FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Schloss Roxburghe (Scotland) - REVIEW

Sep 15, 2023 | 10:33 am

#10

l etoile

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Join Date: Jun 1999

Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe

Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist

Posts: 17,922

Just spent four nights here - paid rate plus a suite upgrade cert. The stay started off disappointing, but quickly turned positive.

We drove up from London (about six hours) and arrived about 9 pm. The front desk staff was getting off and they didn’t seem too happy to see us arrive. No welcome or mention of property amenities. We were quickly taken to the room, handed the key and that was it. It was a Courtyard Duplex Suite, a two-story unit with a rather dismal small downstairs sitting room with two chairs facing a non-working fireplace. The upstairs was rather dismal as well. Up another very narrow set of stairs was a new, large bathroom with Molton Brown amenities, freestanding tub and large tile shower. It was pitch black in the courtyard so we had to use our flashlights to illuminate the doorway and key hole. We were told the lighting wasn’t working.

I asked the person on the night desk about changing rooms, even downgrading to a remodeled room instead of a suite. He said one would be available the following day. He also provided the rundown on spa, gym, breakfast and activities when prompted.

The next day when I asked about moving, the front of house manager came out and was extremely gracious. He said he could move us to an updated room then or a much nicer suite the next day. We opted to wait. It was worth the wait.

We were moved to the Bowmont Suite, a very large suite overlooking the front of the castle grounds. It had a large living room and much larger bathroom. Furnishings were more stately. It was a comfortable, enjoyable place to relax.

Breakfast was an ample hot and cold buffet along with egg dishes and porridge available from the menu.

Spa and gym the gym is 24 hours and has a few newer weight machines, free weights, medicine balls, numerous yoga mats, and a bike and a couple of treadmills. The equipment selection is good, but it’s small - it feels crowded with more than three people. The spa is beautiful. There are changing rooms, a large windowed lounging area overlooking the grounds, two saunas, a cold plunge pool, hot bath and warm outdoor pool.

Activities There is a golf course and a driving range is being built. On the grounds, the same instructor offers fly fishing, archery and clay pigeon shooting. We shot clays with him. He’s a nice guy, skilled instructor and there is a lovely and large course. There is also a short wilderness trail on the property. This area of Scotland has large long-legged hare - apparently as large as a medium dog. We were told you can find them on the trail, but no luck.

About an hour away is Bamburgh Castle, which you can tour and have lunch in the cute town below. The drive was pleasant.

Public areas there are several attractive sitting areas within the hotel. There is also a nice bar with a good selection of whisky. Two nights a week the restaurant offers a tasting menu and will do vegan with 24-hour notice.

EV charging There are four free chargers on property and I never had a problem getting one.

After the initial disappointment with staff, I found everyone I encountered pleasant and helpful. The hotel does add a “discretionary” 5% service fee to your bill that I was told covers gratuities.