The Dowans Hotel of Speyside

Hotels
9.2 (341 reviews)
Aberlour , Aberlour , GB

Free
Children allowed

Facilities

WiFi available
Free WiFi
Parking
Free Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Business center
Heating
Terrace
Garden
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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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

Location

Guest Reviews

9.2
Based on 341 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
K
Kimberly • solo_traveller • us
10
Stunning, quiet, great food and beverage options and quality.
Pros:

Absolutely gorgeous facility and property. Staff was extremely helpful.

2026-09-19 • via Nuitee
S
Sandra • solo_traveller • de
7
Edel, aber zu teuer für das Zimmer
Pros:

Der Stil des Hauses, die Lage

Cons:

Das Zimmer war winzig , ebenso das Bad, nach dem Duschen stand alles unter Wasser.
Sehr hellhörig.
Preis-Leistung leider schlecht.

2026-09-12 • via Nuitee
N
Natasha • extended_group • in
10
Fabulous Hotel - Can’t wait to be back
Pros:

Everything is spectacular! Cannot recommend this property enough. It’s the perfect stay in the Speyside area in Abelour. We stayed only one night but wish we stayed longer.

Cons:

We should have stayed longer.

2026-08-29 • via Nuitee
Y
yamazaki • extended_group • jp
3
Good food and Bad room
Pros:

Staff
Food

Cons:

Too expensive for my room
My room looks like a attic.
I could not stretch my body because of low ceiling. The price should be much lower than the other rooms.

2026-08-24 • via Nuitee
M
Minnes • solo_traveller • gb
7
2026-08-23 • via Nuitee
A
Alex • solo_traveller • gb
10
Pros:

Everything, the bar staffs knowledge and passion for whisky talk was brilliant too

2026-08-15 • via Nuitee
K
Kenneth • couple • gb
9
Excellent
Pros:

Very friendly helpful staff

2026-08-11 • via Nuitee
J
Jamie • couple • gb
9
2026-08-09 • via Nuitee
L
Linda • couple • gb
10
Lovely stay, would reccomend
Pros:

Beautiful rooms and gorgeous grounds
Ace whisky room

2026-07-23 • via Nuitee
A
Andrey • couple • ru
8
Pros:

Свежий ремонт

Cons:

Место расположения

2026-07-20 • via Nuitee
A
Anna • couple • de
8
2026-07-19 • via Nuitee
N
Nigel • solo_traveller • gb
10
Fantastic Stopover in the Speyside region
Pros:

Absolutely fabulous Hotel with great staff. They have an amazing whiskey collection and very knowledgeable staff.

2026-07-18 • via Nuitee
T
Theodoor Antonius • couple • za
10
Would love to come back some day
Pros:

Beautiful setting and room was special.

Cons:

Reception area is quite dark

2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
R
Rachel • family_with_children • us
10
Would stay again for any future trips to Speyside.
Pros:

We loved the location, staff, property and food. Highly recommend eating here - the food was incredible. We also did afternoon tea which was lovely. Staff is friendly and accommodating. Location is prime - easy to walk into the little town of Aberlour and walk along the Speyside river trail. We used taxis to get to some distilleries in Craigellachie and Dufftown. I'm glad we stayed in Aberlour in general, there seems more to do and more accessible than a few of the other towns.

Cons:

Rooms are on the small side. I stayed in double room as solo traveler - wouldn't recommend a couple staying in there. My mom stayed in the exec suite and would recommend that for a couple traveling for a little more space/comfort. Otherwise comfortable and cute rooms.

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
J
Jan • couple • de
8
Cons:

Kleine Betten im Einzelzimmer

2026-07-08 • via Nuitee
P
Paul • couple • us
10
Wonderful stop along the way of our trip. Will definitely recommend to anyone traveling in the area.
Pros:

Beautiful venue and grounds, excellent food and loved lounging in The Still. The staff were all very friendly, welcoming and accommodating.

Cons:

Room was too warm and was difficult to regulate the temperature to a more comfortable environment.

2026-07-05 • via Nuitee
L
Luc • solo_traveller • fr
9
2026-07-04 • via Nuitee
R
Rade • family_with_children • gb
10
Lovely hotel close to many local attractions: great value.
Pros:

A lovely character hotel in a great location. Set in a lovely garden. Easy walking distance to many local attractions.
Clean well equipped room, friendly and helpful staff, and a great breakfast.

2026-07-03 • via Nuitee
R
roberto • couple • fr
10
Parfait
Pros:

Le cadre , la salle spécifique whisky

2026-07-02 • via Nuitee
P
Patricia • couple • ch
10
Magnifique séjour
Pros:

Nous avons passé une nuit dans ce magnifique hôtel, idéalement situé. Dès notre arrivée, nous avons été accueillis avec beaucoup de professionnalisme et de gentillesse par une équipe particulièrement serviable.

La salle de dégustation de whisky est exceptionnelle, avec plus de 700 bouteilles à découvrir. Le personnel est passionné, très compétent et prodigue d'excellents conseils, ce qui rend l'expérience encore plus agréable.

Les repas étaient délicieux, et notre chambre, spacieuse, moderne et parfaitement confortable.

Nous avons été enchantés par notre séjour et reviendrons avec le plus grand plaisir. Une adresse que nous recommandons sans hésitation !

Cons:

Rien

2026-07-01 • via Nuitee