Stayed at the hotel to attend a friends wedding. The hotel is situated in its own grounds but is unfortunately located in a very undesirable area of Scotland. Its only 30 mins to Edinburgh though so not too bad.

The hotel is nicely decorated and furnished but we had a few issues during our stay that are unacceptable for a 4* hotel.

Firstly the reception was staffed by a gentlemen who was friendly and attentive but unfortunately couldn't speak much english.

Secondly we were told that "they don't do room service" despite the fact there is a room service menu in the room. As you are situated in the middle of nowhere you have to starve until morning!

Thirdly the bar prices are beyond a joke. You expect to be charged a premium to get drinks a hotel bar but next time the bar man should wear a mask and hold a gun to my head as every time i got a round in i felt like i was getting robbed.

Lastly the room we where in (57) is located next to a laundry. So expect to be woken at 8am by the sound of a washing machine on a spin cycle.

Fantastic stay, very welcoming.

I cannot comment on the rooms as I live locally and have no need to stay. I have, however, used the Steakhouse - once - and never again. Perhaps I should have been warned by the fact we and one other couple were the only diners. The service was off-hand and the waitress made no secret of her boredom, the menu was limited and the food both tepid and unremarkable. Add a dessert that was still solid in the centre from lack of defrosting (home made?) and we departed with no wish to return.

We had a very enjoyable Hogmanay at Houstoun House seeing in the 2006 New Year. The Hogmanay dinner and ceilidh were excellent, as was a murder mystery night on the previous evening. We ate in the restaurant three nights, and had breakfasts there: all of a very high standard, with good service. Rooms were spacious and well-equipped too, though on wintry nights the walk outside can be a little treacherous after a frosty or snowy night. However, the high standards of the restaurant are not reflected in the bar. Service is woefully slow: and some staff seem not to know about basics (an Irish or Gaelic coffee drew blank faces). Bar lunches require the patience of Job. Still, the rest of the hotel makes up for this - and the bar has a lovely situation in the old house, with nice fires in the winter. All in all, we would recommend this for a great New Year.