Dunblane Hydro Hotel will be relaunched as part of the Apex Hotels portfolio at the end of November this year.
Apex acquired the 200-bedroom Victorian landmark from Ability Hotels in November 2024, and is now formally taking over the property’s management as it begins what is described as a “comprehensive multi-phase refurbishment programme aimed at restoring this iconic heritage hotel to former glories”.
Built in 1878 as a health spa resort, the popular country retreat was repurposed as a military hospital during the First World War, then as a boarding school for evacuated girls during the Second World War, before being returned to hospitality by hotelier Sir Reo Stakis in 1962.
Several owners later, the hotel has an extensive food and beverage offering with a capacity for up to 290 covers, including flagship restaurant ‘The Kailyard’ by Scottish chef, Nick Nairn, and still boasts a substantial health and wellness club, including a swimming pool and thermal suites.
It will officially reopen as Apex Dunblane Hydro Hotel on 28th November 2025, becoming the ninth Apex branded hotel in the UK, and the group’s seventh property in Scotland,
Commencing this month with work on its conference and events spaces, the Hydro’s refurbishment will also upgrade guest rooms and modernise public spaces, introducing ‘contemporary design and luxury touches’ to match the rest of the Apex portfolio.
With its 200 bedrooms, substantial public spaces and 10 acres of landscaped grounds, Apex believes that the Dunblane Hydro is well placed in Central Scotland to serve as a key leisure and conference destination, with enhanced meeting and event facilities for up to 500 delegates.
Managing director of Apex Hotels, Averil Wilson, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dunblane Hydro into the Apex Hotels portfolio. Our brand is built on creating spaces that feel relaxing and welcoming, with thoughtful design and exceptional service at the core.
“We are excited to see the refurbishment breathe new life into this iconic property. Dunblane Hydro is ideally set as a destination rich in history and surrounded by natural beauty, and a further step in our commitment to offering diverse, characterful guest experiences across the UK.”
