The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant, Macduff ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant Macduff Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

43 Market Street, Macduff, United Kingdom, AB44 1LL

Close to Macduff Marine Aquarium

Perfect

9.3

9.6

/10

4.0

4.8

Loved by The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant guests

Super clean rooms
Magnificent sea view
Attentive servers
Excellent breakfast
Comfortable bar area

"Lovely new room with a comfortable bed and excellent toilet shower."

Brian from United Kingdom

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"Magnificent sea view from our top floor bedroom."

John from United Kingdom

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"The room was absolutely superb: spacious, modern, clean!"

Steve

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3-star quaint coastal hotel with panoramic sea views

Accommodations

The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant offers a range of 11 spacious rooms, each providing breathtaking views of the Moray Firth. Guests can select from various room types, including family-friendly accommodations with ample space. The hotel ensures an inviting atmosphere with amenities such as en-suite facilities and modern comforts.

Dining

The on-site restaurant at The Knowes Hotel presents a selection of fresh, local cuisine that caters to diverse palates. With an emphasis on using seasonal ingredients, the restaurant menu changes regularly, offering unique dishes. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an inviting setting with sea views.

Location

Located in Macduff, The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant is a short distance from the coastal town of Banff and the stunning beaches of the Moray Firth. This prime location allows for easy access to local attractions, including wildlife spotting and scenic walks along the coastline. The hotel serves as a great base for exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Amenities

The Knowes Hotel offers a variety of amenities to enhance guest experiences, including free parking and easy access to local sites. Guests can unwind in the bar area, which serves a selection of local beers and spirits. An extensive outdoor space provides opportunities for relaxation and socializing.

Entertainment

The hotel is positioned close to several attractions that engage visitors, such as coastal trails and historical landmarks. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to explore nearby, including water sports and nature walks. The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant offers a welcoming environment for both relaxation and adventure.

Highlights

Location: Short distance from the coastal town of Banff

Dining: Fresh, local cuisine with sea views

Accommodations: 11 spacious rooms

Amenities: Free parking and selection of local beers

“The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant provides a truly coastal experience in Macduff, emphasized by sea views and proximity to attractions like the Macduff Marine Aquarium and Royal Tarlair Golf Course. I particularly note their attention to detail, with balconies and up-to-date amenities, plus what seems like a real commitment to satisfying individual guest preferences with tailored service. It's a place that stands out for its blend of leisure and personalized care.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningExceptional Food

Dinner was delicious, and the menu had a generous mix of high-quality meals to suit all tastes. I highly recommend the pork duo.

Alice from England

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Room FeaturesBalcony Bonus

The new room included a great balcony. It was nice to sit out and enjoy the weather. It also had a fridge.

David from Scotland

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BedroomComfy Beds

The beds were very comfortable. I also had a top-floor room, which gave me impressive views of the harbour.

Ingrid from Sweden

Review on

Guest ParkingEasy Access

Plenty of ramps, so you can get right up to the end with your car.

Carlos from Spain

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Select your room type

The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Deluxe King Room Terrace

2 persons

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe King Room

2 persons

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Superior King Room

2 persons

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe King Room Sea View

2 persons

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free parking
Safe deposit box
No pets allowed
Luggage storage

Sports & Fitness

Water sports
Cycling
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Room service
Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Karaoke
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant, indulge in a rich selection of British cuisine, featuring light meals and heartwarming traditional dishes. Guests can savor delightful views of the coastline while enjoying intimate gatherings or celebrating family occasions in a relaxed setting.

The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant Macduff Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British

Ambiance

Family-friendly with a blend of traditional and modern decor, allowing for intimate meals or lively get-togethers.

Key Offerings

A varied menu including lunch, afternoon tea, and hearty dinners, complemented by locally produced fine wines, malt whiskies, and Scottish gins. Guests can also enjoy homemade ice cream from Portsoy Ice Cream while taking in stunning coastal views, including sunsets and dolphin sightings.

Reservation

Reservations recommended for larger parties, especially during busy periods.

Lunch and dinner; specific hours may vary.

The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant Location

43 Market Street, Macduff, United Kingdom, AB44 1LL

Map view

43 Market Street, Macduff, United Kingdom, AB44 1LL

City landmarks

Gallery

Duff House

1.5 mi

Landmark

Tarlair Open Air Swimming Pool

5200 ft

Landmark

Salvation Army Citadel

1.4 mi

Museum

Museum of Banff

1.3 mi

Landmark

Temple of Venus

4200 ft

Bay

Banff Bay

1.4 mi

Marina

Banff Harbour

1.8 mi

Church

St Mary's Parish Church

1.4 mi

Landmark

Duff House Banff

1.4 mi

Landmark

Inverboyndie

2.2 mi

Landmark

Inverboyndie Beach

2.3 mi

Bridge

Bridge of Alvah

2.6 mi

Nearby

Aquarium

Macduff Marine Aquarium

1500 ft

Restaurants

The Seafront Cafe & Takeaway

1200 ft

33 Shore Street

Dipak Tandoori

1000 ft

2 Duff Street

The Knowes Hotel And Restaurant

800 ft

43 Market Street

Dolphin Fish and Chips

1100 ft

8 Skene Street

Cornerstone Restaurant

1300 ft

1 Market Street

China Town

1600 ft

2 Crook O Ness Street

Explore Macduff

Macduff Marine Aquarium

6 minutes' walk

Aquarium showcasing local marine life. Ideal for families, it features touch pools and themed exhibits. Great educational experience.

Tarlair Open Air Swimming Pool

19 minutes' walk

Historic outdoor swimming pool offering scenic views. Perfect for a summer dip and relaxation for visitors of all ages.

Temple of Venus

16 minutes' walk

18th-century garden temple with stunning architecture. A peaceful spot for photos and enjoying the surrounding landscapes.

Museum of Banff

25 minutes' walk

Local history museum featuring exhibits on the area's heritage. Family-friendly with interactive displays for learning.

Hiking at Banff Beach

25 minutes' walk

Scenic trails to Banff Beach offering stunning coastal views. Suitable for hikers of all skill levels; perfect for adventure lovers.

Relaxing at Tarlair Swimming Pool

19 minutes' walk

Relax at the historic Tarlair Swimming Pool. It's an outdoor pool with breathtaking views, ideal for sunbathing or a leisurely swim.

Dipak Tandoori

4 minutes' walk

Brilliant Indian cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Signature dishes include curries and biryanis. Vegetarian options available.

The Seafront Cafe & Takeaway

5 minutes' walk

Casual dining with fresh seafood and local favorites. Known for its fish and chips. Great for a quick bite after local explorations.

Dolphin Fish and Chips

4 minutes' walk

Local favorite for classic fish and chips. Family-friendly with delicious, crispy options and takeout available.

Cornerstone Restaurant

5 minutes' walk

Welcoming eatery with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Offers a cozy atmosphere and a variety of dishes for every palate.

Salvation Army Citadel

25 minutes' walk

Community hub hosting regular events like music nights and family gatherings. Welcoming atmosphere perfect for social activities.

Local Pubs and Bars

5 minutes' walk

Quaint local pubs offer live music and a friendly atmosphere. Ideal for an evening out and mingling with locals.

Getting around

City Centre

Macduff4 min · 1000 ft

Airports

Aberdeen (ABZ)98 min · 40.5 mi

Inverness (INV)160 min · 66.1 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 14:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room. There are no extra beds provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Knowes Hotel & Restaurant from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the Knowes Hotel & Restaurant for its modern, clean rooms, with many highlighting the comfortable beds and great showers. The sea views are a particular draw, with some rooms even offering balconies to fully enjoy the scenery. The restaurant receives accolades for its excellent breakfast and dinner options, although a few guests have mentioned that it can get quite busy, impacting service at times. Being located near attractions such as the 'Needles Eye' is a bonus, making it easy to explore the charming coastal area.

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Review score

Based on 283 verified reviews

9.2/10

Perfect

96%

Recommend

Comfort

9.7/10

Staff

9.7/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.6/10

Location

9.2/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Comfy bed

Good food

Sea view

Sheltered veranda

Cons

Steep stairs

Small room

Samuel from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe King Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 15, 2026

9.5/10

really good stay

very good breakfastmodern decorcentral locationattentive staff

The breakfast was first class and offered fresh options. The room was super clean with modern decor which i found very appealing. The hotel is centrally located and within walking distance to the harbor. Staff were attentive.

Dining

9/10

the breakfast menu offered freshly cooked items chosen the evening before i enjoyed having multiple options available. the staff were ready to take orders promptly at breakfast time. i found it delicious.

Rooms

10/10

my room included a magnificent sea view from the top floor i could see the sky and awesome sunsets. the room was clean and fresh with thoughtful design. there was ample space.

Location

9/10

the hotel's location is convenient and central allowing easy walking distance to the harbor front. i found this very advantageous. the short walk made exploring the area simple. public transportation access is good.

Service

10/10

the staff were attentive and friendly without being intrusive. they were ready to assist with orders and requests promptly. this added much to my overall experience. the servers were courteous.

0 Helpful

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Ken from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe King Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 22, 2026

9.3/10

Comfortable Stay with Great Amenities

efficient staffcomfortable bedgood mealhelpful staff

the staff efficiently offered a packed lunch since i had an early start before breakfast. the room was a good size and provided comfortable beds. the restaurant had nice meals, and the staff were friendly and helpful.

the price of the wine was steep.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast included various choices which allowed me to try something new each morning. Everything tasted delicious. i noticed that dinner is also available and seemed popular as it was quite busy in the evenings.

Service

9/10

The staff were friendly and efficient throughout my visit, especially at breakfast. I always received prompt assistance. i found the team to be very attentive to any requests and generally provided a cute atmosphere.

Rooms

10/10

my room had everything i needed and included air conditioning for adjusting the temperature. there was a fridge available for drinks, and the bathroom included a non-slip mat for the shower which i thought was useful.

0 Helpful

Jonathan from United Kingdom

Family with children

Deluxe King Room Sea View

5 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 07, 2026

7/10

great sea viewpacked breakfasthelpful staffchemical sprayinglack of sprays knowledgeunpleasant experience

My room had a great sea view. The young man showed us to our room. He readily carried up our cases since there is no lift. I also got a packed breakfast to take with me because I was working early in the morning. It was very good indeed.

The staff sprayed chemicals on tables next to me while I was eating! I had just finished my dinner. It was a shame. I will not be back because of this chemical spraying. Some places have stopped spraying chemicals next to people while eating.

0 Helpful

Thomas from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe King Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 30, 2025

9.7/10

excellent sea view stay!

modern roomattentive staff

the room was superb! it was a beautiful king room sea view, and i noticed it was spacious, modern, and clean. the food was excellent (i especially enjoyed the fresh fish), and the staff were fantastic and super attentive.

Rooms

10/10

the beautiful king room sea view included a comfortable bed with fresh linens, and a modern bathroom. the room offered sea views from the window, made waking up in the morning even better. wifi and tv were also included.

Facilities

9/10

the hotel provides free parking adjacent to the building, convenient. the restaurant had sea views (even from the restaurant's roof), and this enhanced the dining experience. i didn't check for other amenities.

Service

10/10

the staff were very friendly and helpful throughout my stay. i was shown to my room upon arrival, and the check-in process was easy and efficient. i was impressed by their professionalism and eagerness to assist.

0 Helpful

Lewis from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe King Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 26, 2025

9.3/10

Really good stay!

friendly staffexcellent viewsfresh options

I've found the staff VERY friendly and efficient, always ready to help with a smile. The views from the dining room WERE great, overlooking the bay. The breakfast included a wide selection, with freshly prepared options available EVERY morning.

Service

10/10

The staff answered questions quickly and made great suggestions! I noticed they handled requests and inquiries with efficiency and a positive attitude. This was a plus.

Location

9/10

The hotel is in a great spot offering excellent views of the bay from multiple vantage points. Pennan and Corvie are easily reachable, and this makes it PERFECT.

Rooms

9/10

The room was spotlessly clean and quite spacious, with new bedroom furnishings. The room included comfy beds and good facilities. I LOVED the refurbishment!

Dining

9/10

The breakfast choices were delicious. I was able to get tasty evening meals. I noticed a lot of choice. I was impressed by their culinary skills AND dishes.

0 Helpful

Avery from United States

Single

deluxe king room terrace

4 nights in October 2025

Reviewed: November 06, 2025

6/10

mixed experience at this hotel

comfy bedchemical sprayseating places

the bed was really comfy it was a great size

i found the staff were spraying chemicals on tables next to us i had just finished my dinner some eating places have stopped spraying chemicals right next to people when eating it goes all over their food. staff should spray on the cloth at the bar then take the cloth to the table. i will not be back to this hotel for that reason. it is a shame as it was a lovely meal

0 Helpful

Danny from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe King Room Sea View

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: August 27, 2025

6/10

average experience, some downsides

chemical sprayeating places

my visit had a disappointing aspect. the staff sprayed chemicals on tables near us while we ate. i had finished my dinner, thankfully. some places have stopped this, as the spray goes all over food. they could spray on a cloth at the bar, then wipe the table. maybe they should stop using sprays entirely.

0 Helpful