Knockendarroch Hotel

On the leafy edge of Pitlochry, with views to the Perthshire hills, Struan and Louise Lothian’s hotel has the feel of a Victorian country house in town. ‘What a friendly place!’ writes a reader, praising the ‘good humour and understanding’ with which post-pandemic arrangements were handled. Modestly sized top-floor rooms have a furnished balcony. Another good choice might be a dual-aspect premier room with both town and country views. Suites in a 1990s extension have a lounge, a coffee machine and drinks cooler, smart TV, a bath and walk-in shower. Dog-friendly rooms can be found in a new timber annexe, with under-floor heating and patio doors to a small private garden. On a cold night, settle in with a dram by the fire in one of two adjoining lounges. In both dining room and orangery, a short, modern menu includes dishes such as braised feather blade of Highland beef, wild mushroom ragout, port jus, horseradish mash. At breakfast there are free-range eggs, smoked salmon, a full Scottish with potato scone, black pudding and haggis. ‘Just trying to find an excuse to go back.’ (Nick Mabbs)