Originally built for the Murrays of Blackbarony, this imposing 16th century castle hotel has evolved into the welcoming, modern hotel we see today.
Summary of reviews
Barony Castle Hotel is a charming and picturesque hotel nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, offering a beautiful and tranquil setting to relax and explore the surrounding area. While the hotel is a bit dated, the food and location more than make up for it. Guests can expect a variety of breakfast options with a fantastic choice available, although the dinner experience is mixed. The hotel offers a mix of rooms, from spacious to small and dated, but they are generally described as clean and comfortable with friendly staff. The hotel's health spa and pool facilities are functional, although they could use some upgrading. The beds have received mixed reviews, but the rooms themselves can offer a comfortable stay. The castle emanates old-world charm and guests get to transport themselves back in time and experience an authentic castle feel. The hotel is also a dog-friendly haven with guests and their furry companions feeling welcomed from the moment of arrival.
The Tontine Hotel in Peebles receives numerous positive reviews, especially highlighting its prime location, which is central to local attractions, shops, bars and restaurants. Guests appreciate the proximity to river walking paths and parks, making it ideal for both festival-goers and nature enthusiasts. The hotel's historic charm, friendly staff and various amenities, such as secure bike storage, a nice bar and bistro and handy parking facilities, add to its appeal.
Breakfast at the hotel is widely praised for its variety, quality and presentation. Guests enjoy a broad selection of freshly cooked options, both from a buffet and made-to-order, often featuring local produce. The breakfast room's scenic views and the staff's friendliness contribute to a pleasant dining experience, making breakfast one of the highlights of a stay at The Tontine Hotel.
Dinner options are equally celebrated with many guests commending the fresh ingredients, well-presented dishes and excellent service in a charming dining room and bar setting. While minor issues such as occasional menu shortages were noted, the overall dining experience at the hotel is highly recommended.
Guest reviews about the rooms are mixed but lean positive. Rooms are generally spacious, comfortable and clean with excellent views, particularly those overlooking the river. Comfortable beds and well-equipped bathrooms further enhance these impressions. However, some guests mentioned that the decor is somewhat dated and issues like poor air circulation and insufficient soundproofing were occasionally reported.
The hotel's cleanliness standards are consistently high with both private and public areas noted for their immaculate condition. The tidy environment, combined with comfortable, well-equipped rooms, contributes to a pleasant stay experience.
The Tontine Hotel's staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, efficiency and professionalism. Guests frequently mention the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff, who are seen as a significant asset to the hotel. This high level of service across all areas of the hotel enhances the overall guest experience.
Parking at the hotel receives generally positive feedback with free on-site options that are convenient and secure, although some guests noted limited spaces and occasional enforcement issues.
Lastly, the exceptional comfort of the beds, described as very comfortable and spacious, ensures a restful night's sleep, significantly contributing to the positive overall stay experience.
In summary, The Tontine Hotel stands out for its excellent location, high-quality dining, cleanliness, exceptional staff service and comfortable accommodations, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors to Peebles.
The Park stands out as an excellent choice for travelers seeking a welcoming and comfortable stay in a strategic location near Peebles town center. It offers a blend of convenience and tranquility, with beautiful surroundings and easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions, complemented by secure on-site parking and proximity to public transport links. The hotel's characterful old building combines traditional charm with modern amenities, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Guests largely praise the food offerings, with breakfast highlighted for its extensive and high-quality variety, including an impressive continental spread. Dinner in the hotel bar offers generous portions and flavorful dishes, particularly the Sunday roast, despite a somewhat limited menu. Dining in the garden room provides not only good food but also lovely views, enhancing the overall experience.
The rooms at The Park are consistently described as clean, spacious, and comfortable, offering stunning views and well-equipped amenities. The beds are notably comfortable, contributing to a restful night's sleep. The hotel's staff are commended for their exceptional friendliness and attentiveness, consistently ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay.
Families and pet owners find The Park particularly accommodating, with children enjoying the environment and dogs welcomed alongside their human companions. The dog-friendly policy allows pets in communal areas like the bar, offering a seamless experience for pet owners.
Although there are mixed reviews about the free WiFi service, particularly with connectivity challenges on upper floors, guests generally appreciate the availability in certain areas. The hotel's cleanliness standards are high, with guests frequently noting the immaculate condition of rooms and bathrooms.
Overall, The Park provides a commendable three-star experience marked by affordability, comfort, and hospitality, making it a favored destination for exploring the Scottish Borders. It appeals to a wide range of guests seeking relaxation and convenience amidst a charming setting.
Peebles Hydro is a Victorian spa resort located in a peaceful and picturesque rural setting, just ten minutes outside of Peebles town. The hotel offers guests a mixed experience with regards to their rooms, which vary in comfort and style. While some appreciate the historic charm of the hotel, others found certain rooms to be outdated and lacking character. Overall, the hotel offers excellent leisure facilities including a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa, which were highly praised by guests, as were the friendly and helpful staff. The reviews for both breakfast and dinner were mixed, but most guests agreed that there was a good selection and quality of food. Families will appreciate the wide range of activities with lots of options for kids to enjoy. However, some guests found the pool area too busy with children. The quality of the beds was also a point of contention with some guests finding them incredibly comfortable and others complaining that they were too hard or small. Overall, Peebles Hydro is a charming and clean place to stay with lots to offer guests looking for a peaceful getaway in the Scottish countryside.
The Traquair Arms Hotel is widely praised for its exceptional location, nestled conveniently in the heart of town, making it a prime choice for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly walkers and cyclists. Situated on the Scottish C2C bicycle route, guests appreciate its proximity to mountain bike trails and the stunning Tweed Valley routes, with amenities like secure bike storage enhancing its appeal. The hotel offers newly renovated accommodations nearby local eateries and cafes, contributing to leisurely local explorations.
Breakfast at the Traquair Arms Hotel is consistently highlighted as a standout feature. Guests describe the morning meal as excellent, with an impressive variety that includes a full Scottish breakfast alongside continental options. The friendly staff enhance the dining experience, which also extends to the evening meals. The dinner service is renowned for its delicious, reasonably priced offerings, including locally sourced dishes and a well-received roast dinner. The bar and restaurant atmosphere receive high praise, further enhancing the dining experience.
The rooms at the hotel offer a generally positive experience, recognized for being large, modern, and exceptionally clean. Guests acknowledge the comfort and spaciousness of many rooms, with plush bedding contributing to restful nights. Some minor criticisms include issues with room size variances and furnishings. Yet, the overall experience is one of satisfaction, underpinned by exceptional cleanliness throughout the property.
Staff at Traquair Arms Hotel play a significant role in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Their dedication to guest satisfaction is evident in their attentive, helpful, and courteous demeanor, earning high marks for exceptional customer service. This level of hospitality extends to the bar area, where service is consistently excellent.
Parking at the hotel receives mixed reviews due to limited on-site spaces, yet the availability of ample on-street parking and secure bike storage provides practical solutions. Overall, the combination of a prime location, excellent dining, comfortable accommodations, and outstanding service makes the Traquair Arms Hotel a highly recommended destination for travelers.