Hotels 1 to 4 in Ballater, Aberdeenshire

The Deeside Hotel - Featured in the Good Hotel Guide 2010, this late Victorian residence is set within an acre of grounds in picturesque Ballater, Royal Deeside, surrounded by the beautiful Cairngorm National Park. The Deeside Hotel has 10 comfortable rooms, all of which are individually decorated with their own unique charm. Each room has an en suite bathroom, 2 with a shower only and the others with baths and showers above. Most double rooms have king-size beds, one of which is a four-poster. There are 2 rooms located on the ground floor, offering easy access. The south-facing conservatory restaurant offers fine Scottish cuisine that draws from fresh, locally sourced free range or organic produce. The Victorian greenhouse and vegetable gardens provide many of the herbs, fruit and vegetables used in the kitchen. There is a wide selection of wines to accompany your meal. The bar, with its log fires and leather sofas, offers a cosy, relaxing space in which to unwind with a drink. Choose from over 40 whiskies and real ale on tap.

Auld Kirk Hotel - This fine former church has been tastefully converted, enabling retention of the original features. The Auld Kirk Hotel is the place where you can really relax and recharge your batteries. Situated in the heart of picturesque Royal Deeside this fine historic former church provides an excellent base for those wishing to tour the areas in and around the Cairngorms National Park, visit the nearby Royal residence of Balmoral, travel the famous whisky trail or participate in the numerous countryside pursuits.

Loirston Hotel - Situated in the heart of Ballater, this hotel's panelled entrance and log fires instantly demonstrate its friendly, home-from-home atmosphere. With a cosy lounge bar, traditional restaurant and quiet lounge, the Loirston Hotel is perfect for relaxing after a hard day's sightseeing in Deeside. The hotel is set in the heart of rural Deeside, where there is a golf course within 10 minutes' walk. Balmoral Castle is a 30 minute drive away, while there are opportunities for walking and fishing in the surrounding area.

Hilton Craigendarroch Hotel - Surrounded by the spectacular natural beauty of the Cairngorms National Park, this luxurious 4-star country house hotel boasts excellent leisure facilities, including a lagoon-shaped indoor pool. Just 8 miles (13 km) from Balmoral Castle, the Hilton Craigendarroch offers luxurious accommodation and great facilities. All of the stylish and comfortable rooms are well equipped and have 32-inch flat-screen TVs. Some of the rooms have mountain views. The hotel has 2 restaurants and a bar with a real log fire. The Oaks Restaurant offers fine dining, with fresh seafood and authentic Highland beef. The more informal Club House Restaurant boasts comfortable wooden booths and panoramic views of the Dee Valley from the patio. The impressive leisure facilities include a dry ski slope and tennis and squash courts. The hotel also has a well-equipped fitness room and a new health and beauty spa offering a range of relaxing and therapeutic spa and beauty treatments.