Alexandra Hotel, Ballater ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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About the Hotel

12 Bridge Square Ballater Aberdeenshire, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5QJ

Near Cairngorms National Park

Great

8.9

/10

4.4

4.6

Loved by Alexandra Hotel guests

Friendly staff
Excellent food
Comfortable stay
Clean restaurant

"Evening meal great value home cooked and breakfast plentiful could not fault"

Sharon from United Kingdom

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"Their steak and ale pie must be the best i have ever tasted and the food portions are of decent size."

McTravelScot from United Kingdom

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"Very nice dining room and bar with very good food."

dkonbest from United States

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Accommodation

The Alexandra Hotel offers five well-appointed en-suite bedrooms, uniquely decorated to provide a warm and personal touch. Each room is equipped with Freeview television, hairdryers, and hospitality trays for added convenience. Guests can choose from twin, double, or single room configurations tailored to their needs.

Dining

The hotel's restaurant serves hearty meals crafted from the finest local ingredients, allowing guests to experience the flavors of the region. The bar, recognized by CAMRA for the past decade, offers a selection of local craft beers, ciders, and an extensive range of Speyside single malt whiskies. Dining experiences can be enjoyed by all, ensuring a pleasing atmosphere for locals and tourists alike.

Location

Situated in the historic village of Ballater, the Alexandra Hotel is at the foot of Lochnagar and near Balmoral Castle, the Scottish residence of the Royal Family. The landscape features granite mountains, gentle hills, and the scenic River Dee, attracting visitors who appreciate natural beauty. Local shops proudly display the Royal Crest, making the area distinctive.

Activities

The hotel serves as a hub for outdoor adventure, with the Cairngorm National Park providing opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, and fishing. Nearby attractions include the Lecht Ski Centre 15 miles to the north and the Deeside Activity Park, also 15 miles to the west. Ballater's accessibility to Braemar, known for the Highland Gathering, makes it a focal point for cultural experiences.

Family and Community

As a family-run hotel, the Alexandra Hotel welcomes families and aims to provide a friendly atmosphere for guests of all ages. The hotel's commitment to the community is reflected in its locally sourced meals and beverages, allowing visitors to connect with the region's traditions. This focus on local culture enhances the experience for everyone staying at the hotel.

Highlights

Location: Historic village of Ballater, near Balmoral Castle .

Accommodation: Well-appointed twin double and single rooms .

Dining: Hearty dishes prepared from the finest local ingredients .

Bar: CAMRA recognised range of ales and Speyside whiskies .

“From what I gathered, this is a warm and welcoming place to stay. The staff seems exceptionally accommodating, even going the extra mile for late arrivals, and the location in Ballater offers a charming base for exploration; however, parking could be a consideration. It sounds like a very nice choice overall.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.6/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningScottish Breakfast!

The Scottish breakfast was the best I've ever had! Hearty and delicious, it was a perfect start to the day.

Angus from Scotland

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Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Finding parking nearby was surprisingly easy. I never had any trouble getting a space close to the hotel.

Dave from England

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Room FeaturesComfortable stay

The room was large, comfortable and clean. It had everything I needed for my stay and more.

Maria from Spain

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DiningPizza Perfection

The pizza was excellent! I recommend everyone to try it! Freshly made and full of flavour, a must!

Graeme from United Kingdom

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Select your room type

Alexandra Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Standard Single Room

2 persons

130 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Heating

room details

Standard Twin Room

2 persons

175 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Heating

room details

Standard Double Room

2 persons

175 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Heating

room details

Large Double or Twin Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Heating

room details

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Facilities

Alexandra Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Free parking
Off-site car park
No pets allowed
Security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Children

Children's menu

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Alexandra Hotel, guests are invited to indulge in a delightful selection of onsite dining options that blend local traditions and flavors with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether seeking an authentic taste of the region or a cozy drink after a day of exploration, this culinary haven promises memorable experiences.

Restaurant #1

Local pub fare and beverages

Ambiance

A cozy and inviting bar environment, perfect for winding down after adventures or gathering with friends.

Key Offerings

Guests can enjoy two notable real ales from the award-winning Cairngorm Brewery: Trade Winds and the current special, Nessie's Monster Mash. A wide selection of local single malt whiskies is also available for a true taste of the region.

Reservation

Not needed.

Hours vary.

Alexandra Hotel Location

12 Bridge Square Ballater Aberdeenshire, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5QJ

Map view

12 Bridge Square Ballater Aberdeenshire, Ballater, United Kingdom, AB35 5QJ

City landmarks

Church

St Kentigern's Church

3100 ft

Landmark

Crathie Church

1.4 mi

Gallery

McEwan Gallery

1.7 mi

Nearby

Church

Glenmuick Church

1300 ft

Gallery

The Ballater Gallery

1300 ft

Gallery

Larks Gallery

1300 ft

Restaurants

Shorty's Ice Cream Parlour

500 ft

25 Bridge Street

Chalmers Bakery Ltd

1000 ft

Golf Road

New Shanghai Chinese Takeaway

1000 ft

10 Golf Road

Explore Ballater

Explore Ballater's Highlights

St Kentigern's Church

12 minutes' walk

A historic church with beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, ideal for quiet reflection and architecture enthusiasts.

Glenmuick Church

5 minutes' walk

A quaint church nestled in the scenic landscape, offering a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse of local heritage.

The Ballater Gallery

5 minutes' walk

Showcases local art and crafts, presenting an engaging experience for art lovers and a chance to support local artists.

Crathie Church

3 minutes' drive

Known for its stunning stained glass and royal connections, this church welcomes visitors and reflects local history.

Hiking in Ballater

5 minutes driving

Various trails surround Ballater, perfect for hiking and appreciating nature. Equipment rentals are available nearby.

Spa Retreats

10 minutes driving

Local spas offer relaxing treatments and wellness activities, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.

Shorty's Ice Cream Parlour

2 minutes' walk

Offers a fun variety of homemade ice cream in a casual setting, perfect for a sweet treat on warm days.

Chalmers Bakery Ltd

4 minutes' walk

A charming bakery featuring fresh pastries and bread, ideal for breakfast or a snack, with gluten-free options available.

New Shanghai Chinese Takeaway

4 minutes' walk

Serves flavorful Chinese dishes for quick takeout, providing a cozy atmosphere and variety of meal options.

Local Pubs

5 minutes' walk

Featuring live music and a friendly atmosphere, local pubs offer a great night out for guests of all ages in Ballater.

Ballater Community Hall

10 minutes walking

Hosts varied entertainment events, including plays and local festivals, contributing to community spirit and fun.

Getting around

City Centre

Ballater4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)94 min · 38.9 mi

Inverness Airport (INV)167 min · 68.9 mi

Bus

Bus stop14 min · 5.8 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-22:00

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Alexandra provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Alexandra Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 168 verified reviews

9.0/10

Perfect

95%

Recommend

Breakfast

9.9/10

Cleanliness

9.3/10

Comfort

9.2/10

Facilities

8.6/10

Free Wi-Fi

9.5/10

Location

9.6/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.3/10

Staff

9.7/10

Value for money

9.1/10

Pros

Great staff

Clean room

Comfy bed

Excellent breakfast

Good value

Cons

No parking

TV instructions

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Questions of the users

About Alexandra Hotel

Are ensuite bathrooms available in all the guest rooms?

10 February 2024

Yes, all accommodations feature ensuite facilities, either with a bathtub and shower combo or a walk-in shower.

What are the transportation options for reaching Balmoral Castle or nearby attractions if I don't have a car?

20 March 2024

While there are no direct bus services to Balmoral Castle, nearby bus routes are available, along with local taxi services for convenient travel.

Is there a secure location to store bicycles overnight?

15 April 2024

A small, locked area is provided for secure bicycle storage.

What parking options are available at the hotel?

30 May 2024

Although there isn't an onsite car park, free parking can be found beside the hotel.

Are pets allowed in the hotel?

12 June 2024

Unfortunately, the hotel does not permit dogs or other pets.

What dining options are offered at the Alexandra Hotel?

25 September 2024

The hotel boasts a restaurant serving hearty meals made from locally sourced ingredients, along with a friendly bar featuring a range of local ales and whiskies.

What types of rooms are available for booking?

12 August 2024

Guests can choose from well-appointed twin, double, and single rooms, all designed to provide comfort and relaxation.

Are there local attractions worth visiting while staying in Ballater?

7 July 2024

The area is rich in history and natural beauty, with highlights including Balmoral Castle, the Cairngorm National Park, and various scenic hiking trails.

Is the bar at the hotel recognized for its offerings?

19 November 2024

Yes, the bar has been recognized by CAMRA, The Campaign for Real Ale, for its excellent selection of craft beers, ales, and fine whiskies for ten consecutive years.

What is the ambiance like in the hotel?

3 January 2025

The Alexandra Hotel offers a cozy and welcoming family-run atmosphere, perfect for both locals and visitors seeking comfort in the heart of Royal Deeside.