Buccleuch Arms

I have driven past this hotel for 40 years. I haven't a clue why I haven't stayed here before but Kelso races gave me the perfect excuse. What a gem ,hiding in plain sight! Comfy bedroom and spacious public rooms Brilliant supper of Eyemouth haddock and as good a Scottish breakfast as anyone could wish for. Delightful attentive staff completed the warmest of welcomes.

We had the opportunity of staying here once again over Hogmanay and we were delighted to be back in this friendly atmosphere. We were made most welcome and our stay was most enjoyable. The cuisine was, as always, great with a varied, yet small menu, with a couple of specials on offer on the chalk board above the welcome fire. The service was superb, friendly and timely. The bar was vibrant and very festive with many locals frequenting and enjoying the warm atmosphere. Our room was serviced every day but needs some attention to small maintenance jobs to be done. We cannot recommend this hospitality venue enough with great food, good drink and excellent company.

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.