InfoSummary of reviewsThe Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland is a luxurious and indulgent hotel set in a beautiful location, perfect for exploring nearby towns and attractions. While the breakfast options were deemed basic and lacking in variety, the dinner options were a mixed bag with some guests enjoying delicious meals while others were disappointed with the limited menu and poor food quality. The rooms were spacious, modern and beautifully decorated with exceptional cleanliness and attention to detail. The staff were fantastic, helpful, friendly and knowledgeable, providing exceptional customer service. The leisure complex, including the pool and jacuzzi, was a highlight for many guests, although spa treatments need to be booked in advance. The hotel is family-friendly with plenty of activities for children and offers an indulgent and luxurious stay for all guests. Show more
InfoSummary 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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InfoSummary of reviewsHowe of Torbeg, nestled in the heart of the Highlands within the scenic Cairngorms National Park, offers a serene glamping experience that has garnered widespread praise. The site is celebrated for its breathtaking views of rolling hills, rivers, forests and picturesque meadows. The proximity to Ballater town allows guests easy access to shops and restaurants while maintaining a secluded and private feel, making it an ideal base for outdoor activities or a relaxing retreat.
Breakfast at Howe of Torbeg is a highlight with hearty and tasty offerings delivered directly to the cozy pods. Freshly baked croissants and coffee are among guests' favorites, adding great value and a luxurious touch to their stay. Complemented by well-maintained facilities like washrooms and a tea hut, the breakfast experience is described as convenient and delightful.
Dinner provisions at the site also receive positive reviews. The communal 'Snug' cabin with a wood burner stove/oven offers a cozy setting for meal preparation, complemented by BBQ sets and fire pits available for guest use. Though the cooking facilities are somewhat limited, the hosts provide helpful guidance and free coffee and tea add to the pleasant experience.
The accommodation options, including charming pods and wooden huts, are consistently praised for their coziness and cleanliness. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds, well-equipped amenities and stunning views of the natural landscape. The eco-friendly pods, equipped with heaters, merge seamlessly with their surroundings, providing a rustic yet enjoyable experience.
Cleanliness is a standout feature with spotless and spacious sanitary facilities contributing to the overall comfort of the stay. Shared bathrooms, showers and toilets are meticulously maintained and thoughtfully designed, ensuring an inviting and hygienic environment.
The staff, particularly owners Ian and Nicole, are frequently highlighted for their warm and friendly demeanor, going out of their way to ensure a welcoming and seamless experience. Their exceptional hospitality and responsiveness leave a lasting positive impression on guests.
Parking at Howe of Torbeg, while mostly positive with clearly marked spaces and convenience for motorcyclists, has some minor drawbacks such as limited space and early checkout vehicle restrictions. Nonetheless, the well-maintained parking area and helpful owners enhance the overall experience.
Beds at Howe of Torbeg receive generally positive feedback with many guests appreciating the comfort of the mattresses. Although there is some variation in opinions with a few finding the beds a bit hard or low, the majority report a restful and comfortable sleep.
Overall, Howe of Torbeg is highly recommended for its stunning location, welcoming hosts, excellent amenities and serene glamping experience—perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat. Show more
InfoSummary of reviewsThe Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel, nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms, provides a picturesque retreat perfect for disconnecting while being surrounded by stunning mountain views, lush greenery and ample hiking opportunities. Its historical Scottish charm is modernized enough to ensure comfort, making it an ideal base for exploring local landmarks like Balmoral Castle. The secluded setting also accommodates wildlife sightings and offers peaceful reconnection with nature without sacrificing accessibility to nearby amenities.
The breakfast experience, while mixed, generally receives praise for its variety and quality of continental offerings such as pastries, cereals, fresh fruit and gluten-free items. Although some guests desired more hot options, the majority found the breakfast delicious and well-presented. Dinner at the hotel is lauded for its delicious, reasonably priced meals with standout dishes like steak pie and salmon. The dining experience is enhanced by a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, despite occasional minor setbacks like slow service or menu limitations.
The hotel rooms are highly regarded for their cleanliness, comfort and aesthetic appeal, seamlessly blending historical charm with modern amenities. Spacious family suites and beautifully refurbished bathrooms are particular highlights. While some minor updates might be needed in certain areas, the overall room quality remains impressive with cozy furnishings and quiet, scenic views contributing to a pleasant stay.
Cleanliness throughout the hotel is consistently praised, providing guests with a hygienic and comfortable environment. The communal areas and rooms are maintained to a high standard, ensuring guest satisfaction.
Staff at Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel are notably friendly and helpful, creating a homely and accommodating atmosphere. The owners and specific staff members like Marie and Derek are frequently praised for their warm hospitality, assisting guests with local tips and ensuring a seamless stay. Although the occasional issue with staff overwhelm or language barriers is mentioned, the overall service environment remains positive and welcoming.
Wi-Fi access, while strong in the main building, can be intermittent in some rooms, but mobile data provides a reliable alternative. Guests also benefit from ample and convenient parking, despite minor issues with the pot-holed driveway.
The beds in the rooms receive varied feedback with many guests finding them notably comfortable and large, ensuring a good night's sleep. However, some rooms could benefit from bed updates for enhanced comfort.
For dog lovers, the hotel offers exceptional pet-friendly services with well-maintained grounds perfect for dog walks and friendly staff that warmly welcome pets. The presence of the hotel's own charming dog adds to the hospitable environment, making it an ideal choice for travelers with pets.
Overall, Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel excels in providing a serene, scenic and comfortable retreat with excellent service, clean facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by its historical charm and pet-friendly policies. Show more
InfoSummary of reviewsAlexandra Hotel, situated in the picturesque village of Ballater, is highly praised for its prime and central location. The hotel's position allows for easy accessibility to local attractions such as Balmoral and the Cairngorms, making it an ideal base for exploring the scenic surroundings. Guests frequently highlight the convenience and charm of the hotel's setting near the River Dee and quaint shops.
The hotel's breakfast is another standout feature, often described as great, superb and first-class. Freshly cooked options, variety and quality local produce, including traditional Scottish fare like porridge with honey, contribute to a satisfying morning meal. The friendly and attentive staff further enhance the breakfast experience.
Dinner at Alexandra Hotel is equally commendable with guests praising the delicious and varied menu, which includes traditional Scottish dishes and gluten-free options. The cozy bar atmosphere complements the meal, making it a favored spot for evening dining. Exceptional service by the staff also contributes to a warm and welcoming dining environment.
Rooms at the Alexandra Hotel are noted for their comfort and cleanliness. Although some reviews mention the rooms are on the smaller side, guests find them well-furnished and cozy with comfortable beds and attractive decor. Comments on the spotlessly clean and inviting atmosphere are frequent, making the stay pleasant and comfortable.
The staff consistently receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness and hospitality, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience. Guests appreciate the accommodating and polite nature of the team, including the knowledgeable owners who create a welcoming environment.
The beds at the hotel stand out for their exceptional comfort and quality with guests often describing them as extremely comfortable and spacious. Clean, well-laid-out rooms with large beds contribute to restful and pleasant sleep experiences.
For couples seeking a romantic getaway, the Alexandra Hotel offers a charming and intimate atmosphere. The relaxed setting and lovely decor make it an ideal retreat for an enchanting and romantic stay.
Overall, Alexandra Hotel is highly regarded for its excellent location, quality dining experiences, comfortable and clean accommodations and outstanding staff, making it a favored spot for travelers exploring Ballater and its beautiful surroundings. Show more
