We Review JA Mar Hall, Scotland’s Country Estate With A £20m Makeover
The Handbook’s Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor, Astrid Carter, is no stranger to Scottish hospitality, having moved north of the border a few years back. In JA Mar Hall, she has found a new hidden gem in the Scottish hotel sector. Following a change in ownership and a no-expense-spared £20m makeover, this Grand Dame of a hotel now marries the old and familiar with something cool and exciting.
Expect the usual stunning castle-esque grandeur, Scottish watercolour backdrops, and unbeatable local seafood, but mixed with unexpected, high-octane interiors, a seriously chic spa, and a fresh new mood. Here’s what she thought…
What sets it apart
Pulling up to Mar Hall, you get a kind of Highland castle Traitors vibe; you could easily imagine being greeted by Claudia Winkleman in a fabulous knit and kilt combo. No Claudia, sadly, but the staff here are genuinely warm, professional, and fun. It’s classic Scottish hospitality – which, biasedly, I feel is among the best in the world – and then some. Despite feeling like you’ve been helicoptered into the Highlands, the hotel is conveniently nestled in Bishopton, just 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport and a further 20 from the city centre.
Don’t be fooled by the location, though; this is anything but an airport hotel. Designed by Robert Smirke – the visionary behind the British Museum – this 19th-century behemoth has lived many lives. From serving as a family home (a rather ostentatious one at that) to a WWI hospital for amputees, it eventually found its feet in the hospitality world. Since then, it’s been through various ownerships and even played host to a revolving door of A-listers, we’re talking the likes of Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and Brad Pitt, to name just a few.
While it has operated as a hotel since 2004, its latest chapter is the most ambitious yet. Following a takeover by the luxury JA Resorts & Hotels Group, the property has undergone a staggering £20 million renovation.
With a budget that size, my expectations were high, but also dubious. How do they respect the history and tradition of a property like that, whilst bringing something cool, modern, and different? Well, Mar Hall did not disappoint. On the surface, it offers the quintessential Scottish five-star experience: championship golf, roaring fires, and watercolour hill views that shift hourly with that unhinged local weather. But beneath the traditional, the new Mar Hall surprised me in so many brilliant ways.
First of all, the unexpected interiors. From palm trees in the grand entrance hall to a curated collection of local artwork, the aesthetic is daring and fresh. In the lobby, you’re greeted with an almost 1960s-inspired chequered floor and a bold palette of rusty orange and teal, and in the new elevated suites, you’re met with sprawling spaces featuring floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, pool tables, and even baby grand pianos.
From palm trees in the grand entrance hall to a curated collection of local artwork, the aesthetic is daring and fresh.
There are beautiful grounds that have clearly been long established and immaculately spuced up, a bar that’s a chic sanctuary of cosy nooks and perfect lighting, anchored by a master mixologist, and increible, warm, attentive staff througout – many of which we hear were poached from equally as upmarket Cameron House, down the road in Loch Lomond (always a good sign). While Mar Hall still has nostalgia in its bones, these modern flourishes and hospitality quirks are what truly make this Scottish icon stand out.
The location
Although officially in Glasgow, if you’re not familiar with the geography, you’d feel like you were right on the cusp of the Highlands and Lowlands. There are sweeping views of the Kilpatrick Hills and misty waters on the banks; it is, in fact, the River Clyde, but you get that same loch feel that feels all warm, fuzzy, and Scottish when looking out from a firelit room.
In terms of convenience, while you feel very much in the countryside at Mar Hall, you’re only 10 minutes away from Glasgow Airport and less than half an hour by car to the city centre. While Glasgow’s food scene has seriously upped its game in recent years, the hotel roasta still feels a little behind – bar a few key players – but Mar Hall is seriously making its stamp on the city. Location-wise, if you’re after rest and recuperation, but might like the idea of flirting with the bars, shops and restaurants of the West End or city centre, it’s pretty perfect.
The rooms
Spoiled is an understatement. I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in many lovely hotels through work – places galaxies outside my personal budget – but my room at Mar Hall was up there with the finest. I stayed in one of the hotel’s new Grand Suites, one of 74 five-star bedrooms and suites, each of which has been individually refurbished with its own character and a serious investment behind it, offering a spacious and private sanctuary for those seeking the ultimate Scottish escape.
From the huge entry hall – beautifully lit with spanning mirrors perfect for one final outfit check and local art adorning the walls – to the marble-clad bathroom stocked with gorgeous toiletries from Scottish brand Laura Thomas, the attention to detail is impressive. Then there’s the bedroom itself: a beautiful, modern four-poster at its centre, floor-to-ceiling wardrobes, and a dressing table backlit by views of the Scottish hills. It’s such a fun, luxurious place to get ready for drinks and dinner downstairs. Soft hues of blue, no expense spared on marble, and light woods keep everything calm, while nods to Scottish heritage can be found in the hill-inspired colour palette and charming Timorous Beasties wallpaper.
Then there was the pièce de résistance: the living area. Twice the size of the already huge bedroom, it featured plush velvet seating, window seats overlooking the immaculate golf course, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with everything from Tom Ford fashion books to battered classics. There’s artwork, a bar cart, gorgeous lighting, and finally – a pool table. It’s not what I’d usually expect (or even think to want) in a hotel room, but what a thrill to have one.
These suites hit the sweet spot: luxury-meets-fun, calm-meets-bouji, and they are a total joy to stay in. I definitely had that “if only we had one more night” feeling. Granted, a suite like that will set you back upwards of £1k a night, but it’s a real treat if you have the budget – and the hotel offers packages that include golf, spa access, and dinner.
While Mar Hall still has nostalgia in its bones, these modern flourishes and hospitality quirks are what truly make this Scottish icon stand out.
While a suite might be off the agenda for most, there are more modest – but no less beautiful – classic rooms starting from around £300 per night. Some of the smaller rooms have a more traditional Scottish feel, while the newly refurbished Garden Rooms are modern, fresh, and dog-friendly. Plus, they’re right by the spa building – ideal if the hotel’s wellness offering is your jam.
Food & drink
The Dining Room at Mar Hall is the main restaurant, and it brilliantly brings together the building’s historic character with modern touches and playful interior nods. Think huge, wood-panneled windows, intricately detailed high ceilings, and a roaring fire, all mixed with pale blue booths and marble tabletops.
The menu is hearty Scottish and European fare. I tucked into a meaty Orkney scallop – a no-brainer order when you’re in this part of the world – which was delicious and given an Asian twist with cauliflower and curry leaf. For mains, the steak cooked on the grill did not disappoint, but the West Coast Cullen was the star. A refined take on traditional Scottish Cullen Skink, it was creamy, rich, and layered with langoustines, scallops, smoked haddock, and mussels. It didn’t just look impressive; it was a fantastic showcase of the local area’s finest seafood.
After dinner, we slipped through the almost hidden wooden door into Slàinte, the hotel’s beautiful bar. Dark, cosy, firelit, and a little sexy, with low seating, it’s exactly what you want from a hotel bar for a late-night sip.
The drinks are headed up by the very talented Chris Mullen. Whatever your chosen sauce is, you’ll be in good hands; he happily crafts bespoke drinks based on your preferences, on one condition: you have to give the drink a name. It’s a challenge we happily accepted. If you’d rather stay on-menu, their cocktail list is stunning and well-thought-out, utilising beautiful local produce and liquors, and the menu itself is beautifully illustrated to bring the drinks to life. It’s these little details that truly define the Mar Hall experience.
Breakfast is served, again, in The Dining Room. The local smoked salmon is a must-try, served with buttery scrambled eggs, but they also offer more relaxed breakfast rolls (a Scottish staple) with classic fillings like square sausage and tattie scones – perfect if you’re getting ready to tee up for a day on the golf course.
Mar Hall’s final dining spot is The Gallery. It’s a grand hall that runs the full length of the building, from check-in to the bar and dining rooms at the back, and serves as a hub for meetings, coffee breaks, and wee drams to warm up with. They also serve a beautiful afternoon tea, and as someone who can usually take or leave afternoon tea, I will definitely be back for this one – the cakes looked dainty, delicate, and utterly divine.
Things to do
Mar Hall is one of those hotels where you feel very little guilt in doing absolutely nothing; its walls have been built (or refurbished, at least) to encourage proper relaxation. However, for those with restless minds and feet, there is plenty on-site to keep you busy.
The spa and pool: You’ll find a state-of-the-art gym and a thermal sanctuary featuring saunas and steam rooms, alongside the beautifully renovated pool. Under the spa’s steeped, dark roof, the water looks almost inky – simple, but super chic. The spa uses Ishga’s award-winning, seaweed-based skincare, which I’ve used before and was thrilled to see (and smell) as I walked in.
I opted for a 90-minute full-body massage, and it was heavenly. I was in the deepest sleep I’ve had in about five years within 20 seconds, so there’s not much more I can say – but surely that’s the ultimate review of a massage? I woke up feeling energetic and knot-free.
Golf: I’m not a golfer, but even I appreciated the beauty of this course. Set within 240 acres of stunning landscape, woodlands, and rolling fairways along the banks of the River Clyde, this par-70 championship course is a must if you’re an avid fan of the sport and staying near Glasgow.
Experiences: The hotel offers plenty of added experiences if you can tear yourself away from the roaring fires and the homemade tablet (a sugary Scottish sweet). Everything from horse trekking to falconry and even helicopter rides can be arranged.
Further afield: Glasgow City Centre is only half an hour away by car if you’re keen to check out the shops, museums, and bars. However, I’d recommend heading to the West End, which is even closer and boasts great vintage shops, charming local cafes, and some of my favourite, more intimate restaurants. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum are brilliant for little ones, as are the Botanic Gardens if the sun is out.
Restaurant recommendations: If you’re staying for a few days and want to explore more foodie options, I personally recommend Cail Bruich for a Michelin-starred Scottish tasting menu (an unforgettable meal) or its sister restaurant, Brett, if you like the buzz of counter dining and brilliant small plates. Also, just 15 minutes from the hotel is Elements, an incredible neighbourhood restaurant by renowned chef Gary Townsend, serving innovative seasonal menus for under £80.
The verdict
Mar Hall has all the grandeur and drama you’d expect from an old Scottish stately home, but it’s found a new spirit that is fun and cool, too. It has charm and style by the bucketload; it’s taken risks with the interior, which I loved, and has made a strong start with its food and drink offering. At such an early stage in its life as a JA Resorts and Hotels property, I’m keen to see how this big, beautiful behemoth of a hotel will grow. For now, it’s clear to see that £20m was money well spent.
All the grandeur and drama you’d expect from an old Scottish stately home, but with a new spirit that is fun and cool, too.
Getting there & booking
Mar Hall is a 10-minute drive from Glasgow International Airport, around an hour’s drive from Edinburgh International Airport, and just 30-minutes from Glasgow City Centre, with plenty of connections via train to the rest of the UK. Classic rooms start from £300, but it’s worth checking for lower prices during less busy times.
Book online at www.marhall.com
