Cambus O' May Traditional Highland Hotel

Hotels
8.6 (2498 reviews)
CAMBUS O MAY HOTEL , Ballater , GB

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Heating
Terrace
Family rooms
Garden
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Cozy atmosphere
Delicious breakfast
Cons:
Rooms need updating
Inconsistent food quality
Some heating issues

Categories

Cleanliness
7.99
Some guests noted tired rooms and peeling enamel, indicating the need for improvement.
Service
9.46
Many reviews highlighted friendly and welcoming staff.
Location
9.5
Great location mentioned repeatedly, with beautiful surroundings.
Room Quality
7.45
Rooms described as old and tired; concerns noted about heating and comfort.
Amenities
8.48
Standard amenities, but noted that the dining area could be warmer.
Value for Money
8.44
Mixed reviews; value noted but concerns about food quality and extra charges.
Food and Beverage
8.49
Breakfast options were appreciated, but some meals felt microwaved and not fresh.
Overall Experience
8.96
Overall a pleasant stay, with many highlights shared by guests.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2025-12-20 05:38

Property Description

Free Bikes and Outdoor Spaces:
Enjoy the convenience of exploring Ballater with our complimentary bikes and unwind in our garden, shared lounge, and terrace.

Comfortable Rooms with Stunning Views:
Relax in our cozy rooms equipped with modern amenities such as a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. Some rooms offer picturesque mountain views for a truly tranquil experience.

Delicious Dining and Fun Activities:
Indulge in British cuisine at our on-site restaurant, with options for vegetarians, dairy-free, and vegans. Plus, keep the little ones entertained at the children's playground while you enjoy hiking, skiing, and cycling nearby.

Book now for a memorable stay at Cambus O' May Hotel in the heart of Ballater!

Important information:

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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Location

Guest Reviews

8.6
Based on 2498 reviews
Cleanliness: 7.99
Service: 9.46
Location: 9.5
Room Quality: 7.45
Amenities: 8.48
Value for Money: 8.44
Food and Beverage: 8.49
Overall Experience: 8.96
K
Karen • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Friendly helpful staff

2026-10-17 • via Nuitee
P
Peter • couple • ie
10
2026-10-16 • via Nuitee
S
sam • couple • gb
3
Location lovely but dissapointed with general condition of the premises outside and in.
Pros:

Breakfast very good apart from temperamental coffee machine.

Cons:

Cleanliness an issue,carpets not hoovered,Dusty furniture.Lamp not working.Poor shower pressure,loose fittings.Shower tiles mouldy.Window frames in poor condition.

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
R
RoyBhoy08 • solo_traveller • gb
10
Supercalafragalisticxpeladoshas.........
Pros:

Fantastic location in the woods and safe & secure overnight parking, staff could not have done any more to assist and help with my stay and comfort. 100% +

Cons:

Due to travel commitments only able to stay for the one night

2026-10-15 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • us
10
2026-10-14 • via Nuitee
S
Sabela • solo_traveller • es
10
Picturesque stay
Pros:

It was the most picturesque hotel of my entire road trip. As soon as I walked in, I was surprised by the crackling of a lit fire – it felt really cosy. The room was small but had everything you needed (as well as being really cute), and I slept brilliantly. If I’m ever back in the area, I’ll definitely try to stay there again!

Cons:

There’s no lift, but that’s to be expected in a hotel of this sort – it’s all part of the experience, haha.

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • gb
9
Lovely picturesque position
Pros:

Adequate sized clean room, furnished in a traditional style in keeping with the house. All public areas were nicely decorated with traditional items for a country estate. Restaurant and bar on premises with good food and generous portions. Good choice for continental breakfast. Ideal to visit Victorian suspension bridge on river by the house and walk around their own woodland area.

Cons:

Nothing

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
K
Katja • extended_group • fi
9
Lovely place
Pros:

The hotel had a great atmosphere and was cozy and clean. I would have happily stayed much longer. The location was peaceful, though a car is necessary.

The breakfast was good. The only thing I missed was authentic, homemade Scottish oatmeal.

Cons:

-

2026-10-12 • via Nuitee
W
Watt • extended_group • gb
10
Very relaxing stay
Pros:

Our second stay, and this time we stayed in the kennel cottage it was so cosy and had everything we needed lovely door opened up to the walled garden there is a covered seating area with a fire in the walled garden, we went down to the hotel for dinner which is walking distance and had a lovely meal and drinks. The staff are so friendly and helpful and the breakfast is really nice a very extensive buffet style. A lovely base for exploring Ballater and Braemar.

Cons:

Nothing everything spot on.

2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
M
mosse • extended_group • gb
9
2026-10-11 • via Nuitee
J
John • couple • gb
9
Excellent visit, helpful staff and super site
Pros:

Site, trees, etc and acceptance of dogs

Cons:

Bedroom shower, room 3

2026-10-10 • via Nuitee
T
Tom • solo_traveller • ch
10
Pros:

Sehr freundliches Personal

2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
C
Coline • couple • fr
9
2026-10-09 • via Nuitee
O
O'Brien • couple • gb
8
2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
M
Marc • solo_traveller • gb
10
2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
A
Alan • solo_traveller • gb
10
Lovely traditional hotel.
Pros:

Loved the location and traditional aspect of the hotel, dinner was excellent, and facilities everything necessary for a great stay

2026-10-08 • via Nuitee
G
Guy • solo_traveller • gb
10
Outstanding: I loved my short stay and would love to stay longer
Pros:

What a wee gem of a hotel. Very well looked after by staff. Excellent food and chef accommodated my dietary requirements very well with no fuss. Lovely room. I’d love to stay again, hopefully longer. Good spot to store bikes. Well placed doe mountain biking and hillwalking. Lovely grounds. Cosy and friendly.

Cons:

All good: couldn’t fault. I can’t think of any feedback that isn’t positive. I really enjoyed my stay. Thank you.

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
J
Jane • couple • gb
10
Pros:

Beautiful location, comfortable rooms and delicious food with good breakfast.

2026-10-07 • via Nuitee
S
Simona • solo_traveller • gb
8
Would come back
Pros:

Lovely hotel, great food at dinner

Cons:

Staff seemed to be short staffed when checking in so not very welcoming or much time for questions. Still tried their best

2026-09-19 • via Nuitee
J
John Omara • couple • gb
9
Very comfortable hotel, with lovely staff.
Pros:

Lovely place in a very scenic part of the country. Staff were very friendly.
The chef makes everything it's excellent food.
I would recommend to anyone who is wanting a quiet get away.
Very comfortable bed.

2026-09-19 • via Nuitee