Balmoral Arms, Ballater

Stayed 24th October 2014

Staff pleasant and helpful; food was really good, both breakfast and dinner. The bathroom facilities in our room were dated and could do with an overhaul as the shower pressure was not the best and the shower height could not be adjusted; also the fan in the bathroom was really noisy. Despite this, the room was very clean and cosy as was the bathroom and we had a lovely view across to the church in the main square. Although drinks were a bit on the pricey side we would stay again as everything in Ballater was within easy walking distance.

Stayed 27th September 2014

Bedroom was clean, albeit bed a bit hard - but otherwise a nice place to stay as staff really nice and friendly. Would stay here again

Stayed 26th September 2014

Room and en suite very small - perhaps we were just unlucky on this occasion as other rooms we saw into appeared bigger. Otherwise no complaints. Food very, very good and beautifuly served and presented. Staff extremely pleasant.

Stayed 23rd August 2014

Hotel is in need of a facelift. Bedrooms less than basic. Public areas were unkempt. Dinner was a 6 course taster menu 4 of which were miniscule. Staff could not have been more pleasant or helpful.

Stayed 19th August 2014

An extremely disapointing visit.

Stayed 23rd July 2014

Great hotel in the heart of the Highlands. The staff were lovely. Helpful and informative and always smiling. Food great with portions just right. Bedrooms comfortable and secure. Very good deal. Public rooms excellent and walks from the door. We'll be back in the winter.

Stayed 9th July 2014

Noisy late at night/early morning, by staff renovating kitchen outside our window. Also younger staff noisy in corridors and doors banging up to 3am.No daily room clean at all during our stay

Stayed 27th June 2014

The room was comfy enough but the bathroom and shower is awful- We stayed in the same room 2 years ago and reported the hot water tap falling off into the bath then and guess what?? It STILL falls off!! Would have been nice to have been asked how we enjoyed our stay when we checked out.

Stayed 26th June 2014

The room we were in was very dull and facing a wall, also needs a new kettle. The nicest parts of the hotel were the lounge and dining room. Although I liked Ballater, I wouldn't stay at the Deeside Inn again.

Stayed 14th June 2014

stopped there loads of times love it, bedrooms are a bit basic but for the price you pay there alright. food and staff are excellent.

Stayed 19th April 2014

Meal service was slow between courses would have preferred quicker service.

Stayed 8th April 2014

We liked the atmosphere of your lounge and dining room staff was very friendly but bacon was overcooked

Stayed 6th April 2014

We encountered several problems at the hotel. The room was clean and comfortable but in the rather small shower room the shower head was damaged, the water pressure low and the toilet seat ill-fitting. On the second evening we had no hot water at all and despite several promises of instant action it took almost two hours to have it fixed resulting in our late arrival for dinner. The food quality was mixed, some very good and some very poor. For example I had a risotto which was a tasteless plate of rice with a few vegetables through it and my husband had smoked haddock that was almost inedible due to the number of bones. In contrast the poached egg it came with was perfect. The staff were outstandingly courteous and attentive, particularly the waiting staff. We were offered and accepted two complimentary glasses of wine and did receive a reduction on our bill. However we would have much preferred to have paid the full amount and had a better experience. We are not habitual complainers and overlooked many of the earlier problems as just an annoyance. However overall our experience was not acceptable. We have used Classic Britain before, have been totally satisfied and would certainly do so again. On our recommendation I know some friends have also booked through Classic Britain. However I doubt we would return to this particular hotel.

Stayed 5th April 2014

On arrival we were delighted to get a free upgrade to a Junior suite, food was delicious and staff very pleasant and helpful, we had a great time and hope to visit again

Stayed 28th March 2014

Staff were great.Hotel more for adults.Not any entertainment at weekend and not very child friendly. All things considered a nice break.

Stayed 28th March 2014

We had a fantastic stay.The food was superb and the staff extremely attentive.Thank you so much.

Stayed 28th March 2014

We paid for a superior room

Stayed 11th March 2014

Problem with food from kitchen. Long delay in getting served and food being overdone or burnt on second night! Lots of guests complaining! If we had not been on a short break deal and had paid full amount we would have been very upset and would have been complaining too. Poor waitress was trying to serve everyone and deal with complaints as well as trying to cover reception. Must say she was very efficient and shoulD not have been put in that position. Will not be back to this hotel but will continue to use classic britain as this is the first time we have had a problem.

Stayed 28th February 2014

Really enjoyable weekend break. Staff efficient and friendly, food well cooked, presented and tasty and the bedroom warm and clean. Highly recommended.

Stayed 28th February 2014

i was charged for drinks on our 2nd evening meal which we did not have !!!....no apology was offered.grudginly a refund was given....very annoyed

Stayed 7th March 2014

The aspect and ambience of the bedroom we occupied was not up to our expectations and not in keeping with the traditional style of the lounge and dining room, which was very warm and homely. We did enjoy sitting by the log fires. The upper corridors too were in contrast to the other public areas. The en-suite facilities in our room needed to be upgraded, e.g. the toilet system did not flush properly. However our overall experience of the hotel was good, the food was superb and the staff were friendly and helpful. We would certainly make a return visit.

Stayed 3rd March 2014

Very PLeasant staff

Stayed 15th January 2014

Very good value for money, food excellent would stay again.

Stayed 27th December 2013

Having just spent a twixmas break at the Deeside Inn Hotel, I would like to thank all the staff for a thoroughly enjoyable break. Our party of six were delighted with the warmth of the welcome, the cosy atmosphere, the delicious food, and the comfortable rooms. The nightly entertainment was an unexpected bonus. We particularly enjoyed the evening when a professional story teller enthralled us with tales of the local area. The quiz night was good fun too. All of this was at a bargain price ! We will certainly be recommending the Deeside to friends and family.

Stayed 27th December 2013

great stay warm and cosy, welcoming and helpful staff