which is a rare and thoughtful touch.
The sushi roll with grilled tiger prawn and miso taramasalata was a standout, followed by the Beetroot & Herb Cavatelli with a rich caviar broth. The Glazed Pork Cheeks were succulent, paired perfectly with garlic potato and apple caramel sauce. Each course was a masterpiece, culminating in the Valrhona Dulcey Chocolate dessert that was as visually stunning as it was delicious.
Just reminiscing on this meal is making my mouth water all over again, every bite was faultless and it really showed off the talents of the chef and his team. Each dish takes you on an unforgettable journey through Scotland’s landscape.
Breakfast in The Glasshouse is equally impressive, featuring high-quality juices, yoghurts, meats and cheeses, followed by menu options like creamy whisky porridge brûlée, vegan stacks of mushroom, tomato and avocado, the full Scottish breakfast, or Eggs Cromlix with hollandaise sauce. Regretfully, I didn’t indulge in any haggis but that’s the perfect excuse for me to revisit.
So, whilst I know absolutely nothing about tennis (sorry Andy), I can wholeheartedly say that, when it comes to The Cromlix hotel, I LOVE it.
Luckily, a stay here will be much better than my tennis puns.
Price tag
Rates for the hotel are from £315 per room, on a bed and breakfast basis.
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