Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso, Kelso ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

72 photos

Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso Restaurant photo

Book on our site

up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

The Cross Keys Hotel, 36-37 The Square, Kelso, United Kingdom

Steps from Kelso Abbey

Very good

7.9

/10

4.5

4.1

Loved by Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso guests

Friendly staff
Delicious meals
Spacious rooms
Excellent service
Great breakfast

"Dinners had were always superb, with the steaks being some of the best we've eaten."

UK C from United Kingdom

read full review

"Breakfast has anything and everything you could ask for, fresh fruit, cereals, pastries, decent porridge and a wide range of hot cooked to order."

Philip F from United Kingdom

read full review

"Location excellent."

Geraldine from United Kingdom

read full review

Location

Cross Keys Hotel is situated in Kelso's picturesque French-style cobbled square. This historic hotel serves as a central base for exploring the attractions of the Scottish Borders. Its proximity allows easy access to both Edinburgh and Newcastle, catering to both business and pleasure travelers.

Rooms

The hotel offers 27 distinct bedrooms, each with unique layouts contributing to individual character. Junior Suites include spacious accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, many featuring views of the cobbled square. Family options, such as the two-bedroom family suite with interconnecting rooms, cater to larger groups.

Dining

Saddlers Restaurant & Bar presents a warm environment for dining with menus using locally sourced ingredients. Children's choices ensure a selection to please younger guests in the family-friendly setting. The Oak Room provides a space for weekly music sessions, showcasing local talent on Friday nights.

Events and Functions

The hotel contains three dedicated function rooms catering to various events and meetings. The recently refurbished Ballroom can accommodate up to 280 guests, making it suitable for larger celebrations. Smaller gatherings can be hosted in the Dickson Room or the Oak Room, providing flexibility for different needs.

Pet-Friendly and Family Amenities

Cross Keys Hotel welcomes pets, making it an accommodating choice for travelers with dogs. Family-friendly accommodations include options for two adults and up to two children in Junior Suites. Daily housekeeping and complimentary use of Abbey Fitness Centre enhance the overall experience for families.

Highlights

Location: Kelso's picturesque French-style cobbled square

Rooms: 27 distinct bedrooms with unique layouts

Dining: Saddlers Restaurant & Bar with local ingredients

Events: The Ballroom accommodating up to 280 guests

“What stands out about this family-run hotel in Kelso is its dedication to showcasing Scotland's culture through live music and local cuisine. The historic building, dating back to 1769, provides a unique backdrop for events and meetings, while offering a personal touch often missing from larger establishments. Its position on the town square offers convenience for exploring Floors Castle and the surrounding area.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

View hotel on map

Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingHassle-Free Arrival

The large car park made parking easy. I could see my car from my room, which was reassuring.

Michael from Australia

Review on

Room FeaturesComfortable Retreat

My room was spacious, with a large, comfy bed. The view of the surrounding area was really nice.

Emma from Canada

Review on

BathroomSpotless and Modern

The bathroom was spotless and had a great shower. Plenty of towels were provided.

David from United Kingdom

Review on

BedroomRestful Nights

The bed was very comfortable and the linen felt luxurious, ensuring a good night's sleep.

Olivia from New Zealand

Review on

View all

Select your room type

Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Twin Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Heating

room details

Classic Double Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Single Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Heating

room details

Click button to see more rooms

Show all rooms

Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.9/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Golf course
Billiard tables
Darts
Table tennis
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Car hire
Laundry
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Children's menu
Game room

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Entertainment
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Nestled in the heart of Kelso, the Cross Keys Hotel brings a delightful dining experience to guests with its charming, family-friendly atmosphere. A celebration of British cuisine unfolds here, where traditional flavors meet inclusive meal options, ensuring everyone finds something to cherish.

Restaurant #1

British cuisine with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options

Ambiance

Family-friendly and traditional setting, perfect for gatherings

Key Offerings

Relax with comforting dishes served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; ideal for leisurely lunches or early suppers with family and friends

Reservation

Reservations are not needed

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; hours are from 12:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 21:00

Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso Location

The Cross Keys Hotel, 36-37 The Square, Kelso, United Kingdom

Map view

The Cross Keys Hotel, 36-37 The Square, Kelso, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Garden

Floors Castle

1.4 mi

Castle

Roxburgh Castle

2500 ft

Landmark

The Vennel Gallery

2200 ft

Farm

Rutherford Farm

5200 ft

Landmark

Springwood Park

4300 ft

Landmark

Springwood Park Show Ground

1.0 mi

Nearby

Kelso TD5 7JD

Kelso Abbey

1600 ft

Bridge Street

Kelso War Memorial

1100 ft

Gallery

The Tony Huggins-Haig Gallery

1100 ft

Church

St Andrews Scottish Episcopal Church

1700 ft

Restaurants

Caroline's coffe shop

1000 ft

45 Horsemarket

Explore Kelso

Discover Kelso

Roxburgh Castle

9 minutes' walk

Ruins of a historic castle offering scenic views and a glimpse into medieval heritage.

Kelso Abbey

6 minutes' walk

Impressive remains of a 12th-century abbey, a notable site for history enthusiasts.

The Vennel Gallery

8 minutes' walk

Art gallery featuring local artists with regular exhibitions and community events.

Floors Castle

25-minute walk

Stunning stately home with extensive gardens and fascinating historical tours.

Cycling in Springwood Park

16 minutes' walk

Biking trails set in a picturesque park, suitable for all levels. Bike rentals available.

Nature Walks

25-minute walk

Scenic walking paths around Floors Castle, ideal for nature lovers and families.

Wellness Retreat

5-minute drive

Relaxing spa services nearby offering massages and wellness treatments.

Caroline's Coffee Shop

4 minutes' walk

Charming café known for its specialty coffees and homemade pastries. Perfect for breakfast.

The Creamig

8 minutes' walk

Cozy restaurant serving Scottish cuisine with local ingredients. Reservations recommended.

Hoot 'n' Howl

5-minute drive

Casual eatery offering international dishes with a vibrant atmosphere and outdoor seating.

The Border Club

10 minutes' walk

Local club hosting live jazz and music nights, perfect for a relaxed evening.

Kelso Theatre

8 minutes' walk

Community theater featuring plays, films, and events suitable for all ages.

The Cross Keys Bar

1 minute' walk

Lively bar with a friendly atmosphere, serving local ales and hosting weekly quiz nights.

Getting around

City Centre

Kelso2 min · 400 ft

Airports

Edinburgh (EDI)124 min · 51.2 mi

Carlisle Lake District (CAX)153 min · 63.1 mi

Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?

Get exlusive rates right now!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

At the hotel Cross Keys, Kelso guests are invited to a full breakfast served for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Cross Keys Hotel enjoys a brilliant central location right in the town square. Guests frequently comment on the spacious rooms, some offering pleasant views of the square. The breakfast is often highlighted for its good choice, with cooked-to-order options available; however, some guests have found aspects of the hotel a bit tired or needing updating. Dinner offers a wide selection, making it a convenient choice for many.

Show moreShow less

Review score

Based on 425 verified reviews

7.7/10

Very good

76%

Recommend

Location

9.4/10

Staff

9.2/10

Value for money

7.8/10

Facilities

7.9/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Comfortable bar area

Good meals

Polite staff

Excellent facility

Cons

Dirty room

based on 410 reviews

4/5

Maurice from France

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 01, 2026

8.5/10

pleasant visit

working liftnice receptionistbig bedawful bathroom

the lift worked well. the receptionist was nice. the bed was big and warm. i got to park outside in the town square. the dinner had a big choice.

the bathroom was awful and should not have been let. the floor in the bedroom and bathroom was on a slope, i feel dizzy walking in it.

Location

9/10

the hotel is in the center of town, providing convenient access to local attractions and amenities. it allows guests to easily explore the area, while the central setting improves the overall travel experience. it makes everything accessible.

Service

8/10

staff is very cute and friendly, they ensured a smooth check-in. they are ready to help with directions. the staff's dedication contributed positively. it provides quick responses.

0 Helpful

Show less

Hannah from United Kingdom

Single

classic double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 01, 2026

9/10

excellent stay with great food

friendly staffgreat dinnertasty portion

the staff were friendly (especially at breakfast). i had a great dinner in the restaurant. the portion was huge and tasty.

0 Helpful

hannah from united kingdom

Single

double room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 21, 2026

7/10

breakfast varietyhelpful stafffresh towelsoutdated decorstreet soundssmall bathroom

The breakfast included a variety of choices and tasted great. the staff were helpful. They assisted with directions. the room was clean. It had fresh towels daily.

The room felt outdated. The decor needed some updating. the noise from outside was noticeable. I heard street sounds late into the night. the bathroom was small. The space was a bit cramped.

0 Helpful

Grayson from United States

Single

Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 21, 2025

6/10

adequate location, disappointing room

central locationdated decorhard bed

the hotel's central location proved acceptable.

The room itself was rather disappointing. i found the decor quite dated. additionally, the comfort level was not up to par. The bed felt noticeably hard.

0 Helpful

Yvonne from Germany

Couple

Twin Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 07, 2025

7/10

A few issues but generally acceptable

polite staffhelpful staffreally good breakfastreally good locationdated roomsingle bedspoor shower

The staff were very polite and helpful. Breakfast was really good, a good start to the day. The location is really good too, very convenient. I appreciate that.

The rooms felt a bit dated. I saw two single beds pushed together in my room. The shower was very poor with low water pressure. I would have preferred a better shower experience.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso

Is a lift available to access all floors of the hotel?

12 November 2024

Yes, a lift is available at the Cross Keys Hotel, providing access to all floors.

What time can guests check in and when is breakfast served?

5 January 2025

Guests can check in anytime after 3 PM. Breakfast starts at 7:30 AM.

Are walk-in showers available in any of the rooms?

10 February 2025

Some rooms feature walk-in showers. It's best to contact the hotel directly for specific room arrangements.

Do any of the accommodations provide easy entry for guests with mobility challenges?

24 March 2025

One accessible room is available for guests with disabilities, including a walk-in shower and grab bars. Contact the hotel for details.

What are the parking options available for guests?

30 April 2025

There is parking available with some restrictions at the front of the hotel and a rear car park with no restrictions. All parking in town is free.

Are pets allowed to stay at the hotel?

17 May 2025

Certain rooms are pet-friendly. There is a small charge of £10.00 per dog. It's advisable to book directly to ensure the right accommodation.

Is there secure storage available for bicycles?

22 June 2025

Yes, secure bicycle storage is provided on-site for guests.

What dining options are available at the hotel?

15 July 2025

The Saddlers Restaurant & Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere with dishes crafted from local produce, serving dinner from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays).

How can guests enjoy live music during their stay?

29 August 2024

Every Friday, an evening of live music happens in the Oak Room between 8 PM and 10:30 PM, welcoming music fans and musicians alike.

Can the hotel accommodate events or conferences?

8 September 2024

Yes, the hotel has multiple function rooms suitable for conferences and events, with a capacity to cater for larger gatherings up to 280 people.