Balmoral Arms, Ballater
About the Hotel
Balmoral Arms is a five-star inn located in the picturesque Victorian village of Ballater, near Balmoral Castle, the Scottish summer retreat of the royal family. The inn features luxurious accommodations that reflect the region's heritage and offers a variety of outdoor activities in the Cairngorms National Park. Guests can enjoy local cuisine highlighting fresh ingredients from the surrounding hills and lochs. Its historical significance in Royal Deeside and close proximity to cultural attractions make it an appealing destination for travelers.
Location
Situated in Ballater, Balmoral Arms is 65 km from Aberdeen and well-connected by road. The inn is within walking distance of local attractions, including Balmoral Castle and Crathie Church. Guests can reach the hotel via public transport from Aberdeen, which has train services and bus connections to Ballater. The area offers scenic views and is ideal for exploring the rich heritage of Royal Deeside.
Rooms
Balmoral Arms offers a selection of rooms and suites that cater to diverse guest needs. Each room is designed with comforts such as organic products from the Highland Soap Company, ensuring a peaceful stay. Premium suites provide additional space and luxury, complete with amenities like Nespresso machines and roll-top baths. Many rooms also feature views of the surrounding landscape, contributing to the overall relaxing atmosphere.
Eat & Drink
The hotel's dining venues include the Ghillies Bar and the 1852 restaurant, which serve a range of local dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients. Menu highlights feature fresh Scottish salmon, slow-cooked game hot pot, and traditional Scottish favorites such as Balmoral chicken and Beef Wellington. Guests can complement their meals with a selection of local ales or a cocktail in the bar, providing an authentic taste of the Cairngorms.
Leisure & Business
For leisure, guests can enjoy a cozy lounge area, perfect for afternoon tea or unwinding by the fireplace. The hotel caters to dog owners with dog-friendly facilities, while outdoor activities include walking trails, skiing, and cycling opportunities in the nearby Cairngorms. Business travelers can benefit from free Wi-Fi and meeting spaces for small gatherings, ensuring a productive environment.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- No smoking on site
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas
- No parking
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Wheelchair access
- 24-hour security
- Luggage storage
- Ski storage
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
- Cycling
- Golf course
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Pet amenities available
- Housekeeping
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Board games
- Children's menu
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Toilet for disabled
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Live entertainment
- Leisure/ TV room
Room features
- Heating
- Sitting area
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Bathroom
- Free toiletries
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
Media
- Flat-screen TV
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
Reviews and Ratings
My stay at the hotel was quite mixed. The room I had was large and spotlessly clean with a huge bathroom, but it felt a bit dated and cold. The service was a bit hit-and-miss with a long wait for food due to kitchen closing early, but the staff were generally welcoming and professional. The location was ideal, right in the heart of Ballater with easy access to nearby attractions and amenities. The dining experience had its highlights and drawbacks with good quality food but limited options. Overall, it was a decent stay with some room for improvement.
I had a mixed experience at this hotel. The rooms were comfortable but below expectations, and the service was friendly overall, despite encountering some unhelpful staff. The location was outstanding, with great surrounding areas to explore, but the dining was disappointing in terms of availability and price.
The hotel offers a very basic experience with small, outdated rooms; however, it is located conveniently in the town center. The dining options are excellent, but some service issues were noticeable.
The hotel had some mixed aspects. The rooms were a little dated and basic for the price paid, but they were very clean. The breakfast portions were small but freshly cooked. The service started friendly but turned abrupt at times, yet they accommodated a room change to a refurbished part of the building. The location was well decorated but felt a bit dated compared to the room style. The dining experience was a mix of well-cooked dishes and disappointing moments. The facilities seemed adequate overall.
The hotel was quite expensive for what was being offered and the rooms were incredibly in need of an update, appearing dated and quite basic. On the positive side, the service was exceptional, particularly Chris who used to work on the airlines, and the location was excellent for exploring the surrounding areas and attractions.
The hotel had some drawbacks with outdated rooms and inconsistent heating, but the central location and friendly staff made the stay worthwhile. The dining options were good, though some aspects like the pricing could have been better.
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