The Bruce Hotel

We paid £90 because it was New Year's Eve and the only hotel with vacancies. We'd come that day to visit a dying friend, so we had to make the trip then. This was one of the worst hotels I've stayed in. The room was shabby and cold; the heater didn't work, though they brought a working one. The toilet cistern kept flushing until you lifted the ball cock. At least the bedding was clean and the bed comfortable. Breakfast was poor and overcooked.

At £89, the family room, which is actually two rooms sharing a bathroom, was good value. We didn't use the bath with shower over it because it was in a bad state. The furniture was very old, not in a good way, and everything badly needs refurbishing. Breakfast, however, was very good. It's fine for a one-night stopover if you're touring on a strict budget like we were, and the hotel next door is good for evening meals and drinks.

The full Scottish breakfast was tasty, and service was quick and friendly. My room was clean and I slept OK, with a kettle and biscuit tray for hot drinks. The room was very dated, though: one single bed was broken, the duvets were thin, it was cold, the bathroom furniture was old and tarnished, and the TV was tiny. The carpets were threadbare, and the hall walls were being painted as part of ongoing renovations. I expect the carpets will be replaced too. Check-in was pleasant, and the man at the desk gave useful advice on where to eat. There are plenty of shops within walking distance and a decent pub/restaurant next door, though The Bruce wasn't serving evening meals while we were there. Parking means driving through an extremely narrow tunnel to reach the car park at the back; there are a few street spaces out front, but not many. I hadn't booked the place myself, so I don't know what the rooms cost. I checked online afterwards and saw £65 a night. It's OK for a night or two if you're working away on a budget and just need a bed and a good warm breakfast. Definitely not the worst place I've stayed.

Very noisy place. I stayed one night and didn't get to sleep until around 2 in the morning, so I was exhausted for work. From what I could make out, it seemed to be a halfway house with non-workers staying there. If you want a good night's sleep, stay clear.