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Summary of reviewsRivendell exudes a blend of convenience, comfort and charm, making it a highly recommended stay for visitors to Dumfries. Hosted in a serene location just a short distance from the town center, this property offers easy access to local attractions and ample, secure parking. The quiet ambiance, enhanced by well-kept grounds and beautiful original decor, ensures a peaceful retreat despite its proximity to Edinburgh Road and the A75.
The hotel's breakfast is a particular highlight, earning praise for its delicious, varied and well-cooked options that cater to dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free. Guests appreciate the quick service, friendly staff and the clean, well-equipped breakfast room, setting a positive tone for the day.
Rivendell's rooms are spacious, charming and clean, featuring lovely period furnishings and cozy settings. Many guests noted the comfort of the beds and the homely atmosphere. The meticulous housekeeping and well-maintained facilities contribute to a hygienic and inviting environment, although minor comments on dated aspects and maintenance needs surfaced, they are rare and do not significantly detract from the overall positive reviews.
The staff at Rivendell are frequently noted for their warmth, professionalism and attentiveness. Guests appreciated the friendly atmosphere and the high level of service, especially at breakfast time. Although staff presence is limited at certain times, the overall hospitality remains excellent.
While the free wifi received mixed reviews with some reporting inconsistent service, this aspect is overshadowed by the multitude of positives, including the wonderful bedding experience that most guests find comfortable and conducive to a good night’s sleep.
Rivendell’s parking facilities are plentiful and convenient, providing secure spaces for various types of vehicles. Some minor challenges like narrow access and busy times were mentioned but overall, parking received positive remarks.
Though Rivendell might not align perfectly with a typical 4-star rating in every aspect, it impresses with its characterful and beautiful boutique charm. The property's unique decor and historical ambiance offer a warm and welcoming experience, making it a delightful stay for those who appreciate old-world charm and a touch of traditional elegance. Show more
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Categories
Small Bed & Breakfast
Located on Edinburgh Road in Dumfries, this bed and breakfast provides a comfortable and intimate setting. Its personalized service and convenient location make it a charming choice.
4-Star Bed & Breakfast
This striking Arts and Crafts mansion is a 4-star hotel set a short walk from the town center. It has a suited location and serene environment.
Boutique-style Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast with Parking
Room Types
Single RoomFree Wi-Fi, an en suite bathroom and a flat-screen TV are featured in this room.
Twin RoomFree Wi-Fi, an en suite bathroom and a flat-screen TV are featured in this room.
Standard Double RoomFree Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and an en suite bathroom are featured in this room.
Superior Double RoomA four-poster bed is featured in this room, as well as an iPod docking station, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV.
Double Room with Shared BathroomThis spacious room offers a sofa and a private bathroom, which is located across the hall from the room itself.
Guest Reviews
8.3
Very Good
Location
Rivendell offers a highly convenient location for your stay in Dumfries, boasting a quiet charm while being only a short distance from the town center. Although walking to the center takes about 25 minutes, the property is ideally positioned for easy access by car with ample free parking available. Guests noted that it's a short drive to most local attractions and perfect for both exploring Dumfries and traveling around the broader area.
The hotel sits on the affluent Edinburgh Road side of town, providing a serene atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle but still close enough to enjoy the amenities of Dumfries. The proximity to the A75 is also advantageous for travelers looking to use the hotel as a mid-way stop between Scotland and England or to catch a ferry at Cairnryan.
Despite being situated close to a road, the location remains quiet, ensuring a peaceful stay. The grounds are well-kept, adding to the pleasant experience and the property features beautiful original decor, enhancing its charm. While a few guests mentioned it being slightly further from the center than expected, many appreciated that it was still within a reasonable distance for walking or a short taxi ride.
Overall, Rivendell's convenient and quiet location makes it a great choice for visitors to Dumfries, offering good access to the town center and local attractions while providing a peaceful retreat.
Breakfast
Rivendell hotel seems to have hit a high note with its breakfast offerings, as reflected in numerous guest reviews. The breakfast experience is predominantly positive with many guests praising the delicious, tasty and well-cooked meals. Exceptional and fabulous are recurring accolades and the varied and plentiful choices seem to meet a wide range of dietary needs, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Guests appreciate the quick service and the friendly, accommodating staff who help create a pleasant dining atmosphere. The breakfast room is well-equipped and often noted for its cleanliness. The quality is consistently described as excellent with reviews specifically highlighting the full Scottish and English breakfast options.
A few outliers mention room for improvement, citing things like the quality of certain ingredients, but these comments are overshadowed by the overall satisfaction. Generous portions and beautifully presented dishes make for a hearty start to the day. Guests also enjoy the convenience and value of having breakfast included in their stay, especially with low waiting times and the ability to customize orders, such as requesting poached eggs.
In summary, Rivendell offers a breakfast experience that is well-regarded for its quality, variety and excellent service, setting guests up for a good start to their day.
Dinner
Rivendell offers excellent dinner options that guests find delicious. For those looking to dine out, Baxter's next door is highly recommended as fabulous. Although there are some great local restaurants, such as Casa Mia within walking distance, guests might find it challenging to locate dining options on a busy Saturday night. Additionally, some guests noted that dinner locations could be expensive. While the hotel itself does not provide dinner or staff presence overnight, having more nearby restaurant choices would be beneficial.
Rooms
Rivendell offers a range of beautiful and spacious rooms that guests have found to be very comfortable. Each room boasts unique character, often described as charming with lovely period furnishings. The rooms are generally large with many featuring ample space and cozy settings. Guests frequently note the comfort of the beds and the warmth of the rooms, contributing to an inviting and homely atmosphere.
Cleanliness is a common praise with many reviews pointing out that rooms are spotless and well-maintained. The decor garners positive remarks, highlighting its unique, grand and tasteful presentation, often featuring rustic charm and interesting architectural details. Many rooms come with practical amenities that enhance the stay, such as good heating systems and spacious, well-appointed bathrooms.
There are a few older aspects mentioned with some rooms showing signs of wear and needing minor maintenance, like the occasional broken window or dated feel. However, these comments are relatively rare and don't overshadow the overall positive experiences.
Guests also appreciate the serene and quiet environment, ideal for a relaxing stay. The property's characterful, old English house setting adds to its appeal, making Rivendell a delightful blend of comfort, style and traditional charm. Overall, Rivendell seems to provide a comfortable, welcoming and aesthetically pleasing stay for its guests.
Beds
Rivendell offers a range of experiences when it comes to the comfort of its beds. Most guests praised the hotel for its comfortable beds with many describing their sleeping arrangements as cozy, comfy and very comfortable. It's clear that attention to detail with bedding and very comfortable bedsheets further enhances the sleeping experience.
Many visitors mentioned enjoying the spacious, clean rooms and appreciated amenities like clean towels and neat arrangements. For those who prefer softer sleeping surfaces, the hotel seems to meet expectations with some softer mattresses and pillows.
However, not all experiences were entirely positive. There were some mentions of hard, lumpy or flat mattresses and instances where the beds were described as too small or too hard. Specific feedback included both praise for four-poster beds and some discomfort due to overly firm mattresses or bed frames not being well-fixed.
Overall, Rivendell provides a largely comfortable and clean environment, though individual preferences for mattress firmness may result in varied guest experiences.
Cleanliness
Rivendell stands out as a consistently clean and well-maintained hotel, garnering numerous positive remarks from guests. Reviews frequently highlight the property's immaculate cleanliness, suggesting that guests can expect spotlessly clean rooms, bathrooms and common areas. The housekeeping team is meticulous, ensuring that everything remains tidy and in good order. Rooms are described as comfortable, cozy and spacious, often with clean bedding and towels provided daily.
Despite some feedback indicating areas in need of updating or fixtures that could use a bit more attention, the general consensus is overwhelmingly positive about the hotel's cleanliness. Guests appreciate the clean and comfortable atmosphere, which also extends to the well-kept gardens and tidy parking area.
Rivendell excels in providing a hygienic and inviting environment, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize cleanliness in their accommodations. The balance of cleanliness with comfort and a friendly atmosphere contributes to an overall positive guest experience.
Staff
Rivendell's hospitality receives widespread praise from its guests with many highlighting the warm and inviting demeanor of the staff. The hostess is frequently described as friendly and both the manager and chef are acknowledged for their helpful nature and kindness. Reviewers note the staff's pleasant and professional attitude, coupled with a high level of attentiveness and efficiency. Guests frequently encountered lovely, accommodating and thoughtful staff members who were courteous and eager to assist with any requests. Many appreciated the meticulous housekeeping and the top-class service.
Instances of brilliant service management and great communication skills from the team further underscore the hotel's commitment to guest satisfaction. The breakfast experience is particularly highlighted with helpful and friendly staff making the meal enjoyable. On arrival, staff members provided a warm welcome and were happy to address guests’ inquiries about the building.
Despite some mentions of limited staff presence at certain times, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive with guests describing the staff as amazing, friendly and always ready to go the extra mile. Whether through efficient table service or attentive morning greetings, Rivendell's team consistently impresses visitors with their professionalism and dedication.
Wi-Fi
Rivendell offers a mix of experiences when it comes to its wifi services. Some guests appreciated the free wifi with a good signal, recognizing its availability and convenience. However, the service isn't consistent throughout the property. There were reports of the wifi being sketchy with frequent drops in service. This inconsistency seemed particularly evident in specific rooms, such as room 2, where the internet was notably poor. Certain guests even mentioned having to stand by the front door to connect. While access in the foyer was generally adequate, overall, the wifi aspect received mixed reviews, highlighting areas where the hotel could improve. Nevertheless, the helpful and responsive staff remained a positive highlight amidst the connectivity concerns.
Parking
Rivendell offers an abundance of parking options that guests highly appreciate. Visitors highlight the ample and sufficient parking spaces available, making it convenient to park regardless of the type of vehicle, whether it's a car, van or motorbike. The parking is described as secure, safe and often free, providing peace of mind for those traveling with their own transportation.
The property's parking is easily accessible with several mentions of the ease of parking and the convenience of its location, which is within walking distance to the town. There are private and on-site parking options at the rear of the property, offering plenty of room and a good-sized parking area.
However, some noted challenges include narrow access to the car park and a busy car park at times. Additionally, there is mention of the need for better lighting and accommodation for electric cars. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment towards Rivendell’s parking facilities remains positive with guests affirming the great parking solutions provided.
4 Star
Rivendell offers a charming and cozy retreat that is easy to find and provides ample parking. The rooms are lovely, spacious and boast an old-fashioned charm that adds to the property's overall appeal. Guests have found the shower rooms to be immaculately clean and the standard of the rooms to be excellent, contributing to its reputation as a beautiful 4-star guest house. However, while Rivendell may not meet the expectations of a 5-star resort, it maintains a commendable level of quality for its star rating. Some areas, such as breakfast and certain aspects of service, may not entirely align with a typical 4-star rating but overall, the property impresses with its good facilities and delightful architecture.
Boutique-Style
Rivendell offers an experience that is both unique and charming, delivering excellent value for money. This is no typical chain hotel; it's a period property brimming with character and a traditional yet beautiful atmosphere. The house itself is slightly worn but retains a timeless charm with its distinctive Art Deco and arts and crafts features. The décor is quirky with a mix of style and artistic flair, making it a characterful place to stay.
Guests will find the hotel to be a comfortable retreat with thoughtful touches like a lovely tea tray in the rooms. The building is an old period house, rich with history and boasting amazing decor that pays homage to its past. While it may lack a boutique shop for souvenirs or food, the overall ambiance more than makes up for it. Rivendell is a beautiful and boisterous place, ideal for those who appreciate properties with a sense of old-world experience and charm.
No, Rivendell doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Rivendell.
No, Rivendell doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Rivendell.