Hilton Grand Craigendarroch Suites Ballater Rated 8.8

Name: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside, Ballater
Address: Braemar Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5XA
Price range: US$133+
Rating: 8.7

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Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside Ballater Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Braemar Road, Ballater, AB35 5XA

Near Cairngorms National Park

Great

8.7

8.8

/10

4.7

4.5

Loved by Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside guests

Spacious rooms

Fantastic pool

Friendly staff

Amazing bathroom

Excellent facilities

"Big rooms, handy kitchenette, great beds and an awesome shower kept us all happy."

John from Australia

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"The swimming pool and steam room was an added bonus after a day of walking."

Kirsty B from United Kingdom

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"Place was so peaceful."

Kenneth

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Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland - A 3.5-star rural retreat with spa, dining, and adventure playground near Cairngorms National Park

Surrounded by the wooded mountains and hiking trails of Cairngorms National Park, Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Scotland overlooks the Dee Valley. Accommodations include multi-level suites with king or queen beds, electric fireplaces, kitchenettes, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Keiller Brasserie serves locally sourced, seasonal dishes, while The Club House Restaurant offers more informal dining at the Hilton Craigendarroch hotel. Facilities include two indoor pools, a spa with body treatments, tennis and squash courts, a fitness center, and an adventure playground for children. The hotel is located near Ballater Golf Club and Loch Muick, and Aberdeen Airport is 54 km away. Some rooms provide mountain views, and all units feature flat-screen TVs and seating areas.

Pros

The spa offers body treatments and facials, along with a sauna and steam room.

Two indoor swimming pools and a fitness center cater to active guests.

The multi-level suites include kitchenettes with utensils, toasters, and refrigerators.

The adventure playground provides entertainment for younger guests.

Keiller Brasserie serves locally sourced ingredients, earning an Eatscotland Silver award.

Cons

The nearest major airport, Aberdeen, is 65 km from the hotel.

Some dining options may require reservations during peak seasons.

Must-do experiences

Visit the charming Ballater Farmers' Market on Thursdays.
Take a hike to the stunning Burn O'Vat for breathtaking views.
Sample the famous local shortbread at The Mustard Seed.
Explore the rich history at the Ballater Heritage Centre.
Enjoy a whisky tasting at the Royal Lochnagar Distillery nearby.

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

View hotel on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Away at HomeSecond home

“We invested in a suite at Craigendarroch 9 years ago and it's the best decision we've ever made.”

Sassisnipper from United Kingdom

Explorers, Not TouristsA world away

“Beautiful scenery, fantastic walks on the door-step (Burn O'Vat a particular delight, literally felt like you were walking through a waterfall into a different world).”

Daniel

Quiet Nights for Busy DaysPeaceful slumber

“Great location, very quiet at night,and all in top condition.”

Geoffrey from United Kingdom

Select your room type

Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Studio Suite Kitchenette
2 persons
30 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
room details
Junior Suite Kitchenette
2 persons
30 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Fireplace
room details
One-Bedroom Suite Apartment Kitchenette
2 persons
40 sq. feet
1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed
Fireplace
room details

Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

This grand hotel provides facilities designed for comfort and memorable stays.

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Tennis court
Golf course
Billiard tables
Table tennis
Squash
Yoga class
Fishing

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Services

Laundry
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu
Children's pool
Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Jacuzzi
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Facial
Treatment room
Beauty treatment
Body wraps
Massage

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
Direct dial telephone
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Curtains

Dining Onsite

Guests at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites are invited to explore delightful onsite dining options. These venues celebrate the rich traditions of Scottish cuisine, offering a warm, family-friendly ambiance that encourages relaxation and togetherness in the heart of Scotland.

The Keiller Brasserie
Scottish traditional dining
Ambiance
Family-friendly atmosphere with a traditional Scottish feel.
Key Offerings
Savor hearty Scottish fare crafted with locally sourced ingredients, perfect for a cozy meal with loved ones.
Reservation
Recommended.
Open for dinner, 18:00 - 21:00 daily.
The Keiller Lounge
Casual dining with a focus on local ingredients
Ambiance
Relaxed lounge setting, ideal for unwinding after a day of activities.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a selection of refreshments, snacks, and light meals, all while taking in the serene scenery.
Reservation
Not needed.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 - 23:00.
The Club House Restaurant
Informal dining featuring Scottish dishes
Ambiance
A friendly and inviting space where guests can enjoy casual meals.
Key Offerings
Indulge in hearty portions, showcasing the flavors of Scotland, perfect for families or friends gathering together.
Reservation
Not needed.
Hours vary.
The Oaks Restaurant
Scottish dining with a focus on local sourcing
Ambiance
Welcoming and approachable, offering an award-winning dining experience.
Key Offerings
Sample a variety of dishes that honor Scottish culinary traditions, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Reservation
Recommended.
Hours vary.

Location

Braemar Road, Ballater, AB35 5XA

Explore Ballater

Local Highlights

Crathie Church

8 minutes' walk

A historic church known for its beautiful architecture and serene setting, attracting visitors for its peaceful ambiance.

St Kentigern's Church

15 minutes' walk

This quaint church features stunning stained glass and an inviting atmosphere, perfect for quiet reflection.

Larks Gallery

19 minutes' walk

An art gallery showcasing local artists, with a focus on contemporary Scottish art, ideal for culture enthusiasts.

The Ballater Gallery

20 minutes' walk

A charming gallery featuring various exhibitions and local crafts, offering a unique insight into the community's artistry.

Hiking Trails

10 minutes' drive

Numerous scenic trails are nearby, ranging from gentle walks to challenging hikes, suitable for all skill levels.

Fishing on the River Dee

15 minutes' drive

Enjoy tranquil fishing spots on the River Dee. Equipment rentals available, perfect for anglers of all experiences.

Yoga Classes at Local Studio

10 minutes' drive

Relaxing yoga sessions focusing on wellness and mindfulness, available seasonally and suitable for all levels.

Mountain Biking

10 minutes' drive

Thrilling mountain biking routes are available nearby, with rental shops catering to all bike enthusiasts' needs.

The Keiller Brasserie

5 minutes' walk

Contemporary brasserie offering a menu inspired by local produce, perfect for casual dining or special occasions.

The Royal Balmoral

10 minutes' drive

A fine dining restaurant featuring traditional Scottish dishes in a relaxed atmosphere; reservations recommended.

The Bothy

10 minutes' drive

Serving hearty pub fare with a cozy atmosphere; great for families and offering vegetarian options.

Café 110

10 minutes' drive

A charming café known for its freshly made pastries and coffee; ideal for a light bite or afternoon tea.

Ballater Village Hall

15 minutes' walk

Host to various community events including music and theater, offering something for all ages and interests.

Local Pub Live Music Nights

10 minutes' drive

Enjoy local live music at nearby pubs, featuring talented musicians in a lively, friendly atmosphere.

Ballater Cinema

10 minutes' drive

A quaint cinema showcasing both blockbusters and local films. Family-friendly with periodic special screenings.

Comedic Performances at the Village Hall

15 minutes' walk

Regularly scheduled comedy nights in a welcoming venue, ensuring fun for both locals and visitors alike.

Transportation and Accessibility

City Centre
Ballater 17 min · 4600 ft
Airports
Aberdeen (ABZ) 96 min · 39.7 mi
Dundee (DND) 163 min · 67.2 mi
Bus
Bus stop 16 min · 6.3 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:59

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP7.95 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the spacious suites at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch, often highlighting the well-equipped kitchenette and lounge area that enhance their stay. The leisure facilities, including the fantastic pool with long opening hours, table tennis, and snooker, are generally considered a great addition to the experience, plus the hotel provides access to Cairngorm National Park and Stonehaven. While some guests have mentioned ground floor rooms with limited views, many appreciate the hotel's scenic location near Ballater, where the restaurant serves delicious food supporting local food producers. The hotel is equipped with tennis, squash and hiking trails.

Review score

Based on 281 verified reviews

8.7 /10

Great

84 %

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.5/10

Comfort

9.3/10

Breakfast

2.5/10

Paid Wi-Fi

2.5/10

Pros

Spacious room

Friendly staff

Leisure facilities

Cons

Small bathroom

Early checkout

TV problems

Oscar from Sweden

Family with children

One-Bedroom Suite Sofa Bed

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 17, 2026

6/10

Acceptable Lodges with Issues

limited equipment inconvenient access

the lodges were clean and well-kept.

We encountered some issues. The gym equipment was limited, the pool lockers required a pound coin we didn't have. accessing the pool was slightly inconvenient. i found the lack of available coins frustrating, as it meant interrupting my relaxation to find assistance.

0 Helpful

Edwin from United Kingdom

Couple

One-Bedroom Suite Sofa Bed

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 02, 2026

9/10

superb suite and facilities!

free upgrade huge swimming pool fantastic location

i received a complimentary room upgrade to a super suite... what a welcome surprise! the pool area is huge and the spa access was completely free. the location is fantastic too, just a short walk into town.

0 Helpful

Mason from United States

Family with children

Junior Suite Fireplace

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 30, 2025

9.4/10

pleasant accommodation

perfect bed roomy bathroom nice toiletries decent towels

the junior suite was exactly as described. i found the bed perfect. the bathroom was big and roomy and included nice toiletries. i appreciated the decent fluffy towels provided. the location was very convenient. it provided easy access to the gathering and the village.

i noticed it was unclear that breakfast was not included in the price. i found this surprising upon arrival and check-in.

Dining

9/10

the brasserie offered a great dining experience over two nights. the club also provided a wonderful option for meals. i also suggest visiting the fish shop in a nearby village.

Rooms

9/10

the suite was both lovely and comfortable. it included everything one needed for a pleasant stay. the hotel and the room were well appointed. the room was well maintained too.

Service

10/10

the staff at this hotel were very kind. they were helpful . i was kinda surprised with the attentiveness. staff were customer focused.

Location

10/10

the hotel's location is in a favourite part of scotland. it allowed visits to many places. it is close to a village, which offers a selection of shops. it is very quiet at night.

Facilities

9/10

the facilities were great with a pool and snooker. there is also table tennis and squash available. the swimming pool and steam room was a bonus. the gym included excellent equipment.

0 Helpful

Duncan from United Kingdom

Single

One-Bedroom Suite Sofa Bed

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 30, 2025

9/10

superb stay

perfect location added bonus

the lodge had everything needed. its location was perfect to visit desired places. i found the swimming pool and steam room a bonus after walking.

I was told electricity would be extra. it proved expensive. the dated room resembled my grandma's house. I felt disappointed by this.

Service

9/10

the reception staff were helpful. they assisted with directions to local attractions and provided information on hotel amenities. i observed their prompt response to guest inquiries.

0 Helpful

Charlotte from United Kingdom

Family with children

one-bedroom suite sofa bed

4 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: June 25, 2025

7/10

necessary facilities highlands exploration expensive electricity dated decor

the hotel suite was spacious. it included all the necessary facilities i needed. the leisure facilities were clean and well kept. the location is great for highlands exploration.

I learned electricity would cost extra upon arrival. It is quite expensive. this fact concerned me during my holiday. the room décor was dated, like a visit to my grandmother's house. the manager didn't appear to care about my concerns.

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside

What is the distance from the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel to Ballater city centre?What is the distance from the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel to Ballater city centre?

Ballater city centre is reachable within a 15-minute walk from the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel.Ballater city centre is reachable within a 15-minute walk from the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel.

Is there free parking in the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel?

Yes, the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel offers guests to park their cars at parking spaces for free.

Can I eat breakfast at Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel?

Yes, guests can enjoy breakfast, served daily in the restaurant of Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel.

At what time can I check-in at the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel?

At the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel, you can check in from 16:00 till 23:59.

What payment methods are available in the hotel?

At the hotel, you can pay using American Express, Mastercard, and Visa.

What kinds of rooms does the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel offer?

The 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel offers such room types as Hilton Deluxe Twin Room, Hilton King Suite, and Two-Bedroom Suite.

Is there free internet in the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel?

Yes, at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel high-speed Internet access is provided for free.

Is the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel equipped with amenities for persons with disabilities?

Yes, the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel provides rooms with accessible facilities and wheelchair access to improve the experience for the guests with special needs.

Are there any business facilities featured at the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel?

Yes, for business travellers the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel provides a xerox and complimentary wireless internet access.

Are there any cleaning services provided at the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel?

Yes, the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel, which received the score of 9.4 for cleanliness, provides weekly housekeeping service and a self-serve laundry.

Which facilities are provided in the resort?

Top locations of the resort include a shopping area and baggage storage, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with a safe deposit box and 24-hour security.

Is swimming pool available at the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel?

Yes, there is a heated swimming pool as well as a hot tub at the 3-star Hilton Grand Vacations Club Craigendarroch Suites Royal Deeside hotel.