Nestled in the serene Stirlingshire countryside near Dunblane, Scotland, Cromlix Hotel is a luxurious Victorian mansion that has become a beacon of hospitality excellence. Owned by tennis legend Sir Andy Murray and his wife Kim since 2013, this five-star retreat has not only captured the hearts of guests but also garnered a remarkable collection of industry accolades. Combining opulent charm, personal touches, and a commitment to community, Cromlix has solidified its reputation as one of Scotland’s premier destinations. This article explores the hotel’s journey and the prestigious awards it has earned.
### A Personal Venture Rooted in Heritage
Cromlix Hotel holds deep personal significance for the Murray family. Purchased for £1.8 million in 2013, the Victorian mansion was a familiar venue for the Murrays, having hosted family milestones such as Andy’s brother Jamie’s wedding in 2010 and Andy and Kim’s wedding reception in 2015. The estate, set on 34 acres of secluded grounds, features 10 bedrooms, five suites, a one-bedroom Gate Lodge, a private chapel, a tennis court in Wimbledon colors, and a loch stocked with trout. After initially being managed by an external company, the Murrays took direct control in 2023, with Kim leading a comprehensive refurbishment to infuse the property with their personal vision. The result is a hotel that feels both indulgent and homely, as Kim emphasized: “I’ve always been adamant that I want this to feel like a home rather than a hotel.”
### A Stellar Record of Awards
Since its opening in April 2014, Cromlix has amassed an impressive array of awards, reflecting its commitment to luxury, hospitality, and culinary excellence. Below is a look at the key honors the hotel has received:
#### 1. **Scottish Hotel of the Year (2014, AA Hospitality Awards)**
Just 27 days after opening its doors, Cromlix was named the best hotel in Scotland at the 2014 Scottish Hotel Awards. Judges hailed it as a “national treasure,” praising the combination of significant investment, visionary leadership, and experienced management. The involvement of Andy’s mother, Judy Murray, was also noted for her role in the hotel’s transformation. This early recognition set the tone for Cromlix’s meteoric rise in the hospitality world.
#### 2. **Luxury Country House Hotel of the Year (2019, Scottish Hotel Awards)**
In 2019, Cromlix was crowned Luxury Country House Hotel of the Year by the Scottish Hotel Awards. This accolade underscored the hotel’s ability to blend Victorian elegance with modern luxury, offering guests a refined yet welcoming experience. The award highlighted Cromlix’s growing reputation as a top-tier destination in Scotland.
#### 3. **AA Hotel of the Year Scotland (2024, AA Hospitality Awards)**
In 2024, Cromlix was named Scottish Hotel of the Year at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards, held at London’s Grosvenor House. The AA inspector lauded the hotel’s “luxurious standard,” noting its expansive grounds, meticulously restored bedrooms, and unique features like the Wimbledon-colored tennis court and on-site chapel. Kim Murray accepted the award alongside the hotel’s staff, marking a proud moment for the team’s dedication.
#### 4. **Independent Hotel of the Year (2024, Scottish Excellence Awards)**
Also in 2024, Cromlix clinched the Independent Hotel of the Year title at the Scottish Excellence Awards, beating out strong contenders like Killiecrankie House in Perthshire. Presented at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh, this award celebrated the hotel’s remarkable progress following its 2023 refurbishment. Kim Murray praised the team’s hard work, stating, “The hotel has had a remarkable 12 months, and the team has worked incredibly hard to continue delivering an outstanding experience for our guests.”
#### 5. **Chef of the Year (2024, Scottish Excellence Awards)**
In a double triumph at the 2024 Scottish Excellence Awards, Cromlix’s Executive Head Chef, Darin Campbell, was voted Chef of the Year. Campbell, who has led the kitchen for 11 years, was recognized for his innovative menus that showcase locally sourced produce and reflect the estate’s surroundings. His win highlighted the culinary excellence at The Glasshouse restaurant, a centerpiece of the Cromlix experience.
#### 6. **Best Boutique and Best Historic Hotel (2025, Innis and Gunn Prestige Hotel Awards)**
In May 2025, Cromlix secured two accolades at the Innis and Gunn Prestige Hotel Awards: Best Boutique Hotel and Best Historic Hotel. Held at Glasgow’s Radisson RED hotel, the ceremony celebrated the hotel’s unique blend of heritage and modern luxury. Andy and Kim chose to let their team take the spotlight, reflecting their hands-on yet collaborative approach to management.
#### 7. **MICHELIN Key (2024, MICHELIN Guide)**
Cromlix earned a MICHELIN Key in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide, a prestigious recognition of its exceptional hospitality and guest experience. This accolade further cemented the hotel’s status among the world’s elite accommodations.
#### 8. **Top 100 Places to Stay in the UK (2024)**
Cromlix was ranked number eight in the Best 100 Places to Stay in the UK, a testament to its appeal as a must-visit destination. This recognition highlighted the hotel’s ability to combine luxury with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
#### 9. **Most Dog-Friendly Hotel in Scotland**
Cromlix has also been celebrated for its pet-friendly approach, earning the title of Scotland’s most dog-friendly hotel. Special rooms come equipped with bowls, beds, and treats, ensuring four-legged guests are as pampered as their owners.
### A Recipe for Success
Cromlix’s success stems from its blend of luxury and warmth, driven by Kim Murray’s vision to create a home-like atmosphere. The 2023 refurbishment, led by Kim in collaboration with interior designer Suzanne Garuda, transformed the hotel’s 15 bedrooms, bathrooms, restaurant, and communal areas. Guests are treated to thoughtful touches, such as shortbread from Andy’s grandmother’s recipe and fresh flowers from the hotel’s garden. The Glasshouse restaurant, under Darin Campbell’s leadership, offers a menu that celebrates local produce, while the estate’s grounds provide activities like tennis lessons, fishing, and foraging.
Despite financial challenges—posting losses of £369,045 in 2024 after a £919,572 deficit in 2023—the hotel continues to thrive with high occupancy rates and plans for expansion, including a new 80-cover restaurant and additional bedrooms. The Murrays’ commitment to the local community is evident, with over 70 staff employed, many from the Stirling area, and initiatives like Cromlix Gin, made with botanicals from the hotel’s garden.
### A Bright Future
Cromlix Hotel is more than a luxury retreat; it’s a testament to Andy and Kim Murray’s dedication to excellence and community. With a trophy cabinet rivaling Andy’s tennis accolades, the hotel continues to set the standard for Scottish hospitality. As it aims for a Michelin star and pursues further expansion, Cromlix is poised to remain a jewel in Scotland’s crown, offering guests an unforgettable blend of history, luxury, and heartfelt hospitality.
