Top 50 places to stay & play - No.2 Gleneagles

No.2 Gleneagles, Perthshire (2008 position 1)

Rooms & Suites: 232 Price: £472 Courses: 4 - King's, Centenary, Queen's, PGA National Academy W: gleneagles.com Best for: Luxury, Couples, Families, Small Groups

Since it first opened its doors in 1924, the Gleneagles Hotel has continuously delivered luxurious accommodation and sterling service.Set in the beautiful Perthshire countryside with stunning views up the Glen, across to the Ochil Hills, Ben Vorlich and the distant Trossachs, the resort epitomises Highland grandeur. Constructed by the Caledonian Railway Company, the hotel is now owned by Diageo plc. In recent years there has been considerable expenditure to first renovate then to retain the very highest standards of elegance and opulence within the property. In fact, since 1982 total capital investment at Gleneagles has been more than £46 million. Gleneagles has long been a venue for significant professional competition and the Centenary Course has hosted the European Tour's Johnnie Walker Championship for the last 13 years. In 2014 the layout will also welcome the 40th Ryder Cup matches to its fairways and greens. Originally designed by Jack Nicklaus, but altered by David McLay Kidd, it's an excellent tournament course with a varied selection of dramatic and challenging holes. Created by James Braid, the King's Course opened for play in 1919. The course was used for eight Scottish Opens and it's rightly considered to be one of Britain's finest inland tracks. The Queen's is another James Braid design. Supremely picturesque, it winds through woodland across the high ridges of the estate. Many Gleneagles members rate the Queen's as their favourite track. Off-course activities are plentiful at Gleneagles, guests can try shooting, fishing, archery, equestrianism, off-road driving or falconry. Alternatively, you can just relax and unwind in the award-winning spa before enjoying some of Scotland's finest cuisine. The Andrew Fairlie is a two Michelin-starred restaurant.