Traquair Arms Hotel

This hotel is highly regarded for its exceptional suitability for cyclists and mountain bikers, offering direct access to renowned trails and dedicated facilities. Its welcoming atmosphere, combined with excellent food and comfortable accommodations, makes it a popular choice. The hotel is ideal for cyclists and mountain bikers seeking adventure, walkers exploring the beautiful surroundings, and couples or solo travelers looking for a friendly and convenient base. Families also find it accommodating. Guests consistently praise the attentive staff and the hotel's central location. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the bar area if you are sensitive to noise, and be sure to utilize the secure bike storage facilities.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides excellent facilities, particularly catering to outdoor enthusiasts. A highly praised secure bike storage area is available, often self-service, ensuring peace of mind for guests with bicycles. For those needing to clean up after a day on the trails, a laundrette is a convenient amenity. Guests can also enjoy a pleasant outdoor garden area. The hotel features a lively bar and a welcoming restaurant, which contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. While the hotel is an older building, it maintains a charming character, though some guests note that areas like the reception could benefit from modernization.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be very clean and well-maintained, contributing to a pleasant stay. Room sizes vary, with many guests appreciating spacious and tastefully decorated accommodations, though some note that certain rooms can feel small or cramped. Beds are frequently described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, although a few guests mention issues with twin beds being bolted together or less comfortable mattresses. Showers receive mixed feedback; while some are powerful and hot, others are reported to have low pressure, inconsistent temperatures (either scalding hot or freezing cold), or a mere dribble. Noise can be a concern, particularly from the bar below, creaky floorboards, or thin walls, though it often subsides at a reasonable hour. Some bathrooms are noted as small or tired, with occasional minor cleanliness issues.

Dining & Food Quality
The food at the hotel consistently receives high praise, with many guests describing it as excellent and delicious. Breakfast is a particular highlight, often featuring a superb full Scottish option with fresh, hot, and varied choices, including continental selections and unlimited coffee. Dinner options are also well-regarded, with a good selection of dishes, including vegetarian and vegan choices. The restaurant and bar areas offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere for dining. Most guests find the food reasonably priced and portions generous, though some have felt portions were small for the price. There were isolated reports of issues with incorrect orders or handling of allergies, but overall, the dining experience is highly positive.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent and central location within the town, making it highly convenient for exploring local shops and amenities. It is particularly ideal for cyclists and mountain bikers, offering direct access to popular trails like Glentress and the Tweed Valley, and being situated right on the Scottish C2C route. Guests appreciate its proximity to outdoor adventures and a nearby microbrewery. While parking is available on-site, some guests find it tight or limited, occasionally requiring reliance on on-street parking. The hotel's position also provides easy access to public transport routes.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel are consistently highlighted as exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests frequently commend their welcoming demeanor, politeness, and willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. Many reviews mention the staff's efficiency, from quick check-in processes to accommodating special requests like early check-ins or providing packed lunches for early departures. Their genuine care and positive attitude contribute significantly to the overall guest experience, making visitors feel valued and well-cared for. The team's commitment to excellent service is a recurring theme, fostering a desire for guests to return.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a very dog-friendly policy, welcoming canine companions and even offering them water and treats, though some guests noted a doggy smell in the pub area. For those seeking more independent accommodation, self-catering cottages are available, described as well-equipped and comfortable, providing an alternative to standard hotel rooms. Guests should be aware that while the hotel is charming, it is an older building, and some areas like the reception might appear less modern.