Built grandly and largely from grey granite, Aberdeen blends spectacularly with its surroundings, glittering against the North Sea skies. Merchant money built this city and oil money continues to fuel it. The city has hotels, restaurants and clubs on a par with Edinburgh and London and many of the best places to stay in Aberdeen would certainly claim to rival those, but luckily there are plenty of attractions not priced for oil barons.

Aberdeen has always been a powerhouse of a city. Built on the North Sea estuary of the Rivers Dee and Don, Aberdeen began as a great port. Much of Aberdeen's appeal is in its grand granite city, also known for its green parks and communal spaces, but some of its appeal is in its surrounds too and the best places to stay in Aberdeen give you acess to all this. To the lovely beaches all along the coastline; the dramatic Cairngorms to the west, and whisky country in the interior. 

Aberdeen makes a fantastic city break destination, and some of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Aberdeen are perfect for a flying visit — conveniently located for all the highlights. Like the Brig O'Balgownie — which is one of the oldest bridges in Britain. Other highlights include many of Aberdeen’s oldest buildings: the Citadel, 500 year old Kings College, Gothic triumph Marischal College, and Union Street, the main shopping street, lined with impressively solid Victorian buildings. Other sights worth a look are the Maritime Museum, with its replica North Sea oil platform; The Old Town House Museum, at the north end of High St, where you can find out more about the city; the Aberdeen Art Gallery, which features work by Francis Bacon and Damien Hirst; and one of other of the myriad of whisky tours on offer.

The Best Places to Stay in Aberdeen

For a Special Occasion

• The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is a wonderful Scottish refuge on the outskirts of Aberdeen, set in 11 aces of woodland. It’s got a great spa, and a conservatory restaurant known for its local produce and menus, and 400-strong wine list. The hotel has 42 rooms and suites, perfect for romantics, golfers, fisher-folk and walkers, but also for exploring Aberdeen.

For a City Break

• Malmaison Aberdeen has more tartan than your usual Malmaison, but it does share many traits with its siblings: the chic bar and restaurants, the sleek and unique decor, with its luxurious feel and rather masculine romance, and the fun of it. The gym, spa and private dining rooms also come as Malmaison standards. 80 rooms and suites.
• The Chester Hotel is a great pick for a city break, converted from a rather elegant 19th century grey granite building, just a short walk from the centre of town. Its 72 rooms and suites are elegant too, with decor leaning towards bold Art Deco shapes, and shades of grey. There’s plenty of choice when it comes to room size and features too. The restaurant offers relaxed dining with crowd-pleasing dishes.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Aberdeen International Airport is just nine minutes from the centre of town by train, or ten to 15 minutes by car or taxi. Dundee Airport is next closest, and about an hour and a half away. You can travel between Aberdeen and London by direct train, or by changing at Edinburgh; both routes take seven to seven and a half hours.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Aberdeen can be a city break destination, or a gateway to Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, so people visit year round. Given that it’s Scotland, the best advice we can give is to make sure you pack your rain gear, whatever the forecasts say, because it’s almost predictably unpredictable. If you’re hoping for nice weather the best time of year to visit will be in spring or summer, when temperatures are mild to warm, and the days are getting longer and longer. Aberdeen’s cultural calendar hots up in spring and summer too, with food, music and art festivals dotted throughout.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Aberdeenshire or the best places to stay in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands
• Consider some of Aberdeen’s neighbouring centres, the best places to stay in Dundee or St. Andrews or even Edinburgh
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.