"The property in Ballater is in a fantastic location, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. It was also incredibly well kept and clean, which made for a very comfortable stay."
"The property in Ballater is in a fantastic location, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. It was also incredibly well kept and clean, which made for a very comfortable stay."
"Absolutely stunning property. Over and above expectations. Would highly recommend. If you’re looking for luxury with a great price, this is the place. Beautiful grounds and stunning scenery."
"Absolutely stunning property. Over and above expectations. Would highly recommend. If you’re looking for luxury with a great price, this is the place. Beautiful grounds and stunning scenery."
"Love this historical village hotel! The staff were AMAZING! The cuisine was delectable! We could not be more delighted! Excellent value and hospitality!"
"Love this historical village hotel! The staff were AMAZING! The cuisine was delectable! We could not be more delighted! Excellent value and hospitality!"
"Had a lovely stay at the Commercial Hotel in Tarland. Brilliant base to visit Tarland Trails, food was great and the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and helpful!
Would definitely go back for another visit any time."
"Had a lovely stay at the Commercial Hotel in Tarland. Brilliant base to visit Tarland Trails, food was great and the staff couldn’t have been more welcoming and helpful!
Would definitely go back for another visit any time."
"What a beautifully unique place to stay! We were in the Gamekeeper's bothy and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was clean and spacious and the wood stove kept us plenty warm! We never saw any red squirrels but I did see a beautiful jay that was so different from the blue jays we have in the US. I would stay here again in a minute!"
"What a beautifully unique place to stay! We were in the Gamekeeper's bothy and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was clean and spacious and the wood stove kept us plenty warm! We never saw any red squirrels but I did see a beautiful jay that was so different from the blue jays we have in the US. I would stay here again in a minute!"
"Lovely room. We had an evening meal in the bar and the food was excellent. Breakfast was included and there was an excellent selection of cold buffet and cooked options. Again, lovely and very friendly attentive staff. If you want a tranquil location then do go and you won’t be disappointed."
"Lovely room. We had an evening meal in the bar and the food was excellent. Breakfast was included and there was an excellent selection of cold buffet and cooked options. Again, lovely and very friendly attentive staff. If you want a tranquil location then do go and you won’t be disappointed."
"What a magical little place this is! Absolutely loved the cabin and all the unique decor and trinkets and the location is breathtaking…so peaceful. The couples hot tub was perfect and nice to relax in after coming back from lovely walks. Well done to the owners of the Sweet Donside Cabins. We’d love to come back."
"What a magical little place this is! Absolutely loved the cabin and all the unique decor and trinkets and the location is breathtaking…so peaceful. The couples hot tub was perfect and nice to relax in after coming back from lovely walks. Well done to the owners of the Sweet Donside Cabins. We’d love to come back."
"We had an excellent stay at this beautiful hotel. The room was particularly clean and comfortable and the shower was just amazing. The overall decor of the hotel is beautiful, with exceptional attention to detail. The staff were very friendly and efficient. Breakfast was cooked to order and was excellent. "
"We had an excellent stay at this beautiful hotel. The room was particularly clean and comfortable and the shower was just amazing. The overall decor of the hotel is beautiful, with exceptional attention to detail. The staff were very friendly and efficient. Breakfast was cooked to order and was excellent. "
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
This Scottish royal residence showcases majestic Highland landscapes and elegant Victorian architecture. Explore the historic ballroom exhibition and stroll through vibrant gardens along the River Dee.
Scotland's largest ski resort spans 2,000 acres across four mountains with 36 runs for all skill levels. Book early morning lessons at the on-site ski school to master the challenging Tiger run or gentle nursery slopes.
This 17th-century fortress captivates with its star-shaped design and furnished rooms filled with family heirlooms. Explore the grounds for spectacular Highland views after touring the community-run castle.
Lochnagar's rugged peak rises dramatically in the Grampians, offering panoramic Cairngorm views. The challenging ascent rewards with sightings of red deer and golden eagles amid breathtaking Scottish wilderness.
Spanning 29,000 hectares in Cairngorms National Park, Mar Lodge Estate showcases Scotland's diverse wilderness with ancient pine forests and Munros. Autumn visitors can witness the spectacular red deer rut among heather-covered moors.
You can find out about the history of Braemar with a visit to Braemar Highland Games Centre. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the restaurants and bars.
Marvel at this dramatic gorge where the River Dee rushes through rocky pools beneath a historic Gothic bridge. Wander ancient Caledonian pine forests and listen for the distinctive calls of native Scottish birds.
Established in 1892, Ballater Golf Club offers an 18-hole course where heathland meets parkland along the River Dee. Players navigate undulating terraces while enjoying views of heather-clad hills and Lochnagar.
Nestled in Royal Deeside, this charming village offers riverside walks and shops selling tartans favoured by the royal family. Hike nearby Craigendarroch Hill for valley views, or visit Balmoral Castle during summer months when the Queen's Highland estate opens to visitors.
A gorgeous manor house-style hotel with so much charm! The staff were really helpful and welcoming, the bar was cosy and the continental breakfast was lovely. There are beautiful walks nearby, and the town is only a 10-minute drive away. Would happily recommend!
A gorgeous manor house-style hotel with so much charm! The staff were really helpful and welcoming, the bar was cosy and the continental breakfast was lovely. There are beautiful walks nearby, and the town is only a 10-minute drive away. Would happily recommend!
Anjana
Reviewed October 29, 2026Reviewed October 29, 2026
Very clean rooms, furnishing is tasteful and well considered. A warm welcome and great chance to swap traveller recommendations with fellow walkers/visitors. Extremely well managed and intuitive to use. Love the boot room, clean public spaces and ‘please use’ shelf in the fridge!
Very clean rooms, furnishing is tasteful and well considered. A warm welcome and great chance to swap traveller recommendations with fellow walkers/visitors. Extremely well managed and intuitive to use. Love the boot room, clean public spaces and ‘please use’ shelf in the fridge!
This is one of my favourite Hotels, the location is superb and the rooms have recently been upgraded so a very enjoyable stay. The first room we got had a vent outside which didn't bother me but as my wife is a light sleeper we requested a swap and got a double upgrade, so happy days.
This is one of my favourite Hotels, the location is superb and the rooms have recently been upgraded so a very enjoyable stay. The first room we got had a vent outside which didn't bother me but as my wife is a light sleeper we requested a swap and got a double upgrade, so happy days.
Absolutely stunning property. Over and above expectations. Would highly recommend. If you’re looking for luxury with a great price, this is the place. Beautiful grounds and stunning scenery.
Absolutely stunning property. Over and above expectations. Would highly recommend. If you’re looking for luxury with a great price, this is the place. Beautiful grounds and stunning scenery.
The Sweet Donside Cabins are a little piece of heaven in Scotland, everything we could possible need was provided, we stayed in the Little Love Nest and the way it was decorated was absolutely amazing the added touches of pictures and ornaments was second to none, Lizzie and Brent are amazing hosts. Everything was spotless, the hot tub was ready as soon as we arrived and was such a treat with the lights all around the decking area. Each cabin is very private even though they are next to each...
The Sweet Donside Cabins are a little piece of heaven in Scotland, everything we could possible need was provided, we stayed in the Little Love Nest and the way it was decorated was absolutely amazing the added touches of pictures and ornaments was second to none, Lizzie and Brent are amazing hosts. Everything was spotless, the hot tub was ready as soon as we arrived and was such a treat with the lights all around the decking area. Each cabin is very private even though they are next to each...
Absolutely amazing and stunning accommodation. Everything here is perfect, from the interior to the hot tub, to the glorious views.
When we walked in for a 3 night stay, we immediately booked a further night
We will deffo be booking up for a full week next year
Thankyou for such a wonderful stay
Absolutely amazing and stunning accommodation. Everything here is perfect, from the interior to the hot tub, to the glorious views.
When we walked in for a 3 night stay, we immediately booked a further night
We will deffo be booking up for a full week next year
Thankyou for such a wonderful stay
It reopened 6 weeks before our stay and nearly everywhere was refurbished. It was so nice to go back and stay again. It is fantastic and we will be back again soon.
It reopened 6 weeks before our stay and nearly everywhere was refurbished. It was so nice to go back and stay again. It is fantastic and we will be back again soon.
Great location, beautiful artwork, facilities of a 5 star hotel in a homely guest house. Local produce at breakfast and a well stocked honesty bar. Hosts are attentive and lots of information for travellers. Can’t wait to return.
Great location, beautiful artwork, facilities of a 5 star hotel in a homely guest house. Local produce at breakfast and a well stocked honesty bar. Hosts are attentive and lots of information for travellers. Can’t wait to return.
Meal was truly out of this world ,Amazing!!Service & staff are friendly , room was well worth the money ,very clean . Definatly recommend this hotel A++++++++
Meal was truly out of this world ,Amazing!!Service & staff are friendly , room was well worth the money ,very clean . Definatly recommend this hotel A++++++++
Eleanor
Reviewed December 6, 2015Reviewed December 6, 2015
This was the perfect getaway for me. Situated approx. 5 minutes from the Main Street surrounded by beautiful countryside and tranquility. I loved every minute of my stay as a solo traveller I felt very safe and looked after by the amazing staff. Deluxe room was perfect for my needs, very spacious with a lovely deep bath and separate walk-in shower. The bed was massive and one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in. Breakfast each morning was delicious, especially the granola. I cannot rate this...
This was the perfect getaway for me. Situated approx. 5 minutes from the Main Street surrounded by beautiful countryside and tranquility. I loved every minute of my stay as a solo traveller I felt very safe and looked after by the amazing staff. Deluxe room was perfect for my needs, very spacious with a lovely deep bath and separate walk-in shower. The bed was massive and one of the comfiest I’ve ever slept in. Breakfast each morning was delicious, especially the granola. I cannot rate this...
Booked this weekend break at the last minute. We were very impressed with our accommodation. The layout of our room in the courtyard was very impressive. Just a short walk to the dinning area for breakfast. Breakfast was very well presented and the right temperature so that it was very enjoyable. The staff were very helpful and helped us very much to enjoy our stay. We will definitely be back.
Booked this weekend break at the last minute. We were very impressed with our accommodation. The layout of our room in the courtyard was very impressive. Just a short walk to the dinning area for breakfast. Breakfast was very well presented and the right temperature so that it was very enjoyable. The staff were very helpful and helped us very much to enjoy our stay. We will definitely be back.
Mary
Reviewed September 5, 2021Reviewed September 5, 2021
Absolutely loved our stay at The Poplars. Nancy & Scott couldnt have done anymore. Spotlessly clean & breakfast well what can i say nothing to not like. The location spot on the views are unreal! Easy walking distance to everything. Parking great. Thank you.
Anne-marie & Michael.
Absolutely loved our stay at The Poplars. Nancy & Scott couldnt have done anymore. Spotlessly clean & breakfast well what can i say nothing to not like. The location spot on the views are unreal! Easy walking distance to everything. Parking great. Thank you.
Anne-marie & Michael.
Our stay was a great success in no small part due to Graeme and the team. The room was a good size and the shower room very well equipped. The bed was huge and very comfortable and the bedroom well furnished. Wifi is free and works well. Breakfast is a real highlight - cooked to your liking and lovely and fresh. Graeme's knowledge of the local area is also a great boon. Highly recommended.
Our stay was a great success in no small part due to Graeme and the team. The room was a good size and the shower room very well equipped. The bed was huge and very comfortable and the bedroom well furnished. Wifi is free and works well. Breakfast is a real highlight - cooked to your liking and lovely and fresh. Graeme's knowledge of the local area is also a great boon. Highly recommended.
The hotel is lovely and the staff are lovely and friendly. Being a veggie is always difficult but they had a lovely range of veggie dinners and breakfast! Ideally located for me on business but this is my second visit as it was easy to book and I remembered how lovely everyone was and accommodating. I was very happy to book again and will do again when I am next in the area! Thank you
The hotel is lovely and the staff are lovely and friendly. Being a veggie is always difficult but they had a lovely range of veggie dinners and breakfast! Ideally located for me on business but this is my second visit as it was easy to book and I remembered how lovely everyone was and accommodating. I was very happy to book again and will do again when I am next in the area! Thank you
wendy
Reviewed October 28, 2016Reviewed October 28, 2016
Majestic Balmoral Castle: Explore the iconic summer residence of the Royal Family, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Outdoor Adventures: Engage in a variety of activities, including skiing, fishing, and golf amidst breathtaking scenery.
Charming Village Atmosphere: Experience the warmth of friendly locals and a vibrant centre that reflects Scottish culture.
Secluded Natural Spots: Discover tranquil locations perfect for hiking and enjoying the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Diverse Accommodations: Choose from a range of delightful hotels and guesthouses to suit every traveller's needs.
Find great hotels in and around Ballater
Ballater offers a delightful selection of accommodations, from charming hotels to cosy guesthouses, catering to a variety of travellers. Whether you seek pet-friendly options, family-friendly amenities, or an adventurous getaway, you’ll discover the perfect place to unwind. With a range of reviews to guide your choice, Ballater ensures a memorable stay amidst its stunning natural beauty.
Balmoral Arms: Nestled in the heart of Ballater, the Balmoral Arms is a charming 4-star hotel that caters to those seeking a pet-friendly retreat. With a commendable guest rating of 8.6, the hotel offers a welcoming atmosphere for both guests and their furry companions. The property features essential amenities such as food and water bowls for pets and a service animal policy that waives fees, making it a comfortable choice for travellers with pets. Enjoy the warm Scottish hospitality while relaxing in well-appointed rooms that provide a delightful base for exploring the surrounding Cairngorms National Park.
The Commercial Hotel: Located a mere 14km from Ballater, the 3-star Commercial Hotel boasts an impressive guest rating of 9.4, making it an ideal choice for adventure enthusiasts. This hotel is surrounded by exhilarating outdoor activities, including waterskiing, horse riding, mountain biking, fishing, and rock climbing, all available nearby. The property encourages guests to embrace the local landscape and engage in thrilling pursuits, ensuring a lively and invigorating stay. After a day of adventure, return to comfortable accommodations that provide a perfect retreat.
The Boat Inn: Situated approximately 16km from Ballater, The Boat Inn is a delightful 3.5-star establishment with a stellar guest rating of 9.6. This inn embraces a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their pets along for the journey. With amenities such as food and water bowls and a waiver for service animal fees, it offers a homely atmosphere for both guests and pets. The Boat Inn is perfect for those seeking a cosy escape, with charming interiors and a welcoming environment, making it a great base for exploring the beauty of the Aberdeenshire region.
Where to stay in and around Ballater
Ballater offers a delightful blend of adventure and charm, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Explore the vibrant Ballater centre, where friendly locals welcome you to experience the town's alluring atmosphere. For those seeking thrills, the surrounding region boasts stunning scenery and secluded spots perfect for outdoor adventures. As the sun sets, enjoy the lively nightlife that adds a unique vibe to your Scottish getaway.
Aboyne: Nestled approximately 16km from Ballater, Aboyne is a vibrant village that offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventure and stunning natural scenery. Visitors flock to Aboyne year-round, with peak travel months being April, July, and September. The village is renowned for its outdoor offerings, with activities such as golfing, and an exciting arcade adventure zone for families. Nearby, the picturesque landscapes of the national state park and historic sites provide ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation, making Aboyne an ideal spot for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity.
Braemar: Situated in close proximity to Ballater, Braemar is a charming village known for its breathtaking landscapes and outdoor pursuits. The village experiences a steady flow of visitors, particularly peaking from July to September. Travellers are drawn to Braemar for its adventurous spirit, with activities such as skiing and golfing readily available. The nearby national park and the famous Braemar Castle add to the allure, offering a glimpse into the area's rich history amidst the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
Towie: Located 18km from Ballater, Towie is a quaint village that attracts those looking for a peaceful retreat in nature. While it sees a moderate seasonal variation in visitor numbers, the peak months from July to September promise a lively atmosphere. Towie is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate scenic views, with access to numerous parks and the expansive national state park nearby. This charming village is an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty of the region, making it a must-visit for any traveller.
Things to do in Ballater
Shopping
In Ballater, you'll find charming local shops offering unique gifts and souvenirs, such as the Ballater Gallery and the Royal Lochnagar Distillery shop. If you're up for a drive, visit the larger shops in Aberdeen, where you can explore a range of high street brands and independent boutiques.
Recreation
Explore the tranquil setting of Ballater's wellness retreats, where you can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and soothing therapies. Enjoy guided nature walks in the surrounding Cairngorms National Park, offering peaceful scenery and opportunities for mindfulness amidst stunning landscapes.
Adventure
In Ballater, explore the stunning Cairngorms National Park, where you can hike scenic trails, go mountain biking, or try your hand at wildlife spotting. Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the River Dee, or enjoy a leisurely kayak trip amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Nightlife
In Ballater, the local pubs like the Victoria Bar offer a warm atmosphere with traditional ales and live music, while the Cairnryan provides a laid-back vibe perfect for unwinding. The village's quaint streets come alive at night, inviting you to explore its charming social scene.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.
Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ballater
To save money on your trip to Ballater, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February, March, and November. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, ideally on a Tuesday, to secure the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, sort hotels by price, and explore Eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Combining your hotel with flights and activities in an Expedia package can also lead to savings. Additionally, take advantage of free local attractions to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.
The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Ballater are February to March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel in Ballater about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Ballater is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Ballater is Sunday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring the most affordable hotels appear at the top. Moreover, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel accommodation in Ballater with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Ballater
Ballater offers a perfect blend of adventure, stunning scenery, and outdoor experiences, making it an ideal destination for your vacation. Key attractions include the majestic Balmoral Castle, along with picturesque mountains and charming lodges. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy romantic settings, and explore nature, ensuring a memorable trip in this enchanting part of Scotland.
Braemar Castle: Nestled in Ballater, Braemar Castle exudes a captivating blend of culture and romance. Its striking architecture and rich history invite visitors to explore the tales of Scottish clans while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
Corgarff Castle: Located 18km from Ballater, Corgarff Castle stands as a testament to Scotland's storied past. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, this castle offers a unique glimpse into the region's heritage, steeped in romantic atmosphere.
Morven: A mere 8km from Ballater, Morven presents an adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. This majestic mountain provides breathtaking scenery and an array of hiking opportunities that showcase the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Best time to go to Ballater
The best time to visit Ballater is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
Calendar Month
Temperature
Precipitation
Cloudiness
Occupancy
Pricing
January
33.3°F (0.7°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
Slightly Low
February
34.3°F (1.3°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
Slightly Low
March
37.2°F (2.9°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
Average
April
41.4°F (5.2°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
Average
May
46.8°F (8.2°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
Average
June
52.2°F (11.2°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly High
Slightly High
July
55.2°F (12.9°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly High
Slightly High
August
54.0°F (12.2°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly High
Slightly High
September
50.5°F (10.3°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Average
Average
October
44.8°F (7.1°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly Low
Average
November
38.7°F (3.7°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly Low
Slightly Low
December
34.3°F (1.3°C)
Light Rain
Mostly Cloudy
Slightly Low
Average
The nearest major airports for your trip to Ballater
Getting to Ballater, Scotland is convenient via major airports such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) is 53km away, with nearby hotels like the 5-star Marcliffe and Trump® International Scotland, both within 13km. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is 124km distant, featuring excellent accommodations such as the 5.5-star Crescent House and the luxurious Virgin Hotels Edinburgh. Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is the furthest at 158km, with top hotels including the 5-star JA Mar Hall Scotland. All airports offer various transportation services to their respective hotels for easy access to Ballater.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I need to cancel my hotel reservation in Ballater, will I receive a refund?
Yes! You'll find that most room reservations are fully refundable if cancelled prior to the hotel's cancellation deadline, which often is within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. If your reservation is non-refundable, you might still have the option to cancel and get a refund within 24 hours of your booking. Filter your search by fully refundable to find flexible hotel deals in Ballater.
What's the best place to stay on a budget in Ballater?
Balmoral Arms is a luxury hotel with a bar and a restaurant, and it's a popular choice for Expedia travellers looking for an elegant place to stay. Find more luxury hotels in Ballater.
What are some accommodation options with pools in Ballater?
Visitors to Ballater will definitely enjoy the bars and restaurants. Tourists can also enjoy the city's golf courses, mountain views and ski areas. In Ballater, there are 104 hotels and other accommodation options to choose from. Find out more about Ballater.
The hottest months are usually July and August, with an average temperature of 12°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 2°C. Average annual precipitation for Ballater is 940 mm.