Cringletie House

We spent a wonderful Hogmanay at Cringletie House. The hotel had a special Hogmanay program with guests arriving on the 30th December and departing on the 2nd January. All the meals were included, with a lovely dinner each evening preceded by a cocktail reception hosted by the owners of the hotel, Bill and Ann Cross. Each day also had its own activities including archery, falconry and a cookery demonstration. With only 14 rooms the hotel has an intimate feel and you certainly got to know your fellow guests, particularly when practicing for the ceilidh on New Year's Eve! This is not an "all singing, all dancing" hotel, for example, there is no gym or spa, but it is run more like a "house party" with the focus on personal attention and a warm welcome. Most of the fellow guests were couples although there were two families, including ourselves, and while this is perhaps not an obvious destination for younger guests the activities did manage to span the wide range of ages. Perhaps the best recommendation is that many of the guests were regular visitors to Cringletie House, and indeed by the time we left on the 2nd January half of the rooms had already been booked for the next Hogmanay!

Lovely settings driving up. Receptionist was extremely lovely, Harriet was very bubbly and a great front of house welcome. We stayed one night in Ardean cottage with hot tub. Harriet showed us everything we needed to see and settled us in. Although we had seen pictures of the cottage before we arrived we were a bit disappointed with the cottage. We are a well travelled couple and have always stated that the front entrance of a building can say a lot. This wee cottage could do we a touch of stainer on the wooden entrance of the cottage to keep up with the ambience of the estate as it looks quite grubby. The main problem we had on entry was the overwhelming smell of dampness which stayed with us. The decor would be best suited in keeping in tow with the main house itself as it’s a little dated and not very luxurious compared to the main house rooms/suites. We have stayed in many luxurious places hotels, lodges, castles etc and for the price charged found it to be a bit on the high end for what we received. On the other hand everything we required was available. The hospitality tray had shortbread coffee hot chocolate tea milk and something we haven’t experienced before 4 small miniatures of whisky, a very welcoming touch. The hot tub I have to say was the best we have ever used even compared to Forest Holidays. The morning of breakfast was a great pleasure yet again a mention to Harriet, she was very bubbly attentive an amazing at her job. We would go as far as saying the best service we have ever had, and that’s a very high compliment. The breakfast was beautiful. Next time we may stay in the suites but not the cottage which is a great shame as it’s set in such a beautiful estate

We spent three nights at this beautiful hotel for our honeymoon in April. Beautiful location with 5* treatment. We stayed in the Selkirk Suite which was of the highest standard. The tasting menu in the restaurant was amazing. We can highly recommend a trip to Hawick to the distillery. The staff were lovely and the owner also came and chatted.

We went back to Cringletie for the chef's Grand Tasting Menu which is a Sunday evening extravaganza. We were treated to a 9 course menu accompanied by paired wine selection. The menu is presented to you and explained in detail by the head chef and restaurant manager in the cocktail bar while sipping champagne. We then proceeded to the restaurant to savour delicious food, various wines and great service. After the meal we tasted home made Petit Fours and coffee. An excellent evening . We retired to bed feeling relaxed and trying to decide the favourite dish of the night. We enjoy the beautiful setting of this hotel and walking around the grounds as it is so peaceful. The staff are attentive and friendly . We know that when we return it will feel like a second home where we will be pampered in a splendid country house hotel. Thanks to all at Cringletie.

We booked somewhere a lot more expensive than we'd usually stay, for a special weekend. Part of the reason we booked Cringletie was the Snowdrops and they have a superb display. The hotel (and location) itself is lovely, but the real charm is the excellent staff, unfailingly helpful and polite, usually friendly as well. All the food was very good too, (2 mealtimes). Very minor quibble was the hilariously small gowns/slippers provided in the room - both were the same size, we checked! We both would like to return and I can't give them a better compliment than that.