Balmoral Arms ➔ Hotel in Ballater, Scotland

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Balmoral Arms Hotel Ballater Interior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

13-15 Victoria Road, Ballater, AB35 5RA

Close to the Cairngorms National Park Entrance

Great

8.2

9.1

/10

3.8

4.1

Highly rated by guests who stayed at Balmoral Arms

Historical Guestbook

Old Dial Telephone

Local Bar Experience

Renovated Lounge Area

Authentic Scottish Breakfast

"The common areas were large and comfortable and the food was ace."

Gerry from United Kingdom

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"The feeling and ambience of the building and the fireplace room are truly special."

Sebastian from Germany

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"Food excellent, hotel lovely and amazing decor."

Daniel from United Kingdom

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"Dog friendly. We were upgraded. Really nice bar- especially the lounge at night."

Glen from United Kingdom

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"A lovely elegant hotel in the heart of Ballater with a cosy vibe and excellent food we loved the ghillies bar !!"

247patsy from United Kingdom

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AA Five Silver Star Inn in Royal Deeside with original Victorian décor

Dining & Bar

The on-site restaurant serves locally inspired Scottish cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. A wide selection of local ales and spirits is available at the bar, including Royal Lochnagar whisky. Special dietary accommodations, such as gluten-free and lactose-free options, are available upon request.

Rooms & Amenities

The hotel offers 46 rooms with original Victorian décor, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee making facilities. Select rooms provide scenic mountain views of the Cairngorms National Park. The cozy lounge area with a fireplace is open for relaxation, and board games are available.

Location & Activities

Balmoral Arms is situated in Ballater, a 15-minute drive from Balmoral Castle, the holiday home of the British Royal Family. The hotel is surrounded by views of The Cairngorms National Park and offers easy access to Royal Lochnagar Distillery. Guests can rent bicycles, play golf at the local course, or enjoy live music performances in the area.

Pet-Friendly Features

The hotel has a pet-friendly policy that accommodates dogs in various rooms, with dedicated pet baskets and bowls provided. Dogs are treated as VIP guests, with staff offering treats and pets throughout the stay. A designated pet-friendly lounge area with an open fire is available for guests traveling with their dogs.

Guest Services & Accessibility

Express check-in/check-out is available, and luggage storage is provided for early arrivals. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities, including emergency cords in bathrooms and grab rails in toilets. Daily housekeeping and a complimentary breakfast with a wide selection of hot and cold items are included.

Highlights

Awards: AA Five Silver Star Inn

Location: 15 min from Balmoral Castle & Cairngorms National Park

Dining: Locally inspired Scottish cuisine at 1852 Restaurant

Pet-Friendly: Dog rooms with pet baskets and bowls

Activities: Bicycle rental, golf course, live music nearby

Must-do experiences

Discover Balmoral Castle's gardens on a sunny afternoon.
Savor a cream tea at the historic Fife Arms Hotel in Braemar.
Stroll along the River Dee for picturesque views and tranquility.
Visit the Ballater Heritage Centre for a glimpse of local history.
Sample local venison dishes at the Royal Deeside's restaurants.

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningA Taste

The Malva Pudding dessert was a delightful surprise, expertly prepared and incredibly tasty, reminiscent of a grandmother's recipe.

Francois from South Africa

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BathroomLuxury Soak

The suite featured a stunning freestanding bath and an excellent, spacious walk-in shower for ultimate comfort.

Eleanor from United Kingdom

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BedroomCozy Haven

Our room was perfectly warm and quiet, offering a great double bed for a restful night's sleep.

David from Canada

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Guest ParkingConvenient Access

A large, free public car park is conveniently located just a two-minute walk from the hotel.

Chloe from Australia

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Select your room type

Balmoral Arms offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Classic Double Room
2 persons
12 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Cosy Double Room
2 persons
12 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Classic King Room
2 persons
12 m²
1 King-size bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Balmoral Arms offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
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

No parking available.

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

Balmoral Arms Location

13-15 Victoria Road, Ballater, AB35 5RA

Explore Ballater

Local Highlights

St Kentigern's Church

9 minutes' walk

Historic church known for its beautiful architecture and tranquil surroundings, a perfect stop for history enthusiasts.

Crathie Church

3-minute drive

A notable church featuring impressive stained glass and a serene atmosphere, often visited for its historic significance.

McEwan Gallery

4-minute drive

Contemporary art gallery showcasing local talent and rotating exhibitions, great for art lovers.

Hiking on Lochnagar

30-minute drive

Challenging hikes with stunning views for thrill-seekers, access via local trails with varying difficulty levels.

Spa Retreat at Balmoral

20-minute drive

Relaxing spa services featuring massages and wellness treatments, ideal for unwinding after a day of adventures.

Glenaden Hotel

2 minutes' walk

Welcoming hotel restaurant serving traditional Scottish dishes with a local twist; perfect for casual dining.

Rock Salt & Snails

3 minutes' walk

Charming eatery known for its innovative dishes made from local produce; reservations recommended, vegetarian options available.

The Ballater Gallery

3 minutes' walk

Local gallery showcasing artwork by regional artists; often hosts events and family-friendly exhibitions.

Clachan Grill

3 minutes' walk

Lively pub with a vibrant atmosphere, offering live music and quiz nights; suitable for all ages.

Getting around Scotland

City Centre
Ballater 4 min · 300 m
Airports
Aberdeen (ABZ) 95 min · 62.8 km
Dundee (DND) 165 min · 109.7 km
Bus
Bus stop 15 min · 9.5 km

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-20:00

Check-out

from 05:00-11:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP 16.5 per person.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Year renovated:

2011

Number of rooms:

Former name

Loirston Hotel

Guest Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Balmoral Arms from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 920 verified reviews

8.2 /10

Great

84 %

Recommend

Breakfast

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Comfort

8.8/10

Facilities

8.3/10

Free WiFi

8.9/10

Location

9.4/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.9/10

Staff

8.9/10

Value for money

7.8/10

Pros

Really good staff service

Delicious meals

Comfortable beds

Character and charm

Scenic mountain views

Cons

Need for renovation

Inconsistent breakfast quality

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Questions of the users

About Balmoral Arms

Is there any parking available nearby for guests arriving by car?

05 January 2024

There isn't a designated parking area directly at the hotel, but a public car park is located within a two-minute walk, offering free parking. Guests can briefly stop outside the hotel for luggage loading and unloading.

Are pets welcome at this hotel?

12 January 2024

Yes, the hotel is pet-friendly and welcomes well-behaved dogs. There is an additional fee of £20 per night per dog, and your furry friends can enjoy many shared spaces, including the bar area.

Is the hotel accessible for guests with mobility challenges?

20 January 2024

The hotel offers accessible accommodations, including a ground floor guestroom equipped with a walk-in shower, and all public areas are accessible for those with mobility issues.

What opportunities are there for outdoor activities in the surrounding area?

27 January 2024

The hotel is located near various walking and hiking trails, including gentle walks along the River Dee and more challenging routes in the Cairngorms. Additionally, fishing and cycling options are available nearby.

What time is breakfast served for guests?

03 February 2024

Breakfast is available on Saturdays from 07:30 to 09:30. Options may vary, so it's a good idea to check for specific offerings during your stay.

Can I secure my bicycle overnight?

10 February 2024

Yes, there is a secure bike storage area at the back of the hotel for guests needing to store their bicycles overnight.

Are there any gluten-free dining options available?

15 February 2024

Some dishes on the menu are gluten-free, although there is no dedicated gluten-free menu. It's advisable to inform the restaurant staff of any dietary requirements.

Are there facilities for guests traveling with families?

22 February 2024

Yes, the hotel is family-friendly and offers a limited number of family rooms. Children under three can stay for free, and cots and high chairs can be arranged at no additional cost.

Does Balmoral Arms have Wi-Fi access?

01 March 2024

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, including guest rooms, allowing guests to stay connected during their stay.

What attractions and activities can be found near the hotel?

08 March 2024

Guests can explore local attractions such as Balmoral Castle and several historic sites. The surrounding Royal Deeside region offers abundant outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and sightseeing.