Balcary Bay Country House Hotel

Location and views are stunning, bedroom was a good size, clean and a comfortable bed, room was equipped with everything you would need. Staff were very helpful and also knowledgeable about the area. Dinner was faultless beautifully prepared and presented as was breakfast. We cannot wait for a return visit to this hidden gem of a hotel.

A group of four friends booked this hotel for some much needed rest and relaxation and Balcary Bay did not disappoint. After a miserably wet journey by car our spirits were restored by the warmth of the welcome we received when checking in. We were given a guided tour of the Hotel's public areas which were furnished with comfy chairs and sofas and filled with atmosphere and an eclectic collection of artwork. We noticed a letter on the wall that confirmed the hotel was originally built by a company of smugglers to enable illicit trade with the Isle of Man. The views of the Bay from almost every room are amazing - watching the light on the water change with time and tide was amazing. We stayed in two neighbouring ground floor rooms (19 and 20) which had french doors and individual terraces looking out over the Bay. Both very airy and immaculately clean - beautifully decorated in a similar more contemporary style but with individual accents that made each unique. Very comfortable beds and lovely linens - top quality towels and incredibly spacious bathrooms with bath and separate walk in shower. All hotel food is prepared to order using local ingredients and was delicious. Diana's breakfasts really set us up for the day and we dined both evenings - in the restaurant on our first night and in the bar area on the second - and our meals were equally delicious on both occasions. This is a family owned and run hotel and that brings with it an attention to detail that is worthy of special mention. We left feeling relaxed and rejuvenated and most of our journey home was spent discussing when we might be able to book our next visit to Balcary Bay in the new year.

Why you have to register your car for parking is beyond me as the hotel is at the end of a very long track and I cannot see people parking here who are not staying in the hotel. This was a late booking made 3 weeks prior to our visiting. Was met by friendly, I suspect manageress who gave us a rapid tour round the rooms. She wanted the rooms paying for straight away We're were shown to our very large rooms that seemed to have everything for our comfort. A little strange however having kitchen units and refrigerator along one wall. The bathroom was enormous with plenty of hot water. After visiting our rooms we went looking for some refreshments but we're extremely disappointed to find no draught ales or cider. Only drinks were bottled or cans and were in a large fridge. There were cakes for sale at a price. As we were leaving early the next morning we requested an early breakfast but this caused no end of problems as the manageress would have to ask the kitchen if this is something they could do and she returned a couple of minutes later with the offer of choice of fruit juice and cereal. Bit peedboff they could not do more for a price of £210 each for the nights accommodation. Plus we ate in the dining room and had a pleasant meal but again paying just short of £90 for the two of us. The following morning as we drove down the very long drive on our way back to Dalbeattie we passed the owners on the morning walk. Why they could not have made us breakfast I don't know it's the typical English disease Maybe selfish on our part but being in the hotel and catering trade one would think that was part of the experience for guests.

Had a beautiful weekend here, Room 3 has just stunning views and the peace and quiet is just amazing. Lovely staff and lovely food. Room was dog friendly too, which was great. Thank you for a piece of tranquility. Room was on floor on picture. Keith and Katherine xx

Not staying at the hotel, but saw their welcoming sign for non residents to enjoy a tea or coffee. We are senior citizens and love to go walking. The sign might have been welcoming, but the reception was not! We were made to feel decidedly unwelcome, perhaps it was our outdoor gear and walking poles that made us persona non grata. We left. My advice is to arrive in your BMW if you want service or a welcome.

The views are fabulous - an artist's dream. I think the location is built into the pricing, it certainly is very special. Our room was spacious, commodious (even had a fridge and dishwasher) and comfortable, (and that view). As June is turning out to be much cooler than usual (not just in the north) I was very grateful when the heating was switched on on our third night. Did need to ask for our room to be serviced on the third day, although the tea and coffee etc. had been replenished the day before. Wonderful circular walk from the hotel along the coast, inland via a small loch. The smuggling history was fascinating. Altogether an intriguing find.