The Fife Arms
Ballater, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom · Virtuoso · 2024 benefits
Built in the 19th century, The Fife Arms Hotel is a Braemar landmark and is a category B listed building. Its size is evidence of the popularity of Braemar in the wake of Queen Victoria’s visits and her purchase of Balmoral. The building displays many of the traditional architectural characteristics of the area with its timber bargeboards, pink and grey granite and multi-gabled principal elevation. The building has retained all of its timber sash and case windows with their distinctive Arts and Crafts multi-paned upper sashes, and a large number of original chimney stacks. The plans of the hotel by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie, who remodelled the original building, are held by the National…
The Fife Arms is far more than a 19th-century landmark hotel; it is a living museum of Braemar history. Every element has a story behind it – one of the 46 guest rooms pays tribute to Robert Louis Stevenson, who wrote Treasure Island here; in a common area, abstract wall murals echo the flow of the Clunie River outside. Timber and other materials in the newly built section are locally sourced, as are most of the fresh seafood and game, seasonal produce, and over 300 varieties of whisky. Explore the extensive network of hill trails; get an acupressure massage; or visit nearby Balmoral Castle, open to the public April through July.
What you get booking it through us (2024 benefits)
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the hotel restaurant or via in-room dining
- $100USD equivalent in local currency Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
These are the Virtuoso benefits on file for this property, on top of the hotel's own best flexible rate — not a discount and not a package. How the benefit stack compares to booking direct.
In the know
The hotel owners are also cofounders of the acclaimed Hauser & Wirth gallery, and they have integrated more than 14,000 hand-selected pieces throughout the hotel. Tours are offered weekly.
The property, in facts
| Where | Mar Road, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Category | Resort / Leisure |
| Property type | Hotel or Resort |
| Rooms | 46 |
| Room types | 6 |
| Nearest airport | Aberdeen (ABZ) · 47 miles |
| Advisor programme | Virtuoso |
| Style | Casual |
| Known for | Adventure, Local Immersion, Seclusion |
Rooms and suites
- Royal Suites — 57m² / 614ft² Our most well-appointed accommodations, the Royal Suites are inspired by some of Braemar's most noble visitors. With views over the surrounding…
- Artist's Studio — 29m² / 312ft² Artist’s Studio is a one-off accommodation that offers stunning views over the surrounding landscape that is sure to inspire and delight.
- Victoriana Suites — 36m² / 388ft² The Victoriana Suites reflect the hotel's history as a 19th century coaching inn. Richly decorated with antique furnishings, period wallpaper and…
- Scottish Culture Rooms — Disabled Access 30m² / 323ft² From literature and astronomy to engineering and exploration, Scotland has produced leading figures in fields such as science and…
- Nature & Poetry Rooms — 24m² / 275ft² The grandeur of the Scottish natural landscape has inspired countless writers and poets. The Nature and Poetry Rooms feature artwork and objects…
- Croft Rooms — 19m² / 205ft² Inspired by a traditional Scottish croft house, our cosiest rooms feature a charming, traditional cabin bed that's spacious for one or snug for…
In the room
Internet Access · Sitting Area
What advisors say
100% of the 13 Virtuoso advisors who have filed a review of this property recommend it. Those reviews are collected by Virtuoso from advisors who have stayed, not by us and not from the public.
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