13-15 Victoria Road,
Ballater,
United Kingdom,
AB35 5RA,
Aberdeenshire
-
Close to Cairngorms National Park
Great
8.3
9.1
/10
3.2
4.1
/5
Loved by Balmoral Arms Hotel guests
Superb customer service
Spacious room
Excellent location
Delicious food
Warm welcome
"Room was lovely.wasn't expecting the free standing roll top bath so loved this!"
Michelle from United Kingdom
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"We were served by a charming lad who also kept the open fire stoked with logs."
MairiM from United Kingdom
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"The roll top bath and walk-in shower were very much appreciated."
Angela
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Location
Balmoral Arms is located in the Victorian village of Ballater, Royal Deeside, Scotland. Situated near Balmoral Castle, this five-star inn provides easy access to local attractions and hiking trails. The nearby River Dee and Cairngorms National Park offer a range of wildlife viewing opportunities and outdoor adventures.
Rooms
The inn offers a variety of room types including Premium Suites, Junior Suites, Feature Rooms, and Classic Rooms. Each suite includes amenities such as spacious baths, walking showers, and Nespresso coffee machines. Organic toiletries from the Highland Soap Company add a local touch to the room experience.
Dining
Dining options at Balmoral Arms highlight local produce and seasonal cuisine, showcased in the restaurant 1852. Guests can enjoy hearty meals featuring game sourced from the Royal Estate at Balmoral, Scottish salmon, and a selection of fine wines. The dog-friendly Ghillies Bar features live music and serves traditional Scottish dishes.
Pet-Friendly Amenities
Balmoral Arms welcomes dogs with a pet-friendly policy that allows up to two dogs per room for an additional fee. The Ghillies Bar serves as a dedicated space for guests with dogs, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for both pets and their owners. Popular local walking trails accommodate outdoor adventures with furry companions.
Activities
The Ballater area is rich in royal history, offering visitors opportunities to explore Balmoral Castle and Crathie Kirk. An array of hiking, fishing, and cycling activities is available, with local trails suited for all levels of adventurers. Winter sports enthusiasts can access Glenshee Ski Centre and The Lecht for skiing and snowboarding.
Highlights
Location: near Balmoral Castle .
Rooms: Premium Suites & Classic Rooms .
Dining: restaurant 1852 & Ghillies Bar .
Pet-Friendly: accommodates two dogs per room .
Activities: hiking, fishing, and skiing .
“The Balmoral Arms impresses with its central Ballater location, proximity to Balmoral Castle, and dedication to guest comfort. Staff go above and beyond, and special diets receive thoughtful attention; the historic charm also resonated with me. It's a great place from which to enjoy the Royal Deeside.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type
Balmoral Arms Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Classic Double Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Cosy Double Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Classic King Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
room details
Classic Twin Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
room details
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Facilities
Balmoral Arms Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities:
Great
8.2/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Ski storage
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Skiing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Pet amenities available
Housekeeping
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Board games
Children's menu
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Live entertainment
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Heating
Sitting area
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
Balmoral Arms offers a delightful culinary journey through the rich flavors of Scottish cuisine. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining experiences, each showcasing locally sourced ingredients and unique dishes prepared with care, all set within inviting and charming ambiances.
Restaurant #1
Scottish, Local, Grill/BBQ
Ambiance
Family-friendly with a blend of traditional and modern decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for both casual dining and romantic evenings.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include pan-seared salmon from the River Dee and Balmoral Chicken, with a focus on seasonal and locally sourced produce. High tea and cocktail hours provide delightful indulgences.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended.
Dinner served daily from 18:30 to 20:30.
Balmoral Arms Hotel Location
13-15 Victoria Road,
Ballater,
United Kingdom,
AB35 5RA,
Aberdeenshire
Map view
13-15 Victoria Road,
Ballater,
United Kingdom,
AB35 5RA,
Aberdeenshire
City landmarks
Church
St Kentigern's Church
2500 ft
Landmark
Crathie Church
1.3
mi
Gallery
McEwan Gallery
1.7
mi
Nearby
Church
Glenmuick Church
300 ft
Gallery
The Ballater Gallery
800 ft
Gallery
Larks Gallery
1600 ft
Restaurants
Glenaden Hotel
400 ft
6 Church Square
Rock Salt & Snails
700 ft
2 Bridge Street
Alexandra Hotel Restaurant
700 ft
12 Bridge Square
Bridge House Cafe
700 ft
Bridge Street
Clachan Grill
800 ft
5 Bridge Square
Deeside Deli & Garden Shop
300 ft
47 Bridge Street
The Carriage
1100 ft
Station Square Ballater Station
Explore Ballater
Activities, Dining, and Entertainment Near Balmoral Arms
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
St Kentigern's Church
9 minutes' walk
St Kentigern's Church features stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass. It's a serene place with fascinating historical significance.
Crathie Church
3 minutes' drive
Crathie Church is known for its beautiful setting and connection to the royal family. Guided tours offer insights into its history.
McEwan Gallery
4 minutes' drive
The McEwan Gallery showcases local art and features rotating exhibitions. A perfect stop for art enthusiasts and culture seekers.
Hiking in Glen Muick
15 minutes' drive
Hiking in Glen Muick offers breathtaking views and diverse trails. Suitable for all skill levels with guided tours available.
Wellness at Ballater Spa
5 minutes' drive
Ballater Spa provides relaxation through various treatments. Ideal for unwinding after a day of exploring, reservations recommended.
Rock Salt & Snails
3 minutes' walk
Rock Salt & Snails offers a cozy atmosphere with a focus on local ingredients. Popular for their seafood dishes and vegetarian options.
Clachan Grill
3 minutes' walk
Clachan Grill features a warm pub vibe with a menu of hearty Scottish dishes. Great for a casual meal or enjoying local ales.
The Ballater Gallery
3 minutes' walk
The Ballater Gallery hosts local art events and exhibitions. A vibrant space perfect for family visits and art enthusiasts.
Live Music at The Glenaden Hotel
2 minutes' walk
The Glenaden Hotel features live music nights, creating a lively atmosphere. A great spot for enjoying local talent and dancing.
Getting around
City Centre
Ballater4 min
·
1000 ft
Airports
Aberdeen Airport (ABZ)95 min
·
39.0
mi
Dundee Airport (DND)165 min
·
68.2
mi
Bus
Bus stop15 min
·
5.9
mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-20:00
Check-out
from 05:00-11:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Balmoral Arms serves a full breakfast for free.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2011
Number of rooms:
46
Former name
Loirston Hotel
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Balmoral Arms Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 780 verified reviews
8.1/10
Great
84%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.8/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.7/10
Facilities
8.2/10
Free Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Location
9.3/10
Paid Wi-Fi
6.8/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Excellent dinner
Comfortable room
Good value
Customer service
Well maintained
Cons
Dated bar
Guest reviews
based on 1546 reviews
8.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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Questions of the users
About Balmoral Arms
What is the fee for bringing two dogs during my stay?
05 April 2024
The cost for each dog is £20 per night, so the total for two dogs would be £40 for one night.
Are dogs permitted in the hotel rooms and common areas?
15 May 2024
Dogs are indeed welcome in designated rooms and most of the common areas aside from the Dining Room.
Is there an accessible room available for guests with disabilities?
20 June 2024
Yes, there is one accessible guestroom on the ground floor with a walk-in shower, and all public areas are on the same level.
Is there a secure place to store my electric bike during the night?
10 July 2024
Yes, there is a secure bike storage area available at the back of the hotel.
Are there scenic walking trails close to the hotel?
22 August 2024
Absolutely! There are numerous walking routes starting directly from the village, including picturesque trails along the River Dee.
What are the breakfast hours on Saturdays?
03 September 2024
Breakfast is served from 07:30 to 09:30 every Saturday.
Can dining with my dog take place in the bar area?
15 October 2024
Yes, the bar area is dog-friendly, allowing guests to dine together with their pets.
Are all the rooms equipped with en-suite bathrooms?
20 November 2024
Yes, every room at the hotel features its own en-suite bathroom for added convenience.
Can gluten-free options be accommodated at the restaurant?
02 December 2024
There are gluten-free dishes available on the menu, though a separate gluten-free menu is not offered.
Is there a car park available for guests nearby?
15 February 2025
There isn't a private car park, but a free public car park is just a minute's walk from the hotel.