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Summary of reviewsNestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel offers guests an enchanting stay with its tranquil and picturesque setting by the River Tweed, adjacent to the historic ruins of Dryburgh Abbey. The scenic beauty and historical significance of the grounds provide a restful retreat and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, making it a standout choice for those seeking to experience Scotland's natural elegance.
Many guests appreciate the combination of its beautiful location and comfortable amenities. The rooms are noted for their spaciousness and charming views, especially of the river and abbey. Cleanliness is generally praised with many rooms described as spotless upon arrival, though some guests did encounter occasional issues such as dust and outdated fixtures. The beds are often highlighted as comfortable, contributing to the relaxing atmosphere of the hotel.
The dining experience receives a mix of reviews, but with a positive inclination. Breakfast is frequently lauded for its authenticity, tasty Scottish options and scenic dining ambiance. Conversely, some guests found the buffet style lacking in organization with lukewarm food and limited healthier options. Dinner, while often described as delicious and well-presented, has its share of criticisms regarding service speed and menu variety. Despite this, the overall dining setting is pleasant and the staff are attentive, enhancing the meal experiences.
The hotel's cleanliness generally receives commendations with the exception of occasional lapses. The building and environment are recognized as stunning and serene. While some areas, like bathrooms and some outdoor spaces, need more attention, the overall clean and functional premises maintain a positive image.
A standout feature of Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is its exceptional staff. Guests frequently commend the team for their friendly, professional and accommodating service, particularly at the reception. This warm and helpful approach significantly adds to the overall positive experience, making guests feel welcomed and valued.
For those traveling by car, the hotel offers ample and secure parking options, enhancing the convenience for guests. The family-friendly environment and dog-friendly policies make it an ideal destination for those traveling with children and pets, offering spacious family rooms and a comforting atmosphere.
Despite mixed feedback on the Wi-Fi connectivity, which is sometimes erratic, the hotel's amenities cater well to both leisure and business travelers. Business guests find the facilities suitable for meetings and conferences with generally adequate Wi-Fi in the main areas.
In summary, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel offers a blend of historical charm, natural beauty and solid hospitality, making it a preferred destination for travelers seeking a serene escape in Scotland despite a few areas that could benefit from improvement. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Historic Hotel
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Dog Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
3-Star Hotel
Room Types
Dryburgh Double RoomThis en suite room comes with complimentary toiletries, tea/coffee-making facilities and a TV.
These rooms are located to the rear of the hotel.
Abbey Twin/Double RoomMany of the these rooms offer views of the hotel’s gardens and some rooms are located on the ground floor. All rooms feature an en suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, tea/coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV.
These rooms can be set up with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds, please specify your preference when booking.
Deluxe Double Room Most rooms enjoy spectacular views of the River Tweed while all rooms feature an en suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, tea/coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV.
These rooms can be set up with either a king-size bed or 2 single beds, please specify your preference when booking.
SuiteThe Lady of Mertoun suite offers a spacious living space with a separate sitting room and views of the River Tweed.
Guest Reviews
8.1
Very Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel boasts a truly enchanting location that exudes tranquility and charm. The hotel's picturesque setting by the River Tweed, right next to the historic ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, offers guests stunning views and an idyllic backdrop for a restful retreat. The beautiful grounds extend to the riverbank, presenting guests with ample opportunities for leisurely walks amid serene, natural surroundings.
The hotel's remoteness contributes to its peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery, the gentle flow of the river and the fascinating history that permeates the area. The location is also convenient for exploring nearby attractions such as Melrose and Galashiels, adding to its appeal as a central point for touring the region.
Guests particularly appreciate the scenic beauty and the historic significance of the grounds. The area is perfect for outdoor activities with excellent walking routes that start directly from the hotel. The combination of natural beauty and historical architecture creates a unique and memorable atmosphere, making Dryburgh Abbey Hotel a standout choice for travelers looking to experience the best of Scotland's pastoral elegance.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel has garnered mixed reviews from guests with an overall positive leaning. Many praised the breakfast as lovely, very tasty and featuring a good selection. The Scottish breakfast was particularly highlighted for its authenticity and variety, offering delicious options like haggis and the best porridge with honey and cream. Guests appreciated the stunning views of the River Tweed from the breakfast room, contributing to a pleasant dining atmosphere. The service generally received high marks for being well-organized and friendly with some reviews mentioning the helpfulness of the staff even when breakfast was missed.
However, some guests noted several areas for improvement. The buffet style was a common source of dissatisfaction with complaints about the hot food being lukewarm, plates being cold and specific items running out or not being replenished promptly. The limited selection, particularly for those seeking healthier options like fresh fruit, meats and cheeses, was mentioned as a drawback. Some found the quality of certain items, such as scrambled eggs and bacon, lacking. Additionally, a few reviews indicated that the setup could be chaotic and disorganized during busy times, leading to delays and a less enjoyable experience.
In summary, while the breakfast at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel received broad appreciation for its quality, variety and setting, there were notable concerns regarding organization, freshness and selection that could benefit from attention.
Dinner
Dinner at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel receives mixed feedback from guests with a diverse array of experiences reported. Positively, guests often highlight the delicious and well-presented food with terms like "excellent," "top class," and "wonderful" frequently used to describe the quality of the meals. The breakfast, in particular, is a consistent highlight, noted for its variety and freshness. The bistro, although sometimes described as basic, offers good food and value and the setting is pleasant and less formal than the main restaurant.
However, there are notable criticisms about the dinner service, including reports of slow service and limited menu options, sometimes resulting in disappointment. Some guests felt the food was overpriced with occasional issues of overcooked and dry dishes. The bistro's atmosphere and ambiance were points of contention as well with some diners feeling it lacked the desired dining experience.
Despite these criticisms, many still enjoyed their meals at the hotel, appreciating the beautiful setting and attentive staff, which contributed positively to their dining experiences. In conclusion, while the food quality at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel generally receives praise, improvements in menu variety, service speed and consistency could enhance guests' overall satisfaction.
Rooms
The Dryburgh Abbey Hotel offers a mix of spacious, comfortable rooms with charming views and relaxing atmospheres. Many guests appreciated clean and sizable rooms, often complimenting the comfort of the beds and the overall cleanliness. Several rooms boast lovely views of the river, gardens and the historic abbey, adding to the delightful experience.
The bathrooms, however, appear to be a recurring point of contention. Though some are described as clean and functional, many guests found them outdated and lacking in basic toiletries. Issues such as poor water pressure in the showers and small spaces were also noted.
The decor of the rooms ranges from basic to old-fashioned with some guests noting a need for refurbishment. Despite this, the authentic ambiance and traditional charm of the rooms were generally appreciated. It's important to note that while the size of the rooms can vary, many are described as spacious and well-appointed.
Room service is available but not universally provided daily, which aligns with the hotel's take on Covid-19 protocols. There are some complaints about specific issues such as room doors that couldn’t be locked from the inside, dusty rooms and rooms being too bright in the mornings due to the lack of blackout curtains.
Overall, guests find the hotel’s setting beautiful and relaxing with good quality food and excellent service complementing their stays. Despite some dated interiors and needed upgrades, the hotel's comfort and charm often leave a positive impression.
Beds
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel offers a mixed experience when it comes to its beds. Generally speaking, many guests found the beds to be comfortable with terms like "comfy," "very comfortable," and "super comfy" frequently used. The beds in the spacious rooms stood out with several reviewers noting their large size and fresh bed sheets that added to the comfort. Some rooms even featured huge beds with crisp, clean linen, making for a pleasant stay.
However, not all guests were as satisfied. A notable number faced issues such as beds being too soft, lumpy, hard or even cold. A few reviews mentioned the inconvenience of having twin beds instead of a double, while others experienced discomfort due to old, cheap or missing bedding items like pillows and duvets. There were occasional problems like castors missing from beds or dusty and stained bed linens, adding an element of inconsistency to the overall experience.
It's clear that while the hotel does offer comfortable sleeping arrangements for many, there are occasional lapses that future guests might want to be aware of, such as bed type preferences and occasional maintenance issues.
Cleanliness
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is set in an exceptional location with beautiful surroundings that lend an air of luxury, calm and voluptuousness. The hotel's building itself is often described as beautiful, offering a scenic backdrop to a potentially memorable stay. However, the experience is marred by mixed feedback on cleanliness.
Many guests found their rooms to be clean, tidy and even spotless upon arrival with several comments highlighting the overall clean environment and decent functionality of the bathrooms. Room cleanliness was generally good with some noting daily cleaning services and fresh towels provided every day.
On the other hand, numerous reviewers pointed out areas where cleanliness missed the mark. Issues such as dust, cobwebs and stains on windowsills, carpets and tablecloths were recurrent themes. The bathrooms, although often described as clean, did have occurrences of mold, outdated fixtures and in some cases, were in need of a deep clean. Some outdoor areas including flower tubs and the grass were also noted as needing more attention.
The hotel, while clean, does suffer from lapses in maintenance and hygiene in certain areas, leading to unimpressed guests who feel the facility is a bit tired and in need of refurbishment. Overall, while the setting and building are indeed stunning, the inconsistencies in cleanliness present a drawback that potential guests should be aware of.
Staff
The reviews for Dryburgh Abbey Hotel consistently commend the staff for their exceptional friendliness and helpfulness. Guests frequently described the staff as amazing, attentive, accommodating and professional. The reception staff received particular praise for being welcoming, engaging and efficient, often going out of their way to assist guests with recommendations and ensuring a comfortable stay. Bar and dining staff were typically noted for their friendliness, though there were some comments on the need for improved training in these areas. Despite occasional remarks about understaffing or isolated instances of less enthusiastic service, the general consensus highlights a team that is warm, polite and exceptionally supportive, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience at the hotel.
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi experience at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel appears to be a mixed bag based on guest reviews. Many appreciated the complimentary and free Wi-Fi provided by the hotel. In some areas, the Wi-Fi signal was reported to be strong, steady and capable of maintaining a decent connection. However, a significant number of guests encountered issues, particularly noting that the internet access was weak or non-existent in their rooms or on the upper floors. Several reviews mentioned that the Wi-Fi was slow, unstable or erratic, making it particularly challenging to use devices that require a stable internet connection. While some found the Wi-Fi service adequate for their needs, overall, there were numerous complaints highlighting the need for better and more reliable internet connectivity to enhance the guest experience.
Parking
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel offers a highly satisfactory parking experience for its guests. The majority of reviews applaud the abundance of parking with descriptors like plenty, ample and adequate frequently mentioned. Guests appreciate the large car park, making it easy to find a spot without hassle. The parking facilities are not only plentiful but also feel secure, adding to the peace of mind for those traveling with valuable vehicles.
Moreover, the convenience factor stands out with easy access by car and parking situated right outside the hotel. Free parking is an added benefit, especially valued by those on road trips. While there were occasional mentions of chaos in the car park and a lack of electric charging stations, these were outweighed by the generally positive feedback. Overall, the parking setup, combined with the extremely friendly staff and excellent amenities, makes Dryburgh Abbey Hotel a commendable choice for travelers prioritizing convenience and security for their vehicles.
Family
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is highly regarded for its welcoming and family-friendly environment. Guests highlight the spacious family rooms and comfortable lounge spaces, perfect for family evenings. The hotel is equipped with all the necessary amenities to cater to families, making it an ideal choice for those traveling with children. The service and attention to detail are exceptional, particularly noted during family celebrations and events. This dog-friendly hotel provides a family atmosphere that ensures a pleasant stay for everyone in the group, confirming its reputation as a great destination for family stays.
Business
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel in Scotland offers an array of business-friendly amenities, making it an ideal choice for travelers on business trips. The hotel provides excellent venues for conferences and exclusive settings for business meetings, complete with suitable meeting rooms and comprehensive business facilities. Rooms are well-suited for business stays with sufficient workspace and good wifi connectivity, ensuring that guests can work efficiently during their stay.
The staff is generally friendly and helpful, particularly during breakfast, although some reviews mentioned that the breakfast service can be somewhat disorganized and haphazard with room for improvement in attentiveness and selection. Despite these minor setbacks, the hotel's strong points, such as dependable wifi and well-maintained business amenities, help create a conducive environment for business activities.
In the wake of COVID-19, the hotel has adhered to social distancing protocols and guidelines effectively, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay for all guests. Overall, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel remains a suitable choice for business travelers, offering essential amenities and facilities in a picturesque Scottish setting.
Accessible
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel offers a range of amenities and features that cater to guests with disabilities, making it a commendable choice for those seeking accessible accommodations. Ground floor bedrooms and designated accessible rooms provide easy access, while wheelchair-accessible rooms and public areas ensure a comfortable stay for all. The hotel's accessible location and well-placed parking further enhance convenience. An elevator and the mention of a lift aid in navigating between floors, although past issues with a broken elevator have posed challenges for mobility-challenged guests. The hotel's surroundings are generally very accessible and even the outdoor areas are designed to accommodate guests with varying levels of mobility. Additionally, provisions like hand sanitizers throughout the premises underline the hotel's commitment to a safe and hygienic environment. Despite a few areas for improvement, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel appears to be a favorable option for guests seeking accessible accommodations.
Historic
Nestled in a scenic riverside location with views of the Tweed, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel exudes historic charm and elegance. This classic Scottish residence, a beautiful old building dating back to the 19th century, blends perfectly with its environment, sitting next to the romantic ruins of Dryburgh Abbey. The hotel’s rich historical background and well-preserved period architecture maintain an atmosphere of history and character.
Guests delight in the venerable building’s old-fashioned style, which provides a truly unique lodging experience. The beautiful historic accommodation, replete with interesting architecture and historic features, offers a sense of charm that is both inviting and intriguing.
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel also stands out as a dog-friendly destination, allowing visitors to enjoy its historic setting with their furry friends. The hotel, once a castle, retains its sense of timeless beauty, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both history and tranquility.
Its strategic location, near various historic sites and the picturesque ruins of Dryburgh Abbey, allows for an immersive experience in Scotland’s storied past. The hotel’s beautiful and stylish décor adds to the ambiance, making guests feel as though they are stepping back in time while enjoying modern comforts. Overall, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel stands as a wonderful historical old lady, preserving the essence of its illustrious past.
Romantic
Nestled amidst scenic settings, the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel offers an enchanting retreat that exudes romance. The traditional building, adorned with period features, overlooks a serene river, enhancing its romantic ambiance. Ideal for couples, the hotel's remote location away from housing provides a quiet, relaxing holiday destination.
The romantic setup and atmosphere make it perfect for special occasions, such as anniversaries, where guests have enjoyed memorable stays. The beautiful and peaceful seating areas outside, coupled with evening meals and whisky enjoyed in the hotel's lovely gardens, further complement the romantic experience.
While the vast majority of guest comments highlight the hotel's strong romantic vibe and idyllic setting, they also emphasize the peaceful environment, making it an ideal location for a tranquil, romantic getaway.
Dog Friendly
Dryburgh Abbey Hotel stands out as an exceptionally dog-friendly hotel, welcoming canine companions with open arms. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's dedication to accommodating dogs, describing it as one of the most dog-friendly establishments they've encountered. This pet-friendly mentality permeates throughout the property, allowing dogs in most areas, including the dining room, which many find particularly convenient and comforting.
The hotel grounds add to the appeal, providing an excellent environment for dogs to explore and enjoy. Many guests appreciate how their pets are made to feel welcome, noting the warm reception and inclusive atmosphere. Larry, the resident spaniel, is often mentioned as a charming addition, happily playing with visiting dogs, adding to the sense of a pet-friendly community.
Rooms at the hotel are both clean and comfortable, ensuring a pleasant stay for both guests and their furry companions. The staff‘s assistance and the hotel's setting by the river further enhance the experience, making it an ideal destination for those traveling with dogs. Overall, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel has carved a niche as a haven for pet owners seeking a hassle-free and welcoming environment for their four-legged friends.
No, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel.
Yes, Dryburgh Abbey Hotel welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Dryburgh Abbey Hotel.