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 :)"

Douneside House ★★★★

"From start to finish, our experience at Douneside was exemplary. The hotel itself is homely and welcoming with plenty of comfortable spaces to sit, chat, read or drink. This is a hotel of log fires, good food, high quality accommodation and top notch service. We were in Room 6, MacRobert, it has a prime location at the front of the house and overlooks the extensive lawns and forests beyond. It is spacious and has a comfortable bed and seating areas. There are all the amenities expected of a luxury hotel: hairdryer, fridge, tea and coffee, biscuits and the gin/whisky was a nice touch. In the wider estate there are extensive walks and a useful leisure complex. We used the gym and pool, both of which were well maintained. Being November, we had no problems booking our time of choice. Food was of an excellent standard and sufficiently varied for a three night stay. Every meal we had was tasty, well presented and served in a professional manner. It is the latter which sets Douneside apart from some other hotels. Its service levels are consistently high and staff are customer-focused. Nothing is too much trouble. It is without hesitation that I recommend Douneside, it was a highlight of our stay in the Cairngorms."

Loch Kinord Hotel ★★★

"Wonderful stay with such friendly staff. Breakfast and supper were delicious. Great location."

The Commercial Hotel ★★★★

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

Aberdeen Arms Hotel Tarland ★★

"It's a bit rough and ready but welcome was genuine and warm. It is a budget hotel and the sheets were clean and bed were very comfortable and that alone was worth the money. There is a lack of budget hotels or b&bs in the area its mainly higher end. Which when you are volunteering (and funding yourself) at a sporting event, is all you need. It suited to stay in Alford and for that reason I would stay there again and most likely will next year. "

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."

Newly Converted Steading , Royal Deeside ★★★★

Royal Snug & Wee Snug ★★★