Have just come back from spending a couple of days at the 4 star Peebles Hydro. What a great way to relax before going back to work.
The hotel is situated just south of Edinburgh, it took us about 35 mins to get there from the city centre - ideal as you arrive before the kids get bored.
The Scottish Borders is a truly beautiful area and when we arrived there was loads of snow which made the view from the Hydro even more dramatic.
The Hydro is a large and stunning building, it's decor is very traditional and could not be described as a modern souless establishment. Instead it is has an extremely relaxing air about it. We had a family room for 2 adults and 2 kids, the rooms are a good size and we were not all stuck in the same room the children had a separate bedroom with open access from the main bedroom. As I said the decor is to more of a traditional standard and some elements were in need of updating, such as new TVs, which I am told is being done as we speak. However, they are very comfortable and well equipped. In the kids room there were bunk beds, their own TV and a toy box. There was of course, the usual teas, coffees, biscuits, well stocked toiletries etc and nice fluffy robes, which were great for going to and from the pool.
We didn't spend a huge amount of time in our bedroom as there were so many activities going on in and out of the hotel. From guided walking tours, various tournaments and challenges, films for the kids, swimming competitions, table tennis and snooker championships etc etc. All very well organised by a chap called Dave. And of course lots of dancing and entertainment in the evenings. The snow was also great and the hotel provided sledges for the kids to go down the wonderful steep slopes in their gardens. Full activity programmes such as this one over Christmas and New Year are not available every day but during Easter, Summer, half term breaks etc. The rest of the time there is a free kids club which is run by the hotel's childrens hostesses, for children over 3. This is also great as the hostesses are just brilliant with the children and keep them occupied and happy. There is also a games room with pool tables, table tennis, and various games, which seemed to keep the older kids happy.
There is also a health and beauty salon which is extremely popular and I have been advised that is is alway best to book in advance as there is not always availability when you just pop in. A new hairdressers with an excellent reputation and great looking salon has opened up next door to the beauty salon. I didn't see it but was told about one of their luxury suites which has it's very own treatment room within the suite and the beauty therapist comes to you! Which would be a fantastic treat for Valentine's or a birthday.
The other main part of the leisure facilities is the pool and gym. The pool is excellent and one of the largest hotel pools I have ever been in, although the changing rooms are in desperate need of updating, but I didn't spend time in them as I was using my fluffy bathrobe and went back to my bedroom to shower. We all loved the pool and visited twice a day and there is a childrens play time which starts at 3pm and all the big inflatable toys come out. My husband went to the gym which he said was well equipped.
Another great thing about where the hotel is situated is it has ride in and ride out access to Glentress Forest, which has become the best mountain biking centre in the UK. You can hire bikes here and ride on trails for all abilities. If you choose to bring your own bike the hotel has secure storage for it.
The food was great, we stuffed ourselves at breakfast, which is in the beautiful dining room, which again has outstanding views right across the Tweed Valley. There was so much choice available and left thinking we could not eat another thing. But of course by lunchtime we went to Lazels which is a bistro style restaurant situated in the lower ground floor of the building. Again the food was great and had a kids menu too. It was also reasonable priced (as lunch was not included in the package). We also had lunch in Peebles too where there are many restaurants and coffee shops to choose from. Dinner is served in the dining room and is quite a grown up affair, dress is smart casual and absolutely no jeans or trainers are allowed.
Children have their own high tea which is served at about 5pm just next to Lazels. The high tea has plenty of nutritional choices which seemed to be enjoyed. If you want your children to eat with you in the dining room there is an additional charge of £14.00 per child.
The food was very good and again, quite a traditional menu is on offer. One thing I did not like was the silver service, it may be personal, but I don't think people like that anymore. But this did not distract from the meal as we both enjoyed it. Staff were very attentive and helpful without it being too much. This room is even more beautiful in the evening with a lovely cosy feel to it. One bit of advice to them would be to improve the presentation of their menus as they seemed to be just photocopied onto card.
The main thing about Peebles Hydro is how relaxing it is, there really is a great atmosphere there. Many of the guests we spoke to had been coming for 30 and 40 years, their parents brought them and now they are bringing their own children. Many friendships have been built up over the years and I think some of the guests know the hotel better than some of the staff! It is not a cheap break, although there are special offers on throughout the year. You just need to keep checking their website. Eg: they are doing a 3 nights for the price of 2 and 5 nights for the price of 4 during the February half terms.
And there are elements of it that needs to be updated and done sooner rather than later. But having stayed in many hotels over the years the Hydro is one of the most welcoming I have ever been to. We will definately be visiting again.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Advantages: Nice senery, nice swimming pool, not too far from Edinburgh, nice surroundings to walk around! Disadvantages: old hotel-a bit 70s, old cutlery(not old style, but used - you can tell obviously!)
Advantages: Nice senery, nice swimming pool, not too far from Edinburgh, nice surroundings to walk around! Disadvantages: old hotel-a bit 70s, old cutlery(not old style, but used - you can tell obviously!)
Jan 10th, 2008
(Jan 8th, 2008)
very helpful by (100%):
