Our free tijme is very limited so when we do have a break we tend to head for an upmarket hotel where we can expect a bit of luxury and delicious food.

We chose Ballathie because it had the same AA grading as the fantastic Loch Torridon Hotel. We expected things to be on a par. Not so. On arriving in the lobby, the porter looked at us and took to his heels. This was a poor start in comparison with Torridon where on arrival on a very wet night we were met at our car in the carpark with an umbrella, our luggage taken to our room and we were immediately offered refreshment. We were directed by the receptionist to our room - no 25 at the end of a very long corridor. We had asked for a river view and it was there if you craned your neck.

The first night dinner was reasonable, not fantastic, but reasonable. Breakfast the first morning - I chose fresh fruit salad with vanilla stock syrup. Guess what? no syrup - only dry fruit salad, mostly apples

Second night menu was disappointing as only a couple of items had changed, one new starter and one new main. The puds did not alter all the time we were there. My vegetarian mushroom dish supposedly served on a green bean salad (2 beans, lots of lettuce) should have been served with a chive cream sauce, which arrived after prompting by which time I was nearly finished.

The Monday menu on display at the front door was still on display when we left on the Thursday.

On our 3rd night we ate a delicious dinner at Let's Eat in Perth - highly recommendable.

The worst part of the stay was our room, which was adequately furnished but with a very poor t.v. The bathroom was very nice.

Room 25 should be given over to the housekeeping staff as a storeroom. The problem is it is above the trades entrance and deliveries start very early in the morning. One morning at 6.30 a delivery man did his drop off and then proceeded to have his flask and piece, while reading his newspaper with his diesel engine still running right under our window The old black van the baker has is particularly noisy. The worst was a van arriving at 4.30 (one morning only) to make his drop off. On top of that staff congregating outside to have a fag and a blether. I was for going home after the second night.

Would we go back - in a word no. It was too expensive for what we got and we did not return home feeling rested and refreshed On a positive note the grounds and situation are lovely.

We stayed on a two day Christmas break with friends and found everything you expect of a country house - log fires,classy lounge,comfortable room,countryside views,fantastic food and friendly easy going service.
Quite a few European staff with occasional communication problems but all willing and eager to please.
Lovely dining room with views to the river, full monty breakfasts including smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and excellent dinner menu with little extras thrown in that you are not expecting.
Value for money was pretty good as we got a special deal from the hotel website with everything except drinks and wine included.
We will definitely be going back.

We had our wedding here in November 2006, and the majority of our guests have since been in touch with us to comment on how lovely the hotel was, the high quality of the food and great service from friendly/helpful/efficient/courteous/professional staff. We couldn't agree more, and in particular with regard to the latter comment both on the day itself and throughout the entire planning process.

Having read the previous two reviews we were a little apprehensive about our visit to Ballathie. However, our experience of the hotel was excellent. We stayed in the Riverside rooms, suite 1,and the quality of room was lovely with scenic views of the river and main hotel. We have nothing but praise for the room and hotel.

The food was excellent with an outstanding wine and whisky list! The staff were well informed and always helpful.

Overall, and excellent stay and to be thoroughly recommended.