Balmoral Arms, Ballater

Stayed 16th October 2022

This hotel is fabulous in every respect. First o, the staff were all friendly and helpful. The food was excellent - huge choice of cooked dishes at breakfast, not enough time to try them all! We were upgraded to a suite which was spacious and comfortable. The shower was large and the instant and we liked the complimentary toiletries which had lovely fragrances. High quality teas of various types, and Tunnocks delicacies - good to see a hotel buying Scottish products - this includes the toiletries. Also a coffee maker. The position is good too, close to the centre but not noisy, within view of the public car park which seemed very safe and has two electric charging points.

Stayed 20th August 2021

Our stay at the hotel was disappointing although the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The first hotel room was extremely tired and didn't reflect the pictures on the website. We were then relocated to another room where the finishes were as advertised online. However the hotel has been very creative with the pictures as the room and bathroom were the smallest I've ever stayed in We had to cut our stay short by one night for personal reasons however we were not refunded the prepaid breakfast monies for the overnight we did not have.

Stayed 19th May 2021

Loved our stay here. Great location. Very comfortable hotel and the staff couldn’t do enough for us. Would recommend and will most definitely rebook this hotel again.

Stayed 18th September 2020

Once again we had a wonderful time at the Deeside and were made very welcome. Sam, Chris and there staff were very busy but they still had time for a chat with us. Our room was great and we were given a beautiful bunch of flowers and a welcome back card. The food in the restaurant was excellent as usual and our whole stay was very enjoyable and we felt very safe. We have already booked to return in November.

Stayed 6th March 2020

My Husband and I had another great weekend stay at the Deeside Inn. All staff are were very helpful and friendly especially Sam and Franceso who looked after us very well. Food in the restaurant was also excellent. Sam is a very busy woman but always has time for a chat and a smile and made us feel very welcome. We have already booked the hotel for another two weekends at the end of this year and look forward to seeing everyone again. Susan and Graham Hepburn

Stayed 7th February 2020

We have just spent the weekend at the Deeside in. The staff are friendly and professional in their attentive approach. The food is excellent, good homely menu to choose from and the bar prices are fair. An ideal location for hill walking and exploring the surrounding hills, or to use as a base to tour further afield by car or bike. I will be booking a return trip very soon,

Stayed 23rd January 2020

stay very comfortable , staff very friendly and helpful .

Stayed 19th July 2013

This trip was a while ago so it's only fair to start by saying that things may be better now. We were moved three times, the rooms were so bad. Too hot, noisy, and very dated. The limited dinner menu for DBB guests made finding something to eat tricky and when the food arrived the standard was poor. We complained to the hotel at the time and were kindly offered a free night DBB as compensation. However, we felt it wasn't worth the return trip. Even for free.

Stayed 29th May 2013

Comfortable stay.

Stayed 11th October 2017

Great welcome, staff friendly, room nice, clean and view of village green brilliant, food was excellent, only fault bar and dining room very dark could do with more subtle lighting, especially to read the menu, also live music which was great

Stayed 14th July 2015

hotel was clean the food lovely the rooms were clean the staff changed the towels everyday

Stayed 13th June 2017

Staff friendly and helpful throughout our visit; comfortable room; great breakfasts, good fish dishes in evening, imaginative menu but perhaps too much bread included with some dishes; priced competitively; get location in centre of Balloter on glorious Deeside.

Stayed 26th July 2015

Room very very basic. Not well-managed. I would book with Classic Britain again but not at that Inn.

Stayed 24th July 2015

We have stayed here on numerous occasions now going back to when the hotel was called the Loirston. Have done a few deals here at the Deeside Inn and each time it gets better and better. Noticed a big development from the kitchen, the meals were never actually bad but are much better than before. And Joanna seems genuinely interested in her guests views taking the time to ask guests at dinner how things are. Rooms are fine too although some are larger than others and I would recommend asking for an upgrade if possible. Lovely friendly and helpful staff too. Lovely location and look forward to returning in the not too distant future. A special mention to the youth ceilidh band on Saturday night , a credit to themselves who sang and played to perfection with a very mature attitude. We were blown away by their professionalism. Hope this is the first of many visits although i fear this was maybe a one off. Good Scottish all round weekend, cant wait to get back.

Stayed 24th July 2015

we stayed a couple of nights with our 8 week old daughter. we were wary of the fact that this might be a bit of a struggle. we needn't have worried. the manager and her staff did everything they could to facilitate our specific needs. they went over and above what would be expected in normal circumstances. the food was exceptional. this is the 3rd time we had stayed there and it definitely wont be the last. we even managed to see the queen at balmoral on the way home. fantastic!!!

Stayed 21st July 2015

nice hotel comfortable bed friendly and helpful staff.five star food.chef deserves a special mention.hope to return soon

Stayed 14th July 2015

Overall very good value and service. However the bedroom allocated for the first night was very small and disappointing. When raised at reception we were given a much nicer bedroom for the second night.

Stayed 4th April 2015

We stayed at the Deeside for the Easter weekend ( Bikers ) we had a really enjoyable stay, staff were great, room we were in was large and the food was second to none, would recommend this hotel to friends and family, would return to this hotel without a doubt, a BIG THANKS to ALL the staff.

Stayed 13th February 2015

Excellent food and staff ensured a good atmosphere. Ensuite requires upgrading and better heating. Very good location.

Stayed 27th January 2015

We were very pleased to be given an upgrade to a junior suite for our stay. The suite was well laid out,comfortable, cosy and warm, however the ensuite, though adequate, needs a rethink and update. It was very small, plus the water pressure for the shower was less than desirable. The lounge with the log fire was a lovely to relax in with afternoon tea. All the food was beautifully cooked and presented, with dinner being served in the bar each evening to provide a less formal atmosphere, due to the low number of diners. The staff were very friendly and attentive and made you feel very welcome. We had a very enjoyable stay and will certainly be returning. This was another excellent value break from Classic Britain and have recommended them to family and friends.

Stayed 2nd January 2015

Our 4th time at the Deeside Inn and we again thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Friendly staff, great food and clean and comfortable rooms. Excellent value.

Stayed 27th December 2014

I think this hotel needs some pictures in the bedrooms and some nice bedding. It is very basic and won't be staying there again.

Stayed 13th December 2014

Enjoyable 2 night break, staff warm and friendly. Food excellent. Manageress gave the personal touch to all her guests. We will definitely return.

Stayed 29th October 2014

Bedrooms adequate Food very good and everyday staff very helpful but manager very offhand!!! Public areas in hotel extremely cold as there was a problem with heating. Was a struggle to get get one log fire lit and heater in bar. Dining room baltic!!!

Stayed 25th October 2014

Hotel was okay but dining room could have been cleaner the floor was bare and had very old rugs which had a weird smell from them also no lit fires when we were there.