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4- and 5-star hotels in Ballater
A shortlist of 4- and 5-star stays in Ballater, from hostels and guest houses to lodges and a resort hotel. It is for walkers, fishing parties, families and couples who want a base in the Cairngorms town, close to Bridge Street and the River Dee.
Staying in Ballater
Ballater is a granite town on the River Dee, known for its Victorian heritage as a spa and tourist resort and for its long association with Balmoral Castle. The old railway station, closed in 1966, now houses a visitor centre, and Bridge Street and the riverfront hold the shops and cafes. It is a base for walking in the Cairngorms, including Morven and the hills around Glen Muick, for fishing on the Dee, and it sits on the SnowRoads route through the eastern Cairngorms, with the A93 running west to Braemar and Balmoral and east to Aberdeen. Most of these hotels sit in the town centre and along Braemar Road, within walking distance of Bridge Street and the river. The 4- and 5-star mix suits couples on a short break, families wanting family rooms and gardens, business guests needing desks and internet access, and walkers and skiers who want parking and a kitchen or lounge at the end of the day.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Ballater Hostel
Bridge Square, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Families
- Lounge
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA 5-star hostel right on Bridge Square, half a kilometre from the centre of Ballater, with a kitchen, a lounge and luggage storage for guests. Skiing, fishing, canoeing and horse back riding are all within reach, and family rooms, cots and non smoking rooms suit groups of every age.
See Ballater HostelDarroch View
18 Braemar Road_X000d_, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereDarroch View sits on Braemar Road, 0.2 km from the centre, and is a 5-star option with free car parking and a garage. The kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine make it work for longer stays, while a cot and non smoking rooms keep families comfortable. Free wifi and a TV are included, and fishing is nearby.
See Darroch ViewLogiemar Cottage
19 Albert Road_X000d_, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereLogiemar Cottage on Albert Road is a 5-star property 0.4 km from the centre, and it welcomes pets. A fireplace and a jacuzzi give the cottage its character, and the kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine covers everyday needs. The garden, free wifi and parking add convenience, with horse back riding and fishing close at hand.
See Logiemar CottageNo 45 Ballater
45 Braemar Road, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Kitchen
Why stay hereRated 4.9 out of 5 from 104 reviews, No 45 Ballater is a 4-star address on Braemar Road, 0.3 km from the centre. The kitchen with oven and dishwasher, plus laundry service, housekeeping and a lounge, suit longer visits. Free car parking, a garden and a terrace are there, and skiing, golf and horse back riding are within reach.
See No 45 BallaterHilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland
Braemar Road, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Indoor pool
- Sauna
- Free car parking
Why stay hereHilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland is a 4-star resort on Braemar Road, 1.0 km from the centre, rated 4.6 out of 5 from 798 reviews. An indoor pool, a kids pool and a fitness centre are the headline facilities, with a sauna, jacuzzi and massage for downtime. Suites come with a kitchenette, and there is a restaurant, bar and playground on site.
See Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites ScotlandMoorfield House Hotel
Chapel Brae, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereMoorfield House Hotel is a 4-star hotel on Chapel Brae with a guest rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 117 reviews. A restaurant and bar/lounge cover meals and evenings, and pets are allowed, so four-legged guests are welcome. Free car parking and free internet access in the lounge are provided for a comfortable stay.
See Moorfield House HotelInvercauld Lodges
12A Invercauld Rd, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereInvercauld Lodges stands on Invercauld Rd, 0.1 km from the centre, a 4-star property rated 4.7 out of 5 from 41 reviews. Lodges include a kitchen with oven and dishwasher, a balcony and a games room, with a bar/lounge and bike rental service on hand. Fishing, skiing, golf and horse back riding are all nearby, and pets are allowed.
See Invercauld LodgesBalmoral Arms
13-15 Victoria Road, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Breakfast
- Breakfast in room
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereBalmoral Arms on Victoria Road is a 4-star hotel 0.3 km from the centre, rated 4.1 out of 5 from 491 reviews. A restaurant and bars serve guests, with breakfast in room, room service touches such as bathrobes and slippers, and a lounge. Family rooms, cots and wheelchair accessible facilities are available, and pets are allowed.
See Balmoral ArmsMorvada Guest House
28 Braemar Rd Ballater Ab35 5Rl Uk, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Air conditioning
Why stay hereMorvada Guest House is a 4-star property on Braemar Rd, 0.2 km from the centre of Ballater. Air conditioning and parking are among the facilities, and a news stand is on site. Its position puts guests within a short distance of the centre.
See Morvada Guest HouseThe Auld Kirk
31 Braemar Road Ballater, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Family rooms
Why stay hereThe Auld Kirk on Braemar Road is a 4-star address 0.2 km from the centre. A bar and lounge, a garden and a terrace give guests space to relax, and family rooms with a sofa bed and cots suit those travelling with children. Free car parking, free wifi and a picnic area are provided, and fishing, golf and horse back riding are nearby.
See The Auld KirkMorven Lodge
29 Braemar Road, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Wifi
Why stay hereMorven Lodge on Braemar Road is a 4-star property 0.2 km from the centre, with a bar/lounge and a garden. Luggage storage, free internet access in the lounge and free car parking add convenience, and a picnic area is available. A shuttle service is offered, and pets are not allowed.
See Morven LodgeDarroch Learg Hotel
56 Braemar Rd Ballater Ab35 5Ux Uk, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Business trips
Why stay hereDarroch Learg Hotel is a 4-star hotel on Braemar Rd, 0.6 km from the centre of Ballater. A restaurant serves guests, and conference halls make it a workable base for meetings or gatherings. Lifts are available for easy access between floors.
See Darroch Learg HotelThe Cabin at No 45
45 Braemar Road, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Breakfast
- Free car parking
- Breakfast in room
- Kitchen
Why stay hereThe Cabin at No 45 is a 4-star property on Braemar Road, 0.3 km from the centre. The cabin has a kitchen with oven and dishwasher, plus a garden, a picnic area and breakfast in room. Free car parking and free wifi are included, and skiing, golf and horse back riding are within reach.
See The Cabin at No 45Dalvorar Mar Lodge Estate
Mar Lodge Estate Braemar, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereDalvorar Mar Lodge Estate is a 4-star property on Mar Lodge Estate in Braemar, 27.6 km from the centre. The kitchen with oven, dishwasher and washing machine suits self-catering stays, and high chairs are available for young children. Free car parking and a garden setting come with it, and pets are allowed.
See Dalvorar Mar Lodge EstateBynack Mar Lodge Estate
Mar Lodge Estate Braemar, Ballater, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereBynack Mar Lodge Estate is a 4-star property on Mar Lodge Estate in Braemar, 27.6 km from the centre. It offers a kitchen with oven, dishwasher and washing machine, high chairs for children and free car parking. Pets are allowed, and a TV, DVD player and fishing round out the stay.
See Bynack Mar Lodge Estate
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Breakfast | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballater Hostel | ★★★★★ | – | – | – | 0.5 km |
| Darroch View | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 0.2 km |
| Logiemar Cottage | ★★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 0.4 km |
| No 45 Ballater | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 0.3 km |
| Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 1.0 km |
| Moorfield House Hotel | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 22.5 km |
| Invercauld Lodges | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 0.1 km |
| Balmoral Arms | ★★★★ | – | Yes | Yes | 0.3 km |
| Morvada Guest House | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 0.2 km |
| The Auld Kirk | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 0.2 km |
| Morven Lodge | ★★★★ | Yes | – | – | 0.2 km |
| Darroch Learg Hotel | ★★★★ | – | – | – | 0.6 km |
| The Cabin at No 45 | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | – | 0.3 km |
| Dalvorar Mar Lodge Estate | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 27.6 km |
| Bynack Mar Lodge Estate | ★★★★ | Yes | – | Yes | 27.6 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland has family rooms, an indoor pool, a kids pool and a playground. Balmoral Arms and The Auld Kirk both offer family rooms, and Invercauld Lodges adds family rooms and a games room. Cots are available at all four for younger children.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland · Balmoral Arms · The Auld Kirk · Invercauld Lodges
Closest to the centre
Invercauld Lodges is 0.1 km from the centre, Darroch View and Morvada Guest House 0.2 km, and The Auld Kirk and Morven Lodge 0.2 km. All five put you within a short walk of Bridge Street, the River Dee and the old station visitor centre.
Invercauld Lodges · Darroch View · Morvada Guest House · The Auld Kirk · Morven Lodge
Pets welcome
Logiemar Cottage, Invercauld Lodges, Balmoral Arms, Dalvorar Mar Lodge Estate and Bynack Mar Lodge Estate all allow pets, and Moorfield House Hotel in Aberdeen does too.
Logiemar Cottage · Moorfield House Hotel · Invercauld Lodges · Balmoral Arms · Dalvorar Mar Lodge Estate · Bynack Mar Lodge Estate
Top-rated guest scores
No 45 Ballater scores 4.9 out of 5 from 104 reviews, Moorfield House Hotel 4.7 from 117, Invercauld Lodges 4.7 from 41 and Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland 4.6 from 798. Each is rated 4-star, so the scores separate them from the other properties here.
No 45 Ballater · Moorfield House Hotel · Invercauld Lodges · Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland
Where to stay in Ballater
Braemar
A village a short drive west along the A93, known for Braemar Castle and the Highland Games. Dalvorar and Bynack, both on the Mar Lodge Estate, are 27.6 km from Ballater's centre, and their kitchens, washing machines and pet-friendly policy suit a self-catering stay.
Our picks here: Dalvorar Mar Lodge Estate · Bynack Mar Lodge Estate
Aberdeen
Moorfield House Hotel stands on Chapel Brae in Aberdeen, 22.5 km from Ballater's centre. The city is the nearest railway station for Ballater, with buses running from there to the town, so it works as a stop on the way in or out.
Our picks here: Moorfield House Hotel
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Ballater sits on the A93, about 40 miles west of Aberdeen and roughly 60 miles north of Dundee via the A90 and A93. The nearest railway stations are in Aberdeen, from where buses run to Ballater; the town's own station closed in 1966 and now serves as a visitor centre. Stagecoach buses connect Ballater with Aberdeen and Braemar. Within the town, Bridge Street and the riverfront are walkable, and local paths lead to Craigendarroch, the River Dee and the surrounding glens. A car is useful for reaching Balmoral Castle, Glen Muick and the wider Cairngorms.
When to go
Late spring and early summer bring long daylight hours and the best conditions for walking the Cairngorms, with heather often in bloom in August. Autumn colours along the Dee are a draw in September and October. Winter can be cold and snowy, which suits skiing at the Lecht and Glenshee, but some higher routes and paths may be affected. Events such as the Ballater Victoria Week in August and Braemar Gathering in September draw visitors.
Questions, answered
Which hotels in Ballater have free parking?
Darroch View, No 45 Ballater, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland, Moorfield House Hotel, Invercauld Lodges, The Auld Kirk, Morven Lodge, The Cabin at No 45, Dalvorar Mar Lodge Estate and Bynack Mar Lodge Estate all list free car parking. Morvada Guest House lists parking.
Which hotels in Ballater are closest to the centre?
Invercauld Lodges is 0.1 km from the centre, Darroch View and Morvada Guest House 0.2 km, and No 45 Ballater, Balmoral Arms, The Auld Kirk, Morven Lodge, The Cabin at No 45 and Darroch Learg Hotel between 0.2 and 0.6 km.
Which Ballater hotels allow pets?
Logiemar Cottage, Invercauld Lodges, Balmoral Arms, Dalvorar Mar Lodge Estate and Bynack Mar Lodge Estate allow pets, as does Moorfield House Hotel in Aberdeen. Morven Lodge states that pets are not allowed.
Which hotel is best for families in Ballater?
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland has family rooms, an indoor pool, a kids pool and a playground.
Which hotels have a pool or spa facilities?
Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland lists an indoor pool, a kids pool, a sauna, a fitness center and massage. It is the only property on this shortlist with these facilities.
Which Ballater hotel has the highest guest rating?
No 45 Ballater scores 4.9 out of 5 from 104 reviews. Moorfield House Hotel and Invercauld Lodges follow at 4.7, and Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland scores 4.6 from 798 reviews.
Do any Ballater hotels have a restaurant or bar?
Balmoral Arms, The Auld Kirk, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland, Darroch Learg Hotel and Moorfield House Hotel list restaurants or bars. Balmoral Arms and The Cabin at No 45 also offer breakfast in room.
Do the hotels have kitchens for self-catering?
Darroch View, Logiemar Cottage, No 45 Ballater, The Cabin at No 45, Invercauld Lodges, Dalvorar Mar Lodge Estate and Bynack Mar Lodge Estate list kitchens, and several include a dishwasher and washing machine.