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Summary of reviewsThe Auld Kirk, nestled in the charming town of Ballater, offers an exceptional stay characterized by its fantastic location, beautiful architecture and unique ambiance. This delightful B&B is perfectly positioned for guests to explore local amenities, pubs, restaurants and shops with Balmoral Castle and the Cairngorms National Park also within easy reach.
Guests highly praise the spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms, tastefully decorated with Scottish touches that reflect the building's historic charm. The beds are described as super comfy, providing a restful night's sleep in a quiet setting. The high-spec amenities, newly refurbished bathrooms and homely features like homemade shortbread and local whiskey add a warm, welcoming feel.
The breakfast experience at The Auld Kirk stands out as a highlight. The extensive and varied breakfast options, which include freshly baked scones, muffins, croissants and a full Scottish cooked breakfast, are consistently described as delicious and abundant. Homemade elements and the exceptional quality and presentation of the meals contribute to a satisfying dining experience. Guests appreciate the attentive and friendly service provided by the hosts, Helen and Kevin, further enhancing the breakfast enjoyment.
The hospitality at The Auld Kirk is frequently commended, led by the welcoming and informative hosts. Their friendliness and helpfulness create a memorable and pleasant stay with personalized service and detailed recommendations for local dining and activities. The establishment's unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort, along with its meticulous cleanliness, ensures a top-notch accommodation experience.
The Auld Kirk combines the charm of an old church with the comforts of a stylish boutique hotel. The beautifully restored building retains many original features, creating a distinctive and character-filled atmosphere. Thoughtful details and imaginative furnishings add to the cozy ambiance, making guests feel special and leaving them with lasting impressions.
Overall, The Auld Kirk delivers a luxurious and memorable stay with exceptional service, high-quality amenities and a welcoming atmosphere. With its excellent location, personal touches and standout breakfast, it has become a highly recommended choice for travelers seeking both comfort and character in the picturesque setting of Ballater. Show more
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Bed & Breakfast Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
The Auld Kirk is noted for its efforts in taking steps towards sustainability within its operations.
4-Star Bed & Breakfast
This former church has been tastefully converted, retaining original features. It is situated in the heart of Royal Deeside. Guests appreciate the exceptional service and delicious scones.
Boutique-style Bed & Breakfast
Luxury Bed & Breakfast
Small Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast where Extra Health & Safety Measures Have Been Taken
Arrival
Do visitors need a health certificate (i.e. a test) prior to arrival? No
Do you perform temperature checks upon guests' arrivals? Yes, to all guests
Do the hotel's main entrance doors open automatically? No
Can guests access their room entrance directly from outside the hotel without entering the lobby? No
Double RoomSpacious yet cosy. Warm and welcoming, with all modern amenities.
Twin RoomSpacious, cosy and comfortable room.
Family RoomThis room can accommodate a child in the existing single bed. An additional cot can be provided for a child under 2 years of age.
About The Auld Kirk
License: AB-S-P053
Guest Reviews
9.6
Excellent
Location
Situated in the charming town of Ballater, The Auld Kirk offers an exceptional stay with its fantastic location and quirky, beautiful architecture. The B&B is ideally positioned for guests to easily explore local amenities, pubs, restaurants and shops, all within a short walking distance. Guests highly praise its proximity to Balmoral Castle and hiking opportunities in the Cairngorms National Park.
The accommodation itself is noted for its spotlessly clean and comfortable rooms, complemented by a welcoming ambiance. Reviews highlight the friendliness and warmth of the hosts, Helen and Kevin, adding a personal touch to the overall experience. The property stands out not just for its location but also for its unique character and the quality of its breakfast with many guests particularly enjoying the homemade scones.
Perfectly nestled on the edge of the village, this quiet yet central B&B offers a peaceful retreat while still providing easy access to the town center. Whether visiting for relaxation or adventure, The Auld Kirk is described as a special and memorable place to stay in the picturesque setting of Ballater.
Breakfast
The breakfast experience at The Auld Kirk has garnered remarkable praise from guests, consistently highlighted as a standout feature of their stay. Reviewers commend the extensive and varied breakfast options, which include freshly baked scones, muffins, croissants and a full Scottish cooked breakfast. These offerings are described as freshly prepared, delicious and abundant.
Guests note the exceptional quality and presentation of the meals with some even labeling the breakfast as the best they have ever had. The homemade elements, such as pastries and plum jam, are particularly appreciated, contributing to a uniquely personal and satisfying dining experience. The attentive and friendly service by Helen and her staff further enhances the breakfast enjoyment, ensuring that guests feel well-cared-for.
The breakfast room itself is described as pleasant, adding to the overall positive atmosphere. The additional touches, such as a complimentary tot of local whiskey and homemade shortbread, leave a lasting impression. Reviewers repeatedly mention the exceptional hospitality of the hosts, their insider tips on local walks and dining options and their commitment to making guests feel welcome.
In summary, the breakfast at The Auld Kirk not only meets but exceeds guest expectations with its quality, variety and personal touches, making it a noteworthy highlight of any stay at this charming establishment.
Dinner
The Auld Kirk stands out for its exceptional guest service, particularly with dining arrangements. Guests frequently highlight the valuable tips and recommendations provided for local dining options. The staff goes above and beyond by offering to call and make reservations at various restaurants, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience even on busy nights. Noteworthy mentions include The Angus & Ale and a local Indian restaurant praised for its affordability and quality. Furthermore, the staff's dedication is reflected in their willingness to offer alternate dining solutions, such as arranging picnic breakfasts for guests with early departures. Overall, the focus on personalized service and detailed recommendations significantly enhances the dining experience for visitors.
Rooms
Nestled in a beautifully converted Victorian church, The Auld Kirk offers a unique and charming stay that's hard to forget. Reviews highlight the exceptional comfort and stylish decor of the rooms, each adorned with tasteful Scottish touches that reflect the building's historic character. Guests consistently praise the spotless cleanliness and spaciousness, noting that the beds provide a restful night's sleep. Personal touches, such as homemade shortbread and a taste of local whiskey, add a warm, welcoming feel that complements the high-spec amenities.
The decor of the hotel blends modern comforts with period features, creating a homely yet elegant atmosphere. Visitors have enjoyed rooms that offer picturesque views of the surrounding hills as well as those that overlook Craigendarroch. Many found the size of the rooms to be more than satisfactory, highlighting them as well-equipped and beautifully appointed.
The staff, particularly owners Helen and Kevin, receive glowing commendations for their friendliness and accommodating nature, ensuring each guest feels well-cared for. Facilities in the room, including excellent showers and plush furnishings, further enhance the guest experience.
Located conveniently near the center of Ballater, The Auld Kirk not only promises a comfortable abode but also an excellent base for exploring the area. The combination of an aesthetically pleasing environment, attention to detail and top-notch service marks this historic property as a standout choice for travelers craving both comfort and character.
Beds
Visitors to The Auld Kirk have had overwhelmingly positive experiences when it comes to the comfort of the beds and rooms. Many guests have highlighted their rooms as not only comfortable but also fantastic with some mentioning nice little touches that enhanced their stays. The beds specifically have been described as super comfy, incredibly comfortable and even great. Some have enjoyed the best night's sleep during their stay, attributing it to the quality of the beds and the quiet nights.
Rooms are frequently described as very comfortable with some offering huge or extra large beds, ensuring plenty of space for relaxation. The accommodations overall have been appreciated for their high standards with fantastic service where nothing was too much trouble.
However, it’s worth noting a couple of hints of dissatisfaction: one guest found their bed not quite up to the same high standard as the rest of the hotel and another mentioned the mattress being too soft for their back. Despite these minor critiques, the consensus suggests that guests can expect a highly comfortable rest in well-appointed, cozy rooms at The Auld Kirk.
Cleanliness
The Auld Kirk stands out as an exceptionally clean hotel, drawing praise from guests for its immaculate condition. Visitors consistently describe the property as spotlessly clean and well-maintained with rooms that are both comfortable and tastefully decorated. The hotel successfully marries historic charm with modern cleanliness, featuring newly refurbished bathrooms and beautifully furnished spaces that show a love for detail.
The overall ambiance is enhanced by the owners' thoughtful touches, creating a homely feel with elements like a tartan sitting room and bar. Guests appreciate the welcoming and friendly service provided by the staff, adding to the comfortable and inviting atmosphere of the hotel. Whether it's the well-presented rooms, the fresh and clean environment or the immaculate common areas, The Auld Kirk delivers on its promise of a top-notch accommodation experience. Guests leave highly satisfied and often express their intention to return, underlining the hotel's consistent and exceptional standard of cleanliness.
Staff
The Auld Kirk is frequently praised for its amazing hospitality, primarily led by hosts Kevin and Helen, who have been described as welcoming, friendly and highly informative about the surrounding area. Guests regularly mention the warm welcome received from both proprietors, highlighting their friendly demeanor and helpfulness throughout their stays. The staff consistently earns high marks for their friendliness and accommodation, contributing to an overall exceptional experience.
Service at The Auld Kirk is superb with particular commendation for the hospitality extended by Kevin and Helen. Guests appreciate their efforts to provide detailed information about local dining and activities, which enhances the overall guest experience. The breakfast offerings, described as extremely good and abundant, also receive notable acclaim. Fresh strawberries and Scottish whisky on arrival add a special touch to the welcoming atmosphere.
The staff, including waitresses, are recognized for their patience and accommodating nature, ensuring that every aspect of the stay is satisfactory. Kevin’s and Helen’s dedication to their roles shines through in their consistent friendliness and the excellent service they provide. Overall, the hosts and staff at The Auld Kirk play a pivotal role in creating a memorable and pleasant stay for their guests, marked by outstanding hospitality and attention to detail.
4 Star
Nestled in the heart of Ballater, The Auld Kirk B&B offers guests a top-rate experience with convenient access to all local amenities. Visitors sing high praises for its exceptional location and thoroughly enjoyable stays, noting everything from reception to breakfast as superb. The service stands out for its brilliance and personal attention to detail. The staff, particularly Helen, are commended for their hospitality and insider tips on local attractions, enhancing the guest experience. The property itself is original, tastefully converted and well-presented, making it a consistently highly recommended choice.
Boutique-Style
The Auld Kirk offers a truly unique and memorable experience, combining the charm of an old church with the comforts of a stylish boutique hotel. The beautifully restored building retains many original features, creating a distinctive and character-filled atmosphere. Guests consistently appreciate the quirky and well-decorated interiors, which add a touch of whimsy to the comfortable, cozy rooms.
Ellen and Kevin, the attentive hosts, go above and beyond to ensure that guests feel welcome and catered to, enhancing the overall experience. The ambiance is further highlighted by small, thoughtful details and imaginative furnishings, making each stay feel special. The excellent breakfast served in this characteristic venue is often mentioned as a delightful start to the day.
Staying at The Auld Kirk feels like a step into a beautifully restored old church with its transformation into a B&B praised for its high standards and tidy rooms. The unique blend of history and modern comfort makes it a standout choice for those seeking extraordinary accommodation. The venue's warm and cozy atmosphere, complemented by its stylish decor, leaves guests with lasting impressions and a desire to return.
Luxury
The Auld Kirk, once a church now transformed into a charming bed and breakfast, offers a luxurious and memorable stay. The ambiance exudes class and quality, making it a standout choice for discerning travelers. Guests rave about the exceptional breakfast, featuring freshly baked scones, muffins and fresh fruit, surpassing many high expectations with its variety and quality. The property shines with thoughtful details such as a welcoming glass of whiskey and local shortbread in the rooms.
The facility boasts its own bar and a beautifully comfortable lounge area, enhancing the overall sense of luxury. The decor is extraordinary and lovingly curated, adding to the sophisticated yet cozy atmosphere. An incredible level of service is provided by the friendly and helpful owners and staff, ensuring every need is met with a smile.
Conveniently located near Balmoral, The Auld Kirk’s luxury accommodations are well worth the price, delivering an experience that many guests describe as fantastic. The little touches and superb service make for an undeniably classy and pleasurable stay.
No, The Auld Kirk doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at The Auld Kirk.
No, The Auld Kirk doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at The Auld Kirk.