CAMBUS O' MAY TRADITIONAL HIGHLAND HOTEL | Ballater,

Name: CAMBUS O' MAY TRADITIONAL HIGHLAND HOTEL, Ballater
Address: Cambus O May Hotel, Ballater, AB35 5SE

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Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel Ballater Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Cambus O May Hotel, Ballater, AB35 5SE

Near the Muir of Dinnet

Great

8.5

/10

4.5

Loved by Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel guests

Comfortable beds

Fantastic view

Dog friendly

Cute staff

"This hotel is charming, reception rooms are full of antiques and objects of interest, with beautiful views of rolling hills and woodland splendour."

Gillian D from United Kingdom

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"Love that it's not been over modernised"

Isabel from United Kingdom

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"The Cambus O'May Hotel is known for its stunning views, surrounded by beautiful countryside."

Bozena M from United Kingdom

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Amenities

Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel offers a restaurant featuring seasonal dishes and locally sourced ingredients. The hotel provides a bar where guests can enjoy a selection of regional beers and Scotch whiskies. An on-site terrace overlooks the scenic River Dee, ideal for relaxation after outdoor adventures.

Rooms

The hotel offers 16 well-appointed rooms, each equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay. Many rooms include views of the River Dee or the mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop. Each accommodation is designed to reflect traditional Highland character while ensuring guest convenience.

Location

Located in Ballater on the banks of the River Dee, the hotel serves as a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, just a short drive away. The surrounding area is known for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and golfing. The picturesque village of Ballater, with shops and cafes, is within walking distance.

Dining

Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel provides on-site dining with a focus on using local ingredients. Guests can expect traditional Scottish fare, as well as a selection of vegetarian options. In addition, the hotel serves breakfast featuring locally sourced products.

Entertainment

The hotel is situated close to various attractions, including royal estates and castles that reflect the area's rich history. Local events frequently take place, inviting guests to explore Scottish culture and traditions. Additionally, outdoor pursuits such as guided walks and wildlife tours are readily available.

Highlights

Location: On the banks of the River Dee

Rooms: 16 well-appointed rooms

Dining: Restaurant featuring seasonal dishes

Entertainment: Guided walks and wildlife tours

Must-do experiences

Stroll through the charming Ballater Village market on Thursdays.
Try the local venison stew at The Glenlivet Bar for a hearty meal.
Explore the stunning Cairngorms National Park for breathtaking views.
Visit the Royal Lochnagar Distillery for a whisky tasting experience.
Discover the history at Ballater's Old Royal Station museum.

Location: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningTasty Food

Dinner was amazing! The restaurant food was great, and the kitchen made vegetarian options. Breakfast had a good spread of continental options.

Oliver from Canada

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Room FeaturesTastefully Restored

The room was very clean with mountain views. The apartment was well designed and spacious. The rooms are interesting and comfortable.

Chloe from Australia

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BedroomComfortable sleep

The beds were comfortable. My room featured a lovely brass bedstead. The room was quiet and very roomy.

William from United Kingdom

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Sports & FitnessNature Explorer

The grounds are beautiful, with lots of paths to explore. It's a short scenic walk to the village. I stumbled upon the old pool!

Emily from United States

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Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates

Family Suite
2 persons
20 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Small Single Room
2 persons
7 m²
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Twin Room Mountain View
2 persons
14 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details

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June 2026 - June 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Hotel facilities and services

Each hotel provides modern amenities for a relaxing and pleasant stay

Facilities: Great

8.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Ski storage
Coffee shop
Fireplace
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Skiing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Badminton
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Pet amenities available
Laundry
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Sauna

Room features

Heating
Soundproofed rooms
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle
Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel Location

Cambus O May Hotel, Ballater, AB35 5SE

Explore Ballater

Explore Cambus O' May

Cambus O' May

5 minutes' walk

Cambus O' May offers scenic walking paths along the river and picturesque views perfect for photography.

Muir of Dinnet

25 minutes' walk

Muir of Dinnet features stunning nature trails and wildlife opportunities, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Burn O'Vat

45 minutes' walk

Burn O'Vat showcases impressive rock formations and tranquil woodland, perfect for a peaceful day out.

Monaltrie Monument

25 minutes' walk

Monaltrie Monument provides historical significance with great views, ideal for history buffs and hikers alike.

Hiking Trails

25 minutes' walk

Hiking trails in the vicinity cater to all skill levels, featuring stunning landscapes and local flora.

Wildlife Watching

30 minutes' drive

Wildlife watching opportunities nearby include spotting deer and various bird species in their natural habitat.

Yoga at the Glen

15 minutes' drive

Relaxing yoga sessions are available in scenic settings for those seeking tranquility amidst nature.

The Bothy Restaurant

5 minutes' drive

Traditional Scottish dishes in a cozy atmosphere with local ingredients. Reservations recommended for peak times.

The Village Restaurant

10 minutes' drive

Offers a variety of international cuisine in a relaxed setting, known for its vegetarian options and daily specials.

The Co-op Cafe

5 minutes' walk

A casual spot for coffee and light bites, featuring homemade cakes and a welcoming atmosphere for families.

Royal Deeside Golf Club

10 minutes' drive

A perfect outing for golf enthusiasts with stunning landscape views. Membership or guest fees may apply.

Ballater Golf Club

15 minutes' drive

Family-friendly golf course offering a mix of fun events and tournaments for all ages, with a friendly atmosphere.

Local Music Nights

10 minutes' drive

Check out local pubs for live music nights featuring Scottish folk and contemporary music in a vibrant atmosphere.

Getting around the city

City Centre
Ballater 8 min · 5.3 km
Airports
Aberdeen (ABZ) 85 min · 56.6 km
Dundee (DND) 169 min · 112.2 km
Bus
Bus stop 6 min · 4 km

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

from 06:00-11:00

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Cambus O' May Traditional Highland provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

Spanish

Number of rooms:

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel is appreciated for its traditional and cosy feel, nestled in private woodland with areas for exploration. Many guests enjoy the location, finding it ideal for walks and day trips to Loch Muick, the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve, and the Cambus o' May suspension bridge; it's also a short drive from Balmoral Castle and the Royal Lochnagar Distillery. The spacious rooms and well-appointed bathrooms are commonly praised, though a few guests have noted that some of the furnishings appear dated. A continental breakfast is included, and the hotel restaurant offers tasty, home-cooked meals, along with a good selection of whiskies at the bar.

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Review score

Based on 934 verified reviews

8.6 /10

Great

90 %

Recommend

Location

9.2/10

Staff

9.1/10

Free WiFi

8.2/10

Facilities

8.3/10

Pros

Welcoming staff

Comfy beds

Tasty meals

Great location

Cons

Cold rooms

penelope from united kingdom

Family with children

double room mountain view

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 07, 2026

9.0/10

charming highland getaway!

friendly staff evening meal

I found the staff friendly. the evening meal i had was really good. i also adored the breakfast. There was a lot of variety with high-quality products used. the open fire in the evenings. sheera's presence, enhanced my experience.

the entrance to the hotel felt a bit dangerous and needs attention soon. i was terrified each time i had to navigate it. this issue was good.

Rooms

9/10

my en suite room offered beautiful views of rolling hills and woodland splendor. a great-sized bath with a hand-held shower attachment was included, as requested. the comfortable bed came with a warm duvet and lovely pillows.

Location

8/10

The hotel is set in the rugged scottish countryside. Trees surround it. there are lovely woodland walks around the premises. i found beautiful views of rolling hills and woodland splendor to appreciate.

Service

10/10

The owners offered a very personal service. They were so friendly. the furniture and fittings are carefully chosen to suit the building's era. the atmosphere was warm and relaxing. The owners are very cute.

0 Helpful

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Charlotte from United Kingdom

Single

Deluxe Double Room Shower

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 31, 2026

7/10

A decent enough place

i stayed in a well furnished room. the shower was excellent. derek (manager) and kate (chef etc) were friendly and had lots of local information.

the hotel had few staff when i arrived. the bar closed early at 9.30, so i had to rush my drinks.

0 Helpful

Molly from United Kingdom

Single

Single Room Shower

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 28, 2026

9.0/10

charming traditional stay

old worldly feel comfortable room clean shower

the building had a lovely old worldly feel, surrounded by woodland and ample parking. my room was a quaint single room. the décor matched the building's age, yet it was comfortable and clean. the shower room, a couple of steps up, had excellent style and cleanliness. i liked the tiles.

I found that the food was not always freshly cooked. Some dishes seemed reheated.

Rooms

9/10

the room featured décor in keeping with the building's age. it was comfortable and clean, providing an appropriate space for relaxation, i found the shower room had great style and attention to cleanliness.

Dining

8/10

the evening meal provided a tasty experience with generous portions. the continental style breakfast offered sufficient options. i enjoyed the variety and quality available each morning.

Service

9/10

the staff were attentive. they addressed requests efficiently, contributing to a smooth experience. i found them polite .

Location

10/10

the hotel offers a setting near woodland, a short distance from various amenities. it is convenient to explore nearby areas. i was able to easily access local attractions.

Facilities

9/10

parking was plentiful, a useful amenity. the building exuded a historical ambiance. i found the overall atmosphere very pleasing.

0 Helpful

Rosie from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double Room Bath

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 21, 2025

8.5/10

Charming Stay, Wonderful Staff!!!

friendly staff tasty meal good atmosphere woodland walk

The hotel has a good, cute atmosphere. The staff was friendly and helpful throughout my stay. The meals tasted great and the presentation was nice. The location offers lots of woodland walks and beautiful scenery from the room.

The wooden windowsill looked aged with signs of wear.

Dining

9/10

Evening meals were good, and I ate at the hotel every night. Breakfast had lots of options available, a great start to the day. Staff were lovely.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel is dog-friendly, a great bonus for travelers! The interiors had a pretty traditional style with a log fire always going in the bar and lounge area. The location proved fabulous for planned activities.

0 Helpful

roger from united kingdom

Single

double room mountain view

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 16, 2025

6/10

wrong room soundproof wall

the food was reasonably priced.

the room i booked was not the room i received. the chap at reception just shrugged and said 'somebody else is in it'. also, the soundproof walls did not work at all.

0 Helpful

Lily from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room Mountain View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 02, 2025

7/10

cute staff outdoor space cold hotel electric heater

the staff were very cute and helpful. the setting was nice with great outdoor space, we really enjoyed it.

the hotel was cold. thankfully there were individual electric heaters to heat the room, though?

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel

What is the nearest airport to the Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel?

Aberdeen airport lies within 60 km of the Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel and is reachable with a 51-minute drive.

Should we expect an airport shuttle to bring us to Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel?

Bus shuttle which will take you to Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel with a 51-minute drive is among the services offered by the property. Please inform the staff about your estimated arrival time.

Can we park our car at the Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel?

Guests of the Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel can take advantage of parking.

How much does a room at the Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel cost?

The prices at the Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel start from £78.

What payment methods are available in Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel?

At Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel, guests can pay using Visa, JCB, and Maestro as well as other payment methods.

What room types does the Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel comprise?

The Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel provides such room types as Family Studio, Deluxe King Room, and Deluxe Queen Room.

Which facilities does the Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel provide?

Top locations of the Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel include a shared lounge and a restaurant, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with 24-hour security service.