we live locally and heard nothing but good reviews regarding this hotel.
I was looking for a romantic meal and over night stay for my husband and myself to celebrate valentines day/night unfortunatly our room was dirty and the bath had the previous occupants boday hair still there, we were told that at the time of booking it was an executive room and it was not it was very small bedroom in need of decoration and there were also cobwebs on the celing and the window frames, dust on the bed frame,tables ,lamps and telephone. it was very cold and damp.
we complained to the manager and he offered us another room or to sit in the lounge with free drinks while he got the room cleaned for us at £150 for a over night stay I decided to go else where as I was definatley not impressed.
Went to glasgow and stayed at the thistle in a executive room free upgrade after they heard what had happend at the houston house hotel and had a lovley valentines night afterall

Lovely rooms, really friendly staff. Only ate there once, it was fine, and inexpensive. Breakfast is terrific. Ask before booking if there are functions on. When there are, there are peiods when the bar and reception area are overwhelmed, and it isn't pleasant for a guest.

Anyone really elderly or infirm might have trouble at the Houston House. It seems that in this part of Scotland they have yet to hear about those things called lifts as there doesn't seem to be one anywhere.
There are lots of stairs so lots of climbing and suitcase dragging.
Sometimes there is a guy on duty at reception whose English might as well be Chinese as far as understanding him goes.
The staff generally are friendly and helpful and the rooms are of reasonable size and very clean.
We used the Steakhouse on a Friday night and the food was pretty average which was more than could be said for the prices.
We stayed three nights at a hefty £120 a night but overall we liked the place and the walks in the well maintained gardens were very pleasant.
The biggest shock was the bar prices - £4.50 for a single gin and tonic!
Nice place but not for anyone with a weak heart or anaemic wallet.

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.