The Boat Inn ★★★

"We loved how cute the hotel and restaurant were! The food was amazing, the room was big and comfortable and the staff were lovely :)"

Lys-Na-Greyne ★★★★★

"Some places are beautiful, but what makes them unforgettable are the people behind them. That is exactly what makes Lys-Na-Greyne so special. We spent a wonderful few days here with our daughter and her partner, and it could not have been a more perfect base for exploring Royal Deeside and Aberdeenshire. The real gems are Joyce and Gary. Joyce has that rare gift of making you feel as though you've known her for years. She is warm, thoughtful, and genuinely caring—always available with wonderful suggestions, yet never intrusive. Gary is an outstanding cook. Every meal was exceptional, prepared with excellent local ingredients and great skill. The breakfasts deserve a special mention: delicious, beautifully presented, and the perfect way to begin each day. Our room was lovely, with splendid views over the River Dee, but what impressed me just as much was the house itself. As someone who works in the field of interiors and decoration, I couldn't help but admire the extraordinary attention to detail. Every room reflects impeccable taste. The fresh flowers, beautifully laid tables, polished silver tea pots, elegant furnishings, and countless thoughtful touches create an atmosphere that is both refined and wonderfully welcoming. Nothing feels overdone—just beautifully considered. Joyce's recommendations made our stay even more memorable. We loved the scenic walk along the River Dee into Aboyne, where we discovered The Black Faced Sheep, a delightful café with excellent baked goods, simple homemade food, wonderful coffee, and a charming selection of homewares and gifts. We also thoroughly enjoyed dinner at The Ship Inn, another excellent recommendation. The value for money is exceptional considering the quality of the accommodation, the outstanding food, and the genuinely personal hospitality. Everything was immaculate, and the room and house were spotlessly clean throughout our stay. Despite being so conveniently located, it was wonderfully peaceful—we slept beautifully every night. If you're planning to explore Aberdeenshire, don't over-schedule your days. Follow Joyce's advice, allow time for spontaneous discoveries, and simply enjoy this beautiful corner of Scotland. Lys-Na-Greyne is much more than a lovely place to stay—it is a place created with genuine hospitality, exceptional taste, and great generosity. We left feeling we had stayed with friends and hope very much to return."

The Commercial Hotel ★★★★

"I’ve stayed in this hotel before and decided to go back. The staff is very friendly and helpful."

Douneside House ★★★★

"Fantastic birthday lunch in the Conservatory. Wonderful menu laden with local produce, beautifully prepared and served. The atmosphere in the Conservatory was extremely comfortable and relaxed and, as a music lover, the playlist was just right, a great selection of well known classic hits played at a perfect volume. For this standard of food and service I think the cost was very reasonable and look forward to returning soon. Highly recommended!"

Aberdeen Arms Hotel Tarland ★★

"Booked in for two nights with another couple and paid on arrival. Both rooms were filthy, carpets ill fitted, extension cables used to plug in appliances and a damp smell which was apparent throughout the hotel. We made the decision to cut our losses and instead stayed at the Commercial Inn just down the road. When we explained to the owner the reasons we couldn't stay she just took the keys with a shrug. We later learned from someone who used to work at the Aberdeen Arms that the good reviews are left by owners' family members and staff. Easily the worst hotel I have ever booked."

Loch Kinord Hotel ★★★

"What a great adventure in Aberdeen Shire, we stayed in one of the lodges at the Loch Kinord Hotel. Andrew was a great host and we were happy with our choice of lodging. We enjoyed a nice dinner in the restaurant on teh Saturday. We explored the area and there is lots to see and explore. We were there early in the season and I am sure it would be beautiful to see in the summer with everything green and gardens with flowers."

Newly Converted Steading , Royal Deeside ★★★★

Royal Snug & Wee Snug ★★★