Balmoral Arms, Ballater – Luxury 5★ Hotel from 129$| HotelBest.net

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Key details

About the Hotel

13-15 Victoria Road, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5RA

Near Glenmuick Church

Great

8.3

9.1

/10

3.2

4.1

Rooms

Balmoral Arms offers a variety of room types to suit the needs of guests. Premium Suites, such as River Dee and Loch Muick, provide additional space and include Nespresso machines and organic toiletries from the Highland Soap Company. Junior Suites feature roll-top baths and views of the village, ensuring a comfortable stay in Royal Deeside.

Dining

The hotel's on-site dining venue, 1852, showcases local Scottish cuisine sourced from the surrounding Cairngorms. Guests can experience traditional dishes such as Balmoral Chicken and slow-cooked game hot pot, all prepared with seasonal produce. The Ghillies Bar offers a varied selection of over 100 malt whiskies and local ales for a casual dining experience.

Location

Situated in the Victorian village of Ballater, the hotel sits near iconic landmarks like Balmoral Castle and Crathie Kirk. The surrounding area includes walking trails, wildlife sightings, and easy access to Cairngorms National Park. Ballater serves as a scenic gateway for guests to explore the rich heritage and natural beauty of Royal Deeside.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

Balmoral Arms welcomes dogs, making it a suitable choice for pet owners. A dedicated dog-friendly dining area is available in The Ghillies Bar, allowing furry companions to join their owners. The hotel permits two dogs per room at an additional charge, ensuring comfort for both pets and their owners during their stay.

Activities

Local outdoor activities are abundant, providing various options for exploring the Scottish Highlands. Hiking routes, fishing opportunities, and winter sports in nearby Glenshee make the hotel an active destination. Guests can appreciate the natural beauty, wildlife, and local adventures that Ballater and its surroundings have to offer.

Highlights

Location: Near Balmoral Castle and Crathie Church

Rooms: Premium and Junior Suites with organic amenities

Dining: 1852 featuring local Scottish cuisine

Pet-Friendly: Welcoming dogs with dedicated dining areas

Activities: Hiking trails and winter sports nearby

Must-do experiences

Stroll the picturesque Ballater Railway Station for great photos.
Visit the charming Ballater Market on Sundays for local treats.
Try the haggis at the local favorite, The Royal Haugh Hotel.
Explore the nearby Braemar Castle for stunning architecture.
Take a scenic hike in the Cairngorms National Park for breathtaking views.

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Select your room type

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

Classic Double Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Cosy Double Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Classic King Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Classic Twin Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Balmoral Arms Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.2/10Review 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

Electric kettle

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

Dining Onsite

Balmoral Arms presents a delightful array of onsite dining options that celebrate local Scottish flavors. Guests can immerse themselves in the warmth of traditional and modern settings, enjoying a selection of dishes crafted from fresh, local produce sourced from the stunning Cairngorms region.

Balmoral Arms Hotel Ballater Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Scottish and Local Grill/BBQ

Ambiance

A family-friendly space that balances traditional warmth with modern elegance, making it suitable for both romantic dinners and cheerful gatherings with friends.

Key Offerings

Signature dishes include richly flavored pan-seared salmon from the River Dee and expertly matured steaks, paired with local game sourced directly from HM The Queen's estate. Experience afternoon indulgence or cocktail hours in a relaxed lounge atmosphere.

Reservation

Reservations are recommended to ensure a delightful dining experience.

Dinner served daily from 18:30 - 20:30, with options for breakfast, lunch, high tea, and cocktail hour available.

Balmoral Arms Hotel Location

13-15 Victoria Road, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5RA

Map view

13-15 Victoria Road, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5RA

City landmarks

Church

St Kentigern's Church

2500 ft

Landmark

Crathie Church

1.3 mi

Gallery

McEwan Gallery

1.7 mi

Nearby

Church

Glenmuick Church

300 ft

Gallery

The Ballater Gallery

800 ft

Gallery

Larks Gallery

1600 ft

Restaurants

Glenaden Hotel

400 ft

6 Church Square

Rock Salt & Snails

700 ft

2 Bridge Street

Alexandra Hotel Restaurant

700 ft

12 Bridge Square

Bridge House Cafe

700 ft

Bridge Street

Clachan Grill

800 ft

5 Bridge Square

Deeside Deli & Garden Shop

300 ft

47 Bridge Street

The Carriage

1100 ft

Station Square Ballater Station

Explore Ballater

Local Highlights

St Kentigern's Church

9 minutes' walk

A historical church known for its unique architecture, peaceful grounds, and community events held throughout the year.

Crathie Church

25 minutes walking

Famous for its royal connections, this church features beautiful stained glass windows and offers a serene atmosphere for reflection.

McEwan Gallery

30 minutes walking

A local art gallery showcasing contemporary works and hosting regular exhibitions by regional artists, enriching the cultural scene.

Glen Muick Hiking

25 minutes' drive

A scenic hiking route offering stunning views of nature, suitable for both casual walkers and experienced hikers seeking adventure.

Yoga Classes

3 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga sessions available nearby that cater to various skill levels, perfect for rejuvenation and wellness during your stay.

Rock Salt & Snails

3 minutes' walk

An intimate bistro specializing in local cuisine, serving dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Reservations recommended.

Clachan Grill

3 minutes' walk

A cozy pub offering hearty meals and local brews in a relaxed atmosphere, known for its welcoming service and traditional dishes.

The Ballater Gallery

3 minutes' walk

Showcasing local artwork and crafts, this gallery hosts events and workshops, appealing to art lovers and families alike.

Bridge House Cafe

3 minutes' walk

A family-friendly café featuring live music on weekends, serving a variety of snacks, coffees, and light meals in a vibrant setting.

Getting around

City Centre

Ballater4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)95 min · 39.0 mi

Dundee Airport (DND)165 min · 68.2 mi

Bus

Bus stop15 min · 5.9 mi

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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 Balmoral Arms serves a full breakfast for free.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Year renovated:

2011

Number of rooms:

Former name

Loirston Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Balmoral Arms Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 773 verified reviews

8.2/10

Great

85%

Recommend

Breakfast

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Comfort

8.7/10

Facilities

8.2/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.7/10

Location

9.3/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.8/10

Staff

8.9/10

Value for money

7.8/10

No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.

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Questions of the users

About Balmoral Arms

Is there an extra fee for bringing multiple dogs to the hotel?

15 November 2024

An additional charge of £20 per dog, per night applies, so for two dogs, the total would be £40 per night.

Are pets permitted in the hotel, and if so, are there areas where they are not allowed?

12 December 2024

The inn is dog-friendly, allowing pets in various guest rooms and common areas, with the exception of the Dining room.

Is the hotel accessible for guests with disabilities?

20 January 2025

Yes, there is a ground floor room with accessibility features, and all public areas are on the same level for convenience.

Is there a secure place to store my electric bike during my stay?

03 February 2025

There is a secured bike store available at the rear of the hotel for safe overnight storage.

Can visitors find scenic walking trails nearby?

11 March 2025

The area boasts numerous local walking paths, including scenic routes along the River Dee and nearby hills, perfect for nature lovers.

What are the breakfast serving hours on Saturdays?

25 March 2025

Breakfast is served from 07:30 to 09:30 on Saturdays.

Is it acceptable to eat in the bar area with dogs?

04 April 2025

Yes, the bar area is dog-friendly, allowing guests to dine with their dogs in that space.

Do all guest rooms feature private bathrooms?

17 April 2025

Yes, all rooms are equipped with ensuite bathrooms for guest convenience.

Are gluten-free meal options available at the restaurant?

29 April 2025

Some dishes on the menu are gluten-free, but a separate gluten-free menu is not available. It's best to ask the staff for details.

What is the check-in time at the Balmoral Arms?

02 May 2025

Check-in is available from 15:00 to 22:00.

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