Cross Keys Hotel

Business Details

Historic Hotel in Kelso Town Square

The Cross Keys Hotel stands as a distinguished family-run establishment in the heart of Kelso's historic French-style cobbled square. Established in its current form in 1769, the hotel occupies a site with a legacy dating back to Scotland's earliest coaching inns, offering guests a unique blend of historical charm and modern comfort. Our dedicated team prides itself on delivering attentive service, ensuring every visitor experiences the warmth and hospitality that defines our establishment. Strategically located in the peaceful Scottish Borders region, we provide easy access to Edinburgh and Newcastle, catering to both leisure and business travellers. The hotel's 27 individually designed bedrooms, including family suites and accessible options, combine traditional character with contemporary amenities such as complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and luxury toiletries.

Our culinary offerings through Saddlers Restaurant & Bar showcase locally sourced produce, while our event spaces accommodate weddings, conferences, and social gatherings of up to 280 guests. The property's architectural significance as a Category B listed building has been preserved through meticulous restoration work, maintaining its 18th-century grandeur while incorporating modern conveniences. Guests benefit from additional amenities including a 24-hour front desk, complimentary parking, and access to nearby fitness facilities. Our rich history as a social hub since the 18th century continues today through regular live music events and community engagement. Whether seeking a heritage experience or a comfortable base for exploring the Scottish Borders, our hotel combines centuries of expertise with contemporary service standards to create memorable stays.

Services

Accommodation Restaurant Wedding Venue Conference Facilities Live Music Events

Highlights and features

Family-run service with personal attention since 1769
Historic Category B listed building with modern amenities
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi in all bedrooms
Locally sourced cuisine from Borders producers
24-hour front desk and free parking facilities

Website

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Services

Accommodation

The Cross Keys Hotel offers 27 individually designed bedrooms across six categories, including junior suites, family suites, and accessible rooms. Each room features en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. The historic building maintains original architectural features while providing modern comforts such as tea/coffee making facilities and luxury toiletries. Family suites connect via internal doors for privacy, while standard rooms offer comfortable accommodation for single or double occupancy.

Wedding Venue

Our dedicated event spaces including the Ballroom and Dickson Room host weddings for 20 to 280 guests. The Ballroom features a private bar, dance floor, and staging facilities. We offer bespoke wedding packages with custom catering, room blocks for guests, and event coordination. The hotel's historic setting provides photographic opportunities in Kelso's cobbled square and surrounding Scottish Borders countryside.

Conference Facilities

Three function rooms accommodate business events from small meetings to conferences for 50+ delegates. The Dickson Room includes projector equipment and wheelchair access, while the Ballroom offers theatre-style seating for 280. We provide customised catering packages, breakout spaces, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel's quiet location ensures minimal distractions for productive business gatherings.

Restaurant

Saddlers Restaurant & Bar serves seasonal menus featuring locally sourced Borders produce. The menu includes lunch, dinner, and Sunday carvery options with Scottish classics and modern interpretations. A dedicated children's menu caters to younger guests. The bar offers traditional Scottish ales and whiskies in a relaxed atmosphere with regular live music performances.

Live Music Events

Weekly traditional Scottish music sessions occur every Thursday and Friday evening in our Oak Room and Saddlers Bar. These events feature local musicians playing jigs, reels, and folk tunes on instruments like fiddles and bagpipes. The intimate oak-panelled spaces provide excellent acoustics without requiring electronic amplification, preserving authentic performance conditions for both musicians and audiences.

Questions

Does the hotel offer family-friendly accommodation?

Yes, we provide interconnecting family suites sleeping up to 5 guests, children's dining options, and accessible facilities.

Can I host large events at the hotel?

Our Ballroom accommodates up to 280 guests with staging, PA system, and custom catering packages available.

Is the hotel accessible for disabled guests?

We offer ground floor access rooms, lift access to all floors, and accessible bathrooms in select room categories.

What dining options are available?

Saddlers Restaurant serves locally sourced Scottish cuisine with lunch, dinner, and Sunday carvery options available daily.

Does the hotel have parking facilities?

Yes, we provide complimentary on-site parking for guests with spaces available on a first-come basis.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Jp Phillips

Dec 05, 2021 Report

Staff very friendly.5
Lobby welcoming.5
Room was nice.
Dusty on back of sink and toilet,and wardrobe. Very welcoming and served purpose. Remote was absolutely nasty,if anything carried a virus it was the remote control.

Mary Mcnab

Nov 19, 2021 Report

Had an enjoyable comfortable stay ..we were able to check in early and staff where lovely ... breakfast was amazing and will definitely rebook for future stays in kelso ... thank-you..

Kenneth Humphries

Oct 31, 2021 Report

Excellent hotel, small but excellent menu in dining room, no private parking but open car park close by.

Duggie D.

Sep 03, 2021 Report

Some of the best Mac Cheese and bacon I've ever had (I'm a simple guy and enjoy simple pleasures). Staff were really friendly and the prices are really reasonable.

Darin Birmingham

Aug 05, 2021 Report

Super hotel with terrific staff. The hotel is a big part of Kelso and never let's itself down with its hospitality. Well worth a visit in a wonderful position on the town square.