4 Star Hotel

Douneside House

Douneside House, Tarland, United Kingdom View Map

$216 nightly

includes all fees

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Douneside House

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About

Douneside House is a luxury country house hotel set in the heart of Royal Deeside, on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Surrounded by 17 acres of beautifully tended gardens and grounds, it offers a peaceful base from which to explore this remarkable part of Scotland. Within the main house are ten individually designed bedrooms, each with its own character and views across the house, gardens or surrounding countryside. Nine cottages and apartments are also set within the grounds, offering additional space and privacy while retaining full access to the hotel’s facilities. All guests can enjoy complimentary use of Douneside’s Health Club, including the heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym. The estate also includes an all weather tennis court and extensive gardens to explore. Dining is an important part of the Douneside experience. The Conservatory offers relaxed dining using produce from the estate’s own walled kitchen garden alongside carefully sourced Scottish ingredients. The Library provides an intimate fine dining experience and is home to the North East of Scotland’s only Three AA Rosettes restaurant, serving a six course tasting menu from Thursday to Saturday. Douneside House was once the family home of the MacRoberts and is today owned and operated by The MacRobert Trust, a Scottish charitable foundation. The house retains a strong sense of its history while offering warm, contemporary hospitality. Balmoral Castle is around twelve miles away and the Cairngorms National Park begins at the estate gate. Castles, distilleries, walking routes, cycling, golf and the villages of Royal Deeside are all within easy reach.

163 Reviews

9.4Exceptional
Cleanliness
9.9
Staff
9.8
Location
9.9

What Guests Say

  • “Very Good. Portions pitched well. Sensible level of choice. Liked the use of self-serve jams rather that environmentally questionable…”
  • “Friendliness of staff Location Nice touch tea and scones on arrival”
Show 50 Verified Reviews

Top Amenities

  • Swimming Pool
  • Restaurant
  • Free Internet Access
  • Spa
  • Fitness Center
  • Accessible Rooms / Facilities
  • Hot tub/Whirlpool
  • Non-Smoking Rooms
Show All Amenities

Room Options

Our Best Price. GUARANTEED.

Exclusively for Priceline members Details

Standard Double Room1/2

Standard Double Room

539 sqft • 1 Double

  • Crib(s)
Three-Bedroom Cottage1/4

Three-Bedroom Cottage

1292 sqft • 1 King or 1 King or 2 Single

  • Additional toilet
  • Body soap
  • Carpeting
  • Chocolate or cookies
Classic Double or Twin Room1/1

Classic Double or Twin Room

216 sqft • 1 King, 2 Single

  • Additional toilet
  • Body soap
  • Carpeting
  • Chocolate or cookies
Two-Bedroom Cottage1/4

Two-Bedroom Cottage

754 sqft • 1 Queen or 2 Single

  • Additional toilet
  • Body soap
  • Carpeting
  • Chocolate or cookies
Classic Room with Terrace1/3

Classic Room with Terrace

237 sqft • 1 Queen

  • Additional toilet
  • Balcony
  • Body soap
  • Carpeting
Apartment - Ground Floor1/4

Apartment - Ground Floor

431 sqft • 1 King

  • Additional toilet
  • Body soap
  • Chocolate or cookies
  • Closet

Room Details and Photos

Room Amenities

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    What Guests Loved

    9.4
    Exceptional

    Based on 163 reviews

    Location

    9.9

    Cleanliness

    9.9

    Staff

    9.8

    Overall Quality

    9.5

    Pros +

    • Very Good. Portions pitched well. Sensible level of choice. Liked the use of self-serve jams rather that environmentally questionable mini-portion jars and such-like.
    • Friendliness of staff Location Nice touch tea and scones on arrival
    • Beautiful place, great staff and first class food.

    Cons -

    • More lounging facilities in the spa area: it's warm around the pool and pleasant to lounge there.
    • Dinner was a bit slow service No slippers or robesNo steak on the menu , need a plain option on the dinner menu
    • Nothing despite the awful weather.Would have appreciated when I booked being advised that we could have received complimentary tea & scones when checking in !
    Business Traveler (4)Solo Traveler (3)Traveling as Couple (53)Family with Young Children (20)Senior Traveler (1)Group Traveler (11)Total (244)
    8ThomasPosted on: 2-18-2026

    Very Good. Portions pitched well. Sensible level of choice. Liked the use of self-serve jams rather that environmentally questionable mini-portion jars and such-like.

    More lounging facilities in the spa area: it's warm around the pool and pleasant to lounge there.

    9RowsonPosted on: 2-1-2026

    Friendliness of staff Location Nice touch tea and scones on arrival

    Dinner was a bit slow service No slippers or robesNo steak on the menu , need a plain option on the dinner menu

    8AlastairPosted on: 1-24-2026

    Beautiful place, great staff and first class food.

    Nothing despite the awful weather.Would have appreciated when I booked being advised that we could have received complimentary tea & scones when checking in !

    9GillPosted on: 1-18-2026

    The staff were so welcoming and we felt they went the extra mile to make us feel welcome and make sure we have a good time. The rooms were beautiful, the food was delicious. The jacuzzi wasn't working which was a shame but otherwise it was lovely.

    The jacuzzi wasn't working which was gutting as we chose this hotel for the use of the spa, but these things happen.

    9NataliaPosted on: 1-2-2026

    Spotless clean, beautifully decorated

    No indoor connection to the spa complex

    10HutchinsonPosted on: 12-20-2025

    A beautiful hotel full of character and history. Fantastic food and very friendly helpful staff.

    Zero

    10AndrewPosted on: 10-28-2025

    Facilities, staff and food were all fantastic. Attention to detail was exemplary.

    9AlistairPosted on: 10-8-2025

    Great location, beautiful grounds, very clean and comfortable accommodation

    9JoannePosted on: 9-9-2025

    Stunning grounds, spectacular view from the front, lots of paths in the gardens to walk. So many flowers! Beautiful decor throughout the house, we especially liked the history artefacts. The restaurant was light and airy and the food was delicious!

    Everything was great for us!

    8GaynorPosted on: 8-25-2025

    LocationPeace and quietGreat food

    8AnnaPosted on: 8-25-2025

    Cosy , cheerful, very comfortable apartment .Love the log fire , altho weather so good , didn’t have the need to use it. Loved the extended grounds, floral scents and organic grow your own garden.

    Dogs are welcomed in self contained apartment , disappointed my pooch wasn’t permitted in hotel main building , tho understandable if folk have allergies and hygiene reasons.

    9LouisePosted on: 8-1-2025

    Beautiful hotel, particularly liked the seperate apartment within the hotel grounds.

    The apartment was a little chilly in the evening even with the log burner on.

    9ElainePosted on: 8-1-2025

    More like a lovely cosy country house than an hotel.

    We were there to visit Balmoral Castle so it was a little further away than we would have liked.

    8DianaPosted on: 8-1-2025

    The staff were exceptionalFood excellent Gardens and hotel excellent

    The room was very small, difficult to get to the bathroom, which was exceptionally small.We were there 5 nights very hot and uncomfortable.

    10AleksandraPosted on: 7-18-2025

    This place is absolutely magical. We had such a wonderful time here. The estate is stunning and impeccably maintained. I was especially taken by the furniture and décor—there’s so much soul and history in every detail. It’s the perfect setting to truly relax and reconnect with nature. The restaurant offers delicious meals paired with outstanding service. Every member of the staff is friendly, professional, and genuinely attentive—they go above and beyond to make sure your stay is perfect. The tennis court, swimming pool, and golf course are a fantastic bonus. I’ll definitely be coming back!

    10HaraganPosted on: 7-18-2025

    Glorious setting with lovely gardens to wander round. Breakfast very tasty. All staff very helpful. Particularly liked the history information of the MacRobert family. The welcoming Teddy bears were fun.

    Nothing!

    10BrianPosted on: 7-6-2025

    First class on both counts. Plenty of strategically placed seating areas, both inside and outside the whole property. Very impressed and hope to return.

    Although good, the coffee could have been of a better quality and less insipid.

    10EdwardPosted on: 6-24-2025

    Definitely the most wonderful place we stayed at in the UK. The grounds are spectacular and the walks through it and the surrounds were indeed a highlight. The staff were always wonderfully attentive and friendly, and James helped select some amazing wines to accompany the wonderful meals we had there. We stayed there three nights but wished it could have been longer to truly enjoy all the facilities on offer.

    10VanessaPosted on: 6-23-2025

    Douneside House was one of our favorite stays in Scotland! The staff were warm and welcoming, and the cottage was clean, comfortable and cozy. Breakfast was delicious, with a generous spread of both continental options and cooked dishes. What truly set the experience apart were the stunning gardens, relaxing pool, steam room, and hot tub at the health club— all of which made our visit exceptional. Delightful hospitality! Thank you!

    10VanessaPosted on: 6-22-2025

    Douneside House was one of our favorite stays in Scotland! The staff were warm and welcoming, and the cottage was clean, comfortable and cozy. Breakfast was delicious, with a generous spread of both continental options and cooked dishes. What truly set the experience apart were the stunning gardens, relaxing pool, steam room, and hot tub at the health club— all of which made our visit exceptional. Delightful hospitality! Thank you!

    Amenities & Policies

    Amenities

    Swimming & Soaking

    • Swimming Pool
    • Hot tub/Whirlpool
    • Indoor pool

    Fitness & Spa

    • Fitness Center
    • Spa

    Food & Drinks

    • Restaurant

    Media & Technology

    • Free Internet Access

    Transportation

    • Accessible parking

    Health & Safety

    • Health Services
    • Daily disinfection

    Accessibility

    • Handicapped Rooms/Facilities

    Kid Friendly

    • Family Friendly

    General

    • No Smoking Rooms/Facilities
    • Personal trainer
    • Yoga classes

    Guest policies

    Check-inAfter 3:00 PM
    Check-outBefore 11:00 AM
    InternetFree Wi-Fi is available.
    Children & Extra BedsChildren of all ages are welcome. Children of age 0 to 2 can stay with cot, subject to additional charges.
    PetsPets are not allowed.
    Room RatesAll rates displayed are for two guests unless otherwise noted.

    Location

    Douneside House

    Douneside House, Tarland

    Discover the AreaAberdeen, United Kingdom

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