Brucefield Boutique B & B — Hotel in Great Britain

The couple who run this B&B are very polite and efficient. Though surrounded by housing, the B&B has a sizeable garden plus allocated parking spaces round the back. The standard generally is good though the room price, particularly for solo guests, is more like hotel prices than for B&B. For the price, I expected more than the normal provision of comfort. While the small double room was clean and the bed was comfortable, the extra special things like locally produced Scottish toiletries (there are some lovely Scottish companies which supply businesses as well as individuals), better quality tea/coffee/biscuits and a choice of pillows rather than all the same squishy down-filled type (which not everyone likes, especially people with allergies). These things may sound trivial but together they can make a stay that bit special. Whereas the toiletries and teas etc. supplied at Brucegate come from an bog-standard large UK hospitality suppliers and I was personally disappointed to see them. Additionally, the property's description says CD & DVD player, radio and TV provided in the rooms. Our tv was small and basic, the remote was worn and unreadable, the channel options were limited and it was a faff to get radio stations, via the tv guide button. There was a dvd player, presumably you were expected to play your CDs on that, but I couldn't get it to work. There was no separate radio, only a basic large digital bedside clock. I think all of that needs upgrading in order to help to make it "Boutique" standard, as I don't feel it is special enough at the moment. The breakfasts were fine, care was taken to deliver what individuals wanted and cooking procedures explained (!). We would have appreciated some fresh fruit salad, rather than a fruit bowl at the side of the buffet table which had some old bananas and a few pieces uninspiring fruit in it. However, the provision of a fresher fruit plate on the landing was appreciated and the cooked breakfast was carefully and cleanly presented and freshly made. The buffet cereals, juices and other offerings like sliced bread toast were unremarkable, just the usual you get anywhere. In all, I think it's a good B&B with rooms and touches that could be more special than they presently are, the owners clearly want to please and they are nice people...

5 stars without question.

Urs and Anita are the friendliest and most welcoming hosts you could wish for. Brucefield is stunning - the garden creates the feeling of a little oasis and the house itself is superb. The rooms are spotlessly clean and tastefully decorated, and breakfast was first class - including Arbroath smokies, of course.

Perhaps the most memorable part of our short stay was the level of hospitality we received - something that's sadly lacking in so many other Scottish hotels and B&Bs (and I say this as a proud Scot). Fresh fruit, chocolate, soft drinks, beer and wine were all available for guests to help themselves to throughout the house. As Urs said: don't ask, just help yourself to whatever you want. Each room also had a small fridge containing water, fresh milk and fresh orange juice - a thoughtful touch.

The only thing to top all this was the sheer exuberance and genuine friendliness of Anita and Urs. Their warm welcome meant so much and throughout our stay they offered a very attentive level of service; right down to ensuring we didn't get cold by giving us tartan blankets when we sat outside for a nightcap.

We will definitely stay at Brucefield again - there's no question about that. In fact, whenever we head up to Aberdeen from now on we will deliberately take the slower coastal route back South specifically to spend an overnight in Arbroath at the Brucefield.

One last thought (from a non-golfer)... if you're looking for somewhere really special to stay during a golfing holiday or visiting Scotland to see a big golf tournament, then the Brucefield is only 15 minutes' drive from Carnoustie and under an hour from St Andrews - so avoid those with ridiculous St Andrews prices and find yourself somewhere that offers genuine 5 star service.

Thank-you Anita and Urs for a really lovely stay. ...

This B&B deserves every single 5 star review that it has received, and then some. The B&B itself is beautiful, both inside and out; the rooms are well-appointed, comfortable and clean. The grounds are well-manicured, with beautiful rose bushes, flowers and well-maintained seating. There are several outdoor games available upon request, including croquet. Inside, every area is kept well-stocked and there are personal touches in each common area including a complimentary bar in the seating area. Our room had everything we could possibly want readily available, spanning from a great assortment of coffee all the way to a soaker tub with a provided robe and slippers. Everything was of a very nice quality, from the towels to the pillows.

Throughout the short time of walking in, taking a tour and going to our room it was evident that the owners (Mr. Yes and Mrs. Anita) take great pride in treating their guests well and really go the extra mile to ensure that all have a the best experience possible. In speaking to them it also became clear that they are genuine, good people. We appreciate the kindness and hospitality that they extended to us more than they know.

Do yourself a favor - book the room. Remind yourself what it means for people to truly care about the quality of your care and stay, meet some great folks and enjoy Arbroath at The...