The most scenic Motorway services I have ever seen! (Premier Inn Lockerbie (Annandale Water))

Member Name: jeffjen

Product:	Premier Inn Lockerbie (Annandale Water)
Date:	20/04/09 (240 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful scenery

Disadvantages: None

The Premier Inn at Annandale Water, Lockerbie is one I discovered by chance when driving home to the North East from Glasgow with my partner last summer.

It is situated at Annandale Water Services just off the A74(M), at junction 16.
We decided as it was a hot sunny day (which we didn't get too many of last summer!) and not wanting to waste it travelling in the car, to ask if there was any rooms available at the Premier Inn and stay overnight.

We had noticed a large grassed area with picnic tables to the side of the hotel and thought it would be nice to sit and relax and enjoy the sunshine. We walked round the side of the hotel just to see if it was quiet with plenty of room to sit out, and were amazed to discover a large lake with swans, ducks and geese at the back of the hotel, set against a backdrop of rolling hills. It was quite breathtaking and totally unexpected!

The rooms at the back of the Premier Inn overlooked the lake, and each had patio doors leading out onto a small private balcony so you could sit out and enjoy the view.

We asked at reception if there were any rooms and were told there was, so we asked if we could have one facing the lake. The receptionist was very helpful and allocated us an upstairs room overlooking the lake, as she said the view was even better from the first floor.
Checking in was quick and easy, we were given our key and made our way up to the room.

The room itself was spacious and very clean. There was a large king size double bed, which was very comfortable,plenty of pillows and towels, a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer and en suite bathroom, with bath and overhead shower.
A fan was also provided to keep the room cool.

French doors opened out onto a small wooden balcony, and the view across the lake was fantastic!

We freshened up then went downstairs and went for a walk, as we had noticed a pathway leading right round the lake. It was very peaceful and quiet and you could not here any noise from the road or the service station. In fact you forgot it was there!
There was a small waterfall leading down into the lake and at the top was a courtyard where you could sit out at the tables provided, and have a coffee or something to eat from the cafe, coffee shop or fast food outlet inside the main building. Many of the ducks were in the small pond at the top of the waterfall and children were enjoying throwing bread for them.

Inside the building was a restaurant, a Costa coffee shop, Burger King and shop.
We had a toasted panini and coffee ,and later that evening we had a meal in the restaurant which was quite nice. There was quite a lot of choice on the menu such as Steak & Ale Pie, Fish & Chips, Burgers etc. Meals were around £7 each,or 2 for £10.

It was a lovely warm, still summer evening and we sat out on the balcony with a glass of wine, watching the swans until quite late. It did not feel like we were staying at a Motorway services at all.

After a good night's sleep we checked out at 12pm the next day. Breakfast is available in the restaurant but we only wanted a coffee, so sat outside with the ducks before leaving.

Our overnight stay was so nice that we are planning to return if we get another nice warm day this summer. It was the most scenic hotel we have ever stayed at, so if ever you need an overnight stay when travelling to and from Scotland, I would definately recommend this Premier Inn.

Rooms are available at £56 per night Fri- Sun or £59 Mon-Thurs.
Visit PremierInn.com for more details.

Summary: A great place to stop-over when travelling.