Standing above the banks of the River Clyde and surrounded by 240 acres of land is Mar Hall Hotel Golf & Spa Resort, just outside of Glasgow, Scotland. Dating back to 1828, when the first stones were laid, the grand house was a private residence, and later it became a hospital to treat limbless soldiers returning from the First World War. Since becoming a hotel, it’s always been a place of interest, with numerous celebrities through the doors, and I recently took a trip to see just what Mar Hall had to offer.

The hotel has just completed its incredible £20million renovation, completely transforming the early 19th-century house into a well-deserved five-star luxurious hotel, complete with a spa and golf course – and luxurious it was.

Rooms

With care and refinement in every element, Mar Hall’s exquisitely designed bedrooms have something to offer for everyone, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a restful retreat.

Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape or a relaxing break, Mar Hall’s beautifully designed bedrooms offer something for everyone, with attention and sophistication in every detail.

The hotel offers 75 deluxe bedrooms and suites. Pick from Classic Bedrooms, which provide guests with luxury amenities, in-room entertainment, complimentary drinks, and a 55-inch LC television, to name a few.

Spa Garden Suites are also available, featuring private gardens, a super king bed and interiors inspired by nature’s tranquillity.

Guests could also retreat to the Classic Lodges, offering spacious living, elegant interiors and stunning natural surroundings. 

Mar Hall also offers Grand Suites, Junior Suites, and Luxurious Suites, all newly designed and featuring sophisticated interiors and breathtaking views.

We stayed in the Erskine Suite, which has fantastic views from every room. Upon entering, you’re greeted with a large hallway, with the living area in front of you, a bedroom to the right, and a bathroom to the left.

The room features a four-poster bed, a separate large lounge area with a grand piano, a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, and a dining area. There’s also an impressive bathroom with a free-standing bath and shower.

Bathrobes and slippers were provided in the wardrobe for use in the spa, and there was also a well-stocked minibar and a plethora of teas and coffees to choose from. Every single detail was thought out and executed, making the stay comfortable and relaxing. 

The interior was effortlessly elegant, blending traditional and modern together in a way I’ve never seen before. In fact, there are very few words to describe this suite, which feels like an entire apartment within a hotel. I’ve never stayed in anything quite like it.

Dining and drinking

From afternoon tea in The Gallery to dinner in The Dining Room, there is something for everyone at Mar Hall. 

The Dining Room menu was extensive, with Scottish classics such as Argyll smoked salmon or Berwick crab on the menu, as well as spicy raw beef, which was served tableside. For mains, the menu consisted of a variety of meats like roast chicken, roast lamb, and St Brides farm confit duck. Prime Perthshire beef was also available, plus a variety of sides.

I enjoyed a fillet steak cooked to perfection with deliciously cooked fries and a green peppercorn sauce. For dessert, I tucked into a poached pear tart with a helping of clotted cream ice cream, a perfect pudding after a steak. The staff’s service was like no other, attentive and helpful throughout the entire meal.

The decor in The Dining Room was modern with a traditional twist, with guests dining underneath a wood-carved ceiling. Once again, the views across the Clyde stole the show, and I’ve never felt more relaxed. 

Come nighttime, guests can enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in the Sláinte bar next to The Dining Room. Each cocktail, curated by the hotel’s expert mixologist, tells a story, whether inspired by a historical moment from Mar Hall’s history or a nod to the present-day evolution. 

It’s back in this part of the hotel for the morning too, with a full Scottish breakfast cooked to order, as well as a breakfast roll, a waffle with fruit and a selection of porridges. A continental section consisted of delicious pastries, fruit and cereals. The presentation of the waffle, with the distinct Mar Hall logo, was incredible, with the attention to detail even reaching the breakfast table. The service was impeccable, and Mar Hall gets extra points for having coffee syrups, something I often carry out with me when travelling.

Afternoon tea in The Gallery was a highlight for me and proved popular among guests and visitors, too. The Gallery is the social heart of Mar Hall, with its grand but inviting space allowing guests to unwind and relax with a coffee, enjoy a spot of lunch, or enjoy afternoon tea. Homemade scones and delicately crafted cakes are made to perfection by the pastry chef, Szilard Szentesi, along with a selection of teas.

The sandwiches were delicious, and it was a special touch having a couple of canapes too, such as the brioche with hot smoked salmon pate. For sweets, my standout was the strawberry cube, a Perthshire strawberry mousse encapsulated in a strawberry chocolate glaze.

For just £40 per person, this afternoon tea experience was one of the best I’ve tried, at the best price. Every element, from the delicate pastries to the sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, had been thoughtfully considered to offer a truly memorable experience.

Amenities and things to do

Mar Hall’s leisure facilities include a 20m indoor swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms and a gym. Spa treatments using Ishga, the renowned Scottish skincare brand, are available too. From revitalising facials to deeply relaxing massages, each experience is designed to restore balance, calm and wellbeing.

I opted for an express massage, which was just enough to get a taste of the service. I could completely unwind and relax, and allowed my therapist to work on areas of concern before heading into the pool. Click here to find out more about spa days and spa breaks.

The golf course, designed by legendary course architect Dave Thomas, draws golfers to Mar Hall, which runs alongside the Clyde. The 70-par championship course winds through rolling fairways and natural woodlands, offering a world-class experience less than 25 minutes from Glasgow city centre. Enjoy golf breaks or golf days with exceptional hospitality and an unforgettable setting. Click here to find out more.

There’s also a range of activities available for visitors, such as an off-road adventure, as well as falconry. At Mar Hall, there’s lots to see and do, but it’s also perfect if you want to do nothing and enjoy the scenery, such as the beautiful gardens. During the extensive renovation, new species of trees and shrubs were introduced throughout the estate, and they’ve been carefully layered into the existing woodland. 

I loved taking a gentle stroll around the gardens and taking in the scenery, reconnecting with nature in the sunken seating and fire-pit areas, and exploring the glass-walled reading room and bee hives.

Leaving the hotel, the Highlands are within easy reach via car. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is less than 30 minutes from the hotel, and it’s around an hour to Loch Fyne. Glasgow city centre is also only within easy reach if you wish to do some sightseeing or shopping.

There’s no denying this renovation has been completed to an incredibly high standard. With each room having its own colour palette, but all of them linked together with a sense of warmth and quiet luxury.

Choosing Mar Hall for a stay means choosing a five-star experience like no other, with an incredible attention to detail and outstanding customer service, and I’d highly recommend making the trip to visit. Prices vary depending on the time of year and room type. Click here to book a stay.