Beforehand often called the Deeside Inn, this historic property acquired a multi-million-pound refurbishment in 2022, guaranteeing its improve to the esteemed AA five-star ranking. Now operated by Crerar Motels and renamed, the Balmoral Arms it boasts an enviable village location near His Majesty’s summer time retreat. That is complemented by genuine Highland hospitality, Ishga remedy rooms and menus that includes produce from the Royal Balmoral Property. Right here is the place interval heritage meets modern design, with a homely really feel and a few regal flavour…
Uncover Royal Deeside
Set within the Victorian village of Ballater, the Balmoral Arms is simply two streets away from the River Dee, surrounded by boutique outlets and cafes. Pack your strolling boots, for there are numerous gorgeous hikes to be loved in these elements, together with the picturesque Loch Muick, the Lochnager Munro and trails inside the Cairngorms Nationwide Park (maps and guides are supplied in rooms).
Out of doors pursuits, comparable to winter snowboarding (Glenshee Ski Centre is a brief drive away), fishing, archery and stalking are plentiful and the Ballater Golf Membership is however a stroll away. Wildlife lovers can spot purple squirrels, black grouse, capercaillies, wildcats, golden eagles and extra.
However after all, a go to to the Royals’ summer time residence is a key a part of a peak season keep in Ballater; the Citadel may be reached in a bit over 10 minutes by automotive, with the choice of a detour previous the extra diminutive Knock Citadel en route.
Crerar Motels
This property is a part of the Crerar Motels group, which supply luxurious lodging throughout Scotland and have been providing distinctive service since 1902. Visitors can expertise the wild and galvanizing landscapes, an abundance of wildlife, out of doors adventures and native produce with properties stretching from Loch Fyne and Oban, throughout to Mull as much as Glencoe, Nairn and all the way down to Ballater.
Learn our assessment of the Crerar Lock Fyne Resort & Spa right here
Coorie In
After days exploring the Cairngorms, you possibly can cosy up in one of many Ballater Arms’ bedrooms and suites, all with natural bathtub merchandise supplied by the Highland Cleaning soap Firm and domestically sourced goodies. Mushy tones, with touches of tweed, country-chic patterned headboards and wooden panelling create a soothing, all-Scottish backdrop in your break.
The premium class of visitor rooms contains the River Dee, Loch Muick, Balmoral and Birkhall suites; these come outfitted with Nespresso espresso machines, a dram and shortbread within the room and nods to their native namesakes.
The Lochnagar and Crathie junior suites additionally profit from Nespresso machines, alongside Tunnocks treats and pure wool bedding for some Scottish hygge. E-book a bed room from the Characteristic Room class for a roll-top bathtub, or a Coorie Double on the highest ground for rooftop views throughout the village. These planning to spend more often than not out and about could favor one of many wallet-friendly (however nonetheless supremely comfy) Cosy Doubles, or Basic Rooms with twin, double or king beds out there.
Our Suite Throughout Our Keep Was The Balmoral Suite.
Throughout our keep we have been hosted in the very best suite within the resort, the Balmoral Suite. This beautiful suite gives loads of house to unfold out and faces the entrance providing a cute view overlooking the church.
Bed room
View
Toilet
The toilet comes with an indulgent roll high bathtub, a separate stroll in bathe and facilities by the Highland Cleaning soap Firm.
Facilities
We have been left a lovely choice of goodies by the Braemar Chocolate Store and so they have been so good, we made a detour by way of the store on the way in which residence to top off on extra.
There was a Nespresso machine too and loads of tea choices and biscuits too.
1852
Eating & breakfast takes place on the in-house brasserie and grill, 1852, whose title celebrates the 12 months by which Balmoral Citadel was acquired for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert (and marks an extended lineage of monarchs in residence). And the Royal connection doesn’t finish right here; recreation from the Balmoral Property makes an look on the 1852’s menu, because of the pinnacle chef’s stellar connections.
Moreover, farm-assured meats and minimal 28-day-aged steaks are acquired from the award-winning Gilmour Butchers and Sheridan in Ballater, with deer from Crerar Residence Farm and indigenous wild salmon. Components are sometimes infused with close by Pinewood Conservation Gin, enhancing the style of the Cairngorms. And friends can pair their dishes with a matched glass of one thing particular from de Burgh Wine Retailers.
Our Eating Expertise
Starters
Mains
Dessert
We beloved the adjoining lounge with open coal hearth, so determined to retire there for desserts and a closing drink for the night. There are a choice of board video games to get pleasure from and even a piano too
Breakfast
Am indulgent affair, all served à la carte, decide two choices from the larder and one from the new decisions which served to your desk.
The Ghillies Bar and the Lounge
For extra informal meals, drinks and a few reside music, there’s The Ghillies Bar, a homage to a task each embedded in custom and integral to the Highland lifestyle (the ghillie is chargeable for sustaining the land and educating guests in its methods).
Order a draft ale by the Inveralmond in Perth or from the Royal Deeside Brewery; select from a group of 40 whiskies; go for a pudding cocktail; or a basic serve with a Scottish twist (such because the “Wild Margarita”). Candle-lit lanterns, plump plaid cushions, sheepskin throws, fairy lights and rustic wood furnishings create a homely environment encouraging patrons to settle in for the night.
The Balmoral Arms additionally serves a conventional Victorian afternoon tea within the lounge, beside the roaring hearth. Finger sandwiches, scones and muffins arrive on a silver stand, with tea in bone china cups, that is additionally the perfect place for a comfortable post-dinner nightcap.
Ishga Spa Therapies
A keep on the Balmoral Arms allows you to expertise the native space on a multi-sensory stage — tasting the produce, seeing the landscapes, listening to the Desside rush of wind and water, and feeling the contact of Scottish seaweed in your pores and skin. Therapies on the resort’s remedy rooms make use of Ishga skincare merchandise, containing substances from the Hebridean Isles. Whether or not a therapeutic massage, a wrap, or a facial, this can be a great option to unwind, swap off, and actually soak within the goodness of this area.
Welcoming 4-Legged Visitors
Rolling hills, mountains, rivers and an all-around outdoorsy tradition is simply made for canines and their homeowners. So naturally, the Balmoral Arms welcomes four-legged friends with open arms, catering for as much as two canines in most of the rooms (extra could also be accepted by association). Pooches obtain complimentary Wow Canine Beer Bones, created utilizing spent grain from BrewDog’s Aberdeenshire brewery, together with different native substances. And as they’re lactose, soy, meat, salt — and alcohol—free, the teats are variety on extra delicate canine stomachs. Canine can be part of their people in a particular space of The Ghillies Bar, and within the Lounge, with cozy rugs and snuggly beds supplied for snoozing by the fireplace.
Remaining Ideas
Whether or not for winter snowboarding, spring walks, summer time excursions of the Royal Property, or to expertise the majestic autumnal colors, a Highland vacation on this pocket of Aberdeenshire, is a rejuvenating expertise. One which’s prone to have you ever falling in love with Deeside.
This resort is included in our information to the very best luxurious inns in Aberdeenshire
