A HOTEL in Perthshire has been named as Scotland’s most romantic getaway.
The Knockendarroch House Hotel, Pitlochry, has been described as a “honeymooners’ delight” with its open fires, four poster beds and mountain views.
A survey held by users of TripAdvisor voted the £129-a-night resort as the eighth most romantic destination in the UK – and the only Scottish hotel in the list.
It fended off competition from popular stays such as the Balmoral in Edinburgh and the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews – even beating London destination Mayfair and the Ritz.
The Scottish hotel was also given the 21st spot in the wider European list.
Liz Martin, owner of the Knockendarroch, described the accolade as a “fantastic reward”.
She said: “I was very surprised when they called but very happy about it.
“To be named among the UK and the world’s most romantic hotels in this year’s Traveller’s Choice Awards is a fantastic reward.
“The ultimate accolade is to be recognised by our guests for our efforts in making their stay a romantic one – we are very grateful to guests who wrote the reviews.”
Ms Martin said as well as honeymooners who visit there have been guests who have got down on one knee during their stay.
She added: “I think what people like here is the log fires – it’s a very romantic notion.
“Recently we’ve had a number of proposals and people then come back from their anniversary and for their honeymoon.”
The TripAdvisor list was ranked by the reviews given by customers – “excellent”, “very good”, “average”, “poor” or “terrible”.
The hotels that received the highest number of “excellent” reviews were awarded a higher spot on the list.
“Superb”
Ms Wilkie – a voter on the survey –wrote about the hotel: “Honeymooners’ delight – from the moment we pulled up the driveway we knew we were in for a treat, we had booked the superior four poster room, amazing.
“Beautifully decorated, lovely furniture and bathroom, very clean and romantic. Staff were all wonderful, food was absolutely to die for.”
One wrote: “My husband and I spent our wedding night at Knockendarroch after getting married at Blair Castle.
“The room was an absolutely beautiful 4-poster with tasteful modern-traditional decor, huge windows and a lovely outlook. The hotel spoiled us.”
Another voter said: “Recently stayed at this hotel and it was a wonderful experience. Rooms were spotless, service was excellent and the food was superb. Highly recommend here for a romantic break.”
Trip Advisor spokeswoman Emma Shaw said: “To be home to both one of the UK’s most romantic hotels and one of the UK’s top hotels is a great achievement for Pitlochry’s tourism.
“The stunning Perthshire scenery and clear mountain air have obviously contributed to making Pitlochry a much-loved destination for travellers and, in particular, couples looking for a spot of romance.”
The UK’s number one hotel was Cranleigh Boutique in Bowness-on-Windermere that had 491 “excellent” reviews.
The Cedar Manor Hotel and Restaurant in Windermere was second with 439 and the Boskerris Hotel in St Ives was third with 366.
The Knockendarroch received 171 “excellent” reviews.
The other hotels in the list from fourth to seventh were all south of the border – they include the Trelaske Hotel and Restaurant in Looe, The Old Rectory Hotel in Martinhoe, Shelley’s in Lynmouth, the Green Bough Hotel in Chester.
The Scarlet Hotel in Mawgan Porth and The Crown and Castle in Oxford came in at ninth and tenth.
