The Boat Inn ★★★

"We loved how cute the hotel and restaurant were! The food was amazing, the room was big and comfortable and the staff were lovely :)"

Douneside House ★★★★

"We spent a couple of nights at Douneside and absolutely loved it. The staff are so helpful and friendly, giving us a great welcome. Our room was extremely comfortable with lovely touches such as real milk in a little fridge plus a complementary G&T in the room, and a dram of whiskey. The food was a real highlight too - the chef managed to deliver a tasting menu during Storm Amy when the electrics weren’t sure what they were doing! All credit to the entire team, they handled it with a smile and good humour. What a fantastic stay - we will definitely be back!"

Loch Kinord Hotel ★★★

"Wonderful stay with such friendly staff. Breakfast and supper were delicious. Great location."

The Commercial Hotel ★★★★

"I’ve stayed in this hotel before and decided to go back. The staff is very friendly and helpful."

Aberdeen Arms Hotel Tarland ★★

"The rooms stink like guiness inspired sh*te, they don’t change the bed sheets from the previous guests. There’s more meat floating about their pints than there is on the bar tender, if you’re feeling wild enough to stay, just drink their bottles drinks. They don’t serve food but they’ve got their own ecosystem of mushrooms growing in the rooms so you may aswell help yourself to that (they ain’t gonna clean it). Stay away!"

Lys-Na-Greyne ★★★★★

"Some places are beautiful, but what makes them unforgettable are the people behind them. That is exactly what makes Lys-Na-Greyne so special. We spent a wonderful few days here with our daughter and her partner, and it could not have been a more perfect base for exploring Royal Deeside and Aberdeenshire. The real gems are Joyce and Gary. Joyce has that rare gift of making you feel as though you've known her for years. She is warm, thoughtful, and genuinely caring—always available with wonderful suggestions, yet never intrusive. Gary is an outstanding cook. Every meal was exceptional, prepared with excellent local ingredients and great skill. The breakfasts deserve a special mention: delicious, beautifully presented, and the perfect way to begin each day. Our room was lovely, with splendid views over the River Dee, but what impressed me just as much was the house itself. As someone who works in the field of interiors and decoration, I couldn't help but admire the extraordinary attention to detail. Every room reflects impeccable taste. The fresh flowers, beautifully laid tables, polished silver tea pots, elegant furnishings, and countless thoughtful touches create an atmosphere that is both refined and wonderfully welcoming. Nothing feels overdone—just beautifully considered. Joyce's recommendations made our stay even more memorable. We loved the scenic walk along the River Dee into Aboyne, where we discovered The Black Faced Sheep, a delightful café with excellent baked goods, simple homemade food, wonderful coffee, and a charming selection of homewares and gifts. We also thoroughly enjoyed dinner at The Ship Inn, another excellent recommendation. The value for money is exceptional considering the quality of the accommodation, the outstanding food, and the genuinely personal hospitality. Everything was immaculate, and the room and house were spotlessly clean throughout our stay. Despite being so conveniently located, it was wonderfully peaceful—we slept beautifully every night. If you're planning to explore Aberdeenshire, don't over-schedule your days. Follow Joyce's advice, allow time for spontaneous discoveries, and simply enjoy this beautiful corner of Scotland. Lys-Na-Greyne is much more than a lovely place to stay—it is a place created with genuine hospitality, exceptional taste, and great generosity. We left feeling we had stayed with friends and hope very much to return."

Station Cottage Dinnet, Aboyne ★★★

The Stables Cottage Aboyne Royal Deeside ★★★★

Newly Converted Steading , Royal Deeside ★★★★