If you are planning your next visit to Scotland, there are several sweet spots to stay near and around Ballater. Ballater is a charming village dating from Victorian times, and it retains much of that Victorian charm today, too. Set in the heart of Royal Deeside, it’s not unheard of to spot royalty if you visit while they’re staying at nearby Balmoral Castle.
The atmospheric ruins of Knock Castle are within easy striking distance of many hotels in the Ballater area. Meanwhile, for a true test of your leg muscles, you can tackle Craigendarroch, a mountain with an elevation of 1,319 feet, qualifying it as a Marilyn. That is one of several classifications for mountains. You might even spot several hotels in Ballater Scotland once you reach the top!
You will find that most hotels in Ballater are reasonably priced, however, there are many options for you to choose from. Of course, you’ve got other accommodation options as well, such as a bed and breakfast in Ballater. You could also look for self catering cottages Ballater if a B&B in Ballater isn’t your ideal choice.
Any of these Ballater hotels Scotland is the perfect base for checking off the many things to do in Ballater mentioned above. You’re not far from the Cairngorms National Park, while the Royal Lochnagar Distillery is nearby too. See Royal Deeside at its finest., including a visit to Balmoral Castle if it is open. Check the seasonal opening times first.
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Hotels in Ballater
Fancy staying in one of the hotels in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, Scotland? There are some amazing hotels near Ballater and in the village itself that supply all the delights you could ask for. Hotels in the heart of Royal Deeside give you the chance to stay in the centre of Ballater or on the outskirts of Ballater, Aberdeenshire. Check out these options for starters when you’re looking for hotels in Ballater area.
Balmoral Arms
Please note that the Deeside Inn relaunched as the Balmoral Arms in Spring 2022. Good luck guys 🤞
Our top pick for those booking hotels in Ballater is the Balmoral Arms. En-suite rooms are superbly decorated and finished with plenty of classic Highland touches. Free wifi and pet friendly, this hotel also offers free parking on site, so you don’t need to worry about finding somewhere to park on your return each night.
If you are looking for traditional Scottish hospitality during your time in Ballater, secure your place at this AA-awarded four-star inn well in advance. Among the many highlights that the property offers is a bar and restaurant. The restaurant allows you to dine in true Scottish surroundings, with everything from Scottish steak to a relaxed afternoon tea by the fire on offer.
This hotel is a golfer’s favourite as it is only a short walk away from the course. At the end of the day, you will find visitors here enjoying the homemade cuisine from the Balmoral Arms cooks and tired tourists lounging back beside its open fires. The only downside about the inn is how difficult it can be to drag yourself away!
Check Online AvailabilityHilton Grand Vacations at Craigendarroch Suites
That’s a mouthful for anyone looking for Ballater hotels and guest houses, but worth a closer look. Free wifi is just part of the offering at this hotel on Braemar Road Ballater. The stunning retreat in Ballater in the Scottish Highlands offers a selection of non-smoking en-suite guest rooms and suites.
If self-catering seems too much, you can relax and enjoy the finest Scottish cuisine in the Keiller Brasserie on site. There is also a lounge offering lighter bites and snacks if you prefer. And with that free wifi, you can get online whenever you wish to plan your next trip to nearby Balmoral Castle, Royal Lochnagar Distillery, or just to walk around the local area.
The hotel rooms come with a microwave, a king- or queen-size bed, walk-in shower for convenience, and a 40-inch television for catching up with some entertainment at the end of the day. Everything you need from a superb quality hotel room – and much more besides.
Check Online AvailabilityLoch Kinord Hotel
This stunning hotel is just outside Ballater, located on the Ballater Road in Dinnet. You are only five miles away from the centre of Ballater, so it won’t take long to reach the Square Ballater or any other nearby road or location in the village. It’s an ideal pick if you don’t fancy staying in the heart of the village but you still want to be close by for daily visits.
There are just 22 rooms and suites in the hotel, so early booking is essential to guarantee your stay in this property. Among the fine signature touches in each room are the tartan designs, providing a real sense of the Highlands as you settle in to enjoy your stay.
You can even arrange your booking to include a bottle of wine or prosecco to have ready in your room upon arrival. It’s small touches like this that elevate this Ballater hotel to the top of the pile for any holiday in the area.
Check Online AvailabilityBed and Breakfast Ballater
If your ideal accommodation Ballater Scotland is a B&B Ballater, we’ve got some excellent suggestions for you. There are a few smart Ballater B&B properties available if bed and breakfast Ballater Scotland-style sounds appealing. This accommodation option gives you the reassurance that breakfast is included to start your day in the best way. You’re then free to make your own arrangements for lunch and dinner.
There are lots of food shops, cafes, and restaurants in the village and nearby areas too, so you’ll never go hungry. I’m not sure that’s possible with all the Scottish produce on your doorstep.
Alexandra Hotel
If you are looking for pet-friendly hotels in Ballater, then the Alexandra Hotel is your best bet. Furry friends are welcome for a nominal charge, making it the ideal holiday hideaway for dog walkers that want to explore the surrounding woodlands areas and Munros.
Visitors also rate it for its friendly service and beautiful location – what’s not to love?
You can also book a single, double, or twin room according to your needs. Meanwhile, the restaurant has seating for 30 people and offers breakfast, lunch, and supper menus that change throughout the year. We had a sneak peek while writing this article though, and we can say it made us hungry. You can also pull up a seat in their traditional Highland public bar. It’s the ideal way to extend the evening and try some local tipples.
Check Online AvailabilityNo 45, Ballater
The simple name of this four-star hotel offering Ballater B&B accommodation belies its charm. Located at 45 Braemar Road Ballater in the AB35 postcode area, it offers a Ballater bed and breakfast many reviewers love. This B and B Ballater is reviewed as ‘high standard’ and ‘a highlight’, offering a great start to your day exploring the area.
It’s good to see there are facilities for making tea and coffee included in every room. It’s the perfect way to start the day, before heading down to the conservatory for breakfast. Porridge, anyone? Its location on Braemar Road means it is a short trip down to Bridge Street and to the River Dee beyond to reach the village.
This is just one reason why No 45 ranks as one of the best options for accommodation Ballater B&B when you are staying in this part of the Highlands.
Check Online AvailabilityThe Auld Kirk
Every town has a wild card option. Of all the hotels in Ballater, the Auld Kirk is definitely the wild card. Builders used granite sourced locally to build the kirk, carving it into one of the most eye-catching spots in the village. It offers superb views out to Craigendarroch, a local spot that means the hill of oaks.
And yes, in case you were wondering, if you pick this as your preferred accommodation, you are indeed staying in a former church!
You will find comfortable accommodation but get in there quick as it only has seven guest bedrooms on site. Many of the original features of the kirk have been retained in this charming property. Large sofas, comfortable seating outside, and perhaps even a tipple or two of local whisky is ready to enjoy at the Auld Kirk.
This is a great option for those looking for accommodation in Ballater, close to the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. It’s also ideal if you like modern furnishings and well-appointed rooms. The owners have managed to retain the charm of the kirk and combined it with eye-catching and yet relaxing features in the modern rooms and spaces.
Check Online AvailabilityGordon Guest House
If you are not after hotels in Ballater, a B&B is a great choice if you plan on visiting for a short stay. The “Gordon Guest House” is at the top of our list!
Located in Station Square guests don’t need to travel far to reach many tourist spots we have mentioned above.
Visiting Ballater during the winter months? We can see you here sipping on a freshly made hot chocolate, accompanied by biscuits of course.
No 45 is a 4* guest house located within a 5-minute walk of the village centre. It is a popular spot and it has been rated highly by guests that have stayed here.
Check Online AvailabilityCelicall
The unusual name reveals a guest house that offers a choice of a full English or Irish breakfast or a Continental option if you prefer. Ideal for one night or longer if you wish, you can enjoy a relaxing stay in a comfortable room with your own private bathroom included.
Free wifi is provided, along with convenient on-site and free parking.
Check Online AvailabilityBallater Cottages
There are lots of cottages to rent in Ballater Scotland. In fact, one of the hardest parts of finding holiday cottages in Ballater is whittling down the options to leave just one of the best Ballater holiday cottages to rent for a week or two.
We’ve got some top recommendations here for you, taking in many of the leading self catering accommodation Ballater options available in the Highlands at present. You cannot beat the freedom offered by Ballater cottages self catering and doing your own thing when you return at the end of each day.
Antlers Cottage, Glenmuick Estate
If you prefer a home away from home while you vacation, imagine yourself in Antlers Cottage. This cosy cottage has an open fire, Wi-Fi and a Digital TV with DVD player. Its hosts provide all linen, towels, and logs. What more do you need for a Scottish escape?
If the Cairngorms are calling you and you want to see the sights of beautiful Ballater first-hand, make sure this spot is on the list for your next Scottish adventure.
Bearberry Cottage
Apart from offering a charming name, this accommodation in Ballater Scotland has everything you could want from any holiday cottages Ballater. The property offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, free wifi, and accommodation all on one floor for convenience.
It supplies the ideal base for exploring Royal Lochnagar Distillery, driving to Balmoral Castle, and just wandering into Ballater village for a spot of shopping. Whatever time of the year you decide to visit, you can rest and relax in this well-equipped cottage.
Check Online AvailabilityInvercauld Lodges
These stunning lodges are named after the road they sit on – Invercauld Road Ballater. Full of neat touches and set in the heart of charming surroundings, you can stay here with your dog at no extra charge. The lodges provide a relaxed feel with plenty of outdoor space too. Perfect for exploring local walking routes and trails, shopping in Ballater, and enjoying the view of the nearby mountains.
Check Online AvailabilityFairdene Cottage
This property sleeps two, offers mountain views, and comes with everything you would expect to see inside a compact yet cosy Highland cottage.
It’s located on School Lane and has a beautiful outdoor decked area to enjoy when the weather is good. If you’re trying a cottage for the first time as an alternative to Ballater bed and breakfast accommodation, you should know this is one of the most popular cottages in the area. Ballater cottages for rent are ideal for walkers and those who want to fish and enjoy the great outdoors – and you can certainly do that from this base.
Check Online AvailabilityRiverside Cottage
Since the village is right by the River Dee, how could we complete this section without including a cottage that is just a short hop from the river itself? It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves fishing.
This is a best-selling rental property and it is not difficult to see why. You can take your dog with you to enjoy the surroundings, not to mention get the most out of the free wifi and sink into the hot tub whenever you wish.
The charming and cosy stone-built cottage is perfect as a base for exploring this part of the Highlands, not far from Balmoral Castle. There is ample room outside to enjoy an al fresco dinner if the weather is good, thanks to the outdoor seating area. Big enough to sleep six and cosy enough to feel comfortable, it has everything you could want from a Highland cottage.
Check Online AvailabilityBallater Accommodation Self Catering
With so much to do while you are visiting Ballater, you may want to consider a self-catering base in Ballater. We have cooked up a couple of options for you below. This Ballater self-catering holiday accommodation often provides the best of all worlds.
Howe of Torbeg
Ever wanted to stay in one of those funky glamping pods everyone is talking about? Your trip to Ballater could be the perfect opportunity.
Howe of Torbeg offers the peace and tranquility of camping in the Cairngorms with some of the creature comforts we all love.
On-site facilities include bathrooms, electrical heating and even a hammock! All within 5 miles of Ballater. If you usually book a bed and breakfast in Ballater Scotland, push the boat out further this year and ‘glamp’ in style!
Check Online AvailabilityBallater Hostel
Ballater Hostel is a cheap and cheerful option for those looking for self-catering accommodation in Ballater. Don’t be deterred by the hostel category either – this is a five-star option that comes with everything you’d expect to see in a hostel and a lot more besides.
This hostel in Ballater can get busy during the summer months. This is due to its desirable location and excellent facilities for backpackers. It has a large open plan kitchen, dining room and lounge with a wood-burning stove.
It also has secure bike storage with facilities to help you wash off the layers of mud you’ll probably pick up during the day. It is an affordable option, certainly, but it also supplies many features and services you may not have expected. Whether you are staying for one night or three, you’ll appreciate everything that is laid on for you here.
Check Online AvailabilityBallater Camping
You won’t get en suite facilities if you choose camping in Ballater. However, you can holiday in your caravan or motorhome, and in some cases, tents are permitted too. Always check the individual site to see whether booking in advance is needed. Some sites offer far more facilities than others, so make sure you know what is available, what you need to book as an extra, and what you’ll need to go without during your stay.
Ballater Caravan Park
This is a superb base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park. Upon arrival, you’ll find you are nestled in the centre of Royal Deeside. The village is on your doorstep, and the River Dee flows past nearby. You’re also a mere 20 minutes’ drive from Royal Lochnagar Distillery.
The site allows pets and offers showers, toilets, WC disposal facilities, and electric hookups if required. Everything you need to enjoy a break in Ballater.
Tarland by Deeside
This site offers camping and caravanning pitches of various kinds. Choose from hardstanding or grass pitches, or go for a grass pitch for a tent with an electric hookup if you need it. This is the ideal place to stay if you want to really get away from it all, as the wifi and TV reception are unreliable. Make sure you are prepared for this if you decide to stay. For some guests, it’s just what they are looking for! There are wifi hotspots though.
The site is in Tarland, Aboyne, which is only 20 minutes from Ballater via the A93. You’ve got access to a pub and a fish and chip shop nearby (both of which have good reviews). And why wouldn’t you want to try both of those?
