The best hotels in Melrose

What are the best hotels in Melrose?

Melrose sits on the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders, with the Eildon Hills rising behind the town and Melrose Abbey at its heart. It’s a lovely base for exploring the surrounding countryside, whether you’re here for walking, fishing, rugby or simply good food and a pint with a view. The Townhouse, Melrose is our top pick, thanks to its central setting, smart rooms and choice of restaurants, while Fauhope Country House makes a quieter, more characterful retreat. There are also a couple of charming pubs-with-rooms for an easy-going stay in town.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Melrose or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in the Scottish Borders.

The Best Places to Stay in Melrose

For a Rural Escape

• The perfect pick for fisher-folk, The Ghillie is a striking Georgian house set on three acres of mature gardens, not too far from Selkirk and the salmon of the Tweed River. With just two beautifully styled rooms, it’s also a wonderful escape, or a place to work on your novel, or relax with friends, or just your significant other. Expect peace and quiet, Pimms on the lawn, hearty breakfasts of whiskey porridge, beautiful surrounds and warm hosts.

For Pubs-with-Rooms

• Burts Hotel is a quintessential British pub, with a friendly bar and great restaurant downstairs, and 20 well-designed rooms and suites upstairs. The decor downstairs has a traditional flavour, while upstairs there’s more light and a classic contemporary hotel style — think feature wallpapers and chic tartan rugs. Eat in the cosy bistro for a friendly, laid-back experience, or in Burts Restaurant, which has has been awarded 2AA Rosettes every year since 1995!

For Families

• The Townhouse, Melrose is perfectly positioned on Market Square, in the historic part of town, and offers 20 smart, individually styled rooms and suites — including some great family options. Despite only having 20 rooms, there are two restaurants here; a laid-back brasserie, perfect for families, and a fine-dining restaurant — both championing locally sourced, and seasonal produce. Great for outdoorsy folk, as well as families.

For Country House Charm

• Fauhope Country House is a gorgeous Arts and Crafts style property, just north of Melrose, with glorious views across the Eildon Hills. The conversion from private home to B&B has been sympathetically done, and the three guest rooms feel like you’re a house guest as much as a paying one. Each of the rooms has been uniquely put together, and feature open fireplaces, antiques and cheerful details. Guests also have a drawing room with open fire, and can enjoy the sprawling gardens. There’s no restaurant, but the breakfast is excellent!

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Edinburgh International Airport is the closest airport to Melrose, about two and half hours away by rail, or around an hour by car or taxi. Glasgow Airport is another option around three and a quarter hours away by rail, or about two hours by car or taxi; or you could try Newcastle International Airport which is only an hour and half away by car or taxi, or about three hours by bus. If you’re travelling from London you’re looking at around six hours by public transport, or car.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Summer is the busiest time to visit Melrose, but the scenery is lovely in autumn too, and there is still plenty of daylight in September and early October to enjoy it. If you’re hoping for sunshine try June and July, but even if you come during the warmest part of the year, August, when temperatures are in the low 20°Cs, there’s still a chance of rain. In fact the best thing to do when planning your visit to Scotland is to make sure you pack plenty of waterproof layers.

Still not sure?

• Consider accommodation in nearby Dumfries and Galloway or Berwick-upon-Tweed,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.