A lovely hotel with delicious food and a beautiful, peaceful setting. You should stay here.
We stayed in a little stone cottage separate from the hotel an easy 5-minute walk up the hill. It used to be the dog kennels. In fact, the low stone walls topped with iron fencing that served as the two outside pens of the kennel are still there, as are the doggie doors -- tho’ these are firmly closed. A pair of French doors open onto a very large walled garden, which we had to ourselves. It's the middle of being replanted. Most of it is mown grass. It was a peaceful place to stroll and watch the birds. The cottage itself is very cozy. The decor is homey, though a little worn. The bed is very comfortable. The shower and sink have been modernized and the wall tiled. However, the toilet is a large Victorian affair that's showing its age and has no lid. It was the only aspect of the cottage I didn’t care for. However, given the rest of the bathroom remodel, I expect they’re planning on replacing it. The heater and towel warmers were lovey.
There are so many plusses: The hotel is very near the lovely town of Ballater, Balmoral Castle, and woodland trails. Paths behind the hotel weave through a wood of native pines and gorgeous azaleas and rhododendrons. The staff is friendly and helpful. We ate dinner there one night and the food was delicious -- expertly prepared and very fresh. The terrace in front of the hotel looks out over the garden and the woods beyond.
