Our stay was simply fantastic.Beyond the setting, the rooms, the restaurant which were calm, chic, cozy, comfy, well located, etc., etc., what made our stay so perfect were the people on siteThe Dounside team is incredibly kind. The entire team is extremely attentive and is keen to respond to our requests sincerely.For example, dietary constraints (gluten free or no carb) were taken into account with immense kindness and desire to do well. All the dishes have been reinvented by the kitchen team, from bread to dessert.Thanks to Léon (especially for this non-alcoholic cocktail invented around Elderberry).Thanks to Calum for his kindness and humor.Thanks to James for his love of wine which he communicates wonderfully (including in perfect French).We hope to be able to return one day to this little paradise in the Cairngorms.
Helen Webb
Sunny snowy day was idyllic the spa
Elliot Hoare
Went for nice family dinner out at this stunning venue- would definitely recommend.The food was excellent, with a great selection of meat (mostly game) and fresh fish. The muse bouche was a tomato based soup the day we went which was great too.After dinner we retired to the bar where we had a cocktail- the espresso martini is delicious.The staff in general were great- particularly the younger waiting staff at dinner. What makes this a 4 instead of 5 star was how we were initially greeted- instead of a warm welcome (expected when paying the prices that Douneside charge).We were told we could have a drink before our dinner reservation in the bar, 5minutes later the staff member then came over and said we had to order food immediately because we were late for our reservation, which was confusing given we had asked if we had time for a drink before. This staff member then proceeded to rock back and forth like a child on his feet whilst waiting for us to order as if to try hurry us. We continued to have poor treatment from this particular staff member throughout the night. Happy to get in touch with Douneside directly if interested, as it really put a downer on what was otherwise an excellent evening in a beautiful venue.Food & drinks: The food was excellent, with a great selection of meat (mostly game) and fresh fish. The muse bouche was a tomato based soup the day we went which was great too.After dinner we retired to the bar where we had a cocktail- the espresso martini is delicious.
Davie B
This is an experienced not to be missed. Former home of the MacRobert family now a 13 room hotel on the edge of Tarland. Dinner bed and breakfast available, and lunch if required. Many walks around the area direct from the hotel with sites of historical interest. Non profit making run hotel will any surplus monies made given to the MacRobert Trust for charitable works.Rooms: No two the same and well appointed.
Dan Davidson
We had lunch on a Friday in December, the festive menu. It was all exquisitely prepared and presented, with attentive service. Just excellent.
Jessica Seymour
A beautiful place and a really delicious lunch - the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.Food & drinks: Delicious and different, a meal to remember - using local Scottish ingredients
Jacqueline Oliveros
We’ve only used the pool but it was wonderful! Probably the hottest pool in Aberdeenshire. Kids enjoyed it.
Martin Fuller
Just returned from a fantastic 3 night stay at Douneside House. From the well appointed rooms, superb gardens and wonderful service, everything about this place is 5 star! However, the quality of the food in the hotel restaurant really sets this apart from most other hotels we've ever stayed in. Particular mentions to Calum and Leon, who provided excellent levels of service and some cheeky Scottish wit in the bar and restaurant. We'll definitely be returning
A Wilson
Treated to lunch with a friend.A wonderful meal, beautifully cooked and presented.The gardens are lovely and extremely well kept with a view from the front of the house that you'd never tire of looking at.Walkability: There are paths into the garden and grounds suitable for wheelchairs and walkers. Some longish walks for some but so well worth the effort, or the push!
Christian Schoen
Wow. Just wow. Everything about this hotel is awesome. First Class service, excellent food, landscaping and gardens that are bar-none, and the list goes on. I have didn't 4+ years of my life sleeping in hotel rooms. I can confidently say this was one of the best. Will plan to come back here in the future. ???
Just back from a birthday lunch with a friend. We chose the 2 course set meal. Beef was so tender, delicious sides. Followed by whiskey creme brûlée. Fantastic seating with lovely views, fabulous polite and efficient service. We will definitely be back.
Julie Wilkins
A special place ! Just amazing food with a fabulous group of staff who make you feel so welcome. We will definitely be back
jimbogan6
Was given a voucher by our daughter to stay at this beautiful place. Fascinating history explained on arrival. Warmly greeted by James , and introduced to the staff as we made our way to our room ( after a brief tour ).Luckily the weather was reasonably good , so we could enjoy the gardens , which are quite magnificent. Had a lovely meal in the evening served by very attentive staff. Enjoyed a nightcap in the bar, then off to bed. My wife said she had the best sleep ever. Quite a statement for a lady who doesn't sleep particularly well. Hospitality as it should be. Thanks to all involved, we shall be back.
Noel Fearnside
Did not stay as a guest. There was a plant sale and gardens viewing, together with a pipe band. The gardens are very extensive; couldn't make it to the arboretum. Tea and buns very reasonable on the lawn. The Pipers were outstanding. Must bring cash, no cards.
Donald Kelly
Love placeExcellent serviceAmazing Food!!!Great facilities
Our stay was simply fantastic.Beyond the setting, the rooms, the restaurant which were calm, chic, cozy, comfy, well located, etc., etc., what made our stay so perfect were the people on siteThe Dounside team is incredibly kind. The entire team is extremely attentive and is keen to respond to our requests sincerely.For example, dietary constraints (gluten free or no carb) were taken into account with immense kindness and desire to do well. All the dishes have been reinvented by the kitchen team, from bread to dessert.Thanks to Léon (especially for this non-alcoholic cocktail invented around Elderberry).Thanks to Calum for his kindness and humor.Thanks to James for his love of wine which he communicates wonderfully (including in perfect French).We hope to be able to return one day to this little paradise in the Cairngorms.
Sunny snowy day was idyllic the spa
Went for nice family dinner out at this stunning venue- would definitely recommend.The food was excellent, with a great selection of meat (mostly game) and fresh fish. The muse bouche was a tomato based soup the day we went which was great too.After dinner we retired to the bar where we had a cocktail- the espresso martini is delicious.The staff in general were great- particularly the younger waiting staff at dinner. What makes this a 4 instead of 5 star was how we were initially greeted- instead of a warm welcome (expected when paying the prices that Douneside charge).We were told we could have a drink before our dinner reservation in the bar, 5minutes later the staff member then came over and said we had to order food immediately because we were late for our reservation, which was confusing given we had asked if we had time for a drink before. This staff member then proceeded to rock back and forth like a child on his feet whilst waiting for us to order as if to try hurry us. We continued to have poor treatment from this particular staff member throughout the night. Happy to get in touch with Douneside directly if interested, as it really put a downer on what was otherwise an excellent evening in a beautiful venue.Food & drinks: The food was excellent, with a great selection of meat (mostly game) and fresh fish. The muse bouche was a tomato based soup the day we went which was great too.After dinner we retired to the bar where we had a cocktail- the espresso martini is delicious.
This is an experienced not to be missed. Former home of the MacRobert family now a 13 room hotel on the edge of Tarland. Dinner bed and breakfast available, and lunch if required. Many walks around the area direct from the hotel with sites of historical interest. Non profit making run hotel will any surplus monies made given to the MacRobert Trust for charitable works.Rooms: No two the same and well appointed.
We had lunch on a Friday in December, the festive menu. It was all exquisitely prepared and presented, with attentive service. Just excellent.
A beautiful place and a really delicious lunch - the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.Food & drinks: Delicious and different, a meal to remember - using local Scottish ingredients
We’ve only used the pool but it was wonderful! Probably the hottest pool in Aberdeenshire. Kids enjoyed it.
Just returned from a fantastic 3 night stay at Douneside House. From the well appointed rooms, superb gardens and wonderful service, everything about this place is 5 star! However, the quality of the food in the hotel restaurant really sets this apart from most other hotels we've ever stayed in. Particular mentions to Calum and Leon, who provided excellent levels of service and some cheeky Scottish wit in the bar and restaurant. We'll definitely be returning
Treated to lunch with a friend.A wonderful meal, beautifully cooked and presented.The gardens are lovely and extremely well kept with a view from the front of the house that you'd never tire of looking at.Walkability: There are paths into the garden and grounds suitable for wheelchairs and walkers. Some longish walks for some but so well worth the effort, or the push!
Wow. Just wow. Everything about this hotel is awesome. First Class service, excellent food, landscaping and gardens that are bar-none, and the list goes on. I have didn't 4+ years of my life sleeping in hotel rooms. I can confidently say this was one of the best. Will plan to come back here in the future. ???
Restaurantji Recommends
Just back from a birthday lunch with a friend. We chose the 2 course set meal. Beef was so tender, delicious sides. Followed by whiskey creme brûlée. Fantastic seating with lovely views, fabulous polite and efficient service. We will definitely be back.
A special place ! Just amazing food with a fabulous group of staff who make you feel so welcome. We will definitely be back
Was given a voucher by our daughter to stay at this beautiful place. Fascinating history explained on arrival. Warmly greeted by James , and introduced to the staff as we made our way to our room ( after a brief tour ).Luckily the weather was reasonably good , so we could enjoy the gardens , which are quite magnificent. Had a lovely meal in the evening served by very attentive staff. Enjoyed a nightcap in the bar, then off to bed. My wife said she had the best sleep ever. Quite a statement for a lady who doesn't sleep particularly well. Hospitality as it should be. Thanks to all involved, we shall be back.
Did not stay as a guest. There was a plant sale and gardens viewing, together with a pipe band. The gardens are very extensive; couldn't make it to the arboretum. Tea and buns very reasonable on the lawn. The Pipers were outstanding. Must bring cash, no cards.
Love placeExcellent serviceAmazing Food!!!Great facilities