The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside, Aberlour | Whisky Haven & River Views

Name: The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside, Aberlour
Address: Aberlour, Aberlour, Moray, AB38 9LS
Price range: US$264+
Rating: 9.0

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The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside Aberlour Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Aberlour, Aberlour, AB38 9LS

Close to the Speyside Way Visitor Center

Perfect

9.0

/10

4.7

Loved by The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside guests

Modern amenities

Whisky bar

Delicious food

Fine views

Professional staff

"Also, the 'whisky room' featuring an entire WALL of whiskies to taste was a sight to behold."

Andrew from Australia

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"And after dinner , if you're a whisky connoisseur , heaven awaits in the Snug bar, boasting around 600 malts."

Barebum60 from United Kingdom

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"The room was very nicely outfitted with a very modern bathroom."

classic1903 from United States

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4-star Boutique Hotel in Speyside with Whisky Focus

Accommodations

The Dowans Hotel of Speyside offers sixteen bespoke en-suite rooms, featuring a variety of styles from cosy singles to spacious super-king size doubles. Guests can choose from luxury options like the Executive Club rooms, which include standalone baths and walk-in shower enclosures. Each room provides views over the picturesque Spey Valley or the ornamental pond, enhancing the overall experience.

Dining Experience

Dining at the Dowans emphasizes seasonal ingredients and local produce, showcased in the restaurant named '57'. The menu offers traditional dishes such as Haggis, Neeps and Tatties, alongside global cuisines like Massaman Lamb Curry. Afternoon Tea, crafted by the in-house baker, provides a delightful selection of sweet and savoury treats.

Whisky Collection

Home to a remarkable collection of over 500 single malt whiskies, the hotel serves as a haven for whisky enthusiasts. The Still bar features notable selections including Glenfiddich and Macallan, appealing to both newcomers and connoisseurs alike. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy whisky flights expertly paired with locally sourced meals.

Location

Situated in Aberlour, the hotel provides easy access to numerous whisky distilleries located along the Whisky Trail, a vital part of Speyside's heritage. Visitors can explore nearby attractions like Ballindalloch Castle, as well as hiking trails and fishing on the River Spey. This central location makes the hotel an excellent base for discovering the natural beauty and cultural offerings of the region.

Weddings and Events

The Dowans Hotel stands out as one of Moray's premier wedding venues, with tailored services to meet the needs of each couple. The hotel boasts spacious rooms and landscaped gardens, making it a scenic setting for special occasions. Personalized planning support ensures that all details are meticulously arranged for a seamless experience.

Highlights

Location: Whisky Trail access and nearby distilleries

Rooms: Sixteen bespoke en-suite styles

Dining: '57' restaurant with seasonal menu

Whisky: Over 500 single malt whiskies available

Events: Premier wedding venue with tailored services

“This Aberlour hotel impresses with its dedication to Speyside's whisky heritage and upscale comfort. The family-run atmosphere cultivates genuine hospitality, while locally sourced dining complements the area's natural beauty. In my view, its blend of Victorian elegance and modern luxury makes it a standout destination.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningGastronomic Treats

The restaurant's menu has great food including Scottish seabass and monkfish. Celebration of Apples makes a wonderful dessert.

Grace Chen from China

Review on

Room FeaturesExecutive Comfort

The Executive Room was amazing, with a massive bath and a stunning turret. All stresses simply left us!

Rajesh Patel from India

Review on

BedroomLuxurious Night

The bedrooms are luxurious and well appointed and beds were very comfortable. You can enjoy a great night.

Hans Schmidt from Germany

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Sports & FitnessWalking Paradise

There are great walking trails near by, and also local waterfalls. The hotel's location is ideal.

Isabella Rossi from Italy

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Select your room type

The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Room
2 persons
11 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe King Room
2 persons
19 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Club Room
2 persons
21 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Shower
room details

Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Parking
Safe deposit box
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Luggage storage
Ski storage
Allergy-free rooms
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Skiing
Hiking
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside, indulge in vibrant culinary offerings that celebrate Scottish heritage while emphasizing sustainability. Dine at '57' for a contemporary taste of local dishes and unique flavors, or unwind at the two bars, The Still and MBar, each providing a distinctive drink experience.

57
Scottish featuring local produce
Ambiance
Inviting and family-friendly, with a modern style perfect for both romantic dinners and casual brunches.
Key Offerings
A menu that highlights locally sourced ingredients, including venison from Ballindalloch Estate and fresh seafood from Portsoy, alongside options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten or dairy restrictions.
Reservation
Recommended
Open daily from 12:00 to 21:00, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
The Still
Whiskey Bar
Ambiance
Cozy with traditional decor, creating a warm atmosphere ideal for connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.
Key Offerings
Features a remarkable collection of over five hundred single malt whiskies, including rare selections like a 1940 Macallan and a 1953 Glen Grant, encouraging exploration and appreciation of Scottish spirit.
Reservation
Not needed
Operating hours not specified; check locally for availability.
MBar
Craft Beer Bar
Ambiance
Relaxed and modern, perfect for unwinding with friends or enjoying a nightcap after dinner.
Key Offerings
Showcases local beers from nearby microbreweries, including Spey Valley, WindSwept, and Speyside Craft Brewery, fostering a communal experience with a focus on local craft brewing.
Reservation
Not needed
Operating hours not specified; check locally for availability.

The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside Location

Aberlour, Aberlour, AB38 9LS

Explore Aberlour

Local Highlights

Aberlour Parish Church

10 minutes' walk

Historic church with stunning architecture, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere.

The GlenAllachie Distillery

15 minutes' walk

Renowned distillery offering tours showcasing whisky production, with tastings and a gift shop featuring local spirits.

The Macallan Distillery and Visitor Experience

10 minutes' drive

World-famous whisky distillery known for its exceptional single malts and engaging visitor experience with guided tours.

Icehouse

25 minutes' walk

Unique ice house blending modern design with historical significance, offering guided tours and art exhibitions.

Speyside Way Long Distance Route

10 minutes' walk

Scenic walking trail along the River Spey, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike through beautiful landscapes.

Daisy Rock

30 minutes' walk

Excellent spot for thrill-seekers featuring biking trails and scenic viewpoints, around a lively outdoor atmosphere.

The Children Play Garden at Christies of Fochabers

10 minutes' drive

Family-friendly outdoor play area with garden and activities tailored for children, ideal for a relaxing afternoon.

The Byre Grazing

10 minutes' drive

Charming eatery offering local specialties and seasonal dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for casual dining experiences.

Aberlour Distillery Restaurant

10 minutes' walk

Local cuisine paired with exquisite whiskies, featuring a relaxed atmosphere and outdoor seating in a beautiful setting.

Local Pubs and Bars

10 minutes' walk

Lively pubs offering local brews and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both casual and family-friendly nights out.

Craigellachie Bridge

10 minutes' drive

Historic bridge featuring picturesque views, ideal for sunset strolls or photography, providing a perfect blend of nature and history.

Getting around

City Centre
Aberlour 17 min · 4600 ft
Airports
Inverness (INV) 118 min · 48.9 mi
Aberdeen (ABZ) 131 min · 54.1 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-21:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

Spanish

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Dowans Hotel is often described as a beautiful, castle-like building, perfectly situated for exploring Speyside distilleries, including those within walking distance like MashTun and Glenallachie. Guests frequently praise the spacious and well-appointed rooms, some offering amazing views, along with features like huge beds and blackout blinds. The delicious food, from dinner to breakfast, and the top-notch whisky bar are also highlights, although a few guests have mentioned that some rooms can be quite small. The hotel's location is convenient for visiting Cairngorm National Park as well.

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Review score

Based on 200 verified reviews

9.2 /10

Perfect

93 %

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.5/10

Comfort

9.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.1/10

Value for money

8.5/10

Pros

Luxurious boutique

Warm welcome

Whisky room

Delicious food

Comfortable rooms

Cons

Limited options

Off the beaten path

Coffee quality

Christopherchristopher from united kingdom

Family with children

double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 04, 2026

6/10

small room limited storage

the breakfast was great and the staff was very friendly, it met my basic expectations.

the room was quite small though. there was also no one to help with luggage to the first floor, a pain. a tiny rack existed for hanging my clothes and it was barely useful, so a larger storage would have been useful.

0 Helpful

Andrew from United Kingdom

Single

deluxe king room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 22, 2026

9/10

excellent speyside stay

excellent food extensive selection convenient location

i found the food excellent . the whisky selection at the bar was extensive. the facilities were also conveniently located near local attractions.

the dining room felt a bit dim during breakfast.

Dining

9/10

breakfast included a wide variety of options and fresh ingredients. dinner service offered a diverse menu. the presentation of each dish was well executed, with attention to detail in plating and garnishing.

0 Helpful

Sophia from Germany

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 18, 2025

7/10

pretty nice but not perfect

great location yummy pastries small room regimented service

i stayed at a good hotel near the distilleries. the location were really great for exploring the area. the staff was friendly and quick, and they help me book a tour. breakfast was yummy too, i loved the pastries.

the room i had were quite small. my luggage barely fits in there. the dining areas seemed dark, they feel a bit depressing, especially during the day. also, the service feels kinda regimented and a little too strict.

0 Helpful

Parker from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 09, 2025

6/10

small room dark space

The room was neat, but it felt rather SMALL. the reception staff worked well to find a solution. I found it quite stuffy in the DARK public spaces during the day. Luckily, it wasn't as bad in the evening. Everything felt very regulated here.

0 Helpful

Charlotte from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 09, 2025

7/10

balanced stay

helpful staff fantastic kitchen small room clothing rack

the staff was helpful with securing a breakfast time. the kitchen produced fantastic food and was well-prepared (i especially liked the variety).

the room was a bit small and heavily furnished. there was a tiny rack to hang clothes, not very practical.

0 Helpful

Samantha from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: December 04, 2025

6/10

room size was a let down

cute staff beautiful setting walkable distillery small attic inclined ceiling closet feeling

the staff provided a cute and enjoyable stay. the setting and facilities are beautiful. i walked to glenallachie distillery easily, a bonus.

The attic room was small. It seemed like a closet. the ceiling was inclined. it should not be called a room at all.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About The Dowans Hotel Of Speyside

Are there any local accommodations that allow pets? We have a small Cairn Terrier and were hoping for a dog-friendly hotel experience.

05 November 2024

The Dowans Hotel maintains a strict no-pet policy to accommodate guests with allergies. However, nearby hotels such as The Craigellachie and The Station provide dog-friendly options.

Is it possible to book a package that includes dinner for a stay of more than five nights?

12 December 2024

Yes, a dinner, bed, and breakfast package is available. For more details, please reach out directly to the hotel.

Can transportation be arranged to visit the Glenlivet distillery, or is there a taxi service available nearby?

22 March 2024

Taxi transfers can be arranged, but it is advisable to book in advance due to limited local services.

Are there options for purchasing dinner gift vouchers?

15 April 2024

Yes, dinner gift vouchers are available for purchase, making for a great gift idea.

As a kosher guest bring frozen meals, will a microwave be accessible during the stay?

09 January 2025

Previous kosher guests have been accommodated. For specific arrangements regarding microwave access, please contact the hotel directly.

What is the check-in time for arrivals at the hotel?

01 February 2025

Check-in begins at 2 PM. Early check-in might be arranged upon request, subject to availability.

Are the guest rooms equipped with air conditioning for warmer months?

18 March 2024

Rooms are not air conditioned; however, fans are provided for guests' comfort.

Are there dining options available for non-residents, or is it limited to hotel guests?

25 April 2024

Guests who are not staying at the hotel are welcome to dine at the hotel restaurant, and meal vouchers are flexible to cater to your preferred amount.

Does the hotel have any rooms that are accessible for guests with mobility issues?

28 June 2024

All guest rooms are located on the upper floors, and unfortunately, there are no lift facilities.

What are the locations of the junior suites in relation to other accommodations?

17 August 2024

The junior suites are located one flight of stairs up, ensuring a comfortable yet charming experience within the hotel.