Balmoral Arms Hotel Ballater Exterior photoBalmoral Arms Hotel Ballater People photoBalmoral Arms Hotel Ballater Exterior photo

BALMORAL ARMS, Ballater

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Check rooms and rates
From$129 /night
Check-in
26May
Check-out
27May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

13-15 Victoria Road, Ballater, AB35 5RA
-
Close to Cairngorms National Park
Great
8.3
9.1
/10
3.8
4.1
/5

Location

Balmoral Arms is located in the Victorian village of Ballater, within Royal Deeside, Scotland. Situated near Balmoral Castle, the hotel is surrounded by scenic landscapes and cultural heritage. The area offers various local walking trails and access to Cairngorms National Park.

Rooms

The hotel offers a range of accommodations including premium suites like River Dee and Loch Muick, equipped with Nespresso machines and organic toiletries. Junior suites provide extra space and views of the village along with luxury bedding for comfort. Choices include feature rooms that reflect Scottish landscapes and classic rooms highlighting contemporary Scottish design.

Dining

Dining at Balmoral Arms includes a restaurant that serves locally inspired cuisine, featuring fresh produce from the Cairngorms. Guests can enjoy traditional meals with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients at The Ghillies Bar. The hotel's offerings include afternoon tea served by a crackling fire in the lounge.

Activities

The position of Balmoral Arms allows guests to explore nearby wildlife, including red squirrels and golden eagles. Guests can partake in activities such as fishing in local lochs and hiking through the Highlands. The hotel is within driving distance to notable sites like Crathie Kirk and Crathes Castle.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

Balmoral Arms welcomes dogs and offers specific rooms for guests traveling with pets. There are nearby trails for dog-friendly walks and designated dining areas for pets in The Ghillies Bar. The hotel accommodates up to two dogs per room, with a small nightly charge.

Highlights

Location: Near Balmoral Castle and Cairngorms National Park

Rooms: Premium suites with Nespresso machines

Dining: Locally inspired cuisine at The Ghillies Bar

Activities: Fishing and hiking opportunities

Pet-Friendly: Designated rooms for dogs

Must-do experiences

  • Hike Balmoral Estate's scenic trails for stunning views and wildlife.
  • Taste the local haggis at The Bothy Restaurant for an authentic dish.
  • Explore the historic Ballater Railway Station Museum for local history.
  • Visit the charming Ballater Sunday Market for handmade crafts and food.
  • Take a whisky tour at nearby Royal Lochnagar Distillery for a true experience.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Classic Double Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Cosy Double Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Classic King Room
    2 persons
    12 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

View our calendar

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May 2026 - May 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
8.4/10Review 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
Show more

Dining Onsite

At Balmoral Arms, guests are invited to explore a delightful array of dining options that celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Scotland. With dishes inspired by the lush landscapes and pristine waters of the Cairngorms, the dining venues provide a perfect setting for both casual family meals and intimate evenings.
Balmoral Arms Hotel Ballater Restaurant photo
Balmoral Arms Hotel Ballater Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Scottish, Local, Grill/BBQ
Ambiance
A warm, family-friendly atmosphere complemented by traditional and modern touches, making it an inviting space for all occasions.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes include fresh Scottish salmon and traditionally matured steaks. The restaurant also showcases local game sourced from HM The Queen's estate at Balmoral. Experience a hearty breakfast, leisurely lunch, or a delightful high tea.
Reservation
Reservations are recommended.
Dinner served daily from 18:30 to 20:30; additional meal services include breakfast and lunch.

Balmoral Arms Location

13-15 Victoria Road, Ballater, AB35 5RA
Explore Ballater
Discover Ballater
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Glenmuick Church
Glenmuick Church
2 minutes walking
Glenmuick Church, a historical site with stunning architecture, offers serene surroundings and scenic views of the countryside.
St Kentigern's Church
St Kentigern's Church
9 minutes walking
St Kentigern's Church features beautiful stained glass and intricate stonework, reflecting the rich history of Ballater.
The Ballater Gallery
The Ballater Gallery
3 minutes walking
The Ballater Gallery showcases local artwork and hosts rotating exhibits, perfect for art enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Crathie Church
Crathie Church
3 minutes driving
Crathie Church, known for its royal connections, offers serene services and beautiful grounds surrounded by nature.
Hiking at Loch Muick
30 minutes driving
Loch Muick provides stunning hiking trails with varied difficulty. Visitors enjoy breathtaking views and abundant wildlife.
Biking in Ballater
5 minutes walking
Biking around Ballater features scenic routes for all levels. Rentals available nearby for a convenient adventure.
Relaxation at Ballater Spa
2 minutes walking
Ballater Spa offers pampering treatments in a tranquil setting, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Rock Salt & Snails
3 minutes walking
Rock Salt & Snails serves creative local dishes made from fresh, seasonal ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.
Clachan Grill
3 minutes walking
Clachan Grill offers hearty Scottish cuisine with a cozy ambiance, featuring local specialties and a great selection of drinks.
Bridge House Cafe
3 minutes walking
Bridge House Cafe provides delicious homemade pastries and coffee, perfect for families and casual dining.
Ballater Theatre
5 minutes walking
Ballater Theatre hosts various local performances, from plays to comedy nights, providing family-friendly entertainment.
The Caledonian Bar
4 minutes walking
The Caledonian Bar features live music and a vibrant atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a night out with friends.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Ballater 4 min  ·  300 m
  • Airports
    Aberdeen (ABZ) 95 min  ·  62.8 km
    Dundee (DND) 165 min  ·  109.7 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 15 min  ·  9.5 km
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Check Rates
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

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about Balmoral Arms from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Balmoral Arms offers a charming Scottish experience in the heart of Ballater, ideally located for exploring the Balmoral Estate and enjoying nearby hill walks. Guests often appreciate the cosy atmosphere, especially the lounge with its inviting log fire, and find the bar area very nice. Breakfast and dinner receive positive comments, with reasonable prices, though some guests have noted that the dinner might be served in the bar instead of the dining room. The spacious rooms and comfortable beds contribute to a pleasant stay.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 949 verified reviews
8.2 /10
Great
84 %
Recommend
Location
9.4/10
Staff
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.3/10
Value for money
8.0/10
Pros
Central location
Friendly staff
Fresh fruit
Good food
Dog-friendly arrangements
Cons
No dedicated parking
Slow service
Room noise
Guest reviews
based on 949 reviews
8.2/10
based on 1554 reviews
8.3/10
christopher from united kingdom
Single
classic king room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 20, 2026
8.7/10

excellent stay

friendly staff clean area
the staff was very friendly and helpful. the area was lovely and clean. the food and waiting staff were amazing!!! overall, i had a very good experience and i would definitely come back.
Dining
9/10
breakfast included tasty options. the restaurant menu presented a selection of dishes. the waiting staff was attentive during service.
Rooms
8/10
my room featured a comfortable bed and ample space. the bathroom had a shower and provided toiletries. the provided amenities included a tv with several channels.
Service
9/10
the reception staff offered assistance with check-in and check-out. the hotel provided daily housekeeping services. staff members were available to answer questions and offer directions.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Jayden from United States
Couple
Classic King Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 31, 2025
9/10
tasty breakfast friendly staff super accommodation
the breakfast was tasty. the cooked breakfast included stornoway black pudding and haggis. the staff were friendly and super accommodating, so that helped me.
0 Helpful
Juliet from United Kingdom
Couple
Classic King Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: December 30, 2025
6/10

some issues experienced

slow check-in limited seating
check in was slow. only one person was at the front desk. breakfast was a disappointment. we were told only at check in that we needed to reserve a time as they have limited seating times.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About Balmoral Arms
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Balmoral Arms?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is until 11:00.
Is parking available at Balmoral Arms?
The hotel provides on-site parking for guests.
How far is Balmoral Arms from the nearest airport?
Aberdeen Airport is located 65 km away, approximately a 56-minute drive.
What dining options are available at Balmoral Arms?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving an à la carte and grill menu, along with a bar area.
What amenities are available in the guest rooms at Balmoral Arms?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, and private bathrooms with dressing gowns and slippers.
What recreational activities can guests enjoy at Balmoral Arms?
Activities include golfing, bicycle rental, and live music or performances.
Is breakfast available at Balmoral Arms?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 16 GBP.
What services does Balmoral Arms provide for children?
The hotel offers a children's menu, cots, and board games for families.
Does Balmoral Arms offer any special dietary accommodations?
Special dietary accommodations are available upon request.
What languages do the staff at Balmoral Arms speak?
The staff primarily speak English.

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