Tinto Hotel, Symington

Biggar Road, Near Biggar, Symington, ML12 6FT 3

At the foot of Tinto Hill in the Scottish borders lies the Swallow Tinto Hotel established in 1914. This is a perfect base from which to discover the many d... more

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£ Rooms from £59 (≈ $104) per night
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8/10 Overall rating

Category Average Rating
9/10 Check-in process
7/10 Your room
8/10 Working order of facilities / equipment
9/10 Order and cleanliness of the hotel
7/10 Performance of staff
8/10 Overall experience
8/10 Overall value for money
  • 4/10 Jane ( Young couple) 

    from Carlisle , GB  on  August 29, 2008

    "We paid £95 for an 'executive' room which was the smallest room in te group (even though they all paid £85 for standard). Shower was awful and overall needs major upgrading." (97192786)

    Location

    Room very old style and not very clean

  • 3/10 Paul ( Young couple) 

    from Paisley , GB  on  August 25, 2008

    "I have in my life stayed in a large number of hotels. I do not feel I am being dishonest to say this was the worst. I would recommend that anyone planning to visit the area avoid the tinto at all costs. " (97084738)

    Female member of staff who checked us in was extremely helpful.

    The hotel was showing signs of age. Room had damp staining on ceiling, shower did not work properly, rubbish left in room from previous guest, some lights not working, TV not tuned in and Windows painted shut. Some, not all staff rude and abrasive. Food basic and either frozen or deep fried, a la carte menu only on friday and saturday. Dinner service poor, I had to give up waiting for a drink and go to the bar myself. Felt rushed out of dining room by staff preparing for breakfast. Breakfast could only be described as disgusting, this is obviously left out prior to 0730 and left in water heated trays.

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  August 25, 2008

    "A true Scottish experience! Hotel needs reburbishing but otherwise satisfactory." (97735799)

    Rural location but easy to find. Excellent staff who were very friendly.

    Unfortunately there was a problem with the TV as BBC 1 was unavailable during the Olympics!! Leaking roof seen and poor evening meal although correctly priced.

  • 6/10 Kenneth ( Mature couple) 

    from Edinburgh , GB  on  July 24, 2008

    "I was in the Tinto around 20 years ago - it was hard to believe the difference. What a pity. The outside of the building at the back is reminiscent of a slum and the beautiful grounds have been allowed to go to ruin. I feel sorry for the staff, who did their best." (108000323)

    Public areas welcoming, although old fashioned.

    The Tinto has been allowed to fall into disrepair. A lot of money has to be spent in order to bring it up to an acceptable standard eg room carpet substantially stained and burned; decor extremely poor (lots of deep scores on ceiling and walls); debris left unnoticed under bed and shower very tempramental.

  • 6/10 Jennifer ( Group of work colleagues) 

    from Troon , GB  on  July 7, 2008

    "I think charging £95 for this room was very steep indeed. It definitely was not worth this amount of money." (97597418)

    The staff were very friendly and organised

    The room was very basic and dated. The blankets on top of the bed sheets had several tears in them and looked very shabby. The bathroom was also very tired looking and very dark. There were also flies abour the breakfast room.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  June 30, 2008

    "Wish I had more time to explore surrounding area" (108085380)

    Beautiful countryside. Quiet.

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  June 27, 2008

    "Good" (108000564)

    Very friendly welcome. Good sized room.

    Faulty light, damaged carpet in room

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Group of work colleagues) 

    on  June 3, 2008

    "overall good staff very nice" (97374888)

    big clean room nice bathroom

    tv reception a bit poor.shower not very powerful

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  March 23, 2008

    "As previously stated, although everything was not perfect, our stay overall was pleasant and comfortable assisted by the friendliness of the staff." (97380412)

    Pleasant suroundings,Friendly helpful staff.Good food and service.

    Although the room was comfortable,it appears to be getting shabby and there are some things that require attention.eg.Decoration,Bathroom fan broken,Shower hose too short,Black algea round bath.

  • 10/10 Johanne ( Young couple) 

    from Leicester , GB  on  March 21, 2008

    excellent food

  • 7/10 John owen ( Other) 

    from Frodsham , GB  on  March 9, 2008

    "The staff were very pleasant and helpful and the food was excellent and very good value. The hotel was in need of a complete make over. However there were many original features from the Edwardian period which were most impressive and should be retained.The situation is superb but the surrounds of the Hotel are untidy and in need of some care and attention. During our stay on 28th Feb and the following week 6th March there was a change of ownership and this was very evident - the staff were obviously affected. On arrival for our second stay the rates had been increased from £50 per night per room to £80 but these were reduced when we pointed out the change. At £80 per night I would not be prepared to stay in the Hotel in it's present state. However I would eat there at the current prices and the standard of service which was excellent." (97322710)

    The room was comfortable and provided a pleasant overnight stay.

    There were a number of faults in the room - lights did not work, the standard of the bathroom was poor, water was cold , shower could not be controlled,the water seal on the bath was faulty and the edge showed sign of water damage, there was insufficient covers for the bed and the heating was inadequate.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  February 20, 2008

    The room was a good size.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  February 19, 2008

    friendliness of staff and good breakfast

    unmade up room, quickly changed

  • 8/10 Christopher ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Wetherby , GB  on  February 14, 2008

    "Generally a good experience in a location that met my specific requirements. One negative point was that the fruit on the breakfas menu was not available from the buffet I would select this hotel again if my movements required me to stay in this area." (97677719)

    Non standard building with character in a pleasant location. Excellent assistance at reception on arrival

    Difficulty in achieving effective shower - reported on departure and advised that it would be attended to

  • 8/10 J m m ( Young couple) 

    from Clitheroe , GB  on  February 6, 2008

    "Good experience I will repeat" (97540152)

    Friendliness of staff and good restaurant

    Hot water sysem wasn't brilliant

  • 10/10 Clive ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Wirral , GB  on  December 1, 2007

    "This is my second stay at this hotel and would certainly be visiting again." (97226514)

    The welcome, company.

  • 8/10 Ken ( Group of work colleagues) 

    from Solihull , GB  on  November 3, 2007

    "I have no other items to answer other than what is wrote above. Great place, great people what more can I say." (97635051)

    The hospitality of the staff and nice location. Best of all Food was excelent for the price. Highly Recomend

    Bedroom was neat and tidy very clean, But the bathroom let it down, had a smell, Black area under the shower area of bath, shower hose was to short to shower from.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  October 8, 2007

    "All staff were very welcoming and helpful, the dinning room was excelent, and the food first class as always. The public areas were welcoming. This Hotel reflects superb value for money." (97933154)

    The accommodation was well established, recently upgraded from previous visit, and as always quiet

    There was nothing negative in this accommodation

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Other) 

    on  September 30, 2007

    My sister and I enjoyed our stay. We found the staff to be friendly and very helpful. The food was excellent and good value.

  • 9/10 Frederick ( Mature couple) 

    from Botley oxford , GB  on  August 2, 2007

    "My wife and I had a very enjoyable weekend at this hotel.The staff couldn't do enough for you.Room was a good size and very clean. Food quality was excellent value for money.Occasional train noise hardly noticeable in the hotel.Scores a 10/10" (99243629)

    Clean and tidy.Good sized room. Good view

  • 7/10 Chris ( Family with young children) 

    from Saltcoats , GB  on  July 18, 2007

    "Due to the time of the wedding we needed to book in early which was accomodated although the room wasn't quite ready we could still leave our luggage in the room whilst we went for lunch .... much appreciated. Generally happy with the experience but a few minor issues like the shower control (or lack of it) and the space at breakfast for putting the covers on whilst you select your breakfast, as well as heat resistant tongs to avoid those burns you et when other guests leave the tongs under the cover. Good value for money and staff were great. Thanks, Chris." (97514877)

    Staff were very accomodating

    Impossible to get the shower to a reasonable temperature, water leaking into foyer / reception area ..... obviously not the first time with the water marks on the ceiling

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  July 11, 2007

    "junior staff in restaurant were poorly trained. Not cheerful or attentive,but the food and promptness of the service was fine." (99763535)

    clean spacious quiet

    bland decor

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  June 29, 2007

    good clean rooms

    bathroom did need updating

  • 9/10 Malcolm ( Mature couple) 

    from Darlington , GB  on  June 28, 2007

    "Nice quiet setting in lovely grounds.Railway is close by but unobtrusive. Very freindly and efficient staff. Building and decor a bit dated, would benefit from decorating. Good food available in restaurant with reasonable priced wine list. We would return." (99572818)

    Friendly staff, lovely setting and grounds.

    A bit dated with decor.

  • 7/10 Roderick ( Other) 

    from Preston , GB  on  June 11, 2007

    "The general location and surroundings of the hotel were very good. The staff were very pleasant, and servioce was good. The whole hotel had a rather shabby look - unpainted wood around windows. The room itself was OK - comfortable and roomy, but was let down by the bathroom. This was very dated, and the bath did not work very well (see above). A new bathroom suite would work wonders. We were put off dining in the restaurant by an all-pervading smell of chips, so we went out to another restaurant." (99050555)

    Price and location

    Bathroom was rather shabby, and it was not possible to have a shower - the hot water would not divert from the bath to the shower head.

  • 9/10 Kenneth ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Worcester , GB  on  June 11, 2007

    "It would have been nice to know the Hotel holding company had changed hands from Swallow to Oxford Hotels & Inns, although on this occassion it did not effcet the service. However the Hotel is in need of a little TLC, and is in need of a make over by its new owners." (99696753)

    This accommodation was very welcoming and extreamly relaxing. The dinning area was very well presented and the food was excelent, as was the service.

    There were no dislikes.

  • 10/10 Meg ( Mature couple) 

    from Glenrothes , GB  on  May 28, 2007

    "I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere,the excellent food and the wonderful friendly staff. The service in the dining room at night was quite superb. I shall certainly suggest a return visit to my husband. We both noticed that staff were apparently very happy at work which makes for a good feeling." (99197520)

    The room was very comfortable and clean, with all facilities in good order.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  May 24, 2007

    "Nothing booking process was clear and there were no nasty surprises. Breakfast was lovely and we felt it was a relaxed atmosphere - just how a hotel should be!" (99951446)

    Friendly efficient staff and lovely food.

  • 6/10 Chris ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Altrincham , GB  on  May 21, 2007

    Comfortable bed

    A bit tired - decor needs improving

  • 6/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  April 4, 2007

    The location, friendliness of staff, relaxed atmosphere, good & tasty food.

    The TV did not work. Both the bedroom and the bathroom smelt musty.

  • 8/10 Trevor ( Mature couple) 

    from Braintree , United Kingdom;GB  on  February 25, 2007

    "Good value for money. Friendly and welcoming staff. Good grounds for walking the dog. Very clean and tidy generally. Good resteurant." (99246725)

    Very friendly staff. Very pet friendly towards my dog. Nice grounds and interior. Good food.

    The bathroom was a bit tired, shower was very sensitive and the whole was poor quality and generally cramped in.

  • 8/10 Paul ( Mature couple) 

    from Calcot, reading , United Kingdom;GB  on  February 21, 2007

    "We had a pleasant stay in nice surroundings. Food was good and staff were excellent. I would say that the price was a bit high for the standard of the accomodation..certainly we have had better value at other hotels." (99799952)

    Nice surroundings and friendly staff.

    Shower was on a mixer tap so took ages to get temperature control. Bathroom needed upgrading. Small old TV.

  • 8/10 Anthony ( Young couple) 

    from Sunderland , United Kingdom;GB  on  November 29, 2006

    very pleasant staff, lovely grounds.

    Hot water system required 10 minute wait to heat up. Cooked breakfast vey poor.

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Group of adult friends) 

    on  September 5, 2006

    Friendly staff. Clean rooms with good facilities. Excellent food

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  August 12, 2006

    "The reception and dining room staff ensured that my disabled wife always had seating that proivided her with necessary head support. Well done Tinto!!" (2355604)

    outstanding welcome, and spacious bedroom

    insufficient staff on duty to cope with breakfast needs. ie. replenishing food, and clearing tables.

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  May 24, 2006

    "The hotel was very nice, we were not dissappointed with anything, the hotel had everything we required and would visit it again when in the area. Beautiful setting for a wedding reception." (2930201)

    very spacious

    bit dated

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  February 16, 2006

    "VERY PLEASANT HOTEL FOR ARELAXING BREAK AND CLOSE TO LOTS OF INTERESTING PLACES." (3304214789)

    wARM COMFORTABLE SPACIOUS AND VERY CLEAN

    ATMOSPHERE AND PRICE OF DRINKS

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  October 31, 2005

    Room was comfortable enough. Food in restaurant was very good.

    Outside looks a bit shabby now - in need of a coat of paint. Not very good for first appearances.

  • 10/10 Sharon ( Solo business traveller) 

    from Bury st edmunds , United Kingdom;GB  on  October 1, 2005

    "The hotel was easy to find with excellent parking facilities. Checking in was efficient and the staff were very friendly and helpfull. The room was warm and comfortable and very well maintained, you often here about chocolates on your pillow but rarely actually get them. The hotel was quiet and I got an excellent nights sleep. The breakfast was a buffet, which had a good selection. Having been in a different hotel every night for a week, this was the best and I'll endeavour to plan my journey in direction of this hotel in the future." (2781126)

    Extremely friendly staff, excellent facilities and extremely good value for money

    At breakfast they had a coach party, so there was a slight delay in the food arriving in the dishes.

  • 8/10 Ian ( Mature couple) 

    from Edinburgh , United Kingdom;GB  on  September 17, 2005

    "The hotel is a quiet country-house with plenty of parking spaces. The exterior gives the impression of needing its next face-lift but inside it is clean and tidy with impressive public spaces and well equipped rooms. The room service was quick and efficient and the meal which they provided was excellent. Check-in and out was efficient and friendly. I would stay here again." (2733283)

    Clean,well equipped room. Prompt room service. Good food.

    General air of faded grandeur. Noticable outside,much nicer inside.

  • 3/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  September 14, 2005

    "The hotel is in an excellent location. However the room was only average with a very small bathroom (hadly room to dry yourself). It took about 5 minutes to get any hot water. Our stay was on a Saturday night and the bar had no dry white wine and ran out of bitter. Not what you expect at a hotel like this. Breakfast was advertised as from 08.00 and as we had a long journey we wanted to leave promptly. However we had to wait until about 08.15 before the hot buffet was ready. Overall a disappointing stay" (2586221)

    Good location

    Service was generally indifferent and the bathroom was tiny

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  August 25, 2005

    "When we stayed in February 2005 the breakfast was waitress served. This stay in August 2005 the breakfast was buffet style - it would have been nice to be informed if this. The receptionist was very helpful booking all the taxis for us." (1891138)

    Near to the Wedding Venue (Shieldhill).

    The paintwork in the Couter Suite needs refreshed.

  • 9/10 Shannon ( Other) 

    from Cle elum , United States;US  on  July 6, 2005

    "Lovely environment, wonderful staff with excellent service. Very pleased!" (2441423)

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Family with young children) 

    on  June 17, 2005

    "The staff that were there were very helpfull but seemed to lack direction and leadership. I think a simple thing like all wearing white shirts would help guests distinguish the staff." (1905573)

    I had to ask on behalf of the bride for some assistance. There seemed to be a lack of staff supporting the wedding party. Also at breakfast there seemed to be a lack of staff.

  • 10/10 Anonymous ( Young couple) 

    on  June 15, 2005

    "Excellent value for money, comfortable room" (1872966)

    Large size room, clean and friendly staff

    There were a lot of functions on this particluar weekend and maybe some more staff were required, particulary at breakfast time

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Solo business traveller) 

    on  May 20, 2005

    "For a lone lady traveller I find this hotel ideal. The staff are very friendly and accommodating. I feel very safe there." (2268079)

  • 9/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  May 18, 2005

    "Lovely setting, Pleasant staff, nice fluffy towels, generous tea tray contents, would have preferred a duvet to the heavy blanket & bedspread" (2008241)

    initially given poky room but on request were offered a larger, nicer room with splendid view.

    Bed too soft, shower didn't function adequately

  • 7/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  March 10, 2005

    "Hotel staff did let us know there was a 'motor bikers rally' camping and using hotel facilities in advance - this was appreciated." (1882187)

    the convenience of its location for our purpose

    the residents lounge being unavailable and no chocolate in the bar!!!

  • 8/10 Anonymous ( Mature couple) 

    on  March 1, 2005

    "Swallow on-line booking and received your offer of dinner, bed and breakfast." (1895309)

    Very clean, spacious room with three seater settee and helpful friendly staff.

    No window in bathroom making the bathroom very dark, and the public rooms in the hotel needed a makeover.

  • 7/10 Edward ( Mature couple) 

    from Dalgety bay , United Kingdom;GB  on  February 23, 2005

    "NICE HOTEL," (1909617)

    ROOMY, GOOD SIZE BATHROOM, TROUSER-PRESS

    TEMPERATURE OF HOT WATER VARYED FROM HOT TO COLD THEN HOT AGAIN.

The views expressed on this page are the personal opinions of guests and therefore do not necessarily represent the views of Active Hotels, Active Reservations or our distribution partners (About our hotel reviews).

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