What the Papers Say in 2008 - 2007 - 2006 - 2005
Arthur McMillan, Scotland on Sunday, December 2005
"Gatehouse has the charm of the Highlands without the baggage - no meaningless Loch Ness tours and overpriced souvenirs here. Just stunning scenery and hospitality to satisfy the most discerning visitor.
"Cally Palace's 56 thoroughly modern bedrooms combine tranquility with style and panache and it boasts a quality 18 hole golf course exclusively for residents. At nearly 6,000 yards, those of moderate ability will find it quite a challenge.
"These are truly special surroundings ... The location is majestic.
"Most rooms have superb views over the grounds, lake and golf course ... In the dining room knowledgeable, attentive staff are on hand for individual service. Meat and main courses ripple with the flavour of first class Galloway produce. And you won't have to wait long for the selection of cheeses that round off a memorable meal."
Lisa Roland, Manchester Evening News, November 2005
"It was like stepping back in time to the days when my aspirational granny used to take me to country house hotels - but only for afternoon tea ... When we walked in I half expected to see my long-gone granny sipping sherry in the lounge with a retired colonel and was beginning to wonder whether it really was the right place for a lively five-year-old to be letting off steam.
"As we were led through the corridors of the glorious 18th century mansion, the porter chatted enthusiastically to my daughter, telling her all about the swimming pool, nature trail through the woods, playground, tennis courts, croquet lawn - and then she saw the bunk bed in our room!
"The younger end was welcomed with open arms. The children’s menu was spot-on and it was nice to be offered fruit with a freshly-made kid’s meal. The smaller guests were made to feel like VIPs by being treated as grown-ups - and therefore behaved accordingly. A clever tactic.
"Set in the glorious surrounding parkland, with hidden burns and magnificent ancient oaks to contend with, you can see why the Cally is a firm favourite with its golfing clientele. We watched as my husband waited patiently for a deer to slowly amble across one of the greens.
"The Cally has managed to get the right balance of offering the elegance of a bygone era without making you feel you should have come in by the tradesmen’s entrance."
Dan Murphy, Lady Golfer, November 2005
“When you go to stay at Cally Palace, be sure to ask for Room 61. As soon as you open the door you’ll know why.
“In front of you will be the round window positioned directly above the front door of this stunning country retreat. You’ll be able to see through it, in the distance, the outline of the mountains and Galloway National Park. Nearer is the extensive woodland in which the hotel’s extensive grounds are situated.
“But best of all, and directly in front of you, stretches away the first hole of a very special golf course that is exclusively for the use of you and your fellow guests.”
“For us golfers, the idea of a course we can wander out on whenever we please ... is extremely appealing... within minutes you’ll be alone in the soft Scottish countryside... Cally Palace is a gorgeous, timeless retreat whose reputation is based on the classic dining experience it provides.”
John Thompson, Liverpool Echo, August 2005
"This hotel, which has been owned by the McMillan family since 1981, exudes warm Scottish tradition at every twist"
"Its elegant and expansive dining room offers fine food and first class, particularly attentive service, while its sunny conservatory - just a nine iron away from the 18th green - is a great place to relax after golf or before and after dinner"
"As for the holes, well the signature 13th is genuinely eye-catching. The hotel is the backdrop to this 519 yard par five (that's why they call it the Palace View) and with the expansive Cally lake on your right side, burns surrounding the green and more of those strategically-placed trees, I can honestly say it's one of the most memorable holes I've ever met."
"It has a scenic ambience to rival the 18th on the West Course at La Manga"
Mike Wellock, Northern Echo (Darlington), August 2005
"Once inside Cally Palace it quickly becomes apparent that the marble pillars in the reception area preside over a friendly atmosphere ... there’s nothing stuffy about the place as every effort is made to help guests relax.
“The golf course, reserved for the exclusive use of guests staying at McMillan Hotels, is a rare mixture of championship-standard holes and very friendly par fours ... At current green fee rates it’s a course you would happily pay £35 to play so a Summer rate of just over £100 a night for dinner, bed and breakfast with unlimited golf has to be good value at a hotel where everything is of the highest standard.”
Kevin Brown, Today's Golfer, August 2005
"Cally Palace is perfect for getting off the beaten track. The beauty of this venue is its natural beauty and the fact you can tumble out of your bed and be on the first tee in seconds.
"It really is a great escape-from-it all place. The course never gets too busy - only residents of McMillan Hotels can play it - and after your round you can take a dip in the pool.
"Being in a mature parkland setting, it's picturesque, and the course bursts into life on the back nine."
The Herald, "Good Night Guide" April 2005
“This former country mansion, set in more than 150 acres of lush scenery including an 18-hole golf course, has been beautifully restored by the hotel’s owners, the McMillan family.
“The overall atmosphere, from 18th century architecture and ornate furniture and fittings, to the polite assurance of staff who carry bags, open doors and enquire after a small boy’s rallying health, is one of luxury. It is very easy to become swathed in the comfort and seclusion of the Cally Palace. You begin to feel you are not so much a hotel client but a private guest at some grand and lavish house party from a bygone era.
“Manager Douglas McDavid welcomes everyone personally and spends the evening moving between tables, chatting warmly and putting everyone at ease.
“The only problem is prising yourself away from the Cally to the beautiful countryside surrounding it.”