The enchanting Royal Deeside is a truly magical part of Scotland filled with verdant rolling hills, castles of old, and the winding River Dee. This part of the country utterly captivated Queen Victoria whenever she visited and soon became a bustling region filled with things to do and, most importantly, excellent accommodation choices.
With hotels set in ancient castles, holiday cottages with views of the Grampian Mountains, cosy bed and breakfasts overlooking the River Dee, and friendly self-catering homes, you’re spoilt for choice.
We’ve put together some of our favourite holiday options, from hotels to self-catering, at different prices that suit your budget. Accommodation should be a part of your holiday, not just another place you stay!
Royal Deeside Self-Catering
Self-catering accommodation is for those travellers who want the flexibility of setting their schedule at a reasonable price.
Situated at various lovely locations within Royal Deeside, come with us to see the complete collection of top self-catering accommodations.
House of Mark
The House of Mark is a beautiful country home near the town of Glenesk and sits firmly in the centre of Scotland’s gorgeous Royal Deeside.
There’s a lot to love about this gorgeous homestead; it has some of the best views out to the rolling landscapes of Royal Deeside, a cosy, traditional interior, and 2-acres of private land for you to explore!
From House of Mark, you can fly fish at the nearby North Esk river or enjoy the sights of golden eagles flying overhead.
Check Online AvailabilityAnnesley Park
Annesley Park is a comfortable and homely accommodation within the town of Banchory, Aberdeenshire.
This self-catering accommodation is an excellent addition to any holiday, especially if you travel with families or a large group of friends.
Its prime location allows holidaymakers to stop by the bustling city of Aberdeen whenever they want, knowing they can return to the sanctuary of Annesley Park in the evenings.
If you’re looking for a spacious place to spend your holiday without too much fuss, Annesley Park is the perfect place to do so!
Check Online AvailabilityBraemar Youth Hostel
If you want to make friends while in Royal Deeside, Scotland, look no further than a stay at the Braemar Youth Hostel!
Braemar is on the western edge of the famous region and gives you easy access to the heralded Cairngorms National Park just north of the town. With a variety of rooms ranging from en-suite singles to shared dorms, Braemar Youth Hostel finally gives you a chance to chat and interact with other travellers of Scotland.
This hostel is also a great, budget-friendly alternative for self-catering homes if you don’t mind chatting with some of the other residents from time to time.
Check Online AvailabilityWhitehill
This apartment accommodation is worth making the trip for and sits on a road corner with gorgeous mountain views.
Found in Finzean, Banchory, Whitell is an exquisite estate with a polished look. This studio apartment will be great for up to four travellers with a homely welcome and perhaps even a furry companion.
The natural lighting of the accommodation lets the summer Scottish sun beam down into it and gives the property a warm and lively feel.
Whitehill sits within a short distance from most hotspots in Royal Deeside, meaning you never have to travel far to go sightseeing.
Check Online AvailabilityRoyal Snug
Royal Snug is an appropriate name for this superb self-catering property; its cosy interior, modern design, and adorable furnishings are irresistible.
This property is set within the romantic Kincardine, so those travelling with a partner will find it an incredible place to put your base of operations while exploring Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park.
The communal garden is filled with flowers, and those who love the outdoors will find themselves enamoured at the sheer amount of things to do nearby, like cycling, fishing, or hiking.
Check Online AvailabilityShieling Beag
Just outside of Banchory and near outstanding attractions like Inchmarlo Golf Centre, Beach Ballroom, and Aberdeen, Shieling Beag is a central location with a lot to offer.
With a beautiful and clean look, Shielin Beag makes new visitors feel instantly comfortable when they arrive. Some properties take a day or two to get used to, but Shieling Beag’s simple and minimal decorations and amenities make it an exceptionally welcoming attraction.
A stay at Shieling Beag also allows you to explore the charming town of Banchory nearby.
Check Online AvailabilityRoyal Deeside Holiday Cottages
If you want a more intimate and cosy accommodation experience, consider the ample options for holiday cottages in Royal Deeside.
These magnificent cottages let you enjoy the nature of Scotland and leave you right at the doorstep of the many adventures you can find here.
Usually dog-friendly and near many of the outdoor activities in Royal Deeside, come and discover more information on some of the best holiday cottages.
Westwood Cottage
You can find this adorable cottage within the town of Ballater, incredibly close to Ballater Station – a historic village with close links to the Royal Family.
The Westwood Cottage has two bedrooms and sleeps up to four, as well as all the self-catering facilities you would expect from a cottage, like free wifi, central heating, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Nearby, you can make use of the fantastic services within the town, like restaurants, shops, and helpful information centres that can inform you of attractions!
Check Online AvailabilityCairngorm Bothies
The stunning Cairngorm Bothies are an idyllic series of cottages in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park!
At the Cairngorm Bothies, you can find an escape from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy the simple pleasures of being in such a tranquil location. Visitors can undertake a nature walk, go fishing, or even relax around a BBQ with friends in the evenings.
A stay at the Cairngorm Bothies is the perfect holiday for those that want to experience nature without interruption.
Check Online AvailabilityBen Macdui Chalet
Near the beautiful town of Banchory sits Ben Macdui, a lovely chalet cottage that you can’t miss out on!
Ben Macdui is surrounded by the woodlands of Royal Deeside and is a secluded haven for travellers who want to escape the busy cities that so often can be stressful. You can bring your whole family to this holiday home with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a spacious living room!
Check Online AvailabilityDrumniall Cottage
The charming Drumniall Cottage are where short breaks from life are enjoyed, and you can thoroughly refresh yourself.
You can find this adorable two-bedroom cottage near the town of Ordie, perfectly placed in the heart of Royal Deeside and close to all the hotspots you could ever hope to see. One morning could have you venturing into the bustling city of Aberdeen, while another could have you packing your hiking boots and exploring the Cairngorms National Park.
Come and live in the moment while on your vacation at the serene Druniall Cottage.
Check Online AvailabilityNorth Mains Cottage
Did you know that you can live on one of Royal Deeside’s most known attractions, Craigievar Castle?!
North Mains Cottage was originally a part of the estate as a worker’s home but has been transformed into an extremely cosy and comfortable right next to Craigievar Castle. You can access the castle’s estate from its property – perfect for walks to this historic attraction.
Don’t miss out on one of the most incredible Royal Deeside cottages. Friendly, well-behaved dogs are welcome too!
Check Online AvailabilityRoyal Deeside Bed & Breakfast
Bed and breakfasts are a great alternative to both hotels and self-catering. You have the freedom of staying at a great value property but the assurance that you’ll have a high-quality meal the following day!
If you’re planning to travel further into Scotland and need a place to stay with the guarantee of a hearty Scottish breakfast in the morning, then see our top picks for Royal Deeside B&Bs.
Crannach House Bed & Breakfast
Crannach House Bed & Breakfast is undoubtedly one of the best if you are looking for a bed and breakfast to stay at while in Ballater,
At this superb B&B, Doug, an ex-baker with a deft hand at culinary delights, makes the breakfast. Whether you’re interested in staying in for a day or two or exploring the surrounding area, the atmosphere at Crannach House is friendly and pleasant.
After a day of seeing the sights of Royal Deeside, returning to this B&B is like coming home to your family!
Check Online AvailabilityCreag Meggan
The ivy-adorned Creag Meggan is a picturesque B&B with a lot going for it, including a full English/Irish breakfast waiting for you in the morning!
Creag Meggan has beautiful terrace views out to the rolling Scottish countryside, made all the better by the B&B’s secluded atmosphere. Nearby, you can check out the McEwan Gallery, the Cairngorms National Park, and Aboyne Golf Club.
This charming bed and breakfast is the perfect holiday destination to stay at while exploring the expansive Royal Deeside.
Check Online AvailabilityFeughside Guest House
Feughside is a large bed and breakfast with incredible views out to the Water of Feugh, in the heart of Strachan.
There’s plenty of space at the Feughside Guest House, so you’re likely always able to book a room when travelling through the village of Strachan.
Every morning you wake up at the Feughside Guest House treats you to stunning views of Royal Deeside, and this bed and breakfast is close to the spectacular city of Aberdeen.
Don’t miss your opportunity to stay at one of the most beloved guest houses this holiday season, and ensure yourself a booking at Feughside Guest House.
Check Online AvailabilityMacbeth Arms
Located in the small town of Lumphanan, Aberdeenshire, the traditional Macbeth Arms Inn is a bed and breakfast that is well worth staying at!
With a bar complete with a pool table and dart board, unleash your competitive side in the evenings and enjoy the mornings for sightseeing around Royal Deeside. The Inn is also a 5-minute walk from the historic Lumphanan Stone and has great stores and restaurants nearby.
A stay at Macbeth Arms will undoubtedly put that proud Scottish spirit in during your vacation.
Check Online AvailabilityRoyal Deeside Hotels
Royal Deeside is famous for its beautiful castles like Braemar Castle and Craigievar Castle, but you don’t have to visit these noble homesteads to experience luxury!
Hotels in Royal Deeside, Scotland, are determined to give you the luxury you deserve while on holiday. Here are some of our top picks!
Douneside House
Arriving at Douneside House is a jaw-dropping experience. This hotel was once home to the MacRobert Family but now operates as an opulent country house hotel with superior rooms.
After checking into the uniquely designed hotel, you have 17 acres of estate to explore at your leisure – the perfect addition to the hotel’s breakfast. For those who want to indulge in luxury, try the hotel’s private dining experience!
With an immaculate garden, fascinating history, and spacious rooms, Douneside House makes it very tempting to forgo a day of activities with relaxation.
Check Online AvailabilityLoch Kinord Hotel
Situated near the town of Ballater, Loch Kinord Hotel is considered one of the finest small hotels in Royal Deeside and Glen Tanar, Scotland.
The owners and hosts of the Lord Kinord Hotel, Andrew and Jenny, ensure that every guest is welcomed in their personalised welcome – a testament to Scottish values. The intimate experience at Loch Kinord Hotel makes socialising easy, and you’ll chat with other guests over locally produced dishes in no time at the hotel’s restaurant.
To top it all off, the Lord Kinord Hotel is remarkably close to exquisite sights like the Cairngorms National Park and Balmoral Castle.
Check Online AvailabilityBennachie Lodge Hotel
The beautiful Bennachie Lodge Hotel is set within the woodlands of Aberdeenshire, mixing the creature comforts of a hotel with great outdoor activities – it sounds like the perfect holiday!
This lodge hotel is a secluded getaway only 15 minutes from Aberdeen Airport, making it one of the most accessible hotel properties. The opulent rooms are reminiscent of Victorian times, and the grounds are surrounded by activities like hill walking, horse riding, and wildlife spotting.
Relax with views over the bountiful forests of Royal Deeside when staying at Bennachie Lodge Hotel.
Check Online AvailabilityOther Accommodation Options in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire & Moray
- Aberdeen Accommodation
- Aberlour Accommodation
- Ballater Accommodation
- Banchory Accommodation
- Braemar Accommodation
- Dufftown Accommodation
- Elgin Accommodation
- Inverurie Accommodation
- Keith Accommodation
- Peterhead Accommodation
- Stonehaven Accommodation
