What the Papers Say

Alexander McDiarmid, Homeplus Scotland, October 2006

"The Park Hotel’s traditional Scottish hospitality played a key part in my enjoyment of the weekend.

"Whatever way you come, the Borders countryside en route is arrestingly picturesque ... With its southerly aspect of the undulating Cademuir hills, the Park is a handsome building with a turreted step-gabled air of old Scotland. Suffice to say that if you want a Scottish ambience, you’ve got it.

"The personal touch is appreciated in all areas, especially in the oak-panelled, well served restaurant where a wide range of traditional cuisine is on offer.... The verdict of my two sons and and myself on dinner was a smiling, satisfied collective thumbs-up."

Chipps Chippendale, Singletrack Magazine, July 2005

"Good evening, sir, they’re still serving meals in the bar if you’d like to go through. Leave your bags with me and I’ll get them taken up to your room. Your bike will be fine ... I’ll keep an eye on it.'

This wasn’t how I’d expected to be greeted at the rather nice Park Hotel in Peebles. I’d arrived dusty from mountain biking trail riding and was being greeted as a ‘sir’. I wasn’t complaining, though, and the super quick arrival of my tarragon chicken and pint of beer helped ease the mad look in my eyes and chill me out enough to reflect on the past couple of days as I slouched in the smart bar.

McMillan Hotels have noticed there’s business in attracting mountain bikers. Despite all being imposing, very swanky places, they’re keen on mountain bikers (and their luxury-loving partners who’d be happy for you to go ride if they can get pampered) and offer four course dinner, bed and breakfast and use of the leisure facilities for £56 a person (Sunday to Thursday). That’s what I’d spent the previous evening on a modest B & B, pub meal and fry-up breakfast."