Bruce Hotel in Dumfries & Galloway

Awful...avoid. You can tell the owner has lost interest. Carpets coming away on stairs, fraid carpets in bedroom, hole in bedroom wall, tiny tv, bedding dirty, everything dated and feels dirty. Only decent thing was breakfast...do not book unless desperate.

Very old hotel, we did not find the breakfast staff very friendly, the only thing in the area is The Crown, which was delicious, and the Black Horse for a drink was very pleasant. Furthermore, there is nothing, to do anything you have to go by car... luckily we were only there for 1 night....

Avoid ,terrible place ,old smelly ,no heating, actually left after an hour ,freezing rooms ,to tight to put heating on , windows shut but wind blowing the curtains through the cracks ,bedsheets smelly and stained,,sockets hanging off walls, better off sleeping in your car ,or local bus shelter, the host or (ghost) ,is terrible, doesn't even know where his own rooms are ,the rest of these reviews must have been his friends because the place needs demolished,,-10 out of 10,

Needs upgrading all round the hotel. Breakfast was good.

No chef no evening meal . Workman's digs at best . Would never call again.

Very helpful and friendly staff. Couldn't ask for for more from them. The place could really do with a bit of updating though. No restaurant at the moment but there are places nearby to food. Nice for a night or two visiting this beautiful location.

Very friendly place staff were grate

Restaurant closed for meals other than breakfast at moment. Used Castle Hotel nearby. WiFi not brilliant.

My wife and I have just spent 4 nights in The Bruce as part of a party of 8 for a family reunion. The place appears to be quite run down and our room on the top floor was a shocker. We had no wardrobe or even any hooks to hang clothing or towels. The toilet was old but operated well. The shower was extremely difficult to adjust for pressure and temperature so you either froze or were scalded. The double mattress was very uncomfortable with springs digging into you while trying to sleep. The television was very small but did work, the free WiFi was another story, it was non-existent in our room. Unfortunately, The Bruce is currently chefless and is not serving lunches or dinners. They do include breakfast in the tariff and I really enjoyed the full Scottish cooked breakfast. Coffee, juice and toast were plentiful and the wait staff were friendly and helpful. The bar was well stocked with enough choices of beer, wine and spirits to satisfy all of our party. We spent a lot of money in the bar over the four nights but sometimes we felt like we were imposing. Callum, the manager, was very entertaining as he often went into full Basil Fawlty mode. I kept looking for a film crew as it felt like we were in an episode of Fawlty Towers. It grated a bit at first but by the end of our stay we were enjoying the humour of it all. I believe the hotel is undergoing a refurbishment, one can only hope so.

Here for an overnight stop before catching the Cairnryan ferry. Clean and comfortable, friendly staff. Large double bed room, excellent views of the countryside, spotless well equipped ensuite and comfy bed. Very competitive price for an excellent bed and breakfast. Will stay again!

Room was outdated, thought I was walking into a room back into the 1980s.

Callum and his team made me and my walking group very welcome, hope to return again soon, excellent!

nice hotel very clean good breakfast very good service

I didn't book this place, it was provided for us by our customer so I have no idea how much the rooms were. I'll just give an honest review laying out the facts, not my opinions. Parking - You have to drive through an extremely narrow tunnel to get round the back to the car park. There are a few spots out front on the street but not many. Location - there are plenty of shops within walking distance and a decent pub/restaurant next door. The Bruce was not serving evening meals during our stay. Check-in was pleasant and friendly, the guy at the desk was very informative about where to eat. The hotel is being renovated so all the hallway walls were in the process of being painted. The carpets are threadbare but I expect they will be replaced too after the painting. The room - it's clear the hotel hasn't had an update in a while. The rooms are extremely dated. One of the single beds in my room was broken, the duvets are quite thin, it was quite cold, the bathroom furniture is very old and tarnished, there is a TV but is tiny. You do get a tray with biscuits and a kettle for making hot drinks and in fairness the room was clean and I slept OK. The breakfast - lovely and tasty full Scottish breakfast with quick and friendly service. I've just checked the price online and it says £65 a night. My final opinion - it's OK for one or 2 nights if you're working away, on a budget and just need a bed for the night with a good warm breakfast to start the day. Definitely not the worst place I've ever stayed.

Me and a party of 7 stayed her to attend a funeral. Lovely cozy rooms and friendly staff

Stayed in a twin room for 1 night. Room was ok but couldn't get any hot water out of the shower (bath was fine however). Breakfast was fine and staff helpful and friendly

Guy running the hotel is the soundest guy in the world, great scran n good for a bevvy aswell. Was there for 3 nights and had nothing bad to say.

The bed was terrible. I slept really bad.

The rooms are tired and the staff need to work on thier manners, Remember kitchens have thin walls and we can hear everything

I've given 4 stars because we got a good friendly welcome and I hate giving negative reviews. ......new carpets and a proper good clean wouldn't go a miss. Sticking to the tables isn't good. Southwest Scotland should be a proper destination for people to head to...they should make it a seafood capital with its rocky coast line, Indeed the only reason we go is the fishing. Unfortunately the pub and food scene is terrible. When all the pubs are closing I think hanging up German flags during the England/Germany game isn't a good move. Of course non of that is the Bruce hotels fault! Just wish the local tourist board would realise what they have and make something of the area. And the Bruce hotel could lead the way with its friendly welcome! ..

Dirty bathroom and bedroom. No hot water to have a shower the 1st morning and to wash our hands after being to the toilet.

One night stay suited our purpose but would look elsewhere if staying more than one night.

Staff were delightful. It must be hard to be proud to work there, but they carried it out with dignity. The hotel is so tired it’s falling apart. Our room was disappointing. Fixtures and fittings were defunct. I understand that times are hard but the things wrong with the room could be fixed with a little hard graft and a lick of paint. Will never return.

Nice breakfast when I stopped there for work over night. But single mattress could do with a change though.

Bedroom very large & clean. Breakfast fine, would have preferred toast after main course. Big feature of the property are the views but these are spoiled by the condensation in between the panes of glass on faulty d/g units. Could do with a facelift but certainly worth the money.

Good to stay there as you will find Red deer range and wild goat 🐐 places and enjoy the water fall. Also it's near to mull of craigmarlogh 36 miles, which one of the best in Scotland. The cliffs are beautiful and end point of Galloway and Dumfries.

Great hotel for the money. One of the best breakfasts ever

Nice place, pity they didn't have a chef, Only stayed bed breakfast,

My daughter son & I stayed overnight. Rooms were clean and beds were comfortable. Rooms were big. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Very good prices. Breakfast was good however not so good for non meat eaters. I recommend this hotel

Callum and his staff were wonderful. Nothing was too much! Large room, a bit old but comfy. Excellent breakfast and evening meal I can highly recommend this hotel. People in hhd town were very friendly.

I thought it was a loverley place to stay plus the staff was friendly and polite.

Large clean room and ensure. Breakfast great and catered for gluten free . Great service from all staff and value for money . What more could you want

Did not stay but had a meal in restaurant. It was a lovely meal well served and tasted good mussels were delicious.

stayed there from monday the 11th of november until friday the 15th room was terrible wallpaper hanging off the ceiling and bathroom wall water damage on all ceilings bath was badly stained and hot water was a hit and miss breakfast was good thats about all i can say would defo not stay agail

Needs a lot of updating from top to bottom

Can not fault the place. We had a very pleasant stay. We stayed in room 21 on the 26th August. Food was splendid. The barmaid was amazing the owner was great. I'd highly suggest the mussels for starters. Can not wait to get and stay there again.

Excellent food, huge portions, great service.

Staff very friendly and helpful

Originally had booked for a party of 10 in 2019 for a bike ride base in 2020. Covid killed that and 2021 was the rescheduled trip. Communication with the manager was excellent throughout. Rooms are clean and basic. Nothing modern but not an issue. Food and drink all good both quality and cost. Beer garden could do with a tidy up but other than that all good. Staff were excellent and clear the manager runs a tight ship.

Lovely little hotel. Water pressure in my room wasn't the best but it didn't really impact our stay. Very accommodating

Enjoyed a nice rest here. The guy at the reception desk, Calum, was quite a character. He keeps his staff on their toes, for sure. Enjoyed the breakfast, bath, tea and coffee facilities and of course the comfy bed. Can definitely recommend 👌

It’s a decent hotel in Newton Stewart. The decor is a little old but in 2021 it’s probably more nostalgic kitsch rather than really out of date. I had been walking on the local Galloway hills for 36 hours (should have been 24 hours but the guy with the map was missing a few brain cells that day). The dude on the front desk was kind enough to let me in after midnight even though I was a lot later than I planned. The old school bath was much needed was able to fill it with cold water to soothe my messed up legs. The full Scottish breakfast excellent and the service was great.

Very friendly staff and food was excellent

Not the fanciest of places but clean rooms, good service, decent breakfast and well priced

A bit rough and dated. But clean and friendly

Comfy hotel good breakfast friendly staff.

A really nice hotel to stay at, rest assured that Covid protocols are used here. I was here for an overnight stop, after an 8hr drive from Kent, I was pleasantly surprised how nice it is here considering I have read a few negative reviews, the guy in reception who checked us in was pleasant & courtious, he gave us information regarding the availability of food and what was open due to the covid pandemic, never less being new in town and not knowing where to go, he was a great help. The room was clean & well furnished, bathroom had shower & bathing facilities to suit, tea/coffee facilities are also available in the room. All in all I would recommend a stay here👌👍.

Family stopover. Clean and comfortable family room for 4 which was perfect for our needs. The best bit, though, was the welcome and the food - both were outstanding. We especially loved the Steak Pie with Guineas Sauce and the desserts - Chocolate Brownie went down particularly well with the kids. Thanks to Calum and co for looking after us. 10/10

Stayed for 1 night the staff was amazing we ordered steak pie the best pie ever nothing was to much trouble would highly recommend and stay again if in the area .

Been in a few eating places this week but this was the best food this week Gammon for both me and my wife with one or two alterations The meal came exactly as we ordered The Chips where the best cooked ones this week Crisp

We walked in expecting the place to be heaving but it was empty bar one couple. The staff were really lovely and helpful. The food was amazing. Why does no-one eat there. lovely view from the window. We loved it so much we went back a second time. This time the function room was in use but our order was not delayed in any way. Exceptionally good value for money. If our cottage had been closer we would have eaten there more often.

We ate at the restaurant three times during the week. Each evening meal was well presented with good Cumbrian-style portions, fresh produce and good value for money. We couldn't fault the food except for the personal bugbear of restaurants - across Britain - placing puff pastry on top of an earthenware bowl and calling it a pie. Though, that said, the pie was delicious and chockful of beef. We'd especially recommend the £15 three course deal for value.

We tried the Bruce last night and cannot fault the welcome or service but noted only two staff were present: the barman, his first night, and the owner who cooked as there was no chef. Overall, the visit was a bit disappointing. The service was good given there were only two people on duty, but I would rate the food as only fair and not upto some of the descriptions we have read on this site. I'll put it down to an off night, but should say at least one or two more staff and a chef might have helped.

My wife and I dined here on 25/6/19. Fish was excellent as was the rib-eye steak. Bonus for including the pepper sauce (which also was excellent) in the price. Great value.

We have stayed at the Bruce four times and will be back next month. The staff are so friendly, the food excellent and breakfast to die for. A very varied and reasonably priced menu.

Called in for a drink and that was OK so called in again for an evening meal. Advised to book a table!! When we arrived we were the only ones and it stayed that way. The food was distinctly average. A roast potato would have made a formidable weapon. Like a small cannonball.

Stopped in at random for an early evening Saturday Tea which we hadn't booked. The food was excellent and the service great too it was good value for the 3 course we had. All the food was homemade and the menu had a really good selection.

We did not stay here.. I’m sad to say.. As we were just visiting.. But we did have a Drink and a Meal..And I must say.. It was absolutely lovely.. food was very tasty.. well worth the money.. The staff were very nice.. very helpful..The place was lovely inside..we only went for a meal but ended up staying till closing time..then went back the next night.. Well worth a visit

We were staying in the hotel and decided to have dinner there. The food was very good as was the service, all at very reasonable prices. Worth a visit.

GOod choice of meals service good provided by bar manager and a waiter. Bar manager seemed to be doing everything from checkin of guests in hotel part to meals in restaurant. Food excellent and plenty of it.

Four ladies enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Bruce amazing value for money and brilliant food the service especially good. Would highly recommend

Although the staff in the Bruce were very nice, I must say that I found the bar rather dull. The dated decor and furnishings, along with the lack of other customers didn’t help, and the overall feeling was of a hotel bar rather than a local pub.

The hotel staff were very friendly and couldn't be more helpful on answering any questions i fired at them. This hotel has been running for a very long time and still going strong as i know having been born in this area almost 60 yrs ago and coming back from time to time seeing the Bruce still going strong - It's a little dated i admit unlike more modern hotels it's exceptionally clean to a fault - bedding pristine clean and slept like a log as one would hope. Full breakfast beautifully cooked an extra sausage wouldn't have gone amiss tho all in all i really can't complain. I'll certainly come back here mainly for their attention to detail on hygiene and maikine ones stay as comfortable as possible - Hats off to the Bruce Hotel - Would stay here again in the blink of an eye.

Four of us went for a meal on a Thursday evening and found the experience very enjoyable. Seating in the restaurant, which was behind but well away from the lounge area, was good - not too close to the next table. Service provided by the young staff was friendly, relaxed and efficient. The menu was fairly wide and customers would surely find something which they liked on it. Portion sizes were generous and the food itself was tasty. One small issue was the manner in which the steaks were cooked. Three different steaks were ordered - medium to rare, medium and well done. The was no discernible difference between them. If wanting the medium to rare, I would ask for rare the next time. However, this didn't spoil the meal.

Went for a birthday lunch late on a Sunday. Made welcome & the lunch was lovely. Could not all of it, should not have had a starter!

The Bruce Hotel is a well run Hotel in the centre of Newton Stewart. We went in there for a bottle of wine and we were made to feel both comfortable and warm, although neither eating or staying there. To be honest, Newton Stewart is not the best town in the world, but this certainly did not show in either the treatment or the service we received.

6 of us were attending a fundraising event in the hotel and opted to eat in their restaurant prior to the event. Big mistake 3 of us ordered Roast Lamb which was so tough it could hardly be cut with a knife and having managed to cut a piece it was then so tough it could hardly be chewed. We returned these and the chef sent apologies and asked if we wanted anything else I opted for a starter of prawn cocktail which arrived with 2 1/4 slices of not so soft around the edges brown bread and no lemon and sweet another in the party ordered a starter in main course size and the third one opted for a sweet only. These were all good. The waitresses were very helpful and extremely apologetic. When we received our bill there was still a charge on it for one roast lamb dinner. Not a good experience. I have to say that the remaining three in the party all had good meals of steak pie, mushroom stroganoff and battered haddock. V

They will not serve an evening meal after 8.30. In an area dependent on tourism, this is ludicrous, and not only old-fashioned but gives the impression they don't value their visitors at all.

I went with a large group to celebrate an award we had received for charitable works and they catered wonderfully well for 20 of us without any problems and the food was excellent

I had my surprise baby shower here. I can honestly say the food (all three courses) were beautiful and the staff are fantastic. Will definitely be returning in the new year with my partner for Sunday lunch.

Tried to get a snack for lunch but they only have the evening menu or a 3 course menu, staff were friendly, nice tarten carpets

We had two breakfasts here. Food was good but really need to offer fresh coffee. We couldn't fault our dinners but can't comment on on anything other than the main course. We had between us the fish and chips, fish pie and cajun beef salad. All were very good indeed. Small portions available too.

visit was spoiled by a loud abrupt abrasive manager who could give Basil Faulty a run for his money .....food was of a low standard, drinks were of a good standard but still not enough to nullify the awful manager .... place is way understaffed - had to go for our own drinks ...... my advice is to avoid ....

We had good meals here, fish pie and macaroni cheese. The fish tasted very fresh and the pie contained several large pieces of fish and was nicely topped with cheddar cheese. The mac cheese was delicious and served with chips, would definitely have again. The service was very friendly and you are made to feel welcome.

We looked at a number of places to eat out in Newtownstewart, the menu for the Bruce looked good and they had a salmon dish included which literally sold it to my wife. We booked and arrived on time and were courteously received and shown to our table. The staff were very helpful and we had beautiful meals, well prepared and delicious..This is the type of establishment we would return to.

The Bruce Hotel served very good food. The service was cheerful and friendly. Shame the place was so quiet as it deserves to be busier.

A good selection of cold breakfast items and made to order cooked "Full Scottish" is available. Dinner menu is standard fare, but well cooked and nicely presented.

We met some friends who were staying in the Bruce Hotel one evening for an evening meal and a few drinks, the food was good and plentiful and there was a good selection of beers. Staff were friendly so would call again if the chance arose ...

Short notice night out at The Bruce Hotel. Pleasant staff and we met the proprietor for a very sociable evening. Our breakfast was extremely good with a large portion of haggis, nom. Be back next year when the suns out.

After trailing up and down the main street in Newton Stewart and going into a few restaraunts/pubs our spirits were low and we were very hungry and grouchy. We were greeted excellently at the Bruce Hotel and the food was very good, great view out the large window in restaraunt. Will be back.

I've only ever been to the Bruce for social gatherings, a couple drinks with friends and meals and I must say its by far one of my favourite places to go. The food is always great, the staff friendly, and the service great. And while I can't speak for their service as a hotel I highly recommend here for the atmosphere, food and service

Im Restaurant des Bruce Hotels gibt es deftige Hausmannskost aus Dumfries and Galloway mit dem Schwerpunkt Fleisch und Fisch. Das dunkle Bier - gut gekühlt - schmeckt vorzüglich, der Service ist freundlich, aber nicht immer zur Stelle (was im Urlaub ja nicht schlimm ist).