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Summary of reviewsThe Mill Forge Hotel is celebrated for its ideal location, combining convenience with the tranquility of the picturesque Scottish countryside. Easily accessible from major motorways, it offers a serene retreat complemented by lovely grounds and gardens, contributing to its authentic and rustic charm. Guests appreciate the peaceful ambiance, spacious rooms, and delightful dining experiences, with breakfast and dinner both earning praise for their quality and variety. The breakfast service, while generally lauded for delicious Scottish fare and warm staff, has occasional mixed reviews regarding the buffet and busy times. Nonetheless, the overall dining experience, particularly the evening meals, is noted for attentive service and good value.
The accommodations provide a quaint village-like feel, with clean, well-maintained rooms and attentive housekeeping. While some rooms could benefit from updates and improvements to the beds, guests frequently commend the cleanliness and the availability of accessibility features, enhancing comfort and convenience. The setting enables restful stays, supported by the hotel's charm and proximity to Gretna Green, making it a preferred choice for wedding attendees.
The staff at The Mill Forge are consistently praised for their friendliness and professionalism, significantly enhancing the charm and appeal of the establishment. Their dedication ensures a seamless experience, whether for leisure or special occasions. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available, though it has varied performance, especially in private rooms. Despite challenges with Wi-Fi and minor room issues, guests generally find The Mill Forge Hotel to be a well-valued gem, offering an inviting, clean, and enjoyable stay amidst scenic surroundings. The hotel is particularly noted for its efforts to accommodate guests with disabilities, although some accessibility enhancements could further improve the experience. Overall, The Mill Forge Hotel stands out for its pleasant atmosphere, attentive service, and soothing countryside setting. Show more
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Categories
Family Friendly Hotel
Located in Gretna Green, known for its historical significance and gardens. The hotel may offer a unique setting for families interested in exploring the local history.
3-Star Hotel
Located in Gretna Green, this hotel offers a comfortable stay and is well-regarded for its amenities. Its proximity to local attractions makes it a great choice.
Historic Hotel
Hotel for Honeymoon
Accessible Hotel
Room Types
Single RoomEn suite single room with a shower, flat-screen TV, mirror, hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities.
Double RoomEn suite double room with a shower, flat-screen TV, mirror, hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities.
Twin RoomEn-suite triple room with a shower, flat-screen TV, mirror, hairdryer and tea/ making coffee facilities.
1 of the twin rooms has disabled access. Please notify the property if you require this room.
Family Room (2 Adults + 1 Child)En-suite family room with a shower, flat-screen TV, mirror, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. This room has 1 double bed and 1 single bed. An additional 2 single beds can be added in some rooms by prior request, for an additional cost.
SuiteA suite located in a quiet courtyard with private entrance, with a four-poster bed, balcony whirlpool bath, flat-screen TV, mirror, hairdryer and tea and coffee facilities.
Guest Reviews
8.2
Very Good
Location
Nestled conveniently near major motorways, The Mill Forge Hotel emerges as a highly sought-after destination for weary travelers and explorers alike, offering an ideal stopover point on journeys through the picturesque Scottish countryside. Easily accessible from the A75, A74, and M74, the hotel provides a seamless balance between convenience for travel and serene isolation.
The setting is a true retreat, with lovely grounds and beautiful gardens offering a tranquil escape from the bustle of the road. Guests consistently praise its quiet, idyllic, and remarkably peaceful ambiance, where scenic views accompany comfortable, spacious rooms and a hearty breakfast to refresh the traveler.
Visitors find the hotel's authenticity and rustic charm add to its appeal, providing an old-world feel that complements its rural location. With ample parking and welcoming staff, the hotel ensures a seamless experience from check-in to check-out. Dining at The Mill Forge is equally impressive, noted for its quality and variety, making the stay both restful and enjoyable.
Whether on a journey northward or southward, planning a return visit becomes an enticing prospect, particularly given how the hotel's remarkable location combines practicality with the beauty of a countryside retreat.
Breakfast
Nestled in a beautiful location with scenic grounds, The Mill Forge Hotel offers a breakfast experience that is predominantly positive. Guests frequently note the breakfast as being excellent, with delicious and freshly cooked meals that include a full Scottish breakfast, which many have found to be a highlight of their stay. There's a good selection of breakfast items, including vegan options and satisfying porridge that garners praise. The friendly and efficient breakfast staff enhance the dining experience by making guests feel welcome and well-attended to.
However, some guests have expressed mixed feelings, noting occasional issues with rushed service or limited cold buffet choices. While the breakfast was often described as good and satisfying, a few reviews cited poorer quality ingredients or a more canteen-like atmosphere during busy times, which detracted from the experience for some.
Overall, The Mill Forge Hotel's breakfast wins favor through the warmth of the staff, quality of the hot dishes, and generous portions, all contributing to a pleasant start to the day for many visitors.
Dinner
The Mill Forge Hotel offers a delightful dining experience with many guests praising the quality and variety of its evening meals. The dinner menu boasts scrumptious options for reasonable prices, highlighted by delicious and plentiful servings. Attentive service and friendly staff enhance the experience, making meals enjoyable in both the cozy bar and the restaurant. Many reviews complimented the excellent nature of the food, with standout mentions of the evening bar meals. However, there are occasional instances where the meals were not up to expectations, with some dishes being overcooked or lacking excitement. While some guests had minor issues with service delays, most found the overall dining experience acceptable, with delicious food and superb, quick service. Breakfast receives a more mixed reception as lacking in quality compared to dinner. Despite needing some decor updates, the restaurant remains a comfortable spot in a quiet part of the village to enjoy an evening meal. Overall, dining at The Mill Forge Hotel is considered a pleasant affair, especially in the evenings, where good food and kind service combine to create memorable experiences.
Rooms
The Mill Forge Hotel offers an inviting and charming accommodation experience, enhanced by its unique setting that gives the feeling of a quaint village rather than a traditional hotel. Though some rooms may be on the smaller side, guests generally appreciate their adequateness with clean, well-maintained facilities. The individual rooms, resembling static caravans or separate little houses, contribute to a peaceful ambiance perfect for a relaxing stay. Many rooms are described as spacious with satisfactory amenities, including comfortable beds, fluffy towels, and a well-stocked supply of tea and coffee, often highlighted by guests as meeting their needs effectively.
The decor might not be the most modern throughout, yet the cleanliness is frequently praised, with housekeeping attending diligently to detail, even down to the skirting boards. For those requiring accessibility, services like wheelchairs are readily available. The rooms on the ground floor add convenience and accessibility, with some larger executive rooms offering notable comfort. Despite a few comments on the occasional noise from nearby rooms, closing the inner doors generally assures quietness.
Guests find the location idyllic, citing the serenity as conducive to restful nights, though a few mention the beds in certain rooms could be improved. The hotel’s breakfast and evening meal options receive commendation for variety and flavor, complemented by the congenial and helpful service from the staff. Additionally, being situated conveniently close to Gretna Green, the hotel is a preferred choice for guests attending weddings and seeking nearby accommodations.
Overall, The Mill Forge Hotel presents a delightful and restful stay, with its clean, spacious rooms and attentive service, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors to the area.
Beds
At The Mill Forge Hotel, guest experiences regarding the beds in the rooms vary significantly. Many visitors enjoyed the comfort of the beds, noting the spaciousness of the rooms accompanied by cleanliness and well-maintained showers. Several reviews highlighted the softness and coziness of the beds, which allowed for a pleasant night's sleep.
However, there are some concerns raised by other guests about the beds and mattresses. Some found the mattresses to be firm, hard, or in need of replacement due to discomfort from springs or sagging, which detracted from their overall rest. Reports of creaky beds and noisy room conditions were also mentioned, although these seemed to have been tolerable for guests during shorter stays.
While some guests reported excellent sleep quality, others suggested that a focus on upgrading the comfort of the beds could enhance the experience further. Nevertheless, the rooms themselves are appreciated for their cleanliness and spaciousness, providing a decent environment for travelers.
Cleanliness
Nestled conveniently near the M6, The Mill Forge Hotel offers travelers a consistently clean and comfortable stay, perfect for those journeying between Scotland and England. Guests commonly highlight the hotel's scrupulous attention to cleanliness, with many remarking on the spotlessly clean rooms and bathrooms. Though some visitors have noted that the rooms and decor could use a bit of refreshing and a few additional amenities, the overall cleanliness left a positive impression. The property offers a peaceful, beautiful setting, away from the hustle of busier locations like Carlisle and the Lake District.
The staff receive a warm commendation for their hospitality, adding to the charm and comfort of each stay. Guests appreciate the friendly service and the ease of communication, making for an inviting atmosphere. The hotel also offers practical benefits, such as good parking facilities and well-filled hospitality trays, contributing to a hassle-free experience. Overall, The Mill Forge Hotel stands out as a clean and inviting stopping point for travelers seeking comfort and ease on their journey.
Staff
The Mill Forge Hotel is renowned for its exceptional staff, consistently praised by guests for their friendliness, professionalism, and willingness to assist. Visitors repeatedly emphasize the warm, family-like atmosphere created by the team, describing them as accommodating, attentive, and eager to ensure a pleasant stay. Whether it's the efficient check-in staff brimming with knowledge or the cheerful breakfast crew, the consistent theme across reviews is the warm, welcoming demeanor of everyone encountered. Guests appreciate the staff’s dedication to going the extra mile, noting that nothing seems too much trouble for them. Their proactive approach ensures a seamless experience, whether for a leisurely visit or a special occasion like a wedding. Overall, the staff’s remarkable service significantly enhances the charm and appeal of the hotel, contributing to its reputation as a standout stay.
Wi-Fi
At The Mill Forge Hotel, guests enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi access, though its performance has garnered mixed feedback. The Wi-Fi works fairly well in the communal areas, particularly in the bar, allowing guests to stay connected while socializing or relaxing outside their rooms. However, many guests have noted challenges with the internet connection in the bedrooms, citing weak or non-existent signals. While the service is provided for free, many found the speed to be suboptimal, making it difficult to conduct work or other online activities effectively from their rooms. Overall, the hotel could improve the Wi-Fi experience, especially within the private accommodations, to meet the expectations of travelers requiring a more reliable connection.
3 Star
The Mill Forge Hotel seems to be a hidden gem, puzzling some visitors as to why it holds a three-star rating. Guests frequently remark on the establishment's good value for money, making it an affordable option for travelers seeking comfort without breaking the bank. Although some reviewers noted basic room amenities and occasional noise from the nearby motorway, the venue's charm remains intact.
Dining experiences at The Mill Forge are generally positive, with great food being a highlight for many. Despite some reports of slow service and average food at times, the overall culinary offering seems to satisfy most palates. The staff, including a commendable mention for Ian the barman, provide good customer service and demonstrate particular helpfulness during busy events such as weddings.
The hotel rooms could benefit from improvements, as some guests encountered challenges with shower controls and room temperature regulation. However, these shortcomings didn't deter many from expressing a desire to return for another stay. Overall, with its reasonable costs and attentive service, The Mill Forge Hotel presents a viable choice for those seeking a pleasant stay amid scenic surroundings.
Accessible
The Mill Forge Hotel demonstrates commendable efforts in accommodating guests with disabilities. Guests appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of entry ramps for wheelchair access, making navigation to rooms and grounds hassle-free. The ground-floor arrangements, including parking beside the rooms, facilitate easy movement, and quick loading and unloading of belongings. The hotel staff go out of their way to assist less able guests, providing wheelchairs when necessary and ensuring accessibility extends to key areas such as the bar and dining room.
However, the hotel does exhibit areas for improvement, particularly with regards to the breakfast arrangement. The breakfast room is situated upstairs, posing a challenge for guests with mobility issues. Additionally, certain bathroom facilities may not be completely accessible for wheelchair users, highlighting an area for potential enhancement. Despite these minor setbacks, with a few adjustments, The Mill Forge could become one of the leading choices for travelers seeking disability-friendly lodging.
No, The Mill Forge Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Mill Forge Hotel.
No, The Mill Forge Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Mill Forge Hotel.