Friars Carse Country House Hotel

Hotels
Classic Hotels
8.8 (133 reviews)
Auldgirth, Dumfries, Scotland, DG2 0SA , Dumfries , GB

Pets allowed

Facilities

Arcade/game room
Free WiFi
Garden
Luggage storage
Elevator
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Arcade/game room
Library
Front desk (limited hours)
Smoke-free property
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Clean surroundings
Friendly staff
Lovely location
Good food
Cons:
Poor cleanliness
Need for maintenance
High dining prices

Categories

Cleanliness
7.88
Reviews indicate poor cleanliness and maintenance, negatively affecting stay.
Service
9.35
Staff are described as pleasant, professional, and friendly, enhancing guest experience.
Location
9.39
Location praised for its quietness and beauty, with great access to surrounding areas.
Room Quality
8.84
Rooms are generally comfortable but noted for needing decor updates.
Amenities
8.87
Amenities generally rated well but potential indicated for improvement.
Value for Money
8.33
Value reflected positively, though some felt that dining prices were high.
Food and Beverage
8.88
Food quality is noted as good with positive dining experiences.
Overall Experience
8.85
Mixed experiences noted, but overall many enjoyed their stay.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-09 00:26

Property Description

Immersive Garden Views and Gaming Fun

Nestled in the historical district of Dumfries, Friars Carse Country House Hotel invites you to revel in scenic garden vistas and engage in thrilling arcade games. Indulge in complimentary Wi-Fi and make unforgettable memories in the arcade/game room.

Dining Delights and Relaxation Retreat

Savor delectable meals at the on-site restaurant or unwind with room service at any hour. Recharge with a drink from one of the two stylish bars/lounges. Find your oasis within the hotel’s comforting ambiance.

Star-Rated Luxury and Convenient Conveniences

Officially recognized by VisitScotland, this establishment offers 21 uniquely decorated guestrooms with modern amenities. Benefit from dry cleaning services, luggage storage, and free self-parking. Experience a seamless stay with complimentary Wi-Fi and thoughtful in-room features.

To book your stay at Friars Carse Country House Hotel and immerse yourself in historic charm and modern comforts.

Important information:

  • This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: GLA

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Service animals are exempt from fees/restrictions

  • Pets

    Pets allowed

  • Guest type

    LGBTQ friendly

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

  • Pets

    Service animals are allowed

Location

Guest Reviews

8.8
Based on 133 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.88
Service: 9.35
Location: 9.39
Room Quality: 8.84
Amenities: 8.87
Value for Money: 8.33
Food and Beverage: 8.88
Overall Experience: 8.85
E
Elizabeth extended_group gb
8
Wonderful setting
Pros:

Good location, wonderful grounds and setting.

Cons:

Food a bit overpriced

2026-05-16 via Nuitee
R
Russell family_with_children au
6
Beatiful location.
Pros:

Location and ambiance of the building.

Cons:

Food was a let down.

2026-05-16 via Nuitee
G
Graham extended_group gb
7
Nice stay spoiled by a couple of issues
Pros:

The beautiful quiet location by the river; the lovely atmospheric building; the friendly staff and it was good value overall.

Cons:

The terrible breakfast - booking was ‘breakfast included’ but this was their awful ‘continental’ breakfast (see pic). Just a very limited bowl of fruit, tea/coffee, orange juice, toast and cereals. Everything else was at extra costs - even an egg. We felt rather cheated and misled.
The room shower was cold - later found out the hot water only came on at 06:30 so when trying to shower at 06:45 it was still cold - would have preferred to have been informed of this at check-in.

2026-05-15 via Nuitee
S
Steven couple gb
10
2026-05-15 via Nuitee
I
Irene couple gb
8
Really enjoyed our stay, excellent food in stunning location so will return!
Pros:

Stunning location/grounds/woods and river around a listed building with lots of history. Food was excellent. Bar and lounge areas really comfortable and staff welcoming and efficient. Our dog loved all the attention!

Cons:

Our room needed a complete refurbishment. Bed was very comfortable but bathroom tiny/too narrow and needs changing. Not good value for amount paid. However, fantastic views from window. Saw other rooms on same floor which were much nicer.

2026-05-15 via Nuitee
S
Sue couple gb
5
Such a beautiful location and house but felt it was a bit run down and didn’t live up to what we were expecting
Pros:

Beautiful house Comfortable bedroom with great views

Cons:

Expensive not brilliant meals Tea for 2 made with 1 tea bag Tinned fruit at breakfast and few choices
Having to pay extra for a cooked breakfast

2026-05-15 via Nuitee
M
Michael couple gb
6
Enormous charm overshadowed by inattention to basics within lovely location.
Pros:

Reception, evening meal, walks. Widely travelled we expected a little more attention to detail in the room. No soap, no loo brush and dust on bedframe and TV. We know hospitality sector is struggling cost-wise but the potential for tweaks would make an enormous difference to a hotel with so many links to Rabbie Burns.

Cons:

Offered a late breakfast slot it became clear we were the last and the continental breakfast bar was very poor with many items empty or non-existent. Although replenished quickly on request it set the tone for a poor experience.

2026-05-14 via Nuitee
J
Jane extended_group gb
3
2026-05-14 via Nuitee
R
Rui solo_traveller pt
7
Pros:

Amazing location and surroundings

Cons:

The fact there was no hot water at 6.45 am
Never happened to me before, not in Europe

2026-05-13 via Nuitee
P
Paul solo_traveller gb
8
2026-05-13 via Nuitee
S
Sara couple gb
9
Very pleasant and comfortable
2026-05-13 via Nuitee
H
Helen couple gb
5
2026-05-12 via Nuitee
V
Valeriy extended_group gb
8
2026-05-12 via Nuitee
M
Mark solo_traveller gb
10
2026-05-12 via Nuitee
M
Mamafee couple gb
10
Lovely
Pros:

cottage was perfect and the views were amazing, dinner was delish would defo return maybe for a longer stay and do some fishing.

Cons:

The price for a bottle of wine was very expensive.

2026-05-11 via Nuitee
S
Serena family_with_children ie
1
Worst ever
Cons:

Not as booked. We specifically booked accommodation advertised as including a full breakfast. However, upon arrival, we were informed that there would be an additional charge for a full Scottish breakfast, despite the original listing stating that full breakfast was included. The website was later updated to mention a surcharge, which should have been made clear at the time of booking. It would be helpful if the website clearly distinguished between a continental breakfast and a full breakfast option.

In addition, our family members were separated during breakfast service and seated in a cold, secluded corner away from the other guests. Overall, we found the experience disappointing and not satisfactory.

2026-05-11 via Nuitee
吴玉星 couple cn
5
2026-05-11 via Nuitee
J
james couple gb
10
2026-05-10 via Nuitee
N
Nichola couple gb
5
A basic hotel in nice wrapping.
Pros:

Lovely looking building in lovely grounds and a good location. The ground floor presentation was pleasant.
Waiting staff were pleasant. Our room was clean and the mattress was comfortable.

Cons:

Our welcome was somewhat lacking. No smiles from reception. I felt our presence was a hinderance.
I had booked a superior room. The paint was peeling, the shower did not work and the cobwebs around the window frames were ancient.
The pillows were so flat, that 2 of them would have had room to spare in one pillowcase.
If this was a superior room, then I dread to think what the standard ones are like!

2026-05-10 via Nuitee
F
Fiona solo_traveller gb
8
Pros:

Lovely setting, warm and friendly staff, food very good.

2026-05-10 via Nuitee