Name: The Cross Keys Hotel
Address: High Street, Castle Douglas, Castle Douglas, Castle Douglas, DG7 3RN, United Kingdom
Rating: 8

24-hour reception

Smoke-free property

Heating

No elevators

General

Non-smoking rooms

Room service

Hairdryer

Shower/Bathtub

Shower

Rooms

Laundry

Luggage storage

Services and amenities

Coffee/tea for guests

Breakfast

Restaurant

Packed Lunches

Meals

Free Wi-Fi

Internet

German

English

French

Multi-language staff

Languages Spoken

Hiking

Fishing

Recreation

Offsite parking reservations required

Free parking nearby

Parking

Fax and copy machine

Meeting and presentation facilities

Business

Windsurfing

Cycling

Golf сourse (within 3 km)

Sports

Doctor

Massage

First Aid Kit

Beauty and wellness

Playroom

Babysitting and childcare

Kids

Pets allowed

Pets

Extra decontamination measures

Personal protection equipment for guests

Additional measures against COVID-19

Health and Safety Measures

Location

At the hotel

Room amenities

Glasgow Prestwick Airport

The Cross Keys Hotel

Castle Douglas

I received a warm welcome into this clean and comfortable hotel which is in a beautiful part of Dumfries and Galloway.  Yes, it is old fashioned, and it could possibly be classed as ‘quaint’ but what is wrong with that?  I and six friends were part of the team running a motorsport event in nearby Forrest Estate, and that involved early starts and late finishes.  

The weekend which we chose was one selected by our host to be a ‘bed and breakfast only’ weekend with the restaurant and the bar closed throughout the day except for breakfast.  The breakfasts were delightfully cooked to order, and for those who had to be out even earlier than breakfast time our host volunteered to provide a packed brunch with fruit, cereal bars and a bottle of water. It was left out the night before and could be collected when leaving for the day’s activities. Many places, if they did provide a packed breakfast, would not have been so generous with the contents. 

I couldn’t get the TV in my room to work and because I had to be away well before the hotel opened for the day I simply emailed reception during the night and when I got back in the TV was on and working!

The only drawback for me and my LandRover friends was the lack of a large car park although there is a small private car park at the rear of the hotel. On-street parking is available but there is competition to get a place if you arrive late.  There is a public car park but it is not as close as I would like. 

The ‘ Bed and Breakfast Only’ situation which existed while we were there suited us very well and as a bonus it allowed us to eat in a variety of local establishments.

The hotel is dog friendly and there are two hotel dogs who ensure that they get the attention that they think that they deserve!

A hidden gem in Dumfries and Galloway.

We stayed here for one night when visiting for the British MTB champs in Kirroughtree.    
We are used to camping and caravans so we are not expecting the Ritz but this hotel was shabby and nothing worked.  

No one was manning the reception desk so we had no one to even raise issues with.  Staff were friendly enough but we felt like we were a hindrance when we arrived rather than being welcomed.  Last thing you need after a 5 hour car journey.  

TV in room was like something from the 1970s.  Even if it had worked (which it didn’t) you would have struggled to see the screen it was so small.   The heaters and heated towel rail didn’t work so we had wet clothing from biking which we were unable to get dry.    Cold also from a wet day biking,  we couldn’t even get a hot shower as the temperature was stuck on luke warm.    The toilet roll holder fell off the wall when I used it.  

The Wi-Fi didn’t work so we couldn’t even use our laptop.    There were no sockets beside the bed other than one which a lamp was plugged into which was jammed behind the bed and you couldnt reach.   The socket was actually dangerously loose so you probably wouldn’t want to touch it!

The beds were awful with one being so loose it was more like a water bed it shook so much and you had a fear of actually rolling off it!   

Everything was just shabby and in need of repair/decor.    

Breakfast was actually decent enough.   Cheapest of the cheap condiments though.  Don’t expect Heinz or even brown sugar for your coffee!  

Hopefully no one will need to raise the fire alarm from the dining room seen as the glass alarm raising button is stuck behind a large sideboard unit.  

Plus points - friendly staff, cute dog, decent breakfast 

Negative points - basically everything else.  

Probably was a nice hotel at one point but it’s been left to deteriorate and just needs some work

Terrible hotel - needs upgraded

We would give this hotel a 5/5 had there been a parking place, Susan the owner was friendly a great host, and a very good chef we must add, our dog shanni had a great time too, and loved playing with her dog, just across the rd to the hotel is a great field for dog walking free of charge 

You wont be disapointed 

Had to find accommodation at short notice in New Galloway area. Proprietor was welcoming and friendly. Room was cozy, clean and very comfortable. Had a very nice evening meal in hotel. Breakfast was superb. On the whole a pleasant stay, so much so, I would have no reservations re coming back for a longer stay.

Pleasant stop at Cross Keys

A special find on our hillwalking trip to the Borders area. Owner Susan , staff ( and rescue resident pub dog Claude pictured here) made us very welcome. Our dog enjoyed the cosy pub with fireplace too! Food was great. Food allergies considerately dealt with all in all a fantastic stay. We’ll definitely return 

Fantastic find in New Galloway 

You’d come here if you wanted to get away from it all. Except the hotel has WiFi so you ain’t that isolated.
Starting with the village. We were lucky with good weather, it could easily have been one of those sleepy French villages, with not many people about. No boulangerie but there is a community shop which sells local produce. 
The hotel is easy to find on the high street, if you are lucky you can park in front but if not there is a car park nearby.
Now, if you want a Holiday Inn clone, this is not it. Some might say old fashioned others would say “niche” or “quirky” Whatever it is authentic, clean and pretty good value for money. A really good night sleep and a fantastic breakfast, what more do you want? A friendly intimate bar? You got it.
The landlady is hospitable and has made the place her own, kindly caring for rescue dogs, both of whom are real characters. If you don’t like dogs, maybe this place is not for you but otherwise the Cross Keys does not try to be something it’s not. 
35 mins from Dumfries
45 mins from Ayr
Right next to the Dark Skies Park and close to Loch Ken.
I give this place high scores because it is honest, no nonsense and we should support small independent hotels.

Golden Nugget in Sleepy Hollow

Overpriced experience, we are sad to say. The town is really a travel stop so one would expect it to accomodate travellers with a degree of flexibility. We had travelled a huge distance and arrived 10 mins after the kitchen closed and very little effort to help us out. Room ok but tired and no soap in the bathroom. Very good breakfast was a silver lining.

Extremely disappointing,

Tried to book a meal here and gave up after 3 attempts! I inquired after a table for 2 in July for 8.30pm to be told they stopped serving at 8pm and I should try Castle Douglas for a meal. I subsequently e-mailed another 2 times asking for a table at 8pm with no reply. It must be great to be so busy as to be able to turn away business on a Thursday evening!

Gave up!

I booked six rooms for a one night stay on a motorcycling trip around Scotland. Private gated parking at the rear, uneven ground, not secure. Clean and tidy rooms with full facilities,a little tired and in need of an update but comfortable. Bar doesn't normally open until 6.30 but opens earlier on request. No real ale as 'I end up throwing half a barrel away because I can't sell it'. Ended up drinking bottled beer. Good food, evening meal and breakfast. A little disappointed.

Overnight stay

My OH booked this B&B as a base to explore The Galloway Forest & surrounding areas. 
Susan is a welcoming dog-loving host who ensures a comfortable stay. Whilst basic, our room was comfortable with a hot shower. toiletry supplies weren’t provided but we were able to pick up what we needed from the community shop. 
The bar was open from 6:30 during our stay, and seems to open around residents. Food was hearty, and the breakfast was a great start to the day. We were able to park in front, or behind the hotel each day. There are some good walks direct from the door. Decor & facilities as expected for age of property & room rate. Would be happy to return. 

The Cross Keys Hotel

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