Black Swan Hotel

The hotel's signature feature is its authentic, traditional pub atmosphere combined with comfortable accommodations, offering a unique and memorable stay. It's ideal for sightseers and race-goers due to its prime location near local attractions and the Kelso races. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff, the cleanliness of the rooms, and the comfortable beds as key positives. The lively pub downstairs provides a vibrant social hub, making it a great fit for couples and friends seeking a convivial environment. While some rooms may experience noise from the street or the pub, many guests find the overall experience to be simple, straightforward, and excellent value. To ensure a restful stay, consider bringing earplugs if you are sensitive to noise, especially on weekends, and embrace the hotel's unique character as a bustling local establishment.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests appreciate the practical amenities provided, enhancing their stay. All rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the property for both leisure and business needs. For in-room comfort, guests find a good selection of tea and coffee facilities, often accompanied by complimentary biscuits and bottled water (both still and sparkling), which are frequently replenished. Many rooms also include a fan for warmer periods, and some have a TV with access to streaming services like Netflix and Prime, adding to entertainment options. The bathrooms are consistently noted for being well-stocked with toiletries, including shower gel, and providing large fluffy towels. While there isn't a dedicated fitness center or pool, the thoughtful in-room provisions and attention to detail contribute significantly to guest satisfaction and convenience, making for a comfortable and well-equipped stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests consistently praise the cleanliness of the rooms, often describing them as spotless and well-maintained. The beds are frequently highlighted as very comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep for most visitors. Rooms are generally described as warm and cozy, with some being notably spacious, while others are more compact. The bathrooms, though sometimes noted as small or in need of a minor upgrade, are consistently clean and feature hot showers with good water pressure, along with complimentary toiletries. A recurring theme, however, is noise, particularly from street traffic (especially on cobbled roads), pub customers downstairs, and early morning deliveries to nearby shops. Some guests also mention thin walls or windows that do not fully close, contributing to noise levels, though many find the overall comfort outweighs these issues.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a notable breakfast experience, frequently described as excellent, delicious, and good value for money, providing a hearty start to the day. While some guests found certain elements of the cooked breakfast to be overcooked, the overall feedback is positive, with options like cereals, fruit juice, and toast also available. The downstairs bar is a significant highlight, praised for its lively atmosphere, friendly patrons, and good selection of beer and spirits at reasonable prices. It serves as a popular social hub, offering a traditional pub experience with sports channels and engaging banter. Many guests enjoy spending time in the bar, noting its welcoming ambiance and the quality of the beverages.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location in Kelso, placing guests within easy walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and other bars. Its proximity to the Kelso races makes it a particularly convenient choice for race-goers. Guests appreciate the easy parking options, with free unrestricted parking often available just across the road. The hotel is also well-situated for exploring the Scottish Borders, with good access to public transport, including bus stops near the entrance and a bus depot behind the hotel. However, guests should be aware that the hotel is located in an older building with no lift, requiring guests to navigate stairs to access rooms, which some, particularly those with mobility issues, found challenging.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming demeanor. Guests frequently highlight their attentiveness and willingness to go above and beyond, making visitors feel genuinely at home. The check-in process is described as easy and efficient, setting a positive tone from arrival. Specific examples of excellent service include staff storing guests' bikes securely, readily providing extra tea and biscuits, offering wine glasses and ice for rooms, and even providing thoughtful gestures like lifts to the racecourse. The overall impression is one of genuine hospitality, with staff contributing significantly to a positive and memorable stay. Their accommodating nature and commitment to guest satisfaction are recurring themes in reviews, ensuring guests feel well-cared for throughout their visit.

Additional Information
This traditional establishment offers a dog-friendly policy, welcoming pets, though guests with dogs should be mindful of finding suitable outdoor areas nearby. While many guests find the hotel to be excellent value for money, providing a comfortable stay at a reasonable cost, some have noted that the exterior appearance is a bit careworn and could benefit from refurbishment. There are conflicting reports regarding a no children allowed policy when attempting to book online, despite some families having successfully stayed, which may cause confusion for future bookings and is worth clarifying directly with the hotel. Guests should also be aware that due to the central location and pub atmosphere, there might be occasional cigarette smoke drifting into rooms if windows are open, particularly from smokers congregating outside the pub. The hotel is reportedly undergoing an upgrade program, which may address some of the dated aspects.