Was lucky enough to stay here with work a couple of weeks ago. Only one night - but had a great room at the front - lovely view over the tree with fairy lights - and no noise - even though was just over reception.

Staff were a pleasure - first time for ages that I have really felt that they would do anything to help.

Didnt get to eat dinner there - as we went out into town - but they let us use the library for drinks until the early hours. And breakfast was fantastic - not sure I've ever had better.

Truly - a pleasure - and will try to use the facilities next time. Definately gets my vote.

This five star property and member of Small Luxury Hotels is the perfect place for a -don't worry about the expense- luxury stay.

Positives are : Fabulous staff, great food, convenient location, fresh high end decor in guest rooms and public areas.

Negatives : No in-room mini bar. Very limited fitness facilities.

If bland corporate style hotels aren't for you, this property will delight.

I could go on and on, however suffice to say, after reading other reviewers comments here, my expectations were high. Almost every one was exceeded though and that RARELY happens.

Make a reservation with confidence !

I stayed at the hotel for 5 nights, Sunday to Friday, in early October 2006. I was on a course – it was Wednesday night before I left the hotel.

As I stood by the open fire in reception early one morning, I conducted a short experiment, and it was only 60secs of looking lost in reception until there was a member of staff wanting to know if there was anything that they could do for me. Fantastic attitude and attention to their guests. I understand for the 88 rooms that there are over 90 staff employed.

If I where to try to influence the hotel, I’d tell them……
I really enjoyed myself at the hotel – because of the attitude of the staff that I experienced. Though, I didn’t enjoy the exercise that I needed to do to work of the great lunches, heavy dinners and yes the beer. I want them to continue to value their most important asset – no not the building – but the staff. In return, I’ll continue to tell people great things about this hotel.

Whilst I’m here;
Jennie in the bar had to be my favourite – she made me very welcome each night, a good host, always in the background ensuring that I was happy.
Nina on reception was very professional, as was Louis, Palmen - a night porter that I met on the last night was out of the same mould. There were also some other staff members worth a mention I didn’t get their names – but you’ll recognise them as the tall Restaurant Managers who were extremely professional – but not stuffy, the jockey sized restaurant manager – very approachable, and the partially bearded manager in Perrotts.

Talk in the bar with the locals and other guests was wide and varied but included the history of the hotel, discussions around the existence of a ghost in one of the rooms, the Beamish Red that was served – I never tried it.

This bit is best read out loud to others…
Close your eyes, take a breath and relax. Imagine a cold night, gravel crunching under your feet, fresh bitter wind whistling around your face that stirs the leaves fallen from the trees outside the front door. The door into reception is welcoming and you are warmed by the open fire, it relaxes you as the quiet efficiency of checking in is completed – bags are whisked of to the room as your eyes begin to explore the comfortable but formal reception. Light music from the piano under the stairs, conversation from the bar, and small groups of people within the library and the other formal – but comfortable rooms off reception. Its welcoming – the atmosphere cuddles you – brings out a smile – I’m home. Well the next best thing to it anyway – and yes it’s a bit bigger with 88 rooms.

I’ll be back – not soon – but sometime.

Hard to find? Nonsense - get a taxi, GPS or better directions – that’s part of the charm – its an Oasis of peacefulness.

Quite simply the best hotel I've ever had the honour of crossing the door of. Having read of poor service in places like the Culloden, I was hoping for everything to run smooth but still teetering on expectations... This place has it all, total complete and infinite quality service. My girlfriend's birthday... I had arranged for champagne, a bouquet. Whilst they were getting it ready they sent us for lunch in the fantastic Perrott's restaurant. Amazing, I had plaice ( i normally hate fish, but what the hell...) with bruchetta for starters. Incredible food, just the right amount portions (unlike the you-could-build-a-house-with American portions). Fresh fruit delivered upon arrival to the room, a fantastic bouquet that we gave to the lady who organised our trip as half the lillies still hadn't opened. (the lillies in the lobby fragranced the whole reception, library and drawing room areas) The wholly understated knowledge of Bart the, seemingly, weekend porter was great and as a result we found exactly where we needed to go, he was on the phone to a lady who was talking from horseback... Anyway, the service is out of this world, your every single needed tended to, attentive and great room service. Definitely stay here, I definitely would again, it deserves a 6th star... and then I could bore you with the finer details of the outdoor jacuzzi and spa.