Hotel Reviews Scotland

IDYLLIC SETTING JUST AN HOUR FROM EDINBURGH
As red as the rich red soils of this beautiful area, this big-hearted old Borders hotel sits on the very edge of the River Tweed, fringed by the tall pines of the grounds of utterly romantic, ruined Dryburgh Abbey.

Both beautifully situated and of intrinsic quality, the Premonstratensian abbey's features are reasonably complete (as ruins go) and include arches and ghostly cloisters. Much of it dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. Sir Walter Scott and Field Marshall Earl Haig, towering Scotsmen who left enormous legacies to the country, are buried within.

The whole area around Dryburgh Abbey Hotel is deeply attractive and reflects very good countryside management. Pass sweeping views of the shapely landmark Eildon Hills (known as 'Scott's View') and memorable statues as you make your way to this favoured spot.

Fishermen love it; try a day at the races at Kelso; golfers have many excellent courses within easy reach and within the hotel, a swimming pool and sauna. 

The Guide gave its RedH™ hospitality award in 2004 and now we're pleased to report that early in 2006 the hotel won the Investors In People (IIP) award. You see, this is a friendly place, and the people really do make a difference. Our readers are always telling us this. Give us a smile, a hearty welcome, thoughtfulness and a bit of a spoiling, you tell us, and we'll forgive the occasional fly in the ointment.

The hotel was runner-up tp The Scottish Country Sports Hotel of the Year 2005 at The Scottish Hotels of the Year Awards.

The Dryburgh Abbey Hotel sits proudly within its own 10-acre estate on the banks of the river. The views from the public rooms and many of the bedrooms are of the Tweed or the abbey ruins. A striking and very Scottish red sandstone baronial mansion, it dates from the mid-19th century, and was built for Lady Griselle Bailey.

Spaces to enjoy include a choice of lounges, from the first-floor Wallace Room for those who perhaps wish to seek some moments of peace and quiet, to the main Lounge with its flickering fire and comfortable plush red sofas. 

Perhaps it might be the right place, the right time, to pack a Scott book... and savour it all in appropriate context. Scott's home of Abbotsford is not far away and well worth a visit. And while out and about, Melrose is a real delight - independent little shops, good places to eat and hugely scenic abbey ruins.

Plus+Point In a quiet area near reception there's a PC guests can use free of charge; there's also heaps of local information, maps, and even some shop cabinets from which to choose a wee gift for those left behind.

Bedrooms There are 38 bedrooms, all named after fishing flies, including 2 spacious Tower Suites with separate sitting rooms. Choose from abbey or river views. Of these two top rooms, we'd suggest 318 with its river view.

You can choose from Deluxe Rooms with half-tester or four-poster beds (room 222) and we especially liked 'Toppy', room 320, a 3rd-floor hideaway. (There is a lift!) Decoration is trad, cosy and warm, though for some a bit dated... but it's not bad taste. The room is well-equipped: lovely half-canopied bed, TV, excellent tea / coffee unit with locally-made biscuits, fruit plate, flowers, binoculars, mineral water, toweling robes, slipperettes, iron and ironing board.

The bathroom in 320 is one of the newer ones at the hotel and is quite luxurious with its well-lit mirrored wall (perfect for shaving / make-up), heated stone floor, double-ended bath and ample toiletries. We'd go back to 320 at the drop of a fisherman's fly-pinned bunnet.

Superior Rooms are a little less spacious and a bit cheaper. Room 201 has a balcony. Room 103 is named 'Jeannie': decorated traditionally in floral colours and with chintz curtains framing the bay window overlooking the abbey, it was well equipped and we loved the view. Other rooms glory in names such as 'Thunder and Lightning', 'Silver Doctor' and even - save us! - 'Hairy Mary'.

Other than that, the rooms are all in much the same style and offer a range of sizes and rates. Rooms are warm and cosy and there is an adapted room for a wheelchair-using guest.

Dining The Tweed Restaurant, with wide views of the river, serves Borders and Scottish cuisine from a frequently changing menu. Best in sunnier months when the curtains are open to reveal the view when one dines, style-wise the room is unsurprisingly traditional. Chandeliers sparkle while intricate cornicing is picked out in the dominant pink and peach tones. The next-door Abbey Room, an elegant space with views on two sides, is used too at busy times, and is perfect for smaller parties.

Dinner here is relaxing and a touch old-fashioned. The staff are delightful. Jules was at the helm when we stayed in 2006. Service with water, home-made bread rolls and wine was spot-on. Order in the bar; the 4-course evening menu offers 4 or 5 choices at starter and main courses, plus a soup intermediate and a dessert or cheese option. Starters range from light (Smoked Salmon Terrine) to substantial (Wild Boar Sausage). Our soup was a good and bracing Spiced Butternut Squash. A Carpaccio of Beef Fillet should have been done in the Continental fashion.

Mains were ample and enjoyable - fine country cooking: Roast Rump of Lamb on a Braised Puy Lentil Salad dished up generous servings of sweet Border lamb in a tasty dish. Other options for mains included red fish, risotto, guinea fowl and, at a marginally hefty mark-up of £7.95, the very prime beef brand, a Buccleuch fillet. We overheard (our antennae are always tuned-in) a neighbouring diner much praise his upgrade.

Cheeses are excellently-described in the menu, on their own page, and offer a very good selection. Desserts included a perfectly good Vanilla Panna Cotta and some chocolatey offerings for the chocoholics amongst us. The wine list is varied and sound, and has some interesting fine old French wines, an excellent 17 half-bottles, decent sparklers and pops, and it all commences with an easy-on-the-wallet Merlot at just £14 odds.
Informal dining is available in the bar and - watch this space - from April a superb new facility opens at the hotel: we'll be first to review it.

Breakfast offers the delicious Dryburgh Special - a concoction involving muffins, Hollandaise sauce, smoked bacon and soft eggs: do give it a go! A buffet offers a range of cereals and pastries, while the freshest orange juice is quite literally squeezed in front of your eyes by a splendid contraption which will be admired by kids of all ages. We're just awaiting word of a couple of small upgrades as a BreakfastRosette™ is almost 'there' for this hotel, whose dining rooms offer a very smart place in which to start the day.

Leisure / Spa Swim: the hotel has a nicely pillared swimming pool, kept at a constant 87 degrees, of the preferable ozone variety - very little chlorine is used. Easy on the eyes. Also attracting admiring glances is the very 3D new mural added for 2006 by a local artist.

Deep heat: there's a new sauna, also just added, while treatments can be arranged via a local, Clarins therapist: this has to be arranged in advance.

Fishing: the Tweed catches more salmon on the fly than any other river in the UK, is known for a prolific autumn run and also for the largest average size of its fish. The hotel owns the trout rights for the beat in front of the hotel on the River Tweed. Salmon fishing can also be arranged through a local agent who has the availability and prices of over 12 beats on the River Tweed. The season runs from 1st February - 30th November.

Cycling: the hotel can also arrange this, and there is plenty of excellent local walking, including the famous Eildon Hills.

Shooting: grouse, pheasant and rough shooting, in season, can also be arranged.

Golf: courses are in abundance within area, 14 to be precise, and tee times can be arranged on request.