Have been staying and dining at this hotel for a long time now, and have watched it getting more tired each year. However it has recently come under the ownership of Mr Jim Stewart, who has an excellent track record in improving run down hotels in Galloway, and I believe he will make a good job of this one too. The signs were all there, pleasant and trained staff, efficient person in charge (Mr Stewart's daughter actually) and the food has improved dramatically. It was an imaginative dinner menu, and the quality was very acceptable. There was also a good breakfast choice. and it was presented nicely. The bedroom my wife and I occupied was very tired, but clean, and bedroom renovations are definetely on the 'to do list' I,m convinced that the future is bright for The Murray Arms.

The Murray Arms is a beautiful historic hotel with Burns connections but is currently experiencing a central heating breakdown. Just check it has been mended before you book. The waiting staff are friendly and cheerful (and cold themselves.) New management not in evidence. New chef doing well. Breakfasts very good. We had the duck and salmon at dinner - both good. We love Galloway, Gatehouse and the shabby charm of The Murray Arms - it`s just cold at the moment.

Staff were very smiley and helpful. However there was a degree of understaffing. For example girl on bar was also seating dinner guests, serving drinks, taking dinner orders resulting in slow service. Hotel needs refurbished. Very tired looking in parts but I understand it has just been taken over so hopefully it will be given a makeover. Overall enjoyed food and friendliness of staff made it a nice stay.

Did not stay here but took my client for lunch on 1/9/11. The menu was varied and I opted for the roast honey ham salad at a price of £10.95. I dont know what I was expecting, but at that price I thought it would have been home baked ham. Guess what? The plate arrived and it consisted of 4 slices of supermarket bought plastic ham, one half of tomato, some small pieces of celery and mixed pepper, one piece of cucumber, a dollop of very runny homemade coleslaw and a pile of packet, very dry, mixed lettuce. What a rip off. My client had poached salmon with potatoes and broad beans. She said it was pleasant enough, but left half of it. We both had the banoffee sundae for dessert, dont know why we stayed for another course, but we did. It arrived, at a cost of £5.95 each, it consisted of 2 scoops of Cream of Galloway Banoffee Ice Cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce and 4 slices of banana. Enough said. Wont be back, ever. Total bill £35. My advice, drive past and go elsewhere.