Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux

Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux, a Michelin Key Selected property in Gullane, United Kingdom, consistently receives high praise for its quintessential country house charm, exceptional service, and superb culinary offerings. This historic Edwin Lutyens-designed house, overlooking the famed Muirfield golf links, offers a luxurious and tranquil escape.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux garners an overwhelmingly positive sentiment from guests, with many describing it as a "home away from home" and a "perfect" property. It holds an average rating of 8.8 based on 314 reviews, with specific high scores for location (9.7), staff (9.5), and comfort (9.3). Reviewers frequently laud the hotel for its quiet sophistication and relaxing atmosphere.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features:

• Location: Its unique position on the edge of Muirfield's championship golf course, specifically overlooking the 9th and 18th holes, is a major draw for golf enthusiasts and those seeking scenic views.
• Service: The staff's super friendly, helpful, professional, and attentive nature is repeatedly commended.
• Design & Gardens: The stunning Arts and Crafts-style house, built in 1901 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, is complemented by six acres of beautifully maintained formal gardens, originally designed by Gertrude Jekyll.
• Dining: The Chez Roux restaurant is consistently praised for its exceptional food.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate the well-equipped lounges, a cozy bar, a dedicated whisky room, tennis courts, croquet, and even a putting green. Free Wi-Fi and parking are also available.

3. Room Quality

Greywalls offers 23 well-equipped and comfortable en-suite guest rooms, with 17 in the main house and five in gate lodges, plus one in a garden corner. The rooms are described as clean, comfortable, and relaxing, blending modern functionality with a classic aesthetic true to its country house roots. Amenities typically include free WiFi, a flat-screen TV, free toiletries, and some rooms feature a bath or shower, bathrobe, slippers, and a safe. Views often overlook either the beautiful gardens or the Muirfield golf course.

4. Dining Experience

The Chez Roux restaurant, inspired by the legendary French chef Albert Roux, is a significant draw. It offers a blend of classical French cuisine using local Scottish produce, promising an exquisite and wonderfully served culinary experience. Dinner is often highlighted as a memorable affair, featuring distinctive, seasonal menus. The weekend roast winter lunch has also received positive reviews, with dishes like fresh tagliatelle with woodland mushrooms and black truffle, and succulent roast chicken with all the trimmings. While the food overall is exceptional, some guests have noted that breakfast is "fine, but there are better". Full breakfast is offered for a fee. The hotel also boasts a fine wine selection and a dedicated whisky room offering some of Scotland's best single malts.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Greywalls is consistently described as exceptional. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "super friendly," "helpful," "professional," and "attentive." Many feel that the staff go above and beyond, making them feel at ease and at home. The polite and welcoming nature of the team contributes significantly to the relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere of the hotel.

6. Location & Accessibility

Greywalls Hotel is ideally situated on the eastern edge of Gullane, East Lothian, offering a secluded setting while being easily accessible. It is famously located on the edge of Muirfield's championship golf course, with direct views of the 9th and 18th holes. The property is a mere 20-minute drive from Edinburgh. Nearby attractions include Gullane Beach (a 5-minute drive) and several other golf courses within a five-mile radius. The hotel provides free public parking and is generally considered to be in a great, quiet location. An airport shuttle is available for a surcharge.

7. Value & Pricing

Greywalls Hotel is considered a luxury property. Prices for a one-night stay for two adults can start from around $291.04, though prices are subject to change based on dates and availability. While a "Value for money" score of 8.5 is generally positive, it's an indulgence. March is typically the cheapest month to stay, with prices potentially dropping by an average of 49%, while September is the most expensive, seeing an average 42% rise. Guests generally feel that the experience, encompassing the stunning location, exceptional service, and outstanding food, is worth the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While overall reviews are highly positive, a few minor points have been noted:

• Breakfast: Some guests have mentioned that while breakfast is good, there might be "better" options elsewhere.
• Accessibility: Due to the physical constraints of the historic Arts and Crafts house, Greywalls does not consider itself to have good access for disabled guests, with only one room offering a walk-in shower.
• Pet Policy: While pets are allowed in Cottage Rooms, they are not permitted in the main house rooms or public spaces.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. hilton.com
3. undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
4. slh.com
5. scotsman.com
6. michelin.com
7. luxuryrestaurantguide.com
8. travelocity.com
9. hotels.com
10. kayak.com