Cringletie House

We spent a wonderful Hogmanay at Cringletie House. The hotel had a special Hogmanay program with guests arriving on the 30th December and departing on the 2nd January. All the meals were included, with a lovely dinner each evening preceded by a cocktail reception hosted by the owners of the hotel, Bill and Ann Cross. Each day also had its own activities including archery, falconry and a cookery demonstration. With only 14 rooms the hotel has an intimate feel and you certainly got to know your fellow guests, particularly when practicing for the ceilidh on New Year's Eve! This is not an "all singing, all dancing" hotel, for example, there is no gym or spa, but it is run more like a "house party" with the focus on personal attention and a warm welcome. Most of the fellow guests were couples although there were two families, including ourselves, and while this is perhaps not an obvious destination for younger guests the activities did manage to span the wide range of ages. Perhaps the best recommendation is that many of the guests were regular visitors to Cringletie House, and indeed by the time we left on the 2nd January half of the rooms had already been booked for the next Hogmanay!

Lovely settings driving up. Receptionist was extremely lovely, Harriet was very bubbly and a great front of house welcome. We stayed one night in Ardean cottage with hot tub. Harriet showed us everything we needed to see and settled us in. Although we had seen pictures of the cottage before we arrived we were a bit disappointed with the cottage. We are a well travelled couple and have always stated that the front entrance of a building can say a lot. This wee cottage could do we a touch of stainer on the wooden entrance of the cottage to keep up with the ambience of the estate as it looks quite grubby. The main problem we had on entry was the overwhelming smell of dampness which stayed with us. The decor would be best suited in keeping in tow with the main house itself as it’s a little dated and not very luxurious compared to the main house rooms/suites. We have stayed in many luxurious places hotels, lodges, castles etc and for the price charged found it to be a bit on the high end for what we received. On the other hand everything we required was available. The hospitality tray had shortbread coffee hot chocolate tea milk and something we haven’t experienced before 4 small miniatures of whisky, a very welcoming touch. The hot tub I have to say was the best we have ever used even compared to Forest Holidays. The morning of breakfast was a great pleasure yet again a mention to Harriet, she was very bubbly attentive an amazing at her job. We would go as far as saying the best service we have ever had, and that’s a very high compliment. The breakfast was beautiful. Next time we may stay in the suites but not the cottage which is a great shame as it’s set in such a beautiful estate

Lovely stay! Hotel staff are very welcoming. There are lots of rooms where you can just sit, enjoy the views and read the paper! Our bedroom had gorgeous linen and everything we could ask for…including home made shortbread that went down a treat. Super breakfast that set us up for the day. Would thoroughly recommend, the area is gorgeous and the hotel feels like a home from home.

The hotel is so relaxing and set in beautiful surrounding gardens which we will explore after delicious breakfast this morning ! The staff are very attentive especially Jonathan who has been a delight to talk to about the history of the hotel . Our bedroom “Neidpath “has an amazing and comfortable bed and really great shower . We have stayed in similar type country houses and this far exceeds any of them for relaxation and is completely immaculate . The 5 course tasting menu was extremely well presented though not cheap, but delicious throughout . Breakfast was also a special treat. My partner and I needed this break and would thoroughly recommend this place for a getaway

We went back to Cringletie for the chef's Grand Tasting Menu which is a Sunday evening extravaganza. We were treated to a 9 course menu accompanied by paired wine selection. The menu is presented to you and explained in detail by the head chef and restaurant manager in the cocktail bar while sipping champagne. We then proceeded to the restaurant to savour delicious food, various wines and great service. After the meal we tasted home made Petit Fours and coffee. An excellent evening . We retired to bed feeling relaxed and trying to decide the favourite dish of the night. We enjoy the beautiful setting of this hotel and walking around the grounds as it is so peaceful. The staff are attentive and friendly . We know that when we return it will feel like a second home where we will be pampered in a splendid country house hotel. Thanks to all at Cringletie.