Dowans Hotel

from CA$267
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MBar
Exterior
“Stunning Victorian mansion turned luxury hotel, surrounded by lovely terraced gardens, in the heart of Speyside. Sixteen individually designed rooms are contemporary classic in style and all boast superb views. Delicious cuisine featuring locally sourced produce and a whisky bar to die for!”

Hotel review

A lovely Victorian mansion with superb views over the Spey Valley, Dowans Hotel was purchased by the Murray family in 2012, then underwent a complete renovation and refurbishment, before re-opening its doors a year later. There are sixteen en-suite bedrooms - all individually designed and named after local whiskies. The feel is contemporary, but in a classic traditional way, and rooms feature plenty of muted hues accessorised by splashes of colour and tartan. For something special and indulgent, we'd recommend you book the Macallan, a junior suite. It is seriously spacious and boasts a luxurious modern bathroom with underfloor heating, stand-alone double ended bath, and cleverly designed walk-in shower (which ensures the bathroom floor does not get flooded), plus ever changing colourful views over the Spey valley. The Dowans has two restaurants - The Spé with a tantalising 4 course tasting menu comprising all that is fresh, local and Scottish - Aberlour is widely known as the ‘Larder of Scotland’; the ‘57’ (the hotel sits on the 57th parallel north of the equator) is a more relaxed space and serves dishes featuring excellent local and sustainable produce. Dowans also offers two bars: the MBar with a corner bar, open fireplace and access out to Glenfiddich Terrace - perfect for a cocktail or lovely local beer before dinner. After dinner you can retire to The Still with over 500 single malt whiskies to choose from! The Murrays' aim was to create a stylish luxury property with excellent service in the heart of the highlands, and they have certainly succeeded. The staff are a credit - they are friendly and hugely knowledgeable about all the local activiites, whether you've come to visit local distilleries, climb some munroes or simply enjoy a romantic country getaway. Just be sure to book well ahead if you don't want to be disappointed!

Mick Empson
Mick Empson Review published: 2024-12-03

Recommended for

  • Traditional

    • Supporting local businesses; Scottish Fine Soaps, Speyside Micro Greens and the Cairngorm Leaf and Bean Coffee Co.

  • Active Holiday

    • Speyside is great for outdoorsy types - from canoeing, hiking, golf and fishing to skiing and boarding in the winter.

  • Country Escape

    • Stunning views and beautiful countryside, For sporting shooting & fishing enquiries - Ballindalloch Castle.

  • Other Activities

    • Explore Speyside's Whisky Trail or try some game or clay pigeon shooting which can be arranged close by.

  • Great walks

    • This region of Scotland is renowned for its excellent walking from munroes to more gentle strolls

  • Sights nearby

    • Telford's Craigellachie Bridge and Ballindalloch Castle are a couple of miles away.

  • Restaurant

    • Choose Spé for formal fine dining, or 57 for more relaxed meals.

  • Birdwatching

    • Nethy Bridge. famous for its Ospreys is just down the road

  • Skiing

    • Both Aviemore and The Lecht are within driving distance.

  • Fishing

    • The River Spey is world famous for its salmon fishing.

  • Golf

    • There are several top quality courses near by

  • Short break

    • Fly to Inverness and head for Speyside.

  • Kayaking

  • Contemporary

  • Owner managed

  • Wedding license

  • Village

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Chic

Facilities

  • Rooms

    16 rooms in this hotel

  • Views

    Both the property and grounds enjoy stunning views over the surrounding beautiful countryside.

  • Bar

    Whisky afficionados must check out The Still which features over 500 single malts.

  • Garden

    The property is surrounded by lovely, mature terraced gardens with beautiful views

  • Restaurant

    Choose Spé for formal fine dining, or 57 for more relaxed meals.

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Wifi

  • Sitting Room

  • Wedding license

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

Activities

  • Other Activities

    • Explore Speyside's Whisky Trail or try some game or clay pigeon shooting which can be arranged close by.

  • Great walks

    • This region of Scotland is renowned for its excellent walking from munroes to more gentle strolls

  • Sights nearby

    • Telford's Craigellachie Bridge and Ballindalloch Castle are a couple of miles away.

  • Birdwatching

    • Nethy Bridge. famous for its Ospreys is just down the road

  • Skiing

    • Both Aviemore and The Lecht are within driving distance.

  • Fishing

    • The River Spey is world famous for its salmon fishing.

  • Golf

    • There are several top quality courses near by

  • Kayaking

Map & Location

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Check availability on Booking.com