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Summary of reviewsKingsknowes Hotel, situated in the scenic Scottish Borders, provides an inviting and convenient base for exploring the local area and beyond. The hotel is easily accessible by car and train with direct rail links to Edinburgh Waverley. Guests appreciate its beautiful grounds and tranquil setting perfect for relaxation, scenic walks and sightseeing, particularly near attractions like Abbotsford House and the River Tweed. The historic charm of the building, coupled with stunning views, makes it a standout choice for both short breaks and extended stays.
The breakfast at Kingsknowes Hotel receives high accolades for its variety, freshness and quality. Guests can enjoy a range of options from a traditional full Scottish breakfast to Eggs Benedict in a dining room that overlooks the garden, enhancing the morning experience. The friendly and attentive service further enriches the breakfast experience, catering to varying dietary needs and offering a personal touch that is often missing in larger chain hotels.
Dinner at the hotel is equally praised for its fantastic food quality, varied menu and reasonable prices. The conservatory dining setting and the Courtyard Bar add to the ambiance, making evening meals an enjoyable affair. Despite some minor criticisms about limited vegetarian options and inconsistent meal quality, guests overall find the dining experience to be excellent, often looking forward to returning.
The rooms at Kingsknowes Hotel offer a comfortable and spacious stay, blending modern comforts with traditional features. Guests appreciate the cleanliness, stylish decor and scenic views from their rooms. The superior rooms and suites, in particular, are noted for their comfort and impressive decor. The hotel provides ample parking and maintains high standards of cleanliness, contributing to an overall positive and relaxing stay.
The staff at Kingsknowes Hotel are consistently highlighted for their friendly, professional and efficient service. From check-in to dining, the staff's attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond leave a lasting impression on guests. Whether upgrading rooms, accommodating late arrivals or providing recommendations, the staff's exceptional service enhances the overall guest experience.
The hotel also caters well to families with spacious family suites and a welcoming atmosphere. The large rooms and lovely gardens provide ample space for children, making it a great choice for family stays. Special touches, like organizing a child's birthday cake, add to the family-friendly charm.
For business travelers, Kingsknowes Hotel offers comfortable accommodations and convenient facilities, although some note that wifi access could be improved. Overall, the hotel remains a reliable option for business trips and meetings, providing a conducive environment for work-related activities.
In summary, Kingsknowes Hotel combines a picturesque location, excellent dining, comfortable accommodations and exceptional service, making it a highly recommended choice for visitors to the Scottish Borders, whether for leisure or business. Its charm, historical ambiance and attentive staff create a memorable and delightful experience for all guests. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Golf Courses
Located in Galashiels, providing access to local golf courses including Galashiels Golf Club and Torwoodlee Golf Club.
3-Star Hotel
Situated on Selkirk Road, this hotel provides a comfortable stay with essential amenities. Its location offers accessibility and a peaceful environment.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Small Hotel
Room Types
Superior Deluxe Double or Twin Room Featuring free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a bath and a hairdryer. The twin/double room has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe, an electric kettle, as well as heating. The unit has 3 beds.
Standard Double or Twin RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV.
Family SuiteThis suite features 1 living room, 2 separate bedrooms and 1 bathroom with a bath and free toiletries. The suite has carpeted floors, a seating area with a flat-screen TV, a dining area, a wardrobe, as well as an electric kettle. The unit has 4 beds.
Small Double RoomFeaturing free toiletries, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV. The unit has 1 bed.
Superior Double or Twin RoomProviding free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room provides a wardrobe, an electric kettle, a carpeted floor, heating, as well as a flat-screen TV.
Guest Reviews
8.9
Excellent
Location
Set in the heart of the Scottish Borders, the Kingsknowes Hotel is an ideal base for exploring both the local area and farther afield. Its location is very convenient for Galashiels and Montrose with the rail station within walking distance, offering a direct line to Edinburgh Waverley in just 50 minutes. Guests appreciate its accessibility by car and train from Tweedbank or Galashiels, highlighting its central position for touring the Tweed Valley and other tourist attractions.
The hotel's grounds are beautifully maintained, providing a tranquil retreat in the countryside. Its proximity to Abbotsford House and the River Tweed makes it perfect for scenic walks and local sightseeing. Visitors have noted the stunning views of the surrounding hills and countryside and the peaceful setting is perfect for relaxation and quiet reflection.
The historic building itself is charming, set amidst lovely grounds that include a wonderful lawn terrace and garden tables. The hotel's location also makes it easy to explore the historic town of Galashiels and its thriving community. Whether you’re planning a short break or an extended stay, the Kingsknowes Hotel offers an excellent location for venturing throughout the Scottish Borders and even into Edinburgh.
Breakfast
Nestled in a picturesque location, Kingsknowes Hotel offers a breakfast experience that consistently delights its guests. Whether you fancy a traditional full Scottish breakfast or a delectable Eggs Benedict, the options are plentiful and varied to suit all preferences. Visitors frequently commend the breakfast for being delicious, fresh and wonderfully cooked, setting them up nicely for the day ahead.
The breakfast room enhances the dining experience with beautiful views over the garden, making for a pleasant and leisurely start to the day. The quality of food is often described as exceptional with a broad range of cereals, fruits, yogurts and juices, alongside exquisite cooked options.
Guests also appreciate the attentive and friendly service that accompanies their morning meal, noting how the staff consistently deliver with a smile and manage to make each morning a warm, welcoming affair. Special dietary needs are also well accommodated, further underscoring the inclusive nature of the offerings.
For those who have stayed at larger chain hotels, Kingsknowes Hotel provides a refreshing change with a unique character and a personal touch that’s often missing in more commercial settings. The stellar breakfasts here, frequently hailed as some of the best people have ever had, help make every stay truly enjoyable.
Dinner
The dining experience at Kingsknowes Hotel consistently receives high praise from guests. The food quality is frequently described as fantastic, excellent and delicious with both dinner and breakfast earning commendations. Guests have particularly enjoyed meals served in the conservatory, noting it as a beautiful and enjoyable setting. The menu is varied, offering good selection and reasonably priced options. Most found the evening meals to be well-prepared, tasty and presented quickly with many emphasizing the good value for money.
The hotel’s dining venues, including the on-site restaurant and the Courtyard Bar, have impressed visitors with their high standards. Dinners here have often been described as having the wow factor and being superb. Cocktails in the bar also received positive feedback, adding to the overall pleasant dining atmosphere.
Some minor criticisms were noted, such as limited vegetarian options and inconsistent meal quality on different nights. However, these were exceptions in an otherwise positive dining experience. Overall, guests were very satisfied with their dining experiences at Kingsknowes Hotel, often looking forward to returning for another meal.
Rooms
The Kingsknowes Hotel offers a comfortable and spacious stay with well-appointed rooms that cater to a variety of needs. Guests frequently praise the large, stylish rooms, many of which offer beautiful views of the River Tweed and the Eilden Hills. The accommodations are noted for their cleanliness, modern bathrooms and generous amenities, including comfortable beds, large wardrobes and plenty of drawer space.
Many reviews highlight the charm of the old hotel, blending modern comforts with traditional features. Superior rooms and suites are particularly acclaimed for their size, comfort and splendid décor, often described as fairytale chambers. Families appreciate the spacious family suites, while children enjoy having their own rooms.
Bathrooms are typically immaculate and well-equipped and some guests have mentioned luxurious en suites and modern renovations. Despite occasional comments about rooms being slightly cool or dated, the overall feedback is overwhelmingly positive regarding comfort and cleanliness.
The hotel boasts ample parking and welcoming, friendly staff that enhance the guest experience. Dining at the hotel also receives high marks with guests enjoying excellent meals and superb breakfasts. Whether for a short getaway or an extended stay, the Kingsknowes Hotel provides a delightful blend of historic charm and contemporary comfort.
Beds
At Kingsknowes Hotel, guests can expect a comfortable night's sleep, as the reviews frequently highlight the comfort of their beds. The hotel boasts large, King size double beds and single bed options, ensuring that rooms suit various needs. Rooms are noted for their spaciousness, adding to the overall comfort. Despite some mentioning that beds were extremely soft or too firm for their liking, many found them very comfortable or fantastically comfortable.
Guests also appreciated that while the beds didn't look new, they still provided a good sleep. Cleanliness and room decor were also praised, contributing to a pleasant stay. Overall, Kingsknowes Hotel provides a good balance of comfort and space in their rooms, making it a family-friendly choice with fantastically comfortable beds being a consistent highlight.
Cleanliness
During my recent stay at Kingsknowes Hotel, I was thoroughly impressed by the consistent level of cleanliness throughout the establishment. Every corner of the hotel, from the common areas to the individual rooms, was spotlessly clean. The bedrooms and bathrooms were particularly noteworthy with many guests highlighting the immaculate condition and high standards of cleaning maintained throughout their stay.
Several large rooms provided both comfort and space, further enhanced by their fresh, tidy appearance. The bathrooms were consistently praised for their cleanliness with spotless surfaces and well-maintained facilities. One of the standout features was the hard working and helpful staff, contributing to the overall well-kept atmosphere of the hotel.
A few minor issues were mentioned, such as isolated incidents of dusty heaters, steps that could use more attention and some initial room temperature concerns. Nonetheless, these were exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, most guests found the Kingsknowes Hotel to be a clean and comfortable place to stay. The attention to cleanliness truly elevates the experience, making it a recommended choice for those visiting the local region.
Staff
During my recent visit to Kingsknowes Hotel, I was thoroughly impressed by the exceptional quality of the staff. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that the staff were not only incredibly friendly and welcoming, but also professional and efficient. The helpfulness extended to every aspect of my stay, from check-in to dining experiences and beyond.
The restaurant staff deserve special mention for their attentiveness and willingness to accommodate, even offering a cold meal when I arrived late and ensuring breakfast was available a bit longer when needed. Their friendly demeanor continued throughout with many guests noting how knowledgeable and chatty they were, making meal times particularly enjoyable.
Beyond just being friendly, the staff were always supportive and discreet, striking a perfect balance that contributed to an enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere. Their service was described as being consistently excellent and responsive, ensuring all guest needs were met promptly.
Several instances stood out where the staff went above and beyond, such as upgrading rooms and providing outstanding recommendations for things to do in the area. The hardworking nature of the staff did not go unnoticed with many guests remarking on how cheerful and warm they remained despite their busy schedules.
In summary, the Kingsknowes Hotel staff exemplify what outstanding service should be: friendly, professional and overwhelmingly helpful, enriching the overall experience incredibly.
Parking
Kingsknowes Hotel offers excellent parking facilities for its guests. Visitors frequently highlight the ample and easy onsite parking, which is both convenient and free. Even during quieter times at the hotel, there is always plenty of space available, ensuring a stress-free experience when it comes to vehicle accommodation. The expansive parking area contributes to an overall enjoyable stay with no worries about finding a spot upon arrival.
Family
Kingsknowes Hotel stands out as an ideal destination for families seeking a warm and inviting stay. Reviews highlight how welcoming the staff are to guests with children, ensuring a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. One parent expressed their appreciation for the fantastic staff who went the extra mile to organize a cake for their child's birthday, creating a memorable experience.
Accommodations such as the spacious Family Suite on the first floor provide ample space, allowing children to have their own room, making it perfect for families. Large rooms and a lovely garden with lawns offer a great backdrop for kids to play, adding to the overall positive experience.
Whether attending a nearby event or simply looking for a familial retreat, Kingsknowes Hotel consistently receives praises for being a family-run establishment that feels inviting and homely. The grounds themselves are loved by visitors, providing scenic spots for memorable family gatherings. Overall, Kingsknowes Hotel proves to be great for families seeking both relaxation and fun in a friendly environment.
3 Star
Nestled in a charming location, Kingsknowes Hotel offers a delightful stay that exudes a Victorian-era ambiance. Despite its three-star rating, many guests feel it deserves a higher classification. The grand surroundings and decor contribute to its unique charm, providing good value for money. The standout feature of the hotel is undoubtedly its staff, whose excellence and friendly service leave a lasting impression. The hotel also boasts of amenities like a four-poster bed, adding to its allure. Overall, Kingsknowes Hotel is a place one would gladly revisit, combining a nostalgic atmosphere with excellent service.
Business
Kingsknowes Hotel offers an excellent option for business travelers, making working away from home almost enjoyable. It provides comfortable accommodations specifically tailored for business guests, featuring tea and coffee making facilities, which are ideal for short business stays. The hotel’s location is convenient for work engagements, such as those at the hospital and it supports events like the PGG AGM, underscoring its suitability for business-related activities.
The establishment is known for its business-oriented services and facilities, making it a reliable choice for business trips and meetings. Guests find it welcoming with good provisions for business needs, though some have noted that the weakest aspect is the wifi access. Nonetheless, Kingsknowes remains a favorable and facility-oriented option for those traveling for work.
No, Kingsknowes Hotel doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Kingsknowes Hotel.
No, Kingsknowes Hotel doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Kingsknowes Hotel.