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THE BARREL, Ballater

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From$113 /night
Check-in
26May
Check-out
27May
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Ab35 5Ne The Barrel, 6 Church Square, Ballater, Ballater, AB35 5NE
-
Close to The Ballater Gallery
Great
8.5
/10

Location

The Barrel offers a scenic retreat in Ballater, surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Royal Deeside. Located just a short walk from the local shops and restaurants in the village, the hotel provides easy access to outdoor activities. Guests can explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area, including the Cairngorms National Park.

Rooms

The hotel includes an array of well-appointed rooms, designed for comfort and convenience. Each room features en-suite bathrooms, complimentary toiletries, and flat-screen TVs. Select accommodations provide views of the Deeside countryside, enhancing the stay experience.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options at The Barrel, including a hearty breakfast menu and evening meals. The restaurant emphasizes local produce in its offerings, showcasing the flavors of the region. Special dietary requests can be accommodated to ensure every guest's preferences are met.

Activities

The hotel supports an active lifestyle with opportunities for fishing, golfing, and hiking in the nearby countryside. Guests may also take advantage of tailored activity packages that include local excursions and guided tours. Many popular hiking trails are easily accessible from the hotel.

Events and Conferences

The Barrel provides facilities for hosting events, including meetings and private functions. The dedicated staff can assist with planning and catering to ensure a successful occasion. Equipped with presentation equipment, the space is suitable for both corporate events and social gatherings.

Highlights

Dining: Hearty breakfast menu with local produce

Location: Scenic retreat near Cairngorms National Park

Activities: Fishing, golfing, and nearby hiking trails

Events: Meeting facilities for hosting events

Must-do experiences

  • Savor local haggis at The Chippy for a true Scottish treat.
  • Visit the Balmoral Castle and stroll its picturesque gardens.
  • Explore the Royal Deeside Heritage Trail for stunning views.
  • Check out the Ballater Church for its unique architecture.
  • Enjoy fresh produce at the Ballater Farmers' Market on Thursdays.

Select your preferred room

Choose from standard rooms, family suites, or deluxe options — with breakfast and flexible rates
  • Double Room
    2 persons
    10 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Small Double Room
    2 persons
    10 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Double Room Private Bathroom
    2 persons
    14 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
Show all rooms

View our calendar

Check prices and secure your dates today
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
8.6/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Parking
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Security
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace

Room features

  • Free Wi-Fi in rooms
  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

The Barrel Location

Ab35 5Ne The Barrel, 6 Church Square, Ballater, Ballater, AB35 5NE
Explore Ballater
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Glenmuick Church
1 minute walking
Historic chapel with stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflection and photography.
The Ballater Gallery
3 minutes walking
Showcases local art and crafts with regular exhibitions, making it a great spot for art enthusiasts.
Crathie Church
3 minutes driving
Known for its beautiful setting near Balmoral, this charming church holds historical significance and offers a serene visit.
McEwan Gallery
4 minutes driving
Features contemporary art from local and national artists, with unique displays and events that attract culture lovers.
Hiking in Glen Muick
25 minutes driving
Offers scenic trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.
Yoga by the River
8 minutes walking
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions available seasonally, ideal for unwinding while enjoying the natural surroundings.
Chalmers Bakery Ltd
1 minute walking
A cozy bakery known for its fresh pastries and coffees, perfect for a quick snack or leisurely breakfast.
Shorty's Ice Cream Parlour
2 minutes walking
Specializes in delightful homemade ice creams with various flavors, offering a sweet treat for families and couples alike.
Phoenix Chip Shop
3 minutes walking
Popular for its traditional fish and chips, served in a laid-back atmosphere, great for a casual meal after a day out.
Local Pubs and Bars
5 minutes walking
Vibrant spaces offering live music and friendly atmospheres, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Live Music Nights
6 minutes walking
Local venues feature regular live performances, providing an exciting night out for all ages and musical tastes.
Getting around the city
  • City Centre
    Ballater 3 min  ·  200 m
  • Airports
    Aberdeen (ABZ) 95 min  ·  63 km
    Inverness (INV) 166 min  ·  110.5 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 15 min  ·  9.5 km
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-22:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP10 per person per day.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.

Guest ratings and detailed reviews

Feedback about The Barrel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Barrel enjoys a central location in the lovely village of Ballater, with easy access to the village green and complimentary parking. Guests often compliment the clean, modern rooms, some of which are quite spacious and feature lovely views of the park, while the en-suites often appear recently updated; the proximity to Balmoral Castle is another definite plus. Many appreciate the hearty breakfast provided. While some rooms can be small, with limited hanging space, the great value and convenient location make for a pleasant stay.
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Review score
Based on 140 verified reviews
8.8 /10
Great
92 %
Recommend
Breakfast
10.0/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
7.4/10
Free WiFi
8.0/10
Pros
Clean rooms
Good breakfast
Comfortable room
Excellent staff
Good location
Cons
Loud noise
Low water pressure
Guest reviews
based on 140 reviews
8.8/10
based on 198 reviews
8.5/10
Stella from Italy
Couple
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 07, 2026
9.0/10

FANTASTIC stay!

village square comfortable room tasty meal
the location IS perfect, right on the village square. The room was really comfortable AND the breakfast was excellent. The staff members were helpful with assisting us with our luggage! dinner WAS fantastic, the meals were tasty AND the music choices were great.
the rooms ARE above a pub and poorly soundproofed. i couldn't sleep until 1 am because IT was a friday. people wanted to have fun AND it was at our rest's expense. the shower HAD very low pressure.
Rooms
9/10
the room was very clean AND recently decorated. It featured a comfortable bed AND a modern bathroom WITH a spacious shower. there WAS also a nice window overlooking the park.
Facilities
8/10
the hotel's pub offered a SUPER atmosphere WITH good food. Breakfast IN the morning was fresh AND wonderfully prepared WITH several options. check-in and check-out were completely fuss-free AND efficient.
Service
10/10
the staff IS very friendly AND cute to guests. they ARE helpful WITH luggage assistance AND any inquiries. the team creates a warm AND inviting atmosphere FOR everyone.
0 Helpful
|
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Luke from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 01, 2026
6/10
bad soundproofing low shower pressure
The soundproofing was bad. i couldn't sleep well because the pub noise went on until late. It was really annoying. also. the shower pressure was low. It made showering difficult. there wasn't any alternative to the scottish breakfast. I wanted something else
0 Helpful
Nick from United Kingdom
Single
double room private bathroom
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: November 27, 2025
6/10

a mixed experience

small room no hanging space
the room was very comfy and tidy. food was good.
The room was really small, it had no hanging space for clothes. there was only one bedside table. This was quite inconvenient as there was nowhere to put personal items.
0 Helpful
rosie from united kingdom
Single
double room private bathroom
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 17, 2025
9.3/10

a cosy space with really good breakfast

clean room beautiful location really good breakfast
the rooms were very clean and tidy. the location is beautiful. the breakfast was really good, i must say. everything was straightforward and easy.
The room was really small. There was no hanging space for clothes, and only one bedside table.
Facilities
9/10
Parking is right behind the hotel. the car park is free to use. the hotel is clean and well maintained. It showed. there is a lovely bar and a great restaurant on the premises.
Location
10/10
The location is excellent. the hotel faces the village green. it is located right in the centre. i found the little town beautiful with the surrounding mountains and views. The location to shops is excellent.
Dining
9/10
The food was amazing!!! the bar has a good selection of beers. the breakfast was good and hearty. It started my day off perfectly. i enjoyed lunch and evening meals served here too.
0 Helpful
|
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Evelyn from United Kingdom
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
4 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 11, 2025
6/10

Acceptable stay with some issues

low pressure small room
The location was handy to find.
The shower had very low pressure. It was hard to wash my hair properly. My room was small. there was only one bedside table.
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Barrel
What time is check-in and check-out at The Barrel?
Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 10:00.
How far is The Barrel from Aberdeen Airport?
The hotel is located 65 km from Aberdeen Airport.
What dining options are available at The Barrel?
The hotel features a restaurant serving British cuisine, as well as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
What are some popular restaurants close to The Barrel?
Nearby restaurants include The Bothy, Glenaden Hotel, and Shorty's Ice Cream Parlour, all located within 0.5 km.
What room amenities does The Barrel provide?
Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and private bathrooms with free toiletries.
Is Wi-Fi included at The Barrel?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Does The Barrel allow pets?
Pets are allowed on request.
What attractions are close to The Barrel?
The hotel is 18 km from Balmoral Castle and 47 km from CairnGorm National Park.
Does The Barrel offer breakfast?
A Full English/Irish breakfast is available for an additional charge of 10 GBP.
Are there family-friendly features at The Barrel?
The hotel offers family rooms and a children's menu.

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