A fertile, yet wild natural beauty, Aberdeenshire is a stunning Highland destination. Dramatic views abound, whether you’re surrounded by the rugged Grampians, ruined clifftop castles, or long stretches of windblown, pale sand coastline. It’s romantic too. Our picks for the best places to stay in Aberdeenshire include a one of-of-a-kind luxury hotel, some warm and welcoming country house conversions, a Malmaison in Aberdeen, and one of the best golf hotels in the UK.

Aberdeenshire’s boundaries encompass the Buchan coastline of picturesque fishing villages to the north east; lush farmland of low, craggy hills where the Aberdeenshire Angus cattle graze; the rather savage shapes of the Cairngorms National Park; and then to the east coast (and far south of the county) and the more peaceful St. Cyrus National Nature Reserve, known for its unusual flora and fauna. Amongst all this run walking and hiking trails, with the odd stunningly located golf course. Plus, Aberdeenshire has a huge number of castles, ruined and otherwise.

Aberdeen’s glittering grey granite has garnered fans among architecture buffs, and it’s also one of the best places to spot dolphins. Banchory is a charming choice for romantic getaways, tranquilly positioned on the banks of the River Dee; and Aboyne is also home to some of the best places to stay in Aberdeenshire. Tarland is another charming centre, with its own stone circle and Iron Age dwelling, and Braemar is a beautiful village close to Balmoral and Royal Deeside.

The Best Places to Stay in Aberdeenshire

For a Special Occasion

• The Fife Arms is a seriously luxurious choice, with all the opulence of high Victoriana, and all the mod cons technology can provide. The 46 rooms and suites are all individually themed and designed, and the art collection is really something — the hotel is owned by art dealers, so you can expect to see the odd Picasso or Freud on the walls.

For the location

• Banchory Lodge is in a surprisingly quiet spot, surrounded by lush grounds, but in the centre of pretty Banchory, right beside the River Dee. The building is a Georgian house, now Grade II listed, which has received sympathetic investment during its transformation into a 28 room hotel. Plenty of the building’s original features have been retained — open fireplaces, elegant moulding, coving, and carved wood, but the rooms now offer all the mod cons, plus a range of stylish interiors that make you feel like you’re guests at a well-to-do house party. The hotel’s hub is the bar, which is popular with locals, as well as hotel guests, and is also beautifully decorated, and from there you can spill out onto the terrace, or into the charming restaurant. 
• The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa is a wonderful Scottish refuge on the outskirts of Aberdeen set on 11 acres of its own woodland. It's got a great spa, 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 etc, but also for exploring Aberdeen.

Best Country House Hotels

• TorNaCoille has been carefully converted from a beautiful baronial house, and now offers accommodation in 30 rooms and suites, ranging from small, simple and charming, to large and luxurious. The decor is very much in keeping with the style of the property, and each of the rooms is uniquely decorated. The gourmet restaurant is known for its Scottish cuisine and local produce.
• Douneside House is a totally charming country house turned hotel, surrounded by pretty manicured grounds, and views of Royal Deeside and the Grampians beyond. There are just 14 rooms and suites, all of them with serenely green views. The restaurant specialises in local ingredients — much of which is grown on site — and there’s a cosy bar, plus pool, and gym. But the best thing about staying here is the welcoming atmosphere: everyone wants you have a good time, relax, and come back again.

For Golfers

• Meldrum House is a magically historic country house hotel, converted from a 13th century Scottish baronial mansion — complete with turrets and heraldic crests. The hosts has 51 guest rooms and suites, decorated in a range of styles, from traditional charm to surprisingly contemporary flair, plus the atmospheric Cave Bar and a 2AA Rosette restaurant called Pineapple. Expect open fireplaces and plenty of whisky. Keen golfers take note: Meldrum also has its own 18 hole course.

For an Aberdeen 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. It's in a great location very close to the centre of town. And highlights include its whisky bar and whisky tasting room. It’s also got a private wine tasting room. The gym, spa and private dining rooms come as Malmaison standards. 80 rooms and suites.
• The Chester Hotel is a great pick for city explorers, converted from a rather elegant 19th century grey granite building, just a short walk from the centre of town (next door to the Malmaison). Its 64 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. There's also a restaurant serving fine dining, table d'hote style dinners with ever-changing menus and a chic bar.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Cock and Bull is a fun and rather fancy gastro pub with rooms in Balmedie, about 20 minutes north of Aberdeen. Cosy and intimate, with bespoke decor that makes the most of this buildings old charms and original wooden features, the award-winning restaurant is known far and wide for its locally sourced specialities. Guest accommodation is in converted cottages opposite: just six rooms, all of them individually decorated. Great for golf trips to Cruden Bay and Royal Aberdeen.
• Aboyne’s The Boat Inn is a totally charming, traditionally looking village inn with 16 surprisingly contemporary rooms and suites, a cosy pub and restaurant serving hearty pub grub. The fanciest of the rooms have free-standing baths under pitched roofs, and a private balcony or terrace. Downstairs in the pub guests will find roading fires in traditional stoves, and a great collection of ales. Perfect for walkers, golfers, mountain bikers and fisher folk.

Beat B&Bs

• Lys-na-greyne is a luxurious B&B in Aboyne, with wonderful views of the River Dee. There are just six rooms, all spacious and light, decorated in muted greys and whites, with antiques and contemporary bathrooms. Ideal for fisher-folk and walkers, whisky tasting and horse riding.

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

• Aberdeenshire’s local airport is Aberdeen International Airport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Aberdeenshire is cool and damp year round, and its Highland spot means it gets regular snowfall during winter. As far as the weather is concerned there’s not a bad time to visit, but Aberdeenshire is most popular during the summer months, especially around the Highland Games in August. The golf courses, walking trails, canoe centres, rocking climbing walls, and mountain biking tracks are most popular in summer too.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search further to just the best places to stay in Aberdeen
• Or Pitlochry, Aboyne or Banchory
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.