Glede Knowe Guest House — Hotel in Great Britain

Everything as it should be done! With over two decades in the hospitality, it is rare that you come across an establishment that somehow manages to get everything right; and there's a LOT to get right.

First impressions are everything, and they can be won and lost oh so easily through a careless comment, lack of attention to detail, or just not living up to expectation. There’s no fear of that at Glede Knowe, it definitely deserves the 5-Star reputation it rightfully enjoys. The hosts, Guy and Lesley, embody everything a host should be; interested and attentive, without being pushy or nosey, they are the perfect blend of culinary skill, effective communicators, and offer genuine hospitality.

As for the guest house itself, what you see is what you get, there’s no hidden surprises, or shocks here. The beds ‘look’ comfortable in the pictures, and they are! We slept wonderfully in room 7 (all rooms are on the first floor, with no. 7 being over the garage away from the other rooms), and can vouch that the super king size bed is great for anyone with back issues, or who likes a bit more room. The single is also generously proportioned, so adults need not worry if you find yourself with marching orders from the other-half.

The shower and bathroom are great, and the water pressure/temperature range is amazing! Just what you want after a long day exploring the Borders, or before you begin a travel day. When it comes to starting your day, you definitely do not want to miss the breakfast - but do make sure to take your time and enjoy it all; the setting, the view, and of course the delicious cooking! Guy and Lesley will do their best to take any on dietary concerns (we have one gluten-free), but for those of use who can enjoy devouring everything in sight, it’s well worth expanding one’s trousers for! With a buffet of cereals, yoghurts, toast, and fresh fruit prepared for you, all before the main event; your porridge, made with pinhead oats, and the full Scottish breakfast! You can choose lighter options, like Scottish smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, and breakfast orders are taken the night before, but I would strongly recommend the cooked breakfast, it’s divine.

Locating the guest house is easy enough, just don’t trust your SAT Nav; go to Hall St in Innerleithen and head up the hill, instead of following the GPS’s directions which is likely to lead you the wrong way. Once there, you’ll discover how the guest house comes by its name; on a hill where the birds of prey soar. The views are spectacular, and should definitely be enjoyed from the patio in any weather! Innerleithen is ideal for exploring local attractions, like the various abbeys, ancient sites, biking/hiking/fishing, or just escaping to majestic scenery for a bit of peace and quiet.

Our only complaint; there’s no way to slow down time and make it last longer. Never-mind, it just means we’ll have to...

Simply sensational. The owners are so polite and accommodating, perfect if you’re up in Innerleithen for a mountain biking trip. Guy has ample storage for bikes and facilities for washing them.

The rooms are spacious, well equipped and spotless, which leaves you able to soak up the stunning views!

Very reasonably priced, brilliant vegetarian English breakfasts (plenty of toast, jam and orange juice too) and a 2 minute walk up the hill off the Main Street in the town.

Will definitely be...

Three blokes mountain biking at Glentress in very wet weather ! The property owner provided everything we need to clean our bikes and store them. They also went the extra mile and washed our clothes ! Mostly to prevent us trying to dry the wet gear in our room and it’s not a service they do all the time but they were fantastic to us. The breakfast is brilliant, fruit, yoghurt, toast, cereal and traditional breakfast set is up for a day on the mountains. We couldn’t of...