Gleneagles Hotel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gleneagles Hotel |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
Gleneagles Hotel and grounds
|
|
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Hotel |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Address | Auchterarder Perthshire PH3 1NF |
| Country | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°17′09″N 3°44′51″W / 56.28583°N 3.74750°W |
| Construction started | 1913 (paused 1914 – 1922) |
| Completed | 1924 |
| Opened | 7 June 1924 |
| Owner | Ennismore |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3-storey with attics |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Matthew Adam |
| Architecture firm | Caledonian Railway Divisional Engineer |
| Developer | Caledonian Railway |
| Other designers | Charles W. Swanson (interior designer) |
| Other information | |
| Number of rooms | 232 |
| Number of restaurants | 6 (The Strathearn; Andrew Fairlie; The Birnam; The Dormy; Glendevon; Garden Cafe) |
| Number of bars | 4 (Auchterader 70; The Century Bar; The American Bar; Inglenook) |
|
Listed Building – Category B
|
|
| Official name | Gleneagles Hotel |
| Designated | 8 April 1980 |
| Reference no. | LB4570 |
The 9th hole on Kings Course at Gleneagles
|
|
| Club information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Auchterarder, Scotland, UK |
| Established | 1924 |
| Type | Private |
| Owned by | Ennismore |
| Total holes | 63 |
| Tournaments hosted | Ryder Cup, Johnnie Walker Championship |
| King's Course | |
| Designed by | James Braid |
| Par | 71 |
| Length | 6,790 yards |
| Queen's Course | |
| Designed by | James Braid |
| Par | 68 |
| Length | 5,965 yards |
| PGA Centenary Course | |
| Designed by | Jack Nicklaus |
| Par | 73 |
| Length | 7,320 yards |
| Wee Course (9 holes) | |
| Designed by | George Alexander |
| Par | 27 |
| Length | 1481 yards |
The Gleneagles Hotel is a famous hotel located near Auchterarder, Scotland. It first opened its doors in 1924. The hotel was built by the Caledonian Railway company.
Gleneagles is well-known for its three championship golf courses. It has hosted major golf events like the Ryder Cup. During World War II, the hotel even served as a military hospital. Today, it is a top destination for visitors and important meetings. It is also recognized as a Category B listed building for its historical value.
Contents
Hotel History and Development
Early Days and Grand Opening
Construction of the Gleneagles Hotel began in 1913. It was a project of the Caledonian Railway company. They also built the nearby Gleneagles railway station. The hotel officially opened on June 7, 1924.
A popular bandleader named Henry Hall helped with the hotel's entertainment. He arranged for his band to play there. The opening night was special because it featured Scotland's first ever live radio broadcast from outside a studio.
World War II and New Owners
During World War II, many large hotels were used for other purposes. Gleneagles Hotel became a military hospital. It helped care for soldiers during the war.
After the war, the hotel's ownership changed several times. It was owned by different railway and transport companies. In 1981, it became a private hotel again.
Modern Era and Famous Guests
In 1984, the hotel was bought by Arthur Bell & Sons. Later, it became part of larger companies like Guinness and Diageo. Since 2015, it has been owned by a company called Ennismore.
The hotel underwent major renovations between 1982 and 1986. Since 1982, it has been open all year round. It has received five red stars from the AA every year since 1986, a top award for hotels.
In 1994, the famous English rock band Oasis performed at the hotel. They played for music executives. The hotel was also updated to host the 40th Ryder Cup golf tournament in 2014.
Amazing Facilities and Activities
World-Class Golf Courses
Gleneagles is a paradise for golf lovers. It has three main golf courses:
- The King's Course
- The Queen's Course
- The PGA Centenary Course (designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus)
There is also a smaller nine-hole course called the PGA National Academy Course, or the Wee Course. The Gleneagles Golf Academy opened in 1994. It helps people learn and improve their golf skills.
Major Golf Tournaments Hosted
Gleneagles has been the site of many important golf competitions:
- Curtis Cup in 1936
- Women's British Open in 1957
- Scottish Open from 1987 to 1994
- Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles from 1999 to 2013
- The 40th Ryder Cup Matches in 2014
- Solheim Cup and Junior Solheim Cup in 2019
- Senior Open Championship in 2022
Other Fun Activities
Beyond golf, Gleneagles offers unique experiences. The British School of Falconry has been at Gleneagles since 1992. Here, you can learn about and interact with birds of prey.
The hotel grounds also include the village of Glenmor. This area has holiday homes for guests.
Important Meetings and Conferences
Gleneagles Hotel has been chosen for many significant international meetings. These events bring together important leaders from around the world.
- Gleneagles Agreement (1977): This agreement was made during a meeting of Commonwealth leaders. It was about stopping sports teams from playing against South Africa because of its apartheid policies at the time.
- 31st G8 summit (2005): Leaders from eight of the world's largest economies met here. They discussed global issues like poverty and climate change.
Awards and Recognition
Gleneagles Hotel has won many awards for its excellent service and facilities:
- 5 Red AA Stars (every year since 1986)
- Conde Nast Gold List 2009 – Best Hotel in the World for Facilities
- Scotland's leading resort at the World Travel Awards 2008
- Best Golf Resort in the World (multiple years) – Ultratravel Magazine
- Scotland's Best Hotel (multiple years) – Today's Golfer Travel Awards
See also
- Golf in Scotland
- Gleneagles, Scotland
- List of G8 summit resorts
- Emergency Hospital Service
