The Rowan Tree Country Hotel

Hotels
8.8 (485 reviews)
Loch Alvie , Aviemore , gb

Free
Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Electric bicycle charging station
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Terrace
Pets allowed
Fax/photocopying
Packed lunches
Ski storage
Non-smoking throughout
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Delicious food
Clean and comfortable rooms
Cons:
Parking issues
Inconsistent room decor
High food prices

Categories

Cleanliness
8.48
Some comments regarding cleanliness were not exceptional; issues noted in room decor and missing items.
Service
9.25
Staff received high praise for friendliness and attentiveness.
Location
8.79
Positive remarks about location, but some concerns regarding parking situation.
Room Quality
8.24
Mixed reviews, with some rooms noted as old-fashioned and cramped.
Amenities
8.77
Generally positive with some areas needing improvement; no gym mentioned.
Value for Money
8.53
Comments suggest some guests felt the price did not fully match their experiences.
Food and Beverage
9.28
Food quality received high praise across multiple reviews.
Overall Experience
9.05
Overall positive experiences, but some details noted require attention.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-20 10:55

Property Description

Elegant Rooms with Scenic Views
The Rowan Tree Country Hotel, dating back to the 1700s, offers elegant rooms with picturesque views of the mountains, Cairngorm National Park, or Loch Alvie. Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as TVs, WiFi, and luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets.

Authentic Scottish Dining Experience
Indulge in traditional Scottish breakfasts and Scottish dishes at the hotel's restaurant, which prides itself on using local ingredients. Don't miss out on the cooked breakfast options, including the classic porridge with a hint of whisky. Prior booking for meals is recommended to ensure a delightful dining experience.

Cozy Lounge and Bar with Local Flavors
Unwind in the hotel's cozy lounge and bar, complete with inviting log fires during the winter months. Enjoy a selection of local gins and whiskeys while taking in the historic charm of the original features like open fires and stained-glass leaded windows.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands at The Rowan Tree Country Hotel, where history meets modern comfort. Book your stay now for a memorable getaway.

Important information:

Dinner must be requested at least 1 day in advance.

Pets are only allowed in the King Rooms, subject to availability and by prior arrangement.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 10:30 AM

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed on request. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 3 years old stay for £10 per person per night when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 5 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    You haven't added any extra beds.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

8.8
Based on 485 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.48
Service: 9.25
Location: 8.79
Room Quality: 8.24
Amenities: 8.77
Value for Money: 8.53
Food and Beverage: 9.28
Overall Experience: 9.05
R
robert couple gb
8
amazing location and great staff.
Pros:

food was lovely and the staff were great, very friendly and helpful.

Cons:

nothing

2026-01-30 via Nuitee
C
CFW1510 family_with_children mt
9
2026-01-26 via Nuitee
M
Margaret couple gb
9
2026-01-25 via Nuitee
C
Claire couple gb
10
This is a little gem of a hotel with a warm and homely feel.From the minute we arrived we were made to feel very welcome
Pros:

It is a delightful, small traditional family run hotel in a lovely location. We enjoyed sitting in the very comfortable snug lounge with a roaring log fire.

Cons:

Room 6 was a little on the small size as was the E suite bathroom but adequate for our 2 night stay

2026-01-25 via Nuitee
A
Andrew couple gb
8
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
V
Valory couple us
8
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
M
Mari family_with_children gb
8
Pros:

Evening meal was delicious, the venison was perfect and the local cheese board and oatcakes lovely. Breakfast equally delicious. Rooms were clean and comfy, only issue was low/ sloped ceilings in one room, which my Mum bumped her head on several times (spatial awareness not great) My bathroom was a bit chilly and I struggled to turn the radiator on. Staff were brilliant. Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about local area. Thank you

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
N
Neil couple gb
8
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
L
Linda couple gb
8
Enjoyed our stay
Pros:

Breakfast

Cons:

Though the main meal a little over priced

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
D
David couple gb
10
Lovely Scottish hotel.
Pros:

Bed was very comfortable and hotel lounge and bar were well furnished and comfortable. Breakfast was great.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-01-16 via Nuitee
C
Catherine couple ie
9
Pros:

Very hospitable people, very obliging. Food really good too. Staff v pleasant and attentive. Lovely old style inn, near town but away from bustle

2026-01-15 via Nuitee
H
HollyH96 couple gb
7
Lovely stay overall, but let down by a poor final interaction.
Pros:

I had an overall very pleasant stay at the hotel. Most members of staff were warm, welcoming, and very accommodating. The building itself is lovely, with several cosy seating areas and fires burning, which created a really relaxing atmosphere. Dinner was quite expensive, but the quality was excellent, we would happily eat here again.

Cons:

Unfortunately, our experience was let down by a staff member on our final day. When our car became stuck in the snow in the car park, she became noticeably frustrated and irritated with us, despite it being a relatively quick 10–15 minute fix to check out and move the car. This was disappointing, especially as another member of staff had gone above and beyond to help us the day before, which showed quite a contrast in attitude. Sadly, that moment of frustration was the last impression we were left with at the end of an otherwise fantastic stay.

Snow and ice management in the car park would have made accessing the hotel easier. I do understand this may be challenging for a small hotel with limited staff, but a little more patience and understanding with guests in these circumstances would be appreciated.

2026-01-05 via Nuitee
C
Collette family_with_children gb
8
Lovely staff, cozy public areas and good food.
Pros:

Room was nicely furnished and decent size. Noise carries between rooms. We had a loud family in the room above us which disturbed our peace. Public areas were cosy with open fires. Food was delicious. We had dinner and breakfast. Our breakfast order was wrong and was replaced with an order which was still partially wrong. We had waited for 40 minutes so just ate it. It was still tasty though. The hotel is set in a very pretty spot close to a Loch.

Cons:

Bed room wasn’t as warm as I would have liked.

2025-12-30 via Nuitee
K
Karl solo_traveller au
9
A wonderful location with a short drive to the Cairngorms and Rothiemurchus.
2025-12-26 via Nuitee
L
Laura solo_traveller au
7
2025-12-10 via Nuitee
A
Alastair solo_traveller gb
9
Lovely and comfortable, good food, and nice surroundings.
Pros:

Room for comfortable and airy, great choices for breakfast, traditional cooked porridge and superb egg omelette both of which were excellent.

Cons:

I had to park in a bit of an awkward spot overnight as car park was full. Car park entrance is close to a blind corner on a main road, so you have to be very careful when pulling out, especially when turning right to go South.

2025-11-27 via Nuitee
H
Hazel couple gb
7
2025-11-13 via Nuitee
P
Patrick couple gb
6
Stretched our budget for this, and felt a bit disappointed
Pros:

A really good comfortable big bed

Cons:

Quite a lot of noise from road and train line. Invasive music whilst trying to eat. A bit overpriced.

2025-11-11 via Nuitee
S
Samantha family_with_children gb
8
Great hotel delicious food amazing surroundings
Pros:

The hotel was lovely area is fantastic restaurant food was delicious

Cons:

I loved the hotel it was very cosy and in character all downstairs couldn't fault or even the stairs and halls in in character of the building and country feel but personal taste the bedroom furniture didn't fit with the feeling of the hotel but I can't fault the hotel it self staff were amazing food was 10/10 and around the hotel was lovely and peaceful woth plenty of lovely walks

2025-11-09 via Nuitee
W
William couple gb
9
A comfortable stay
Pros:

Spacious room, very dog friendly

Cons:

The tables and chairs in the bar were a bit low.

2025-11-03 via Nuitee