The Dowans Hotel of Speyside

Hotels
9.2 (287 reviews)
Aberlour , Aberlour , gb

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Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Terrace
Luggage storage
Express check-in/check-out
Safety deposit box
Fax/photocopying
Packed lunches
Ski storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Fantastic food
Cons:
Cleanliness issues
Small room sizes

Categories

Cleanliness
8.51
Some reviews mentioned cleanliness issues, particularly regarding room service.
Service
9.98
Staff were frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness.
Location
9.52
The hotel is well-situated for visiting distilleries and attractions.
Room Quality
8.47
Some rooms were described as small and lacking privacy, though others were comfortable.
Amenities
9
Amenities such as a whiskey collection were appreciated but complaints about the gym were noted.
Value for Money
8.96
Mixed reviews; some felt it was worth the price while others noted service shortcomings.
Food and Beverage
9.51
Food quality received positive feedback, especially breakfast.
Overall Experience
9.68
Most reviewers expressed a very enjoyable stay despite minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 00:50

Property Description

Scenic Location and Activities
Perched above Charlestown of Aberlour, The Dowans Hotel of Speyside offers breathtaking views of the River Spey. Ideal for shooting, fishing, and exploring whiskey distilleries, it promises a memorable stay amidst nature's beauty.

Comfortable Accommodation
With en suite rooms providing stunning garden views, this elegant country hotel ensures a relaxing break for all guests. Wake up to the sight of River Spey from the front rooms, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the surrounding woodland.

Convenient Amenities
Enjoy complimentary WiFi and on-site parking during your stay at The Dowans Hotel, making your visit both comfortable and convenient. Perfectly situated for outdoor activities and distillery tours, this hotel caters to every guest's needs.

Experience the charm of Speyside at The Dowans Hotel - book your stay now for an unforgettable getaway.

Important information:

If you plan to check-in after 21:00 please let the property know in advance, as it is a small family-run hotel and there is not 24-hour front desk.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: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Parking

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

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • 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 2 years old stay for £15 per person per stay when using an available cot.
    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

9.2
Based on 287 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.51
Service: 9.98
Location: 9.52
Room Quality: 8.47
Amenities: 9
Value for Money: 8.96
Food and Beverage: 9.51
Overall Experience: 9.68
A
Antenor • extended_group • es
9
2026-03-05 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • us
10
Good experience, with great service.
Pros:

Nice quaint hotel
In the area we needed to be - capable and nice staff.

Cons:

Bigger tv in the room.

2026-01-30 • via Nuitee
L
Lynne • extended_group • gb
10
Fantastic stay with friends
Pros:

What a lovely, friendly Hotel. Loved everything about it !

2026-01-21 • via Nuitee
N
Norman • extended_group • us
9
You won't be disappointed.
Pros:

Just a beautiful hotel in a perfect location. Spacious, well appointed rooms. Attentive staff.

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
A
Amal • solo_traveller • om
6
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
J
Julia • couple • li
7
Schöne Lage und gutes Essen.
Pros:

Das Gebäude ist sehr altehrwürdig und versprüht historischen Charme. Die Lage des Hauses ist sehr schön, ruhig gelegen inmitten der Natur, mit einem gepflegten Park und schönem Spazierweg. Das Abendessen und Frühstück im Hotel waren lecker zubereitet.

Cons:

Unser Aufenthalt begann leider etwas holprig: Das erste Zimmer war sehr klein und hatte einen verstopften Abfluss. Nach einem Zimmerwechsel landeten wir kurzzeitig in einem noch kleineren Einzelzimmer, bevor wir schliesslich ins ursprüngliche Zimmer zurückkehren konnten. Diese Umstände waren unangenehm, aber das Personal war äusserst hilfsbereit, freundlich und unterstützte uns sogar beim Koffertragen.
Ungewöhnlich fanden wir, dass eine zusätzliche Bettdecke extra kostet, das haben wir so noch nie erlebt.
Auch wenn mein Geburtstag erwähnt wurde, blieb dies leider ohne besondere Aufmerksamkeit, was ich etwas schade fand.
Ein Hinweis zur Umgebung: Das nahegelegene Mash Tun Pub war für uns sehr enttäuschend, das Personal war sehr unfreundlich und der Service mangelhaft und unprofessionell. Definitiv nicht zu empfehlen!

2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
Y
Yukun • couple • cn
10
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
H
HEINZ • couple • de
9
2026-01-19 • via Nuitee
S
Silvia • extended_group • cr
10
Excelente , acogedor
Pros:

El edificio, el restaurante , la ubicación

Cons:

Todo me gustó

2026-01-06 • via Nuitee
M
Matthieu • couple • fr
10
2026-01-03 • via Nuitee
J
Joshua • couple • au
9
2025-12-21 • via Nuitee
A
Amanda • couple • au
10
Very welcoming hotel with fantastic staff, great breakfast and comfortable room.
Pros:

Fantastic breakfast, great whisky room with knowledgeable staff, staff very friendly and would do anything to make your stay comfortable. We dined in hotel every night and the food was really good. Close to everything we wanted to see. Overall a very enjoyable stay.

2025-12-05 • via Nuitee
H
Hazel • solo_traveller • gb
10
Lovely hotel, fantastic food, fabulous staff - would recommend 100%
Pros:

It is clean, warm and comfortable. The food is fantastic.

Cons:

No gym

2025-12-04 • via Nuitee
O
ofer • solo_traveller • il
10
טירה שמשמשת כמלון מפואר
Pros:

לאחר הביקור במזקקת מקאלן שבאזור המלון שהוא טירה היה משולם לאווירת הביקור באזור הזה בסקוטלנד . למי שמגיע לסיור מזקקות באזור זהו מלון מושלם

2025-12-03 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • extended_group • gb
9
2025-11-18 • via Nuitee
M
Misha • extended_group • nl
8
Heerlijk (en meer dan 600 whiskeys op fles)
Pros:

Locatie, personeel, whiskey-collectie

Cons:

Eetzaal ongezellig, kil, geen kaarsje op tafel.

2025-11-11 • via Nuitee
C
Christophe • couple • pt
8
2025-10-28 • via Nuitee
E
Elly • couple • gb
10
Best hotel in this area - so good
Pros:

Everything

2025-10-26 • via Nuitee
C
Charlotte • couple • gb
9
Pros:

Lovely atmosphere, very clean and lovely welcoming staff. It’s got lots of character and it’s in a great location.

2025-10-23 • via Nuitee
N
Natalie • couple • gb
10
We had a wonderful stay and the customer service was amazing. Couldn’t fault it.
Pros:

Beautiful house, set in a wonderful location. Very well looked after and exceptionally clean.

Cons:

Nothing!

2025-10-23 • via Nuitee