Golfing legend Jack Nicklaus described it as "one of the
greatest places in the world to have a golf vacation," Lee Trevino compared it to heaven and Bob Hope claimed it made him consider moving to Scotland!
The Gleneagles Hotel is no stranger to lavish praise and a walk through the 850 acre grounds and the imposing building itself is enough to understand just why it is held in such high esteem.
Set amidst some of Scotland's most stunning scenery and within easy reach of much of the country, the five-star golf resort and hotel has become synonymous with luxury, quality and discretion.
It was here that the late King Hussein of Jordan and his
wife Queen Noor spent their honeymoon and it was also the
place where Sean Connery first discovered the delights of
golf while preparing for a scene in the film Goldfinger.
Heads of state and government have held conferences here
while film stars and sporting greats have relaxed, partied
and played here. With more than one member of staff to
every guest, pampering is definitely part of the
experience.
First opened in 1924 the hotel now boasts 220 bedrooms, 14
suites, three restaurants, three golf courses, a golf
school, a falconry Centre, a shooting and fishing school,
two private salmon beats, an equestrian centre, tennis
courts, a dance studio, a health suite, a gym, two
swimming pools, an outdoor hot tub and its very own
shopping arcade. And as if that's not enough, there is
even a Harvey Nichols!
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Despite its vast size, the hotel building, designed in the
style of a French chateau, is remarkably warm and
welcoming. Log fires, gentle lighting and a relaxed
atmosphere give the impression of a friendly but very
sumptuous country house.
Many of the bedrooms give a similar feel - spacious but
cosy with richly traditional decor and huge beds wrapped
up in pretty duvets. A number of other bedrooms have been
recently restyled and offer a more modern and minimalist
take on comfort and style. They are just as luxurious but
with a more contemporary twist.
Floral patterns give way to bold blocks of color and
simple elegance. The hotel also offers a number of suites
offering even more space to admire the richness of the
surroundings. Here guests can dine in privacy, entertain
friends or just relax by their own fireside. However with
so many other temptations available it could prove
difficult to resist venturing out into the rest of the
hotel.
A major attraction for many guests is golf. Three
championship courses blend effortlessly into the gentle
beauty of the Perthshire countryside. All were created by
golfers of legendary status.
The King's and Queen's Courses were designed by James
Braid, five times winner of the Open Championship while
the Monarch's Course was the work of Jack Nicklaus, the
winner of an incredible 18 major champions including three
Opens and six US Masters.
Golfers from all over the world make special pilgrimages
here to take in the atmosphere, the glorious surroundings
and the challenge of playing golf at one of the sports
most famous venues. But while some are prepared to cross
the globe to enjoy the facilities others shy away from a
visit to Gleneagles precisely because of its first class
reputation.
Such a palatial place must be the preserve of the very
rich or the very famous is the assumption. And while it is
true that taking a room or a suite here is far from cheap,
there are certain times when it is much more affordable.
For example the hotel holds an annual January sale.
Adopting the view that "if it is good enough for
Harrods.." the hotel offers much reduced room rates
throughout the first month of the year. Not surprisingly
it has proved an extremely popular innovation.
Staff are also keen to stress that Gleneagles is not just
a hotel. Visitors are more than welcome to enjoy the
surroundings over coffee, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner
at the hotel's restaurants and bar. Many of the excellent
sporting facilities are also open to non-residents
including the golf courses. The only problem is that once
inside the hotel with its spectacular views, cosy open
fires and luxurious rooms you just won't want to go home!
