Buccleuch Arms

I stayed here many years ago on business but the trip this week was while travelling with my Wife, the Hotel has really went downhill since then. The Staff are very scarce, had to track down a staff member to check in and again to check out the following morning. On the evening we stayed, the Hotel car park was fully occupied by locals using the adjoining playing fields in the evening between 6pm and 8pm so good luck trying to get parked. The Hotel feels more geared up for pleasing the locals than welcoming visitors. The meal was over priced and average, not enough staff, they both seemed busy all the time. My Bruschetta starter was terrible, a bunch of whole Cherry tomatoes on dry toast, nothing else, none of the usual garnishes! Main meal was acceptable but average however had to chase staff member for condiments. After our meal about 9pm, heading back to our old, tired bedroom the Hotel foyer and staircase to the bedrooms was in darkness so we had to fumble about to find the light switch. Very disappointing experience, we won't be staying there again.

Sadly the room was very dated with stains on the upholstery and mould in the bathroom. I let the lady on reception know that the room didn't match the advertised rooms on their site and she said their 'dog friendly rooms' hadn't been uploaded onto the web site yet. After reading other June reviews I see that this is a recurring theme. The breakfast was good and the two other members of staff we met were lovely but the lady on reception was quite dismissive. For another £20 we will be going back to the Cross Keys at Ettrickbridge as their 'dog friendly' rooms are tastefully decorated and spotlessly clean. We won't be going back to the Buccleuch Arms, we were very disappointed.

My friend and I stayed over night to celebrate her birthday . We were met at reception by a very efficient and friendly young man called Jamie.He welcomed us and was very friendly . The room was a disappointment - tired and very old fashioned furniture . It was clean mostly but hair stuck in the sink plug hole and hairs on the mattress protector let it down . Food was fabulous and we were made very welcome by a lady called Beth who was very friendly and served by Jamie who was really efficient and happy to chat . Breakfast was lovely with a really good selection of food. We were served by Beth who could not do enough for us and was very good at checking we had everything we needed The staff really make this hotel . They really are fabulous . Thankyou Jamie and Beth for looking after us so well .Superstars x

What a shame as this hotel could be good if it made a few changes. As you arrive there is an overwhelming smell of bleach and then you enter a area that is like a railway waiting room to find reception area that is rarely manned. Once you get to your room you find the hot water is lukewarm at best (room 1) and my friend in room 16 said his shower did not have any water pressure at all and was unusable. The carpets and chairs are worn and the whole place is really in need of a massive refurbishment. Just no fun to stay there. On the positive side the staff are very good despite working in conditions that work against them and the food is good.

Bicycle (not motorbike) touring in the borders and this is the best hotel we’ve visited. From the welcome to the secure bike parks (cleaning and maintenance area), to the rooms and varied menu. Inventive vegan and vegetarian options from the chef who really cares about food. The breakfast is not more of the usual. Excellent hotel and family owned and run. Quiet room too. Blue the terrier keeping everyone in order too.

I booked for 11 people to have an 8am breakfast on 10th November 2023. The booking was made over the phone on 7th November. The person taking my booking was very polite and competent and confirmed the booking, saying they looked forward to seeing us. We arrived at 07.50am and were told that no booking had been made. I showed them that I had spoken with someone on the 7th but they denied all knowledge. The girl then said that they would pull some tables together for us but we did this ourselves to help out. She brought out crockery and cutlery and then one pot of coffee which did not even give us a quarter of a cup each. We sat and waited until 08.35am before the orders were taken for breakfast. Some came through at 9am. There was no toast, butter, sauces etc. provided. Three breakfasts had not been cooked. I said to the staff that I had been coming to this hotel for several years with this shooting party and had never had any previous problems. One person had ordered scrambled eggs on toast, was given one slice of toast and a very small portion of scrambled egg and this cost £16, absolutely outrageous. We paid for the breakfast which had been served and I informed them that that I would not come back to this hotel ever again due to the service received by myself and my friends. The staff member who took payment did not apologise for the service we had received and actually did not speak.