The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Aberdeen, Scotland

This centrally located, stylish Aberdeen hotel is an independent boutique option that’s close to the railway station and Aberdeen Art Gallery. There’s grey panelling in the bedrooms, and most have pops of lemon-yellow in the form of scatter cushions, while others come in inky black. The window-lined industrial bar-restaurant is a wonderfully airy space with an arched ceiling and exposed brick walls, while the menu runs the gamut from sourdough pizzas to burgers and loaded fries.

On a street of handsome 19th-century granite houses in the West End of Aberdeen, this hotel offers rooms in various shapes and sizes, including small singles. All are decorated in dark browns and polished wood set against gleaming white linen, and have immaculate, brown-tiled bathrooms. The window-lined restaurant serves comforting dishes such as macaroni cheese, fish and chips and beef stroganoff, as well as a separate vegan menu featuring curry, pasta and meat-free burgers.

Built in 1881 on the site of the 15th-century Pitfodels Castle, Norwood Hall Hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland. Rooms are classically handsome, featuring rich fabrics and polished wooden furniture. Downstairs is the sumptuous Georgian Lounge, with high ceilings, botanical wallpaper, tartan armchairs, red-and-green floral carpet and a roaring open fire, while the similarly decorated Tapestry Restaurant offers fine-dining Scottish cuisine, including steak and haggis.

To the south of the city centre, Ferryhill House Hotel occupies what was once a grand 19th-century family home, and is surrounded by a fine garden. This welcoming place has nine contemporary rooms with king-size beds, and pale furnishings set against dark-wood feature walls. There is a glass-walled conservatory restaurant offering home-cooked comfort food, from haggis to chicken alfredo, and the bar, serving up real ales, whiskies, craft beers and some gloriously niche Scottish gins, is a favourite with locals.

Malmaison Aberdeen is an excellent choice for your stay in the city. With eight different styles of room, ranging from a cosy double to an executive suite, there is something here to suit all tastes and budgets, as well as a luxurious spa. Clever little touches include toiletries that you are encouraged to take home with you, and local decor such as pictures of Highland cattle and castles, and the occasional splash of tartan.

The Carmelite is at the centre of the Merchant Quarter. The building itself is a fine example of Aberdeen architecture, with many traditional features such as some spectacular stained glass. Surrounded by nightlife, restaurants and all the buzz of the city, the Carmelite offers comfortable rooms and 24-hour in-room dining options. The restaurant has an extensive range of dishes, and also has dedicated gluten-free menus. The Carmelite also boasts a jazz cafe and is a supporter of the Aberdeen Jazz Festival.

Popular with guests who return year on year, the Marcliffe Hotel offers traditional rooms with luxury Glencraft mattresses that will help you get a great night’s sleep. Breakfast is served in the drawing room, where there is an open fire in winter. There’s also an on-site spa with signature packages including the Ultimate Tranquillity, which lasts four hours and includes a champagne lunch.

The luxurious Chester Hotel offers 72 bedrooms and suites. All rooms have rainfall showers and Apple or smart TVs, and all guests have access to the on-site gym. The dining options are mouth-watering, and the bar has a large selection of drinks, including excellent cocktails and plenty of wines to choose from. The Chester Hotel also offers bespoke packages, allowing you to book optional extras at the click of a mouse.

Raise a glass to this brilliantly beery mini hotel directly above the Union Street BrewDog bar. From a welcome beer at check-in to the draft beer on the room service menu, this stylish, dog-friendly property in the city centre is a drinker’s dream come true. Urban-chic rooms come with a record player, a guitar and even a bathroom fridge. Guests can also rent bikes or book a tour of the BrewDog brewery in nearby Ellon.

This stately property, next to the River Dee, was founded by the Knights Templar in 1227, and is packed with historic features such as a ruined chapel. The 40 rooms are situated either in the old house or the new wing – but all have views of the river or the private woodland gardens. After days spent clay-pigeon shooting, fly fishing and golfing, enjoy craft Scottish cocktails such as a Foraged Old-Fashioned with heather honey and pine-needle tincture.