The Best Hotels to Book Near Balmoral Castle, Scotland

These five luxury eco-lodges amongst the trees of the Cairngorm Mountains are ideal for those keen to add a touch of wilderness to their tour of Balmoral and other sights in Scotland’s northeast Highlands. Names like Pine Marten, Capercaillie and Red Squirrel flag the back-to-nature approach of these self-contained lodges, solidly built from Scottish pine. First winning a Green Tourism Award in 2015, Cairngorm Lodges have maintained and extended sustainable practices including highly effective insulation and the use of eco-friendly products.

Of all the hotels near Balmoral, the Hilton Grand Vacations best manages a balance of antique Scottish charm and the modernity of an international hotel chain. Housed in a handsome, 19th-century, ochre-brick lodge overlooking the Dee River and valley, it’s within easy reach of sights such as the Cairngorm Mountains, Knock Castle, August’s Highland Games and, of course, Royal Balmoral. And, for when the outdoors are too dreich to consider, there’s a pool, spa, fitness centre and restaurant on site.

In search of hotels near Balmoral? Don’t overlook this enthusiastically run bed and breakfast in Braemar, in the heart of the striking Cairngorm Mountains. Run by the Mason family (accompanied by their two adorable dachshunds) Moorfield House has a spacious exterior deck with tables and seating overlooking the Highland Games park and the heather-swaddled mountains beyond. All six rooms are double en-suites decorated in contemporary charcoal and white tones, with plush carpets, high-quality beds and windows framed with tartan drapes.

Opened on the banks of the River Dee in 1720, the Boat Inn was originally a watering hole for farmers taking their cattle to market on the water ferry. It offers eight dark blue bedrooms above the pub and another eight in a Scandinavian timber boat house, many of which have balconies with river views. Kick back by the open fire or on the terrace with a craft gin, classic cocktail or a pint of Boat Inn lager. Breakfast, lunch and dinner showcase locally produced meat, cheese and dairy products.

Set in three acres (1.2ha) of walled gardens on the banks of the Dee, surrounded by conserved woodland, this Edwardian manor boasts original high ceilings, fireplaces and sash windows. Its six en-suites feature a pale, classical decor, hardwood-floor bathrooms with free-standing tubs and walk-in showers, and views of the Dee Valley or surrounding woods. Hot and cold breakfasts, afternoon tea and sharing platters – ploughman’s, seafood and game – are served in an Edwardian-style dining room and on the outside terrace on warmer days.

Fishing enthusiasts will love this Georgian mansion’s colourful Top Notch Rooms, in which French windows open onto a patio overlooking fishermen on the River Dee. Vibrant, seasonal fare is served by a log fire during winter and on a covered terrace during summer – standout dishes include sea trout with crispy langoustines, artichoke, orange and hazelnut, and the lemon and garlic-roasted chicken with Moroccan spices and fine beans. Dogs are welcomed – and pampered – throughout the property. Balmoral Castle is a 50-minute drive away.

This classic Scottish inn offers 22 single, double and family rooms featuring tartan fabrics, mahogany furniture and thistle-themed wallpaper – some also have four-poster beds and balconies overlooking the grounds. Master suites come with either a separate lounge, en-suite sauna or two-person hot tub, and there’s a self-contained, alpine-style lodge that sleeps four – a great option if you’re skiing in nearby Glenshee. All rooms are ideally placed for walks around Loch Kinord or in the neighbouring Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve.