Rivendell

We slept really well on both nights, and the room had everything we needed, including a very comfortable bed. The house was nicely presented and there was plenty of parking. The chef was accommodating, cooked excellent food, and told us a bit about the area and Queen of the South, who we were going to see on Saturday. It was great value for the price, and they made our weekend away even nicer. We’d happily stay at Rivendell again and recommend it to others. Thanks for a lovely stay. Brandon and Sharon

The breakfast was a highlight: lovely dining room and music, perfectly cooked eggs, good bacon, and a very good waiter and chef. We slept well, the shower was good, and the room suited the style of the house. Bigger, fluffier towels and a valance over the bed base would have made it feel more finished. We arrived around 8:30 pm and had to phone for the key safe code and let ourselves in. With bedrooms, dining room and private kitchen and office, there wasn't a host around then, and I realized how much a friendly face can change that first impression. At first the place felt a bit shabby, almost like a hostel, but by morning I appreciated the house more. We paid under £60 for B&B, which felt like very good value, though with a little spruce-up the place could be worth more. We were travelling from Aberdeen to the south coast and found it worth detouring off the motorway, via Gretna. Dumfries has plenty to offer, and Casa Mia was a great dinner recommendation.

Loved the B&B's style, and check-in was smooth. The room was a good size and the young man was really polite and courteous. It would have been nicer to be met in person, though. Breakfast was where things went downhill: none of the tables had been cleared, and my scrambled eggs on toast were overdone, with barely toasted bread. I think the young man was handling everything on his own, so they need more staff in the morning. I'd stay again if breakfast service had more help.

The bed itself was clean and very comfortable, and the woman serving breakfast was nice. But the room was freezing, and the heating never came on even after I phoned the owner. I called again and got voicemail, so we spent a very cold night and barely slept. Room No 6 also had filthy window frames and a bathroom that could have been cleaner. The whole property looks tired and needs serious maintenance and a proper tidy-up. The breakfast room was acceptable, but I won't be back.